Derweze, Turkmenistan
From series “The Most Mysterious Geological Formations on the Planet”Deepness: 20 m.
Gas crater of Derweze, which is better known to travelers under the dramatic name ‘Gates of hell’, is in Turkmenistan. Its diameter is about 60 meters and the depth is more than 20 meters. This natural phenomenon was discovered in 1971. Soviet geologists have discovered a large accumulation of gas and decided to drill an exploratory well. Contrary to the expectations of scientists, there was a void under the ground, which collapsed engulfing all equipment and machinery.
It’s notable that no people were injured in such a large-scale incident. Surface formed a hole, which continued to exude a gas, which it was decided to burn. Scientists believed that the fire would burn out within a couple of days, but the crater is still lit after 40 years. The crater looks incredibly appealing and frightening at the same time and you feel like you can enjoy wandering flames forever.
Re-use of this article is allowed. A valid link to www.orangesmile.com is obligatory.
Derweze - interactive map
Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit
96 km - Depression Akchakaya
Aktchakaya Valley is the lowest point of Turkmenistan, the depth of which is 81 meters. The valley is located in the north of the country, on the territory of the legendary Karakum desert - one of the most interesting and visited by tourists the most visited deserts in …
From the series 'Amazing Land Areas Below the Sea Level'
Aktchakaya Valley is the lowest point of Turkmenistan, the depth of which is 81 meters. The valley is located in the north of the country, on the territory of the legendary Karakum desert - one of the most interesting and visited by tourists the most visited deserts in …
212 km - Ichan Qala
Uzbekistan's historical town Ichan-Kala is surrounded by the powerful strong walls. Nowadays you can see wonderful buildings of the 14th century on its territory. Among them, there are adorable Medreces, Mosques, minarets, mausoleum, baths, caravanserais, marvellous …
From the series 'The Last City-Fortresses Survived to This Day'
Uzbekistan's historical town Ichan-Kala is surrounded by the powerful strong walls. Nowadays you can see wonderful buildings of the 14th century on its territory. Among them, there are adorable Medreces, Mosques, minarets, mausoleum, baths, caravanserais, marvellous …
248 km - Artogrulgazy Mosque
In Ashgabat you can see a wonderful Artogrulgazy Mosque. It is the largest mosque in the town. The religious building was made in the best national traditions within five years and was finished in 1998. The prime minister of Turkey Suleyman Demirel ordered to build …
From the series 'Top Largest and Famous Mosques Worldwide'
In Ashgabat you can see a wonderful Artogrulgazy Mosque. It is the largest mosque in the town. The religious building was made in the best national traditions within five years and was finished in 1998. The prime minister of Turkey Suleyman Demirel ordered to build …
426 km - Merw
You can see the ruins of the ancient city of Merv in Tajikistan. They are also a landmark of world significance. The results of the study showed that the very first city was founded in these places in the era of the Margian civilization. This corresponds to the …
From the series 'Remains of the First Ancient Cities'
You can see the ruins of the ancient city of Merv in Tajikistan. They are also a landmark of world significance. The results of the study showed that the very first city was founded in these places in the era of the Margian civilization. This corresponds to the …
512 km - Ismoil Somoniy Maqbarasi
Among the Muslim sights of the early Middle Ages, the mausoleum of the Samanids occupies a special place. This unique monument is located in the historical district of Bukhara, surrounded by a large well-kept park. Hundreds of years ago there was a cemetery in this …
From the series 'Top Surviving Artifacts of Muslim Civilization'
Among the Muslim sights of the early Middle Ages, the mausoleum of the Samanids occupies a special place. This unique monument is located in the historical district of Bukhara, surrounded by a large well-kept park. Hundreds of years ago there was a cemetery in this …
539 km - Muruntau Mine
One of the most famous goldmines in the world is the Muruntau mine, which is located in Uzbekistan. The owner of this most valuable deposit is the Navoy Mining and Metallurgical Combine. About 1800000 ounces of gold is extracted annually. There is an invaluable deposit …
From the series 'Famous Spots of Gold Mines Reminding the Gold-Rush Times'
One of the most famous goldmines in the world is the Muruntau mine, which is located in Uzbekistan. The owner of this most valuable deposit is the Navoy Mining and Metallurgical Combine. About 1800000 ounces of gold is extracted annually. There is an invaluable deposit …