Day 7 - Darvaza - Ashgabat
The Golden Eagle makes a brief scheduled stop at Ichoguz, where
we have the option to leave the train and make a short journey to
Darvaza's famous burning gas crater, a spectacular sight best seen
at night. Located in the middle of the Kara Kum desert where the
area is rich in natural gas, the 70-metre wide crater is known by
the locals as the 'Door to Hell' and has been burning for over 40
years. A unique experience that is not to be missed.
The capital of Turkmenistan is known as the 'Las Vegas of the
Kara Kum'. Situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag
mountain range, Ashgabat is a relatively modern city built upon the
ruins of the Silk Road city of Konjikala and the Soviet city built
after the devastating earthquake of 1948. The city's extravagant
fountains, golden domes and towering modern buildings appear
strangely incongruous in this desert setting. Highlights on our
visit include a trip to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque.