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Ecological & Trekking
Stunning Nature
Turkmenistan's deserts,
steppes and mountains have some of the most remarkable
features found on the planet. Their colours, vastness
and fascinating animal and plant life are exclusive to
Turkmenistan.
Join us wildlife watching in the canyons of the Kugitang
Mountains, one of the last resorts of the Markhor
and the Urial sheep. Climb the highest mountain in the
country and walk through its breathtaking valleys. Catch
a glimpse of the Central Asian Wild Ass, the Kulan, on
the 500 m cliffs of Badkhyz
Nature Reserve and help us in a Leopard protection
programme in Karakala, or come on a flashlight expedition
in the Repetek reserve
observing some of the more menacing species of the desert
- the hairy Tarantulas and giant Monitor Lizards. See
the infinite Karakum, the Black Desert, full of tulips
and mushrooms in spring while spotting rare eagle species
circling along the ridges of the endless Salt marshes
of the Kaplankyr Plateau. |
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Kugitang
Mountains
 Kugitang
Nature Reserve was created to protect the largest
remaining Markhor populations in Central Asia. These endangered
long-horned mountain goats as well as a large number of
Urials (a rare mountain sheep species), inhabit the steep
canyons and flower-covered valleys of the soft ridge of
the Kugitang mountains topped by Ayrybaba - with 3,137
m Turkmenistan's tallest peak. Kugitang is also well known
for it's dinosaur plateau with 438 well preserved fossil
dinosaur footprints, in addition to its caves that are
considered to be the most beautiful and interesting caves
of the former Soviet Union. The mountains can be explored
on various trekking and climbing trips along the range.
Located in the far southeast of Turkmenistan,
Kugitang and its dinosaur footprints can best be reached
by air from Ashgabat or by train from Bukhara and a minimum
of three days should be allowed to go wildlife watching
and to visit the plateau and cave. Join us on our 6-day
tour to this exciting destination.
Karakala
Nature Reserve
 The
unique valleys and climate in the region of Karakala
Nature Reserve are of major importance for some of
the last remaining Persian leopards inhabiting it's ridges.
The World Wildlife Fund is currently involved in a protection
project executed by Turkmenistan's ecological societies.
Karakala is renowned for its exceptional botanical collection
at the grounds of the research station. There is excellent
trekking, climbing and wildlife watching in the captivating
canyons and river valleys of the reserve and the nearby
Moon Mountains.
Karakala is 5 hours by car from Ashgabat
and should be visited on a two to three day trip. With
an experienced guide it is also possible to hike across
to the meadows of the Nokhur tribe region through the
Aidere and Sumbar gorges on a 3-day trek.
Sekizyap
- Horse Trek
 Sekizyap
valley to the west of Ashgabat, accented by its beautiful
gorges and its wonderful waterfall, has tremendous riding,
trekking and fishing. On the beautiful and elegant Akhal
Teke horses, the national symbol of Turkmenistan, you
can canter through the valleys of the Sekizyap River up
to the vast plateaus inviting the rider for a gallop along
the beautiful hillsides and small villages. The waterfall
can be reached after a longer trek some of which has to
be made by foot.
Sekizyap is 3 hours west of Ashgabat and
you need at least 2-3 days to explore the area on horseback
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