Peshchera Kov-Ata, Underground thermal cave in Bakharden district, Turkmenistan.
Peshchera Kov-Ata is an underground cave featuring a large central chamber with a thermal lake. The lake has considerable length and depth, while the overall cave system extends horizontally with multiple passages and formations.
The cave was first documented by scientists in 1896, but archaeological evidence shows humans visited this location thousands of years earlier. Continuous use over many centuries by different cultures shaped the site's development.
The underground lake draws visitors who come to bathe in the mineral-rich waters. Local tradition has long valued these waters for their health benefits.
Access to the underground lake involves descending a long illuminated staircase with multiple steps. The interior temperature remains warm year-round, so comfortable shoes and layers are practical considerations for visitors.
The cave is home to several bat species that have adapted to life in complete darkness. These animals demonstrate how ecosystems thrive even in extreme underground conditions.
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