The warm cave lake
Kow-Ata Underground Lake
Ahal Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
About Kow-Ata Underground LakeA long stairway descends into a huge cavern where the Kow-Ata (“father of caves”) lake glows faintly in the dark. Its mineral-rich water stays a mild 33–37°C year-round, and swimming in it is said to soothe aches and skin.
The air is thick with sulphur and the resident bats keep to the shadows — an unusual, memorable stop on the road west of Ashgabat.
Highlights
- Warm underground lake
- Naturally 33–37°C
- Open for swimming
- Near the road to the Caspian
Best time to visit
SpringSummerAutumnWinter
Journeys here
Historical
Historical
Adventure
Tours that visit Kow-Ata Underground Lake
11 Days·Spring / Autumn
Grand Turkmenistan — The Classic
The complete overland loop from Ashgabat — Nisa, the Darvaza crater, Kunya-Urgench and ancient Merv in eleven unhurried days.
from $1,890 / personView tour →
14 Days·Spring / Autumn
Grand Turkmenistan — Coast & Canyons
Everything in the Classic, plus the Caspian shore, the Awaza resort and the flame-coloured Yangykala canyons — fourteen days.
On requestView tour →
13 Days·Spring / Autumn
Grand Turkmenistan — The Expedition
The classic highlights plus Turkmenistan’s remotest corner — the Ekedeshik cave and the Jurassic dinosaur plateau of Koýtendag.
On requestView tour →