5. Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan – A Fiery Abyss in the Desert
Perhaps the most visually striking of all these sites, the Darvaza Gas Crater—also known as the “Door to Hell”—is a massive burning pit in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan. The story of its creation dates back to 1971 when Soviet geologists accidentally drilled into a massive underground natural gas cavern. The ground collapsed, forming a crater about 70 meters wide. Fearing the release of toxic gases, the scientists set the hole on fire, assuming it would burn out within a few weeks. Over 50 years later, the flames are still burning.
This continuously burning pit has captured global attention, with its hellish glow visible for miles at night. Despite its man-made origins, the crater’s fiery depths have led many to associate it with the underworld. Some believe it is a warning sign from nature, while others are simply in awe of its unrelenting blaze. As one of the most famous gates to hell, the Darvaza Gas Crater remains a mesmerizing and unsettling wonder.
Read More: Man Documents Everything While Visiting the Highest City On Earth That Has No Laws
