Kow-Ata Underground Lake

Kow-Ata Underground Lake is located in Baharly (formerly Bakharden) in the foothills of the Kopet-Dag Mountains (107 km west of Ashgabat). The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means "father of caves". At first glance, this underground area appears like a magnificent auditorium: the overall length of the cave is 230 m, its height reaches 20 m, and its width is at some points 57 m. 

The bottom of the cave is covered with lumps of dissolved limestone (stalagmites), and its warm and gushing water is clear and emerald colored. Even under artificial lightning, tiny pebbles on the bottom can be seen. As you approach the lake, you will feel the air becoming damper and warmer. You can hear sounds like sighs or whispers above your head. These are the pigeons which inhabit the cave in great abundance. 

The water has a constant temperature of 33-37°C. Chemical analysis has shown that the water contains a complex combination of chemical elements - over 30 of which have been found to date.