Magdanly is perhaps best known for the Dinosaur Plateau, one of its most intriguing attractions. Located just a few kilometers from the city, this site has been the subject of scientific research, which has led to the conclusion that dinosaurs roamed this area approximately 150 million years ago. Visitors who look closely will find hundreds of fossilized dinosaur footprints scattered across the eastern side of Gaurdak Mountain. The largest of these footprints measures 71 centimeters in length, while the smallest is 18 centimeters long.
Another highlight of Magdanly is the vibrant local market, situated near the entrance to the city. This colorful marketplace offers a variety of goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, camel wool products, and the chance to engage in friendly bargaining with local vendors. It’s an excellent spot to experience the local culture and interact with the residents.
A short distance from the city lies a small sulfur lake, where the water temperature remains a constant +18°C during the warmer months. The lake is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Nearby, visitors can also find a small underground spring and two natural sinkholes that formed as a result of an earthquake. Additionally, the Koitendag Nature Reserve, established in 1989, is located close to Magdanly. This relict reserve is dedicated to preserving the area’s unique mountain landscapes and is home to over 230 species of birds, 800 species of animals, and more than 150 species of plants, some of which are listed in the Red Book of endangered species.
Magdanly is also renowned for its karst caves, which are natural wonders waiting to be explored. Among the most famous are the Vertical, Gulshirin, Khoshm-Oyk (House of Jewels), and Kap-Kutan caves. Each cave offers a unique experience, with Kap-Kutan being one of the longest caves in the world, stretching an impressive 56 kilometers. The Gulshirin Cave is particularly known for its numerous chambers adorned with stone formations resembling flowers. Gaurdak Cave, once celebrated for its stunning yellow onyx stalagmites and stalactites, has unfortunately become inaccessible due to a collapse.
The Kyrk-kyz Grotto, or “Forty Girls” Grotto, is another significant site near Magdanly. This 50-meter-long grotto, located deep within a canyon, is a revered place of pilgrimage. According to legend, a saint once resided here, and after his death, a healing spring emerged at the site. Today, pilgrims visit the grotto to pray for healing, wash in the spring water, and take some of the water with them for its believed curative properties.
Magdanly may be a lesser-known destination, but it offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions in its vicinities that make it well worth a visit for those seeking to explore the hidden corners of Turkmenistan.
