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Dinosaur Plateau

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(@antmar)
Eminent Member
Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 18
Topic starter  

Hey everyone, I’m currently looking at tours in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan but having trouble finding something that fits my interests. I came across a 4-day private tour from Ashgabat to see the dinosaur footprints near Koytendag, priced at £1000. Is it worth the expense? Are the footprints really that impressive, or is it just a lot of hype? Appreciate any advice.


   
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(@komijama)
Active Member
Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 14
 

Hi Antmar,

I did a private tour a while back to see the Dinosaur Plateau, so here’s my take. I booked it through Owadan Tourism.

Here’s a breakdown of my trip:

Day 1: Ashgabat to Mary
The ruins in Mary were interesting, though not as impressive in size as I’d imagined. That said, the historical significance is incredible, and I wish I’d had more time to soak it all in.

Day 2: Mary to Gonur Depe
Gonur Depe is fascinating—isolated and eerie—but unless you’re a big archaeology buff, I wouldn’t recommend adding extra days just to see it.

Day 3: Mary to Turkmenabat
This day was mostly spent in transit. There’s really nothing notable about Turkmenabat itself; it’s just a stopover on the way to Koytendag.

Day 4: Turkmenabat to Koytendag
Arrived at 1 a.m. after a long day of driving. Be prepared for rough roads and basic facilities, but the journey builds up the anticipation for the Dinosaur Plateau.

Day 5: Koytendag
The Dinosaur Plateau itself? Absolutely worth it. Standing alone on the plateau, surrounded by ancient footprints, was a surreal experience. It’s like stepping back millions of years. My only regret was not taking a moment to sit and fully absorb the atmosphere.

Day 6: Koytendag to Turkmenabat
Another day of travel, but this time heading back toward Ashgabat.

Day 7: Ashgabat
Finished the trip with some time in Ashgabat. Highlights included the Darvaza Gas Crater (an absolute must-see), Konye-Urgench, and the cable cars. The National Museum was quirky but surprisingly informative, with English descriptions on most exhibits.

If your goal is adventure and unique experiences, I’d say go for it. The Dinosaur Plateau isn’t hyped—it’s genuinely remarkable— the experience of being the only tourist on a remote plateau surrounded by dinosaur tracks? That’s a memory you won’t find anywhere else. But make sure to manage your expectations about the travel logistics.


   
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(@chunk)
Active Member
Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 6
 

I second komijama’s point—seeing those dinosaur footprints is incredible if you’re a history or paleontology enthusiast. However, it’s not a trip for the faint-hearted. The journey to Koytendag is grueling, and you won’t find many modern conveniences along the way.

If you’re already spending time in Turkmenistan, this adds a unique angle to your trip, especially since it’s such an off-the-beaten-path destination. But if you’re tight on time or unsure about spending so much on this one attraction, it might be worth prioritizing other must-sees like the Darvaza Crater or Konye-Urgench.


   
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