After paying the "American price" of 40 Manat, or approximately $14 (the price for Turkmen citizens is 3 Manat - $1.05), I descended into the cave, making my way to the underground lake. As I approached the lake, the temperature began to increase from the hot vapors. The air began to take on a sharp sulfuric smell. At the first the smell was a bit off-putting, giving the impression of filth, but I got used to it relatively quick. At first, the water appeared murky due to the high concentration of dissolved minerals. But once up close, the water is very clean.
The stairs led directly into the water, with a rock ledge about 4 feet underwater for the first 6 feet out. Then suddenly, the rock ledge ends with a 90º drop. Being in a dimly lit cave and having the bottom go out under my feet in a thermal lake was a little daunting, but I got used to it quickly.
Swimming 200+ feet underground is a little strange at first, it is a feeling that is difficult to describe in words. But is was an experience worth setting aside initial inhibitions.
The entrance into the underground lake, complete with Soviet-era sculptures. |
The decent 235 ft into the cave. |
Grabbed this shot of the mountains just behind the underground lake. |
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