The notebook of Darvaza and the Karakum Desert
Stop before the top to watch.
Darvaza and Erbent reveal the Karakum through gas-related craters and desert life. The gas crater’s flames are changing: old images do not guarantee today’s spectacle. Confirm entry formalities, authorised areas and travel arrangements before planning a visit.
At your own pace
Identity summary
1 to 2 days
Spring · Autumn
Recommended car
Desert · Nature
Limited accessibility
Modular rhythm
General presentation
Darvaza and the Karakum Desert
Darvaza and Erbent reveal the Karakum through gas-related craters and desert life. The gas crater’s flames are changing: old images do not guarantee today’s spectacle. Confirm entry formalities, authorised areas and travel arrangements before planning a visit.
Check the accesses, reservations and times at the site prior to the visit.
Strengths and constraints
Strengths
- Darvaza Gas Crater
- Darvaza Water Crater
- Darvaza mud crater
- Village of Erbent
Before you choose
- Check the accesses, reservations and times at the site prior to the visit.
- Indicative Hidengo duration, excluding transport; it varies with the route, access and local conditions.
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
Industrial Crater
Darvaza Gas Crater
The Darvaza gas crater is a site of gas activities. The flames can be greatly reduced; stay away from the edges and comply with restrictions.
Industrial Crater
Darvaza Water Crater
Another crater in the Darvaza area contains water according to the conditions. It is neither a bathing lake nor a site whose edges are secured.
Industrial Crater
Darvaza mud crater
The mud crater is distinct from the main gas crater. Unstable emissions and terrain require a remote and authorized observation.
Village
Village of Erbent
Erbent is a Karakoum settlement linked to desert life. Respect inhabitants, houses and animals; meetings require an agreed welcome.
Practical tips
This information helps know if the destination matches the planned trip before starting a fuller search.
To go further
More activities
Restaurants, walks, culture, leisure and outings to search without leaving the destination card.
The nearest destinations
The closest ideas on the map, to extend your trip.
Escaped to discover
Nokhur and the underground lake of Kow Ata
Ahal, 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan
Discover this idea
Similar destinations
Same landscapes and the same pace of travel, elsewhere in the world.
