The Karakum Desert is a mesmerizing landscape that covers approximately 70% of Turkmenistan's territory. This vast expanse of roughly 350,000 square kilometres seems to be never ending as you journey through the centre of Turkmenistan. Its climate is extreme, with summer temperatures reaching +50°C and winter lows plunging to -30°C.
Formation and Name
The formation of the Karakum Desert has been a subject of scientific debate since the 19th century. Two main hypotheses exist, the first suggests it was once the seabed of the Aral-Caspian Sea, and the second proposes that river activity formed the desert's sands. The name "Karakum" translates to "black sand" in Turkic languages, where "kara" means "black" and "kum" means "sand". This name likely refers to the shale-rich sand beneath the desert's surface, though some argue it describes the harsh conditions of the region, or that the silk road traders travelled extensively at night to avoid the extreme daytime temperatures. The Karakum is a diverse terrain featuring sand ridges, dunes, salt marshes, and sparse vegetation.
Silk Road History
The Karakum Desert played a crucial role in the ancient Silk Road trade network. The Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor, an 866-kilometer stretch crossing the desert, was a key section of the Silk Roads from the 2nd century BCE to the 16th century CE. This corridor facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between East Asia and Europe.
Traveling through the Karakum was no easy feat. Traders had to deal with scorching heat, freezing nights, and limited water sources. To help them along the way, caravanserays—rest stops for travellers and their animals—were built across the desert. Many of these structures still stand today, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of Silk Road trade.
Unique Attractions
The Darvaza Gas Crater (Gates of Hell)
The most famous is the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell." This massive crater was created in the 1970s when Soviet geologists accidentally drilled into a methane gas pocket. To prevent the gas from spreading, they set it on fire, expecting the flames to die out quickly. Decades later, the crater is still burning, creating a fiery spectacle that draws visitors from around the world. At night, the glowing crater looks like something from another planet.
Yangykala Canyon
Another must-see is the Yangykala Canyon, a stunning geological formation in western Turkmenistan. Its cliffs, made up of layered rock, come in vibrant shades of orange, red, and pink. Over millions of years, wind and water carved the canyon into its current shape, creating a dramatic contrast to the surrounding desert. It’s a popular spot photography. This geological wonder offers breathtaking views and a stark contrast to the surrounding desert landscape.
Wildlife and Vegetation
Despite harsh conditions, the Karakum Desert supports a variety of life. Wildlife includes gazelles, foxes, wolves, and various reptiles and birds. Plant life is equally resilient, with species like saksaul trees, acacia, and sand sedge adapting to the extreme environment.
Desert villages
The desert is sparsely populated, with an average of just one person per 6.5 square kilometres. Local populations have adapted through nomadic herding, modern irrigation techniques, and cultivation of crops like cotton, fruits, and vegetables.
