Kow Ata (Köw-ata), meaning “Father of Caves” in Turkmen, is one of Turkmenistan’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Located in the massive Bakharden Cave at the foothills of the Kopet-Dag mountains, it is a large, geothermally heated underground lake renowned for its therapeutic, mineral-rich waters. For centuries, the cave and its warm, sulfurous lake have been shrouded in legend and are believed to possess healing properties. The unique and slightly surreal experience of descending deep into the earth to swim in a warm, subterranean body of water has made it a beloved recreational spot for locals and a fascinating destination for travelers.

Name and Address

• Name: Kow Ata Underground Lake (also known as Bakharden Cave).
• Address: Located near the town of Bäherden, Ahal Province, Turkmenistan, approximately 107 kilometers (66 miles) west of the capital city, Ashgabat.

How to Get There

Kow Ata is a popular and relatively easy day trip from Ashgabat.

• By Car/Taxi (Recommended): The most common way to visit is by hiring a car and driver or taking a taxi from Ashgabat. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours along the main highway towards Balkanabat.
• Guided Tours: Nearly all tour operators in Ashgabat offer trips to Kow Ata, often combining it with a visit to the Geok-Tepe Mosque or the Tolkuchka Bazaar on the way.
• Visitor Tip: The site is popular with locals, especially on weekends. A long, concrete staircase of about 350 steps leads down into the cave to the lake. The steps can be wet and slippery from the humidity, so sturdy footwear is essential. There are basic changing rooms near the lake, but it’s advisable to come prepared.

Landscape and Architecture

The landscape is the stark foothills of a mountain range, while the “architecture” is a vast, natural cavern.

• The Bakharden Cave: The lake is housed within a massive natural limestone cavern. The entrance is an opening at the base of a rocky hill. From there, a long, illuminated staircase descends approximately 65 meters (213 feet) into the earth. The cave itself is about 250 meters long and up to 50 meters wide, with a high, vaulted ceiling. The air inside is warm, humid, and carries the distinct smell of sulfur.
• The Underground Lake: At the bottom of the cave lies the lake itself. It is about 80 meters long and has a stunning, transparent, bluish-green hue. The water is naturally heated to a constant, pleasant temperature of 33-38°C (91-100°F) year-round.
• Bat Colony: The cave is famous for being home to one of the largest bat colonies in Central Asia. As you swim, you can often see and hear the thousands of bats that inhabit the cave’s high ceilings.

What Makes It Famous

Kow Ata is famous for the unique experience of swimming in a warm, therapeutic, subterranean lake deep inside a cave.

• Natural Thermal Spa: Its primary claim to fame is its water, which is rich in a complex cocktail of 38 different minerals, including a high concentration of salt and sulfur. It is widely believed to have healing properties, beneficial for a range of ailments from skin conditions to rheumatism.
• The “Father of Caves”: Its sheer size and the presence of the large lake have given it a legendary status in Turkmenistan, earning it the name “Father of Caves.”
• A Social Hub: Unlike more remote natural sites, Kow Ata is a lively social gathering place for Turkmen families, especially on weekends. It offers a rare opportunity for visitors to see locals relaxing and enjoying themselves in a natural setting.
• A Geological Wonder: A huge, naturally heated lake inside a cave is a rare geological phenomenon, making it a unique natural monument.

Differences from Other Wonders

Kow Ata offers a completely different experience from Turkmenistan’s other major attractions.

• Subterranean Oasis vs. Desert Spectacles: Kow Ata is a dark, enclosed, subterranean world. This is a stark contrast to the vast, open-air desert landscapes of the Yangykala Canyons or the fiery, open pit of the Darvaza Gas Crater. The experience is one of descent and enclosure, not of vast, open space.
• A Natural Spa vs. Ancient Ruins: Unlike the great archaeological sites of Merv or Old Nisa, which are about history and the observation of ancient architecture, Kow Ata is an interactive, physical experience. It is a natural spa where the main activity is to swim and feel the therapeutic effects of the water.
• A Living Local Getaway vs. A Remote Wonder: While the Darvaza Gas Crater is a remote spectacle that feels otherworldly, Kow Ata is a bustling local hotspot. Its fame