Travel advisory · TurkmenistanSome governments advise against travel to parts of Turkmenistan.The warnings cover only these areas: Afghanistan border zone, Iran border zone.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Afghanistan border zone · avoid all travel · Canada, France, Germany, Spain
- Iran border zone · avoid non-essential travel · Italy, Germany, Spain
Also named by one government: border zones with other countries (Spain)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Exercise normal precautions | Aug 21, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Exercise a high degree of caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | No advice against the whole country; avoid immediate border areas with Afghanistan and Iran (regional advisories) | Oct 29, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | No specific travel advisory | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Vigilance renforcée (increased caution) for the whole territory, except the Afghan border zone (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Darvaza
Darvaza is a gas crater in the Karakum Desert that has burned since 1971, and a desert side trip from Ashgabat is the usual way to see it.
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Darvaza is a natural gas crater in the Karakum Desert, about 260 km north of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. In 1971, a Soviet drilling rig broke into a gas pocket and the ground collapsed, leaving a pit that has burned ever since. Locals and travelers call it the Door to Hell. The desert around it is flat and sandy with little shade, so bring water and sun protection.
Most trips are day visits or overnight camps near the site, and the glow is easiest to see after dark. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, since summer heat in the Karakum is intense and winter nights are cold. Plan a few hours at the crater, and add a night if you want to see the fire after sunset. Ashgabat has the hotels and the airport, so most trips start and end there.
Darvaza in five
- Book the trip through a licensed Turkmen operatorMost visitors need a visa, and an operator can arrange the invitation, the desert camp and the road transfer. Get them confirmed in writing before you fly.Tours and tickets
- Carry cash in manatBring enough Turkmenistani manat in cash for the whole trip.Money and costs
- Set up the road transfer from AshgabatThe crater is about 260 km north of Ashgabat, on desert tracks that need a 4x4. Ask your operator to book the driver and the return time before you leave the capital.Getting around
- Stay back from the crater rimThe fire has burned since 1971, and the ground near the edge is hot and unstable. Keep to the paths your guide picks and follow their instructions near the edge.
- Pack warm layers for the desert nightDesert nights turn cold, even in summer, and wind-blown sand makes a scarf useful. Bring a warm layer, a headlamp and a cover for your camera.
Things to do in Darvaza
See all attractions in Darvaza
Need to know
- Currency
- Turkmenistani manat (TMT)
- Entry
- Visa needed by most visitors, usually arranged through a registered agency
- Emergency
- 102 police, 103 ambulance, 101 fire
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+5, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold nights
- FebruaryCold, windy
- MarchMild, spring
- AprilMild days
- MayWarming up
- JuneVery hot
- JulyPeak heat
- AugustPeak heat
- SeptemberHeat easing
- OctoberClear, mild
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold nights
Right now in Darvaza
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
13
- Feels like
- 8°
- Humidity
- 30%
- Wind
- 16 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 15%
Darvaza
01:41 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today17°9°15%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 15%.
- Wed20°8°10%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Thu22°11°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri20°11°3%Friday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Sat21°11°8%Saturday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Sun16°11°35%Sunday: Rain. High 16°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 35%.
Updated 11:11 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 3.5 TMT
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- AshgabatSeveral hours by roadThe capital, with its white marble buildings and museums.Read the guide
- MervLong drive; ask your operatorRuins of a major Silk Road oasis city, now a UNESCO site.
- Kunya-UrgenchLong drive; ask your operatorMedieval capital of Khorezm, known for its tall brick minaret.
Before you go to Darvaza
Rules for Darvaza, checked
- Most visitors need a visa for Turkmenistan. Check current requirements with the Turkmen embassy or consulate that covers your country before you book.
- Ask permission before photographing government buildings, police or military sites, and people in uniform.
- Drugs carry heavy penalties in Turkmenistan. Check the customs and currency declaration rules before you arrive.
Plan around Darvaza
Country overview, entry and getting around
Read the guideGetting aroundRoad transfers and the 4x4 leg from Ashgabat
Read the guideMoney and cardsCarrying manat and paying where cards fail
Read the guideVisas and entryWhat to check before you apply
Read the guideWhere to stayDesert camps and Ashgabat hotels
Read the guideDarvaza FAQ
Is Darvaza worth visiting?
Yes, for one night in the desert. The crater is the reason to go, and most trips add a few days in Ashgabat.
How do you get to Darvaza from Ashgabat?
By road, about 260 km north of Ashgabat, on desert tracks that need a 4x4. Book the transfer through your tour operator.
Do you need a visa for Turkmenistan?
Most visitors do. Check current requirements with the Turkmen embassy that covers your country, and allow time for the paperwork.
How long do you need at Darvaza?
One night is the usual stay at the crater. Add a day or two in Ashgabat to see the city.
Why is the Darvaza crater burning?
A Soviet drilling rig hit a gas pocket in 1971 and the ground collapsed. The gas was set alight to stop it spreading, and it has kept burning since.
Can you visit Darvaza on your own?
Most visitors book through an agency, since the visa and the desert road both need arranging.