Ashgabat, Gate to Hell & Karakum Desert

Silkroad Rally 2025: Turkmenistan - Ashgabat & the "gateway to hell"

After the impressive Iran, another fascinating destination along the Silk Road awaits us: Turkmenistan. The country, often considered one of the most mysterious in Central Asia, surprises with futuristic cities, endless deserts and a spectacular natural phenomenon: the burning crater of Derweze, also known as the "Gate to Hell".

Ashgabat: The white marble city

The Turkmen capital Ashgabat seems like something from another world. Known for its gleaming white marble buildings, magnificent monuments and almost surreal streets, it is one of the most unusual capitals in the world.

Highlights in Ashgabat:

• Independence Monument - an impressive symbol of modern Turkmenistan

• Palace of the Turkmenbashi - Magnificent architecture with golden domes

• Turkmen National Museum - Insights into the history of the Silk Road

• Ruhyyet Palace & the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque - Religious and cultural landmarks

• The Ashgabat television tower - the tallest building in the country with a unique structure

After glittering Ashgabat, the rally takes us into the middle of the Turkmen desert - to one of the most spectacular and mysterious places in the world.

Derweze: The "Gate to Hell"

In the middle of the Karakum Desert lies one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena on earth: the burning Derweze craterbetter known as the "Gateway to hell". This huge gas crater has been burning for over 50 years and creates a surreal, almost apocalyptic atmosphere.

Why is the crater burning? In the 1970s, Soviet geologists discovered a gas bubble under the earth. When the ground under a drilling platform collapsed, the huge crater was created. To prevent the gas from spreading, it was set alight - with the assumption that it would burn out in a few days. But the fire is still burning today!

Highlights at the "gateway to hell":

• Sunset at the crater - an unforgettable sight when the flames light up the night

• Spending the night in the desert - Camping under the starry sky next to a burning hole in the ground

• Exploring the Karakum Desert - one of the driest and most fascinating landscapes in Central Asia

Continue along the Silk Road

After this unique experience, the Silkroad Rally takes us further east - deep into the Central Asian steppes. The next stage awaits with even more culture, nature and adventure.

Join us on this unique journey!