Karakum Desert

The Karakum, meaning "Black Sands", is one of the largest deserts in Central Asia. It covers around 350,000 km² – roughly 70% of Turkmenistan – and stretches from the Caspian lowlands to the Amu Darya river.

Far from being empty, the desert is a landscape of rolling sand dunes, flat clay takyrs, saxaul groves and small oases where shepherds still graze camels and sheep. In spring it briefly turns green and bursts with wildflowers.

At its heart lies the Darvaza gas crater, known as the Gates of Hell – a fiery pit about 70 metres wide that has been burning since 1971. Seeing it glow against the night sky, followed by a night at a desert camp, is one of the most memorable experiences in Turkmenistan.

Highlights

• The burning Darvaza crater at night
• Off-road drives across the dunes
• Overnight stay in a yurt or tent camp
• Star-filled skies far from any city lights