Kow Ata, Underground lake cave near Bäherden, Turkmenistan.
Kow Ata is an underground cave near Bäherden that contains a natural mineral-rich lake beneath its surface. The hollow space extends several hundred meters with passages of varying widths that lead down to the warm lake inside.
The cave was first documented by archaeologists in 1856 and later developed for tourism. A wooden staircase was built in the mid-1890s at Bäherden station to allow visitors to access the cave safely.
The cave serves as a gathering place where Turkmen families celebrate important occasions and weddings near its entrance. People use this special location for personal milestones and social events throughout the year.
Access to the lake is via stairways leading down from the entrance, and changing cubicles are available for swimmers. Wear comfortable shoes and watch your step on the wet stone surfaces throughout your visit.
The underground water maintains a constant temperature between 33 and 38 degrees Celsius and is rich in sulfur minerals. This unusual warmth and mineral composition make the lake a geological oddity in the region.
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