‘Gateway to Hell’ in the desert, burning for 50 years just like a sci-fi movie

At first glance, it is easy to think of ‘it’ as a scene from a Hollywood sci-fi movie.
Fifty years ago, a vast molten crater known as the Darvaza fire pit – also nicknamed the “door to hell” – opened in the northern desert of Turkmenistan, and has been burning ever since.

The origin of the Darvaza crater remains controversial, but the most widely accepted theory involves a Soviet expedition to explore for gas. (Photo: Internet) According to the Daily Mail, in 1971, Soviet experts drilled and dug the area and reached a large cave filled with natural gas. Unfortunately, however, the ground beneath the part being dug collapsed, creating a huge hole with a diameter of 70 meters. Concerned that the pit would lead to a toxic gas leak, the experts decided to burn it. And as a result, the amount of gas below is so abundant, that the fire in the pit keeps burning forever. It has been burning for 50 years now. (Photo: Internet) George Kourounis, a Canadian explorer, became the first known person to venture down into the pit’s interior. Footage of his expedition was first broadcast on National Geographic, which partially funded the trip. The aim is to collect soil samples from the bottom of the pit, and try to determine if life can survive in such a harsh environment. (Photo: Internet) Kourounis shared: “ The story behind how the hole was born is still a mystery, and there is no place like it on Earth. It is very unique. ” Despite being the most popular tourist attraction in Turkmenistan, the Darvaza fire pit has always kept its pristine and quiet appearance because this place is so remote and far away from traffic. The number of tourists visiting this country has been small, and it is not easy to get here. (Photo: Internet) If you go by private car, it takes nearly 4 hours to get there. For those who travel alone, they have to take a public bus, then find a car rental or walk 7-8 km to Darvaza which takes at least 6-7 hours. The red-orange fire pan appears more and more brilliant and fanciful against the background of the sky, which gradually changes from pink to purple, to blue, to black. Visitors here are eager to capture every moment of nature. A giant fire well that shines brighter and brighter in the middle of the vast, dark desert, a lonely but fierce beauty that makes anyone who sees it overwhelmed. (Photo: Internet) (Photo: Internet) Coming here the previous afternoon and leaving the next morning, visitors will admire all the wonderful moments at Hell’s Gate: an enchanting purple sunset, a magical moonlit night and a radiant morning. pristine. (Photo: Internet) (Photo: Internet)