In this guide, I’ll explain how to visit Yangykala Canyon, where it is, when to go, and what to expect once you get there.
Located deep in the Karakum Desert, Yangykala is a remote canyon of vibrant pink, red, and orange cliffs that look like something out of a sci-fi film. It’s a surreal place few travellers ever reach, but absolutely worth the detour.
Also read: Turkmenistan Itinerary | One Week Across The Desert
Where is Yangykala Canyon
Yangykala Canyon lies in the remote west of Turkmenistan, about 160 km from the Caspian Sea coast and the city of Turkmenbashi. It’s located in the Balkan region, a sparsely populated part of the country dominated by desert and badlands.
Geologically, the canyon is part of the Ustyurt Plateau, an ancient seabed that once formed the floor of the Tethys Ocean. Over millions of years, sedimentary layers of limestone, clay, and sandstone were laid down which later eroded by wind and water into jagged cliffs and deep ravines.
The stunning pink, red, and yellow banding comes from mineral-rich layers oxidising at different rates. The result I think is a landscape that looks more like Mars than Earth. What do you think?
Similar formations can be found across the Ustyurt, stretching into Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region, but Yangykala remains one of the most visually dramatic and least visited examples.
How to Get to Yangykala Canyon
The Route
There are no buses or public transport to Yangykala, and self-driving is not possible in Turkmenistan without a local guide. The only way to get there is as part of a private tour, typically arranged from:
- Turkmenbashi (2–3 hours by 4×4)
- Balkanabat (3–4 hours)
- Or part of a longer route from Ashgabat
Most itineraries that include Yangykala also visit Awaza (a Caspian resort zone) and continue east back toward Ashgabat with an overnight stay in Nokhur.
You can check out my Turkmenistan itinerary for an example on how to incorporate Yangykala Canyon in your own itinerary.
Organising a Tour to Yangykala Canyon
Yangykala Canyon isn’t the kind of place you can just show up at. Independent travel isn’t allowed in Turkmenistan, so you’ll need to arrange your visit as part of a guided tour.
The good news? Everything will be taken care of for you, from transport and camping gear to meals and permits.
We organised our trip through Murad, a trusted local guide who arranged our entire one-week Turkmenistan itinerary, including the overnight stay at Yangykala. You can find all the details on how to get in touch with him in my Turkmenistan travel tips article.
Why You’ll Need a 4×4
After leaving the paved roads behind, the final hour is spent off-roading across sandy terrain. Tracks are not clearly marked, so only experienced drivers can find the correct viewpoints.
A proper 4WD vehicle is essential, not just for the sandy ground, but also for navigating narrow canyon ridges safely.
Make sure your guide is experienced in driving off-road and comes fully equipped. While remote, it’s perfectly possible to visit and camp at Yangykala Canyon safely and comfortably with the right guide and preparation.
When to Visit & What to Bring
Best Time to Visit Yangykala Canyon
The best time to visit Yangykala Canyon is in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) when daytime temperatures are more manageable. Summer months are extremely hot, and there’s no shade anywhere in the canyon.
Sunrise and sunset are the most beautiful times of day, with the cliffs glowing in soft reds and oranges. If you’re camping overnight, try to arrive in the late afternoon to catch golden hour at the canyon rim.
What to Pack
You’ll be far from civilisation, so come prepared. Essentials include:
- Plenty of water
- Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Snacks or a packed meal
- BBQ supplies
- A camera with plenty of storage
- Warm layers if camping overnight (it can get cold after sunset)
- Wet wipes or sanitiser (no facilities)
And don’t forget travel insurance. I recommend you take a look at Heymondo that also has coverage for Turkmenistan. Their insurance covers both health and travel-related issues, and readers of Next Journey Ahead get 5% off via this link.
What to Expect When You Arrive
The First Look at Yangykala Canyon
After a long and bumpy drive, the canyon seems to appear out of nowhere. One moment you’re crossing flat desert scrub; the next, the ground falls away to reveal layers of pastel-coloured cliffs stretching to the horizon.
Viewpoints & Landmarks
There’s no single “entrance” or designated walking trail at Yangykala Canyon. Your guide will for sure take you to the best-known lookout point nicknamed the Crocodile Beak, thanks to a dramatic rock formation that juts out over the canyon.
Other possible stops include:
- Panoramic ridges where you can walk along the cliff edge
- Rocky outcrops for climbing and photos
- Small caves or erosion pockets that add texture to the landscape
The area here is untouched and there are no guardrails, signs, or souvenir stalls. Just you, the wind, and one of the most spectacular landscapes in Central Asia.
Wildlife Encounters
Despite the barren surroundings, Yangykala is home to some wildlife. We spotted:
- Vultures circling overhead, almost seemed like they were waiting on us to die
- Small desert foxes snooping around our tents at night eating our BBQ leftovers
- Insects and sparrows darting between rock crevices
Camping Overnight at Yangykala Canyon
Why Camp at Yangykala Canyon
While a day trip is possible, the best way to experience Yangykala is to camp overnight. Sunset and sunrise transform the cliffs into a kaleidoscope of colour and the utter silence of the canyon at night is unforgettable.
Apart from this during the day it can be too hot to enjoy your time here. So arriving late in the afternoon when it’s cooling down is a much more convenient way of visiting this remote place.
Where to Set Up Camp
Most guides set up camp at a flat area near one of the main viewpoints. There are no facilities, so everything must be brought in, such as tents, mattresses, cooking gear, and firewood.
What It’s Like
Our tent was simple but warm enough (in early June). We ate BBQ chicken and salad around a campfire and watched the cliffs fade into darkness. Later that night, the sky lit up with stars, and the only sounds were the occasional breeze and a scavenging desert fox.
Camping here isn’t luxurious, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Final Thoughts
Yangykala Canyon is one of the most dramatic and unexpected landscapes in all of Central Asia. It’s remote, hard to reach, and barely developed, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Whether you’re building a longer Turkmenistan itinerary or looking for one jaw-dropping stop, Yangykala should be on your list.
Also read: Complete Turkmenistan Travel Guide
Have questions about visiting Yangykala Canyon? Leave a comment below or message me on Instagram. And sign up for my newsletter to get new travel articles and practical tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Planning a trip to Turkmenistan? Then check out my other Central Asia and Turkmenistan articles:
- 7 Incredible Things to See and Do in Turkmenistan
- 15 Things To Do in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s Surreal Capital
- Ancient Merv | Explore One of Central Asia’s Oldest Cities
- Yangykala Canyon | How to Visit Turkmenistan’s Grand Canyon
- Darvaza Gas Crater | How To Visit Turkmenistan’s Fiery Heart
- Turkmenistan Itinerary | One Week Across the Desert
- Turkmenistan Travel Tips | What To Know Before You Go
