Kugitang Mountains and Dinosaur Plateau Extension

Turkmenistan is known for many things, but you’re most likely unaware that it has the largest concentration of dinosaur tracks in the world. This is your unique opportunity to visit one of the most quirkiest yet least-visited sites in Turkmenistan.

On this three day tour extension to Kugitang Mountains and Dinosaur Plateau, you’ll not only explore these highlighted sites, but also the legendary Kyrk Gyz Cave and Umbar Dere Gorge.

As Pioneers in the truest sense of the word, you’ll be able to tick off three of our ten favourite alternative Turkmenistan spots!

This extension has been designed to fit perfectly on the beginning or end of any of our Turkmenistan group tours. You may also choose to begin or conclude on the Uzbek border – the choice is yours!

Price: $995 per person

Itinerary

Day 1:  Ashgabat – Kerki – Koyten

Morning

• Early pick up from your hotel in Ashgabat or meet at Ashgabat Airport for the morning departure flight to Kerki - usually flights depart around 10:00am - total flight time 60 minutes.
• Arrive in Kerki at 11:00am, meet your guide on arrival and drive 250km to Koyten with a traditional Turkmen lunch on the way.

Afternoon

• Visit Alamberdar and Astana-baba Mausoleums - built in the late 10th century, it is believed to be the final resting place of Ismail al-Muntasir - the last representative of the Samanid Dynasty, who was assassinated in 1005. These Mausoleums are still the sites of pilgrimages today.
• Explore Kaynar-baba lake - 25 metres in diameter, the water here is crystal clear all the way to the bottom. It is the only source of drinking water for miles. Located nearby is a hydrogen sulfide source – Akkoz, which is incredibly famous for local Turkmens.
• Arrive at Koyten, and check into your cosy lodge. Koyten Nature Reserve was created to protect the largest remaining Ibex populations in Central Asia - if you are lucky, you might spot one.
• Enjoy an opportunity to explore the surrounding village and lake-side hills on foot. 
• Dinner and overnight at the base lodge.

Day 2:  Koyten – Dinosaur Plateau – Koyten

• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, and then set off to the Dinosaur Plateau (around 50km). Nestled among some of the country’s highest mountains, this limestone slab, measuring just 400 by 300 meters, contains over 3,000 footprints. It is the highest concentration of dinosaur tracks in the world!
• Afterward, visit the Kyrk Gyz pilgrim cave, one of Turkmenistan's most revered sites. Pilgrims honor a legendary old woman who aided young girls fleeing bandits. It is also known as the cave of the 'forty girls' - nowadays, pilgrims come to the cave and pay their respect by tossing pieces of cloth dipped in mud onto the cave’s ceiling, covering it with these symbolic offerings
• You’ll find a beautiful spot to stop for a picnic lunch of local snacks.
• Continue onto the Umbar Dere Gorge and take a gentle hike (2 km total) up to a beautiful waterfall of 27 meters. The waterfall is nestled between two large and sharp rock formations making it an incredibly photogenic narrow gorge.
• Head back to your base lodge (around 50km).
• Dinner and overnight at the base lodge. 

Day 3:  Koyten – Kerki – Ashgabat

• Bid a fond farewell to the base lodge after breakfast, and transfer back to Kerki.
• Arrive at the Kerki airport in time for your flight, departing at 12:00pm.
• Arrive in Ashgabat at 1:00pm
• Tour concludes. We can assist with arranging with an additional accommodation in Ashgabat or with flight advice.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Price inclusive of:

• Accommodation
• Private transportation
• Return domestic flights (Ashgabat – Kerki – Ashgabat)
• English-speaking tour guide.
• Meals: dinner on day 1, all meals on day 2, breakfast on day 3.
• Entrance fees & travel permits

Price exclusive of:

• Accommodation in Ashgabat
• Meals during the day (approx. $10 per meal)
• Souvenirs and other personal items
• Tips for local guides and drivers

Itinerary via the Farap Border:

If you are crossing the Farap (Turkmenabad/Bukhara) land border, then we can arrange for you to transfer from the border to Koyten (around 480km). Contact us for more details.