Plizio Visual Lab

Badhyz Hills

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

plateau

Weather…

The Badhyz Highlands in extreme southern Turkmenistan represent one of the most distinctive and ecologically precious landscapes in Central Asia. The terrain features a mosaic of volcanic plateaus, rolling hills, and deep endorheic basins, most notably the Yeroyulanduz depression, which contains remnants of a prehistoric sea floor. Geologically, Badhyz is characterized by a mix of sedimentary strata and volcanic outcrops, creating a unique topography and soil composition. The Badhyz State Nature Reserve was established in 1941 to protect this fragile ecosystem, which serves as the final stronghold for the Turkmen kulan (Asiatic wild ass). The flora is renowned for its vast ancient pistachio woodlands, covering over 70,000 hectares and having provided resources for local communities for centuries. The climate is arid with intense summer heat, yet the region remains a vital biological corridor connecting the Central Asian deserts with the mountainous habitats of Iran and Afghanistan.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	6	11	17	24	28	30	28	23	16	9	5
Rain mm	27	35	43	28	12	1	1	0	1	6	20	19

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Journeying to this plateau in Turkmenistan is generally undertaken via unpaved dirt tracks from nearby towns, necessitating a highly reliable off-road vehicle and sound local navigational knowledge.

📅

Best season

The climatic conditions are often extreme, with the mild spring offering the most comfortable temperatures and the best opportunity to witness the awakening vegetation in this drought-prone landscape.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The rolling, hilly terrain is characterized by extensive dry plains and steppes, where navigation away from any established routes is often challenging due to a noticeable lack of clear landmarks.

🎒

What to bring

An ample supply of drinking water is absolutely vital in this drought-prone region, coupled with strong sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, and adaptable layered clothing for potentially cool nights.

🅿️

Parking

As formal infrastructure is largely non-existent, visitors typically park their expedition vehicles at improvised spots near remote settlements or along the edges of the notable wild pistachio forests.

⚠️

Safety

Travelers should never attempt to explore this remote area without an experienced local guide, owing to the harsh environmental conditions, limited communications, and exceedingly difficult navigation.

⏱️

Time needed

Given the lengthy approach routes and the sheer vastness of the area, excursions here generally require multiple days and must be treated as independent, thoroughly well-planned outback expeditions.

Geography

Coordinates

35.80000, 61.50000

Facts

The Badhyz State Nature Reserve was officially established on November 13, 1941.
The pistachio groves of Badhyz are among the largest wild forests of their kind.
The Yeroyulanduz depression lies approximately 500 meters below the surrounding plateau.
Badhyz is home to the world's only remaining wild population of the Turkmen kulan.
The maximum elevation in the highlands reaches about 1,267 meters above sea level.
Fossils of prehistoric rhinoceroses and elephants have been unearthed in the region.