Tracing Dinosaurs

Early morning transfer to the airport for a 1-hour flight to Turkmenabad. Start of the long drive (approx.. 12 hours) to the Kugitang Mountains in the far east of Turkmenistan. Visit the mausoleum complex of Astana Baba and Alamberdar just before reaching Atamyrat Town, where the Amu Darya River will be crossed. In a local teahouse you can taste the fresh river fish. Towards the end of the drive the mountains come into view and the highest peak of Turkmenistan, Airy Baba (3150 m) can be seen. Arrival in the scenic village of Koyten. Dinner and overnight in basic guesthouse on walking distance from Lake Koyten.

Spend the day exploring the surroundings, with a steep walk up the slopes of the Dinosaur Plateau, where hundreds of dinosaur footprints have been extremely well preserved. Walk into the Umbar Dere Gorge to the local waterfall, and follow local pilgrims to the holy Kyrk Gyz Cave, where thousands of pieces of cloth remind of previous visitors. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

Return to Atamyrat with a brief visit of the Kainar Baba sulphur spring on the way. Arrival in Atamyrat for an early lunch and departure of the overnight train to Ashgabat.

Arrival in Ashgabat in the early morning hours.