Koytendag Mountain & Dinosaur plateau

BREAKFAST

Transfer to Ashgabat Airport

10:00 - Flight to Kerki

11:00 - Arrival in Kerki

Upon arrival in Kerki, then drive to Koyten village. On the way visit:

Kaynar Baba in the very south of Turkmenistan, in the Karlyuk steppe, soaked with hot air and salt, there is one of the country’s most unusual lakes – the Kaynar Baba.The lake is quite small in size – only 25 m in diameter. The water here is crystal clear and its bottom, besprent with small stones, seems very shallow. Its water is fresh, so the Kaynar Baba is the only source of drinking water for miles around. Another surprising and strange feature of the spring is the presence of fish in it, despite the lack of connection with rivers or other bodies of water.

Upon arrival in Koyten village.

Night at the camp 

BREAKFAST

09:00 - we will start tour. Visits:

The Koytendag State Nature Reserve was founded in November, 1986, and is situated on the western slopes of the Koytendag Mountains, a spur of the Gissar range of the great Pamir-Alay mountain system. The Koytendag region is located close to the border with Uzbekistan in the east of Turkmenistan. In this area one can see the Koytendag mountains, and peak Ayry Baba, the highest point in Turkmenistan at 3,137 m above sea level; the grandiose "Umbar Dere" canyon, with 28 m waterfalls; the plateau of Dinosaurs, with 438 fossilized Dinosaur footprints; the unique, hydrogen sulphate hot spring, "Gainar Baba"; "Kyrk gyz" canyon; and karst caves.

Dinosaur plateau in the far eastern reaches of Turkmenistan, nestled within the Kugitangtau (Koytendag) mountains at an elevation of 1,500 meters, lies one of the most extraordinary natural wonders: the Dinosaur Plateau. This remarkable site, a vast limestone slab perched on a hillside, is accessible via a half-hour trek from the small village of Khodjapil. 

Umbar Dere one of the most unique natural beauties of Koytendag is its narrow valleys and long, rocky streams. Koytendag is home to several such streams, including “Umbar Dere. In a remote part of Khojapil lies the picturesque Umbar-Dere Gorge, at the end of which is the 27-meter Umbar Waterfall, fed by the melting snows of the Kugitang Mountains.

“Kyrk Gyz” could be included in the “golden ring” of the mountain village of Khojapil, along with the beautiful Umbar-Depe canyon and the unique plateau with dinosaur footprints. The “Forty Girls” canyon itself does not differ much from the neighboring canyons that cut through the Koytendag range. However, the vertical walls of the rocks feature many deep niches formed by karst processes.

Night at the camp

BREAKFAST

Transfer to Amyderya Railway station

12:00 - Departure to Mary

22:10 - Arrival in Mary Railway station

Upon arrival and transfer to hotel

Night at the hotel

BREAKFAST,

09:00 – visit the historical sites of ancient Merv. Located from Mary city 30 km.

Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum most majestic architectural monument of Merv is Sultan Sanjar mausoleum called "Dar-al-Akhir" ("Otherworld"). His whole appearance it represents the highest achievements and flourishing Seljuk power. Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum is located in the center of the settlement Sultan Kala. Nearby are large monumental buildings - the palaces of Seljuk rulers and a mosque.

Great and Less Kiz fortress small fortresses with corrugated, if folded in the crease, napodobye accordion, walls. They put on the earthen ramps with mild slope. Small windows are hidden in the folds of the walls. At the top of the wall terminate toothed battlements, which are almost did not survive.

Gyaur Kala fortress In Turkic languages, "Gyaur" means "infidel", referring to those who do not practise Islam. The name of the fortress in ancient Merv, Gyaur-Kala - "Fortress of the Infidels" - was given by the Arabs who conquered it in the early 8th century. However, the fortress itself dates back much earlier, to the 4th-3rd centuries BC.

Erk-Kala fortress was the center of ancient Merv. The fortifications of Erk-Kala have sagged under earth drifts but nevertheless, have preserved their height and power. This distinguishes Erk-Kala from other fortresses. Now the height of the fortifications with steep slopes and precisely cut out towers reaches 25 - 29 m.

Yusuf Khamadany Mosque this complex was built on the burial site of Abu-Yakub Yusuf ibn Ayub born in the city of Hamadan (western Iran). Above his tomb the mausoleum, which has not survived, was erected. The destroyed structure was partially restored and reconstructed in the 19th century. The tomb of the dervish symbolizes a crypt from black marble decorated with a floral ornament and inscriptions. There is a chapel in the western corner of the mausoleum with central aivan. It is the basic part of the complex. Today Yusuf Khamadani mosque is an important Muslim temple, the place of worshipping.

Sultan Kala fortress in the 11th-12th centuries Merv became the capital of Great Seljuk state and reached the highest prosperity. By the order of Seljuk sultan Melik-shakh the city was surrounded by a fortification and moat.This fortress with the area of over 400 hectares is known as Sultan-Kala - the Fortress of Sultans. In the northeastern part of Sultan-Kala Shakhriar-ark citadel with palace complexes of sultans, administration buildings and a military barracks - was constructed.

Mohammed ibn-Zeid Mausoleum is an outstanding monument of Sultan-Kala. It is relatively small but arouses admiration by its original architectural solution. The interior of the mausoleum has a unique wall inscription in Arabian language. The letters skillfully carved from burnt bricks boldly stand out on the background of the vegetative pattern made of plaster. It’s says that the mausoleum erected above the tomb of Mohammed ibn - Zeid, the representative of Shiit branch of Islam, the descendant of caliph Ali in the fifth generation in 1112-1113.

History, Flora and Fauna of Mary Region in the Mary History Museum The Mary History Museum was established as the Mary Museum of History and Revolution in 1968. Its first exposition opened in 1974. When Turkmenistan gained independence, the Museum in 2008 moved into a new white-marbled building in the center of Mary.

If have time short walking tour within the central part of Mary City which has The Regional Mosque of Mary Province, The Central Theater of Mary, The Convention & Conference Center “Ruhiyet Koshgi”, Central Park & Monument of Mollanepes-the National Classic Poet who lived in Mary in XVIII-XIXcc.

Transfer to Mary Railway station

22:30 - Departure to Ashgabat

06:05 - Arrival in Ashgabat Railway station next morning

Night on the board

06:05 -arrival in Ashgabat Railway station. Local restaurant breakfast. 

08:00 - you will start journey:

Nisa Fortress, located near Ashgabat in Turkmenistan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical significance and architectural grandeur. The site comprises the ruins of two ancient fortresses, Nisa and Old Nisa, which were pivotal in the region during the Parthian Empire (247 BC – 224 AD). Nisa was a prominent center for the Parthian dynasty, serving as a royal residence and a key military stronghold. The site is believed to have been established in the 3rd century BC and showcases a blend of Persian and Hellenistic architectural styles, reflecting the cultural exchanges of the time. It was also an important hub for trade along the Great Silk Road, linking East and West.

Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque (also known as the Gypjak Mosque) is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, located in Gypjak, a village near Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. It was commissioned by Saparmurat Niyazov, the first president of Turkmenistan. The mosque covers an area of 18,000 square meters and can accommodate around 10,000 worshippers at a time. Its central dome reaches a height of 55 meters, while the minarets are 91 meters tall, representing the year 1991, when Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union. Design built primarily from white marble, which is commonly used in Ashgabat, the mosque reflects a blend of traditional Islamic and Turkmen styles. The interior is adorned with intricate patterns, including calligraphy from the Quran.

Akhalteke Horse Farm the horse farm is located in the countryside area, behind the Geokdepe town, 55km. Excursion at the farm to see the AkhalTeke horse and Turkmen dog Alabay. Akhal-Teke horse farm – home to the world-famous Turkmen horses. Learn about the breeding traditions and history of Akhal-Teke horses. Here, experts will tell you about Akhal-Teke horses. Next to the farm, you can take a horseback ride through the gardens.

Gokdepe Mosque is a significant religious and historical landmark located in Gokdepe. Built in the 1990s, it is sometimes referred to as the Saparmyrat Haji Mosque in honour of his pilgrimage to Mecca.The mosque is an impressive architectural work, combining elements of modern Islamic design with traditional Central Asian styles. Its white marble facade reflects Turkmenistan’s national preference for this material, which can be seen in many of the country’s modern structures. The mosque is adorned with four minarets, tall and slender, framing a central dome that rises prominently above the building. The dome itself is striking, often described as sparkling turquoise or blue, which is a testament to the mosque’s name ‘Gokdepe’, which means ‘blue hill’ in Turkmen.

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.

Nohur (also known as Nokhur or Nokur) is a remote and picturesque village located in the Kopet Dag Mountains of southern Turkmenistan, near the border with Iran. Known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural traditions, Nohur offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely untouched by modernity. The village is nestled in a deep valley surrounded by rugged mountains, providing breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and terraced landscapes. Traditional stone houses with flat roofs and wooden beams characterize the architecture of Nohur, blending harmoniously into the surrounding environment. Narrow streets wind through the village, giving it a timeless and serene atmosphere.

Night at the hotel.

Transfer to the Ashgabat International airport for flight to next destination.

We hope you enjoyed our service and hope you'll come back again.