KOYTENDAG DINOSAUR PLATEAU TOUR
Start:
ASHGABAT
End:
ASHGABAT
Type tour:
10 Days // 9 Nights
Payments:
Pay later
About tour
A 10-day, 9-night Koytendag tour is a truly immersive journey that goes far beyond just the dinosaur footprints. It allows for a more in-depth exploration of Turkmenistan's diverse landscapes, ancient history, and unique culture. This extended itinerary typically combines the remote Koytendag region with other major highlights across the country.
Itinerary
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Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport. Your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Afternoon: Begin a guided tour of Ashgabat, the "White Marble City." Visit iconic sites like Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch, and the National Museum, which houses a rich collection of artifacts from Turkmenistan's history. Evening: Enjoy a traditional Turkmen dinner and Night at the hotel.
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Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Nisa, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire. Afternoon: Visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, and see the Akhalteke horse stables to witness Turkmenistan's national pride, the "heavenly horses." Evening: Free time to explore Ashgabat at your leisure or visit a local bazaar. Night at the hotel.
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Take a domestic flight to Mary, a city in the heart of Turkmenistan's history. Afternoon: Begin a tour of Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cities on the Silk Road. You will explore historical sites like the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the Erk Gala, and the Gyz Kala. 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. Dinner and Night at the hotel.
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Journey to Gonur Depe, the capital of the ancient Margush civilization, often called the "Fifth Civilization." This archaeological site provides a glimpse into a Bronze Age city. Afternoon: Drive from Mary to Turkmenabat, a major hub on the Amu Darya River. Dinner and night at the hotel.
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Morning: Begin the long, scenic drive by 4x4 vehicle to the remote Koytendag State Nature Reserve. Along the way, visit the Astana Baba and Alamberdar Mausoleum Complex, a significant pilgrimage site. Arrive at Koyten village and check into a local guest house or tourist base lodge for dinner and overnight.
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Morning: The main highlight of the tour! Hike up to the Dinosaur Plateau to witness the thousands of fossilized dinosaur footprints from the Jurassic period. Afternoon: Explore other natural wonders of the reserve, including a trek to the Umbar Dere Gorge and waterfall. Dinner and overnight in Koyten village.
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Morning: Visit the Kyrk Gyz Pilgrim Cave, a mystical site where pilgrims make wishes, and the Kainar Baba Lake, a sulfur spring with therapeutic properties. Afternoon: Drive back to Turkmenabat to catch an overnight train to Ashgabat, experiencing travel like a local. Dinner and night on the train.
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Morning: Arrive back in Ashgabat. You'll be transferred to a hotel for breakfast and to freshen up. Afternoon: Drive into the Karakum Desert to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Door to Hell." Evening: Set up a camp near the fiery crater. Watch the sunset over the desert as the crater's flames become more intense. Enjoy a unique barbecue dinner and an unforgettable overnight stay in a yurt or tent.
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Morning: After a camp-style breakfast, drive back towards Ashgabat. On the way, stop at the Kow Ata Underground Lake, a warm, mineral-rich lake inside a cave where you can take a swim. Afternoon: Return to Ashgabat. Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group and a final overnight stay in Ashgabat.
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Transfer to the Ashgabat International Airport for flight to next destination
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