Yangikala canyons

One of the scenic natural objects of Turkmenistan — Yangikala canyons is located165 km to the north from Balkanabat and 160 km to the east from Turkmenbashi. The word expression” yangi kala” is translated from Turkmen as “fire fortresses”. Indeed, the sheer cliffs of white, yellow, ocher, purple and red colors, fancily carved by winds and rains, are very similar to the stone castles from a fantasy. The most beautiful canyons are during sunset, when everything is painted in a red-hot color. Once, the bottom of the canyons was the bottom of an ancient sea. And today you can walk there, like in a natural park of sculptures made of compressed soil, sloughing in hands. For this reason, although you can climb the variegated hills, you cannot handhold the buttress. This place is perfect for hiking and overnight stays in tents, as well as for jeep safari. Although Yangikala is frequently visited by tourists, yet this canyon is not included in a standard tour program. Therefore, it is better to agree in advance on its visit with your tour operator. A four-hour drive from Ashgabat in the west of Kopet Dag range there is a region settled by Turkmens of the mountain tribe Nokhur, that have for centuries preserved their unique culture, traditional crafts and architecture. Nokhur (also Nohur) is in the list of 100 the most romantic places of the world. Picturesque villages Old and New Nokhur on the mountain plateau are beauty of two-store houses of unique architecture that are on the mountain cliffs among vines, almond and pomegranate trees.