Yangykala Canyon

Yangykala Canyon, whose name means 'fire fortresses', is one of Central Asia's most wide-open natural sights. The canyon walls consist of various rock layers in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red, which change color depending on the sun's position. This area was once the floor of a prehistoric ocean (Tethys), evidenced today by fossilized corals and shells in the rocks. The area is extremely remote and has no tourist infrastructure, which increases its appeal for adventurers and photographers. You can camp on the edge of the canyon and enjoy the spectacular sunset. The best time to visit is spring or autumn to avoid extreme heat. Access requires a sturdy 4x4 vehicle and an experienced driver, as the drive from Balkanabat takes several hours through the desert. There are no food facilities on-site, so everything must be brought along. Yangykala is a place of absolute silence and wild beauty that leaves every visitor breathless.

Nearby cities

Türkmenbaşy

The country's main port city on the coast of the Caspian Sea.

Balkanabat

The center of Turkmenistan's oil and gas industry in the west of the country.

Serdar

A city in the Balkan Region traditionally associated with crafts.

Gumdag

An industrial city in the Balkan Region specialized in oil and gas.

Bereket

An important railway junction in the Balkan Region on the north-south axis.

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Mollakara Lake

A hypersaline lake in the Karakum Desert, famous for its therapeutic muds and modern sanatorium.

Hazar

A port city on the Cheleken Peninsula on the Caspian Sea.

History & landmarks

Awaza Tourist Zone

Awaza is an ambitious resort project on the Caspian Sea, featuring luxury hotels, artificial canals, and parks.

Nature

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Chandyr River

A small but highly scenic river in the western Kopet Dag mountains.

Sumbar River

A picturesque river in the southwest flowing through a green gorge.

Atrek River

A river in the southwest flowing into the Caspian Sea.

Türkmenbaşy Gulf Coast

This stretch of coast on the Caspian Sea is characterized by sheltered bays and important wetlands.

Garabogazköl Coast

An isolated coastal region on the shallow lagoon of the Caspian Sea.

More places

Yangykala Canyon

Yangykala Canyon, meaning 'Fire Fortress', impresses with its steep, colorful rock walls in shades of pink, red, and yellow.

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Mount Arlan

The highest peak of the Great Balkan mountain range in the west of the country.

Great Balkan Range

An isolated mountain massif in the western desert landscape of Turkmenistan.

Balkanabat Central Park

A green oasis in the desert city of Balkanabat, offering recreation for the local population.

Balkanabat Iodine Plant

A chemical plant that extracts valuable technical iodine from the highly mineralized groundwater of the desert.

Little Balkan Range

The smaller twin brother of the Great Balkan Range is located to its south.

Uzboy Valley

The dry riverbed of a historic watercourse that once connected the Amu Darya with the Caspian Sea.

Krasnovodsk Plateau

A barren plateau in the west of the country bordering the Caspian Sea.