A unique creation of nature – the fabulous Kov-ata Cave

There is the famous cave in Baharly not far from Ashgabat, located in the Kopetdag foothills, with the no less famous underground lake Kov-ata (“Father of Caves”).

Release time : 2020-07-13 11:18:35

source : Ashgabat city municipality

the cave entrance.

The cave entrance is a large opening like an arch. There are two more openings a little higher, but they are noticeable only in cold weather, when steam is emitted from them like smoke, giving the impression of an underground fire. Immediately at the entrance is a deep descent down the stairs into the vast cave, which is like a grand hall at the very beginning.

Daylight illuminates only the front of the cave, and then the lake can be approached down the long, steep staircase with illumination. The cave bottom is covered with blocks of limestone, fallen down from the roof, and in some places with a thick of bat droppings, accumulated over many centuries.

The warm water of the lake with the smell of hydrogen sulfide is constantly flowing into the foothill ravine, and is therefore not polluted. It is of emerald blue color and so transparent that the smallest pebbles are visible at the bottom even with artificial light.

The underground lake is a unique creation of nature, which is famous not only for the healing properties of water, but also for its amazing beauty.

Many know since childhood the film “Fairytale of Magic Beads” about a monster that kept its soul under water. In this cave, the little hero, together with the monster, drank milk from a jug not touching the milk skin, and ate a flat cake not breaking its edges. So this is that cave, which challenges the time, giving those who come here the feeling of being carried to some strange and amazing world.

Kov-ata is the winter beach for Ashgabat residents, tourists from all over the country and foreign guests of Turkmenistan. Containing about 38 chemical elements, the healing water of the lake relieves fatigue and has a wholesome effect on humans. The Kov-ata Cave with enchanting sounds of water and mysterious dusk is a well-arranged place for a great vacation.