Step back 150 million years with an exclusive Dinosaur Plateau tour in the far east of Turkmenistan. Located on the slopes of the Koytendag Mountains, this world-renowned paleontological site features the largest collection of dinosaur footprints on the planet. With Karakum Journey, you will discover over 2,500 fossilized tracks in a landscape that remains one of the most remote and breathtaking corners of Central Asia.

Why Book a Dinosaur Plateau Expedition with Us?

Reaching the Koytendag region (formerly Kugitang) is a logistical challenge that requires expert planning. We ensure your journey to the “Jurassic Park” of Turkmenistan is smooth, safe, and deeply informative.

• Expert Paleontological Insights: Our guides provide detailed context on the Megalosaurus and Iguanodon tracks, explaining how these footprints were preserved in the limestone for millions of years.

• Complex Logistics Managed: We handle everything—from domestic flights (Ashgabat–Turkmenabat) to private 4×4 transfers and special border zone permits required for this region.

• Beyond the Footprints: Our tours include visits to the Umbar-Dere Waterfall, the mysterious Kyrk-Gyz Cave, and the deep karst lakes of the Koytendag Nature Reserve.

• Professional 4×4 Support: The mountain terrain is rugged. We use high-performance SUVs with experienced mountain drivers to ensure your comfort and safety.

• Authentic Local Stays: Experience the hospitality of eastern Turkmenistan with stays in local guest houses or specialized mountain lodges.

What to Expect on Your Koytendag Adventure

Our itinerary is designed to showcase the raw natural beauty and ancient history of the region:

1. The Plateau of Dinosaurs (Hojapil)

Walk across a massive limestone slab tilted at the foot of the mountains, where hundreds of prehistoric tracks are clearly visible. It is the densest concentration of dinosaur footprints in the world, offering a literal “walk with giants.”

2. Kyrk-Gyz (Forty Girls) Cave

Visit this sacred pilgrimage site, a vast cavern adorned with thousands of cloth strips left by visitors. Legend says this cave provided refuge for forty girls, and today it remains a place of spiritual significance and natural wonder.

3. Umbar-Dere Waterfall

Trek through a narrow, dramatic canyon to reach this hidden waterfall. The towering stone walls and cool mountain air provide a refreshing contrast to the desert landscapes of the Karakum.

4. Ancient Pistachio Groves

Explore the ancient forests of the Koytendag Reserve, home to trees that are hundreds of years old and a diverse array of rare mountain flora and fauna.

What’s Included in the Dinosaur Plateau Tour?

Journey to the Edge of Time

The Dinosaur Plateau is more than just a site; it is a portal to a lost world. While most travelers stick to the marble streets of Ashgabat or the flames of Darvaza, the Koytendag region offers a raw, untouched beauty for the true explorer. At Karakum Journey, we specialize in these remote expeditions, providing the expertise needed to navigate the far eastern reaches of Turkmenistan.

Our Dinosaur Plateau tour is a must for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to see the most ancient traces of life on Earth. Let us handle the permits and the mountain tracks while you stand in the footprints of giants.

Ready to Witness Prehistoric History?

The tracks of the Koytendag are waiting. Due to the remote location and permit requirements, we recommend booking your expedition at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

Specify your travel dates and if you wish to combine this trip with a visit to Ancient Merv. Our team will contact you within 24 hours with a bespoke mountain itinerary.