The striped mesas
A dark top layer.
Kalpak Travel — CC BY 2.0 · John Pavelka from Austin, TX, USA — CC BY 2.0 · John Pavelka from Austin, TX, USA — CC BY 2.0 · John Pavelka from Austin, TX, USA — CC BY 2.0 · John Pavelka from Austin, TX, USA — CC BY 2.0
Yangykala Canyon is a vast rock formation in Balkan Province in north-west Turkmenistan, about 160 km east of Türkmenbaşy. Its name means «fiery fortresses» in Turkmen. Local people call it the Red Mountains, as red dominates its rocks. It is among the country's finest natural views and one of its least crowded. The canyon floor was once flooded by the Garabogazköl on the Caspian, and the rock layers still hold traces of that. Its cliffs rise 60 to 100 metres above the floor. There are no buildings or royal stories here, so the place matters for its layers and colours. It has become a growing stop for jeep trips and camping, above all for those crossing the country towards the Caspian. You stand on a brown rock edge and a huge plain opens before you in pink, white and orange, cut by gullies and winding lines that look painted. In the middle stand lone striped mesas, each topped by a flat dark layer. The colour changes entirely with the sun, strongest in early morning and late in the day, while midday flattens it. It is about 156 km from Türkmenbaşy in a straight line, and no paved road covers the last part. You need a four-wheel drive and an experienced driver, usually arranged through an agency. There are no services or shade here, so bring plenty of food and water. Keep away from the edges, as the rock is fragile and can give way. Summer is very hot.
A dark top layer.
Pink, white and orange.
A view over gullies.
Balkan Province, north-west Turkmenistan
Spring and autumn suit best, and within the day morning and late afternoon.
Usually yes, with an agency arranging the gear, as there are no services on site.