Hojapil Sanctuary: Dinosaur Footprints and Waterfall Wonder in the Koytendag Mountains

Published on November 23, 2025

Hojapil Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem of Dinosaur Footprints and Natural Wonders in Turkmenistan’s Koytendag Mountains

Located deep within the sprawling Koytendag Mountains in the northeastern region of Turkmenistan, the Hojapil Sanctuary stands as a remarkable blend of geological wonder and natural beauty. This protected zone, part of the larger Köýtendag Nature Reserve, is famed for a tilted limestone slab bearing fossilised dinosaur footprints and a tall waterfall cascading through a narrow valley. For the intrepid traveller, Hojapil presents a rare opportunity to encounter one of the most unusual palaeontological sites in Central Asia—and to pair it with rugged mountain scenery, canyon hiking, and minimal‑crowd wilderness.

The sanctuary lies in remote terrain, making access challenging but also contributing to the appeal of discovery. Visitors willing to undertake the journey are rewarded with a profound sense of place: walking on slabs where ancient reptiles once roamed, descending to a waterfall in a valley carved by melt‑waters and stone, and experiencing a nature‑tourism site still largely off mainstream routes.

Geological and Natural Features of Hojapil Sanctuary

Hojapil Sanctuary is defined by two principal features. First, there is the so‑called “dinosaur plateau” — a limestone slab that tilts up a mountain slope and preserves hundreds to thousands of fossilised dinosaur tracks, dating from the Jurassic period. According to government and scientific sources, the slab spans several hundred metres in length and width, and the number of fossil marks is exceptionally large, making the site globally significant.

Second, the valley and waterfall terrain within the sanctuary offers a contrasting natural setting. Mountain ridges rise steeply above narrow gorges, streams thread through rock, and the waterfall provides a dramatic focal point in what is otherwise a largely dry, rugged mountain landscape. The combination of fossilised history and active hydrology adds depth to the visitor experience.

The sanctuary’s location within the Koytendag Mountains means elevation changes, karst terrain, caves, springs, and valleys are all part of the environment. The geology has produced not only the fossil slab but also caves and underground systems nearby—highlighting why this corner of Turkmenistan is noted for its geological richness.

Tourism Angle: Why Hojapil Sanctuary Matters for Travel

Paleontological Tourism and Education

Hojapil offers a rare opportunity for travellers to step back into the Jurassic era. The dinosaur footprints are not just curiosities—they are part of one of the largest concentrations of dinosaur trackways known in the region, preserved in situ on the tilted limestone. For those fascinated by palaeontology, geology, or natural history, the site provides a tangible connection to deep time. The ability to walk where ancient beasts once trodden adds a powerful dimension to the visit.

Adventure, Nature, and Remote Wilderness

Reaching Hojapil requires effort: mountain roads, rugged terrain, possibly a guide, and limited infrastructure. These factors filter out casual tourism and leave space for authentic exploration. Visitors can combine the fossil slab with hikes through the valley, visits to the waterfall, and immersion in a wild mountain environment. This sense of being off the beaten track is increasingly valued by nature‑tourists in search of authentic experiences.

Ecosystem and Scenic Appeal

Beyond fossils, the sanctuary’s natural setting—mountain ridges, canyons, streams, waterfalls—offers scenic variety. The waterfall provides a refreshing contrast to the dry rock of the fossil plateau. The presence of both ancient rock forms and moving water gives photographers, hikers, and nature lovers multiple elements to engage with.

Destination‑Differentiation and Tourism Diversification

For Turkmenistan’s tourism sector, Hojapil provides a unique offering: not a beach or desert resort, nor a classical historical city, but a combination of geology, remote nature, and adventure. This differentiation can attract niche markets—palaeontology enthusiasts, adventure hikers, wilderness seekers—and help broaden the country’s tourism appeal beyond traditional sites.

Tourism Impact: Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities

• Local economic benefit: Increased tourism can support local services—guides, guest‑houses, transport, and food. The remoteness means even small numbers of visitors can make a significant local impact.
• Education and conservation awareness: Visitors to the slab and waterfall valley bring attention to geological heritage, which may translate into funding or interest for conservation of the sanctuary’s features.
• Slow and sustainable tourism model: Because the site is remote and must remain undeveloped to retain its charm, it provides an ideal case for low‑volume, high‑quality tourism that emphasises experience over mass visits.

Challenges

• Fragile fossil site: The dinosaur tracks are exposed rock surfaces and vulnerable to damage from foot traffic, vandalism, or weathering. Without careful management, the very thing that attracts visitors could be degraded. Indeed, some reports note spoilage of track marks from past tourism.
• Infrastructure and access: The remote location means roads may be rough, signage and amenities minimal, and weather or terrain can complicate travel. For tourism to expand safely, access improvements must be balanced with environmental protection.
• Balancing visitor experience and conservation: As tourism interest grows, there is a risk of overcrowding, commercialisation, or damage to the natural and heritage assets. Developing visitor guidelines, trail systems, and interpretive signage will be key.
• Permit and management issues: Given the protected status (as part of a sanctuary and nature reserve), tourism must align with regulations. Logistics such as permits, guides, and transport may limit spontaneous tourism and add cost.

Visitor Experience: When to Go, What to Do, and How to Prepare

Best Seasons

The most favourable times to visit Hojapil Sanctuary are spring and autumn. These seasons bring milder mountain weather, accessible trails, and more comfortable conditions. Summer heat or mountain storms may make travel more difficult; winter conditions could restrict access further.

Activities and Highlights

• Walk the fossil slab: Observing and gently walking along the dinosaur footprint slab is a core highlight. Guided interpretation can enhance understanding of fossil tracks, geology, and ancient environmental conditions.
• Hike to the waterfall valley: A canyon or valley hike that leads to the waterfall provides a contrasting setting and an active nature experience.
• Photography and contemplation: The remote nature, geological features, and waterfall offer opportunities for photography, reflection, and quiet exploration away from crowds.
• Combine with other Koytendag sites: Visitors may link Hojapil with other features in the Koytendag Mountains—caves, ridges, nature reserve trails—for a multi‑day nature/adventure trip.

Practical Tips

• Use a 4×4 or suitable vehicle if roads are rough.
• Hire a local guide familiar with the sanctuary and its trails.
• Carry sufficient water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.
• Respect the fossil slab and surrounding environment—stay on marked paths; avoid stepping directly on fragile track‑areas where instructed.
• Check permit requirements with local authorities or tour operators in advance.

A Concluding Sense of Discovery: Walking With Giants in the Koytendag Range

In the remote heights of Turkmenistan’s Koytendag Mountains, the Hojapil Sanctuary offers travellers a unique intersection of deep time and living nature. To stand upon the fossilised footprints of dinosaurs and then to turn to a cascading waterfall amidst ancient rock is to traverse epochs—from the Mesozoic to the now. The sanctuary invites not only sightseeing, but immersion: of geology, of wilderness, of remote travel as a meaningful achievement rather than a mere visit. For those willing to make the effort, Hojapil can become more than a stop on the map—it can become a memory of place, scale, and hidden wonder. As tourism interest in Turkmenistan grows, the future of this site hinges on careful stewardship: to preserve the tracks, protect the valley, maintain the wild character, and still welcome travellers who seek not just to see but to connect.