Turkmenistan: Kow Ata Underground Lake

Kow Ata Underground Lake is a wonder of nature – located at the bottom of the Bakharden Cave in the foothills of the Kiley Dag Mountains. It’s a steep descend to the bottom the cave to get to the lake. The lake’s water is naturally heated to 33-38C (91-100F)and is rich in sulfur, iodine, magnesium, and 35 other elements, giving it a distinct sulfuric smell. It’s believed to be highly therapeutic, but frankly doesn’t look too appealing. The cave itself is 250m long and 50m wide, and hosts Central Asia’s largest known bat colony.