10 Places You Can Visit That Are Stranger Than Any Fiction

2. The Door to Hell: Turkmenistan's Fiery Crater

In the heart of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan lies a fiery spectacle known as the Door to Hell. This burning crater, measuring 69 meters in diameter and 30 meters deep, has been ablaze for over four decades. The inferno began in 1971 when Soviet geologists accidentally drilled into a natural gas cavern, causing the ground to collapse. To prevent the spread of methane gas, they set it alight, expecting it to burn out in a few weeks. However, the flames have continued to rage, creating a hellish landscape that captivates those who dare to venture close. The glowing pit, especially striking at night, casts an eerie glow over the desert, attracting tourists and scientists alike. The Door to Hell serves as a stark reminder of the planet's untamed power and the unpredictable consequences of human intervention in nature's delicate balance.