Hojapil Sanctuary

Hojapil Sanctuary is a sanctuary of Turkmenistan and a part of Köýtendag Nature Reserve. It was established in 1986.

Sites

[Dinosaur Plateau]

An inclined limestone slab—spanning about 0.5 km in length and 0.2 km in width—preserving hundreds of dinosaur footprints, is a popular tourist attraction. The site was discovered by Soviet geologists in the 80s; Turkmen scientists propose the evidence to be suggestive of three new dinosaur species: Gissarosaurus, Hojapilosaurus, and Turkmenosaurus. In local tradition, the footprints were cast by elephants belonging either to the forces of Alexander the Great or some returning pilgrim from India.

Kyrk Gyz Cave

A sacred site in Turkmen tradition, the floor of the cave has a tomb. Local legends explain the cave to have been created in an act of God, when 40 women—fearing capture by rogues—prayed for protection.

Umbardepe Canyon

A waterfall with a height of 27 meters is popular among tourists.