Tour / Details

LocationKoytendag
ActivityTrekking
Duration5 days / 4 nights
Travelers2–8
$890per person

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Köýtendag Nature & Dinosaurs

Venture off the beaten path to the remote Köýtendag mountains of eastern Turkmenistan. This 5-day expedition is for true adventure seekers. You will visit the Dinosaur Plateau with over 300 fossilized footprints, explore the sacred Kyrk Gyz Cave, trek through the Umbar Dere Gorge to a waterfall, and swim in the warm mineral waters of the Kow-Ata underground lake. You will also have the chance to see Aýrybaba, the highest peak in the country. This is a unique opportunity to experience a side of Turkmenistan few travelers ever see.

Journey Highlights

Visit the Dinosaur Plateau with over 300 fossilized footprints from the Jurassic period
See Aýrybaba Peak, the highest point in Turkmenistan (3,139 m)
Swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Kow-Ata underground lake
Explore the sacred Kyrk Gyz Cave, a pilgrimage site
Trek through the scenic Umbar Dere Gorge to a beautiful waterfall
Discover the remote mountain landscapes of Köýtendag

Inclusions & Exclusions

English-speaking guide
Transport: domestic flights + 4x4 vehicles
4 nights (guesthouse + hotel)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Entrance fees to all sites
Trekking equipment
Visa support: Letter of Invitation (LOI) and registration
Bottled water
24/7 emergency support

International flights
Visa and migration fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Ashgabat → Turkmenabat → Köýtendag

Morning flight from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat (1 hour). Scenic drive to Köýtendag (4 hours). Lunch on the way. Arrival at the mountain guesthouse in the afternoon. Evening walk to the surrounding area. Welcome dinner with the local community. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 2

Dinosaur Plateau (Khodjapil)

After breakfast, drive to the famous Dinosaur Plateau — a UNESCO-listed site with over 4,000 fossilized dinosaur footprints from the Jurassic Period. Guided tour with expert explanation. Picnic lunch. Afternoon: visit to the Karlyuk Caves — one of the deepest cave systems in Central Asia. Return to guesthouse. Traditional dinner. Overnight.

Day 3

Köýtendag Mountain Trek

Full-day guided trek through the Köýtendag Nature Reserve. Visit the «Mountain of the Goats» — habitat of the endangered Markhor goat. Wildlife spotting: golden eagles, lynx, and rare plants. Explore hidden caves with ancient petroglyphs. Picnic lunch with a view. Return to guesthouse. Overnight.

Day 4

Nature Reserve & Local Culture

Morning guided tour of the Köýtendag Nature Reserve Museum. Visit to a traditional Turkmen mountain village. Learn about local crafts, embroidery, and carpet weaving. Lunch with a local family. Afternoon: free time in the mountains. Photo session at scenic viewpoints. Farewell dinner. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 5

Köýtendag → Turkmenabat → Ashgabat · Departure

Sunrise hike to a scenic viewpoint. Breakfast. Morning drive to Turkmenabat. Flight to Ashgabat. Transfer to airport for international departure flight.

Route