Kowata (Kow-Ata) is a natural underground lake located within the Kow-Ata Cave in Turkmenistan, known for its warm, sulfur-rich waters that are reputed to have therapeutic qualities. It lies about 90 kilometers (55 miles) west of Ashgabat, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The water in Kowata remains warm year-round at a consistent temperature of about 35-37°C (95-98°F). The lake is rich in minerals like sulfur, which gives the water a slight medicinal odor, believed to help treat certain skin and respiratory conditions.
To reach the lake, visitors must descend a steep set of stairs, plunging deep into the earth where the air becomes humid and heavy with the scent of minerals.
