KOYTENDAG DINOSAUR PLATEAU TOUR
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
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels on DBL/TWIN sharing
- Ashgabat - "Sport" Hotel- 3 nights
- Mary - "Mary" Hotel - 1 night
- Turkmenabat - "Jeyhun" Hotel - 1 night
- Koytendag - camp - 2 nights
- Darvaza - yurt or tent - 1 night
- Breakfasts at the hotels
- Services of A/C comfortable transport with professional driver as per the program
- * 1-2 pax - Sedan car up to 4 seats
- 4 Day Gonurdepe tour 4WD car
- 5-7 Days Koytendag tour 4 WD car
- 8-9 Days Darvaza tour 4 WD car
- English speaking local guide
- Domestic air ticket: Ashgabat-Mary
- Train ticket: Amyderya-Ashgabat
- Daily two bottles of 0.5l water per person
- Full Board meals: 9 Lunches / 9 Dinners
- BBQ style dinner and breakfast at Darvaza crater
- Utensils and necessary equipment for staying in tents (sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, dining table, chairs)
- Entrance fees to mentioned sights per program (excluding photo and video charges at sights)
- Visa support to Turkmenistan, registration and travel pass
- Porter services
- Handmade souvenir per person
Excluded
- Visa consular fees and processing expenses 80+15 USD per person, when obtained at land border (subject to change, nationality dependent)
- Turkmenistan migration tax 14 USD per person
- PCR nose test 33 USD (subject to change)
- Photo and video charges at sights
- An early check-in hotel
- A tax of 2 USD per night paid to the hotel upon check out
- Beverages
- International air tickets to / out of Ashgabat
- Travel Insurance
- Extras, not indicated in inclusions
Additional info
Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
Set menu includes salad, soup, main course, bread, tea, coffee & water
We offer at Darvaza Gas Crater BBQ style menu
If you are vegetarian, please let us know in advance
Our company also organizes a folklore performance. If you want to watch a folklore performance, you have to pay extra.
Child policy:
Child 0-2 years old -No extra bed, free charge
Child 3-6 years old- with bed, 50 % charge of the tour cost
Child 7 years old and above -with bed 100 % charge of the tour cost
Payment:
Tour payment should be made not less than 10 days prior to tourist group arrival to our bank account as per sent invoice
Cansellation prior to 30 days - no charges apply
Cansellation prior to 29-20 days 50% charge of the tour price
Cansellation prior to 19-10 days - 100 % charge of the tour price
Notes:
If the traveler stays more than 3 working days in Turkmenistan, the travel agency will register and stamp your passport on a local Tourist Board
An express PCR test for Covid-19 will be taken upon arrival. It costs 33 USD (subject to change)
Breakfast box in case of very early morning departures
Customer Support
We have a professional customer support team and always accompany you on every trip.