Köýtendag Nature Reserve

About this place

Köýtendag Nature Reserve, formerly called Kugitang, is a nature reserve in the far east of Turkmenistan, in Lebap Province. It covers 271.4 square kilometres at heights from 900 to 3,139 metres. It holds Aýrybaba, the country's highest peak. It is well off the usual routes, but it combines caves, dinosaur tracks and mountains. It was set up in 1986 and includes four smaller sanctuaries, Garlyk, Hojapil, Hojaburjybelent and Hojagarawul. Its main feature is more than 300 caves, described as unique in Eurasia for the variety of geological processes behind them and their beauty. It counts among the country's 50 important areas for birds and biodiversity, and the rare Heptner's markhor lives here. The best-known stop is the Hojapil plateau, where a sloping rock surface shows long rows of dinosaur footprints pressed into the stone. In the mountains around it are red rocks, collapsed layers and bold petrified masses near Aýrybaba. Birds such as the alpine swift fly over the slopes, and small streams run in the valleys among the trees. It is about 303 km from Türkmenabat in a straight line, and the road is long, so allow several days. Services are few, so arrange the trip through a licensed agency, and ask about any permits needed, as the area lies near the border. Do not walk on delicate tracks or touch them with tools. Bring strong shoes and plenty of water.