Koytendag And Dinosaur Plateau Tour - 4 Days
About this tour
4 Days: We will visit Astana Baba and Alamberdar mausoleum complex, the Dinosaur Plateau, the Umbar Dere Gorge, and waterfall as well as Kyrk Gyz pilgrim cave, the Kainar Baba Lake and of course Ashgabat.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan
In the morning, fly from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat. Upon arrival, transfer to Koyten village in the Kugitang Mountains of Turkmenistan’s Far East. On the way, visit the Astana Baba and Alamberdar Mausoleum Complex. Please be prepared for a long drive of about 11 hours (450 km) . Camp-style dinner and overnight at Koytendag Base Lodge.
Day 2: Koyten, Turkmenistan
After breakfast, explore the Dinosaur Plateau in Koytendag, the Kyrk Gyz pilgrim cave, and the Umbar Dere Gorge. The Dinosaur Plateau has one of the largest and most important collections of dinosaur footprints in the world. Picnic lunch on the plateau. Visit Kyrk Gyz, a shrine where many pilgrims have attached pieces of cloth to the ceiling in hopes of having their wishes granted. Then walk along a short trail through the narrow Umbar Dere Gorge to the beautiful waterfall. Return to the base lodge for a camp-style dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Koyten, Turkmenistan to Amu Dar'ja, Turkmenistan
Breakfast, followed by a visit to Kainar Baba Lake, a small lake with a sulphur spring. Then transfer to Amyderya station to take the overnight train to Ashgabat, which departs at 15:00. Dinner and overnight on the train.
Day 4: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
After breakfast visit the local market, followed by city tour in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan that has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having more white marble on its buildings than any other city in the world. You will visit Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia, the National Museum of History, Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and newly built Independence Park. Rich and interesting excursion also includes a stopover at the Akhalteke horses stables and Lenin Monument. Free time in late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel. Transfer to the Airport. End of the tour.
What's included
All transfers (by 4x4 vehicle except on Day 4; 1-3 pax sharing one vehicle, 4 pax sharing two vehicles or a minivan); Accommodation with breakfasts included (rooms at base lodge, and cabin on train, will be shared between up to four people); Sightseeing tour programme with English-speaking, local guide; Economy class flight tickets Ashgabat-Turkmenabat Train ticket Amyderya-Ashgabat (sharing a 4-person sleeper cabin); Lunch on Day 2; Dinners on Days 1-3; Bottled mineral water (500ml per person per day). Visa support (invitation letter, registration, travel pass);* The tourist fee is $2 per person per night at hotel.
Full board (meals not specified in the itinerary); Hotel charges for additional services; Personal travel insurance; Tips/gratuities for driver and guide (although they would be appreciated). * Please note that the Turkmenistan tourist visa costs from US$55+4 per person (subject to change); the migration tax is US$10+4 per person, to be paid at any border (subject to change);
What to know
Overnight at Koyten: 1 night Koytendag Base Lodge Single supplement: $45 extra
Route & locations
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan