Is Turkmenistan’s Door to Hell really that or more?
Set in the heart of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan, Door to Hell is one captivating natural wonder, also known as the Darvaza Gas Crater. Today, this place has become a symbol of curiosity and has been attracting travellers from all over the world.
For those who don’t know, this is a place where fire burns eternally. It has defied all conventional explanations and remains an unsolved mystery for modern science.
How did it all begin?
The Door to Hell is an unintentional creation. Yes, sounds bizarre but it’s the truth. The door was created In 1971 during a Soviet drilling expedition in search of oil deposits. The place is located close to a village named Darvaza in Turkmenistan. Geologists accidentally tapped into an underground natural gas pocket and the ground collapsed, swallowing the entire drilling rig. Because of this, a gigantic crater of about 70 m in diameter was created here.
Later, this pocket was filled with natural gas, so that there’s no potential toxic gas leaks. The decision was made to ignite the gas in the hopes that it would burn off within a few weeks. But to people’s surprise, the fire never stopped burning ever since and now it’s over five decades since fire is still there.
An experience of a lifetime
Reaching the Door to Hell is an experience of a lifetime. The entire landscape is mesmerising. The crater here keeps emitting a dark golden-orange glow which lights the dark desert night, the light is visible from kilometres away. These flames create an eerie but surreal atmosphere that captivates the imagination. It’s one curious spectacle that attracts adventurers, photographers, and mystery-driven travellers from across the globe.
What does science say?
The Door to Hell is an unsolved mystery for sure but it also holds scientific significance. Scientists and researchers have studied the crater to understand its behaviour and its impact on the environment. The crater releases methane into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Today, the Door to Hell has gained immense popularity as a tourist destination. But what do you think? Is Turkmenistan’s Door to Hell really that or more?