The Koytendag Nature Reserve, belonging to the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, is located in Lebap velayat. Koytendag is also called "kerem-keramatly." When visiting Koytendag, one can see the Ayribaba peak, the highest point in the country at 3,139 meters.
One of the most unique beauties of Koytendag is its narrow valleys and long, rocky streams. There are several such streams in Koytendag, including "Umbar dere," "Daraýy dere," "Kyrkgyz deresi," "Bulak dere," and "Hojagarawul dere." Among these rivers, "Daraýy dere" stands out for its beauty and unique appearance. This stream is 18 kilometers long, 15-20 meters wide (and even wider in some places), and consists of sheer cliffs on both sides. The stream is a source of hail and cools the surroundings even in summer.
On both sides of the source flowing from "Daraýy dere," a forest adorns the stream. The forest is located on the surface of the sheer cliffs, where eagles, vultures and other birds nest.
Another wonder that has made Koytendag famous worldwide is the high plain where dinosaur footprints have been preserved. Scientists believe that the footprints belong to dinosaurs that lived in prehistoric times. About 2,500 dinosaur footprints can be found here on an inclined plane 400 and 300 meters long,
Currently, efforts are being made to preserve and study these unique and scientifically valuable footprints. When talking about Koytendag, one cannot fail to mention Koyten Lake. Located near the village of Koyten, this standing lake is one of the deepest in the country.
Tourists are also attracted by the diversity of Koytendag's flora. The Arnap trees located near the village of Koyten are the only ones in the country. The Arnap tree is known by other names in the folk tradition, such as unabi and chylan (igde). The National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Hero-Arkadag, provided specific information about the medicinal properties of the "Arnap agajy" in the scientific encyclopedia "Türkmenistanyň dermanlyk ösümlikleri."
Koytendag has more than 930 species of plants, with 10 percent of them found only in these areas. Many of them are also known as medicinal plants. The evergreen juniper is one of the main ornaments of Koytendag.
As for the fauna of Koytendag, it can be said that more than 40 species of mammals inhabit the area. Among them, it is necessary to mention the mountain goat with a twisted horn, known as the Makhrur. The Makhrur is unique in that it is found only in these areas. They are adapted to live at an altitude of 1,500-2,500 meters above sea level. These animals, which perform amazing feats on the rocks, are under strict protection of the reserve.
Dozens of species of flowers, which are symbol of beauty, grow in Koytendag. Eight of the 16 species of roses known as "Bagt güli" in the folk tradition grow here. This is the most beautiful and rare species of rose, growing at an altitude of 700-3,000 meters above sea level.
Extensive work is constantly being carried out in the Koytendag Nature Reserve to preserve and scientifically study the natural beauties and wonders of Koytendag.
