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Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan — Desert
Central Asia

Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell

Turkmenistan

In short: Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell is a 600 km desert road trip in Turkmenistan, typically driven over 3–4 days, best in Oct–Apr. Highlights: Ashgabat, Geok Tepe, Darvaza Gas Crater.

Distance
600 km
Duration
3–4 days
Best Season
Oct–Apr
IconicModerateSUV onlyDesertOff-road sectionsPermit requiredGuide recommended

Through the Karakum Desert from Ashgabat, the world's most surreal capital of white marble and golden statues, north to the Darvaza gas crater (the Gates of Hell), a 69-metre burning pit ignited by Soviet drillers in 1971 and still flaming today, before continuing to Dashoguz on the Uzbek border. One of the most extraordinary drives on earth.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
Turkmenistan requires a visa and a letter of invitation; independent travel is heavily restricted and a state-approved guide or tour is effectively mandatory. The track to the Darvaza crater is sandy desert terrain requiring a high-clearance AWD vehicle. Visit the crater at night for the full effect.
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Stops along the route

Ashgabat — Departure — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Departure
Ashgabat
The world's whitest capital, clad in Carrara marble. Golden rotating statues and vast Tolkuchka Bazaar fill this strange, opulent desert city.
Hotels
Geok Tepe — City — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
City
Geok Tepe
Russian forces massacred 14,000 Tekke Turkmen here in 1881. A grand mosque and remnant fortifications now mark the site of the last resistance.
Hotels
Dashoguz — Arrival — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Arrival
Dashoguz
Northern gateway to Uzbekistan. Nearby Konye-Urgench holds UNESCO-listed medieval towers including the 60-metre Kutlug-Timur minaret.
Hotels

Things to Do

Darvaza Gas Crater — Landmark — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Landmark
Darvaza Gas Crater
A 69-metre pit ignited by Soviet drillers in 1971 and still burning. At night it is a roaring orange abyss in absolute desert silence.
Turkmen Carpet Museum — Museum — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Museum
Turkmen Carpet Museum
Showcases an extensive collection of Turkmen carpets, highlighting the rich weaving traditions of the region.
Independence Monument — Landmark — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Landmark
Independence Monument
A towering structure commemorating Turkmenistan's independence, surrounded by statues of national heroes.
Karakum Desert Safari — Nature — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Nature
Karakum Desert Safari
Experience the vastness of the Karakum Desert with guided tours showcasing its unique landscapes.
Saparmurat Hajji Mosque — Landmark — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Landmark
Saparmurat Hajji Mosque
A grand mosque in Gökdepe, notable for its impressive architecture and historical significance.

Where to Eat

Altyn Asyr Bazaar — Street Food — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Street Food
Altyn Asyr Bazaar
A bustling market offering a variety of local street foods, from kebabs to traditional pastries.
Yyldyz Hotel Restaurant — Turkmen Cuisine — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Turkmen Cuisine
Yyldyz Hotel Restaurant
An upscale dining experience featuring authentic Turkmen dishes with panoramic city views.
Gyzyl Gum — Central Asian — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Central Asian
Gyzyl Gum
A popular spot known for its hearty plov and freshly baked bread.
Şazoda Café — Café — Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell — Turkmenistan
Café
Şazoda Café
A cozy café offering a selection of teas, coffees, and light snacks in a relaxed atmosphere.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell drive?

The Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell covers 600 km from start to finish.

How long does the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–4 days on the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell?

The recommended season for the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell is Oct–Apr.

Where does the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell start and end?

The Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell runs from Ashgabat to Dashoguz.

What are the main stops on the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell?

The Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell passes through Ashgabat, Geok Tepe, Darvaza Gas Crater.

How difficult is the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell to drive?

The Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell is rated moderate and is best handled with suv only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell?

Yes — the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell includes off-road or rough sections that require suv only.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell?

Yes — the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Turkmenistan requires a visa and a letter of invitation; independent travel is heavily restricted and a state-approved guide or tour is effectively mandatory. The track to the Darvaza crater is sandy desert terrain requiring a high-clearance AWD vehicle. Visit the crater at night for the full effect.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell, based on its 600 km length.

Is the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell safe to drive?

Turkmenistan requires a visa and a letter of invitation; independent travel is heavily restricted and a state-approved guide or tour is effectively mandatory. The track to the Darvaza crater is sandy desert terrain requiring a high-clearance AWD vehicle. Visit the crater at night for the full effect.

What scenic tier is the Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell?

The Turkmenistan: Gates of Hell is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.