Koytendag Tour: Dinosaur Plateau and Turkmenistan’s Far East

Discover the nature and history of Turkmenistan’s remote Far East on this 4-day Koytendag extension tour from Ashgabat. Explore the unique Dinosaur Plateau, which boasts one of world’s largest and most important collections of dinosaur footprints. Tour scenic highlights like Kainar Baba Lake and the Umbar Dere Gorge and waterfall. Visit the historical and cultural sights of Astana Baba and Alamberdar mausoleum complex and the Kyrk Gyz pilgrim cave.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Ashgabat – Turkmenabat – Koyten village

In the morning, fly from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat. Upon arrival, transfer to Koyten village in the Kugitang Mountains of Turkmenistan’s Far East. On the way, visit the Astana Baba and Alamberdar Mausoleum Complex. Please be prepared for a long drive of about 11 hours (450 km) by 4x4 vehicle. Camp-style dinner and overnight at Koytendag Base Lodge.

Day 2: Koytendag State Nature Reserve

After breakfast, explore the Dinosaur Plateau in Koytendag, the Kyrk Gyz pilgrim cave, and the Umbar Dere Gorge. The Dinosaur Plateau has one of the largest and most important collections of dinosaur footprints in the world. Picnic lunch on the plateau. Visit Kyrk Gyz, a shrine where many pilgrims have attached pieces of cloth to the ceiling in hopes of having their wishes granted. Then walk along a short trail through the narrow Umbar Dere Gorge to the beautiful waterfall. Return to the base lodge for a camp-style dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Koyten – Kainar Baba Lake – Amyderya – overnight train

Breakfast, followed by a visit to Kainar Baba Lake, a small lake with a sulphur spring. Then transfer to Amyderya station to take the overnight train to Ashgabat, which departs at 15:00. Dinner and overnight on the train.

Day 4: Ashgabat

Arrive in Ashgabat at 08:45 and transfer to your hotel, the airport, or other location of your choice in the city.

Price includes:

All transfers (by 4x4 vehicle except on Day 4; 1-3 pax sharing one vehicle, 4 pax sharing two vehicles or a minivan);
Accommodation with breakfasts included (rooms at base lodge, and cabin on train, will be shared between up to four people);
Sightseeing tour programme with English-speaking, local guide;
Economy class flight tickets Ashgabat-Turkmenabat (Boeing 737);
Train ticket Amyderya-Ashgabat (sharing a 4-person sleeper cabin);
Lunch on Day 2;
Dinners on Days 1-3;
Bottled mineral water (500ml per person per day).