In Turkmenistan, a steep-walled pool measuring 100 meters in diameter and approximately 20 meters deep is one of the largest gas vents in the world. Fire consumed the infernal underground cavity for 53 years, and this phenomenon is referred to by locals only as: Hell's Gate – Written by traveler Abel Molnarclimber in the latest issue of Földgömb magazine.
We are in Central Asia, in Turkmenistan, which lies between the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea and the Kugitang (Kuytandag) Mountains, and between the Amu Darya and Kopet Dag Mountains along the border with Iran.
Kara Kum (“Black Sands”) occupies 70 percent of the territory of Turkmenistan. In some areas of the desert, which is roughly four times the size of Hungary, rain does not fall for decades. A northern branch of the Silk Road once passed through here, but today it is crossed by a poor road and railway line. It is extremely rich in oil and natural gas, but is also home to the third largest sulfur deposits in the world.
Deruyzi gas crater day and night – Photo: Mari László / Földgömb
The gas crater itself gets its name from the nearby village of Derwizi. Local residents are members of the Tiki tribe, who have maintained their semi-nomadic lifestyle. Twenty years ago, by order of the Turkmen president, the residents of the settlement at that time were transferred, and the village was leveled with bulldozers because “it provided an unpleasant sight for tourists.” It was then rebuilt 12 years later.
The history of the burning cavity dates back to 1971, when Soviet geologists found a cave filled with natural gas during a drilling operation to explore for hydrocarbons. However, the bedrock beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving behind a steep pool about 100 meters in diameter and about 20 meters deep.
Due to the leakage of dangerous gases, the specialists decided to ignite the natural gas, which would suffice within a few days anyway. But it didn't happen like that! Natural gas has been burning here for 53 years! The blazing crater is an absolutely surreal sight, and you don't have to worry about getting caught cold hanging on its edge.
Burning fires, starry skies and the smell of natural gas. Camels, eared hedgehogs, desert lizards and rabbits. Not far from the huge campfire, a well-equipped yurt and tourist tent camp has been set up, the environment stimulating all our senses.
The gas crater can be zoomed in on the map:
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