The Darvaza Gas Crater is often referred to as the Gates of Hell. It consists of a burning natural gas field that collapsed into an underground cavern. Gas that escapes through the sand burns as it emerges and hundreds of natural gas fires burn inside the crater.

In 1971, during an oil drill, a cavern filled with natural gas was punctured and it collapsed. It is thought that engineers then set the escaping gas on fire to prevent it from spreading. The fire has been burning ever since.

Tents are set up close to the crater, as it is best visited during the night.

The crater has a diameter of about 70 m (230 ft) and a depth of 30 m (98 ft). It is located near the town of Darvaza in the Karakum Desert, some 260 km (160 mi) north of Aşgabat (Ashgabat).

Another nearby gas crater is fenced off and cannot be accessed.