The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan

If you are looking for an adventure in a remote and exotic destination, you might want to consider visiting the Door to Hell in Turkmenistan. This is a massive crater that has been burning continuously for more than 50 years, creating a spectacular sight that attracts curious travelers from around the world.

The Door to Hell, also known as the Darvaza gas crater, is located in the middle of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometers north of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. It has a diameter of 60-70 meters and a depth of about 30 meters. The floor and rim of the crater are illuminated by hundreds of natural gas fires that produce a bright orange glow that can be seen from miles away.

The origin of the Door to Hell is shrouded in mystery and controversy. Some sources claim that it was created in 1971, when Soviet engineers drilled an oil well that collapsed into a cavern filled with natural gas. To prevent the gas from escaping and poisoning the nearby villages, they decided to set it on fire, hoping that it would burn out in a few days. However, the gas proved to be more abundant than expected, and the fire has been raging ever since.

Other sources suggest that the crater was formed earlier, in the 1960s, and that it was only ignited in the 1980s to reduce the environmental impact of the gas emissions. Some local geologists have also disputed the idea that the crater was man-made, arguing that it was a natural phenomenon caused by tectonic movements or lightning strikes.

Whatever the truth may be, the Door to Hell has become a unique attraction for adventurous tourists who want to witness this fiery spectacle in person. The crater is not easy to reach, as there are no signs or paved roads leading to it. Visitors have to hire a local guide and drive through the desert for several hours, or join an organized tour that includes camping near the site.

The best time to visit the Door to Hell is at night, when the flames are more visible and dramatic. Visitors can walk around the edge of the crater and feel the intense heat radiating from below. Some brave souls even venture closer to the flames, wearing protective gear and harnesses. In 2013, Canadian explorer George Kourounis became the first person to descend into the crater and collect soil samples for scientific research. He described his experience as "a bit like a baked potato".

The Door to Hell is not only a fascinating attraction for tourists, but also a valuable source of information for scientists who want to study its geology, ecology and microbiology. The crater hosts a variety of organisms that have adapted to its extreme conditions, such as spiders, scorpions and bacteria. Some researchers have also speculated that the crater could provide clues about life on other planets, such as Mars, where similar features have been observed.

However, the future of the Door to Hell is uncertain, as Turkmenistan's president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov has ordered its extinguishing in 2022. He cited concerns about its negative effects on local health, environment and natural gas industry. A commission has been established to find the best way to put out the fire, but no concrete actions have been taken so far. Many locals and tourists hope that the Door to Hell will remain open and burning for years to come, as it is a unique and irreplaceable part of Turkmenistan's culture and history.