The first light of day slashed through the majestic cliffs of Yangikala, washing them in hues of crimson, violet, and gold. Standing at the edge of the legendary precipice, I gazed at an endless horizon—where millions of years ago, the vast Tethys Ocean once surged.

These breathtaking formations were once part of an ancient seabed. Today, exploring the expansive canyons—stretching for hundreds of kilometers—feels like stepping into another world. You can drive through rugged landscapes on a jeep safari, hike among towering rock formations, or simply take in the sheer immensity of this natural wonder.

For the best views, climb to the canyon’s plateau, where dramatic cliffs plunge into deep ravines below. If you’re lucky, you might even find fossilized seashells and uniquely shaped stones, remnants of the ocean that once covered this land. But the true magic of Yangikala reveals itself at sunset—when its fiery cliffs glow in the fading light, transforming the landscape into a masterpiece of nature.

Despite its raw beauty, Yangikala remains untouched by mass tourism, preserving an air of mystery. Located 165 km north of Balkanabat and 190 km east of Turkmenbashi, this geological marvel lives up to its name—“Fiery Fortresses.” Over millions of years, the forces of nature sculpted these cliffs into surreal formations, painting them in deep reds and oranges. Locals call them “Gyzyl Dag,” or “Red Mountains.”

Into the Heart of an Ancient Land

Before heading out to Yangikala, I had one major concern—the weather. With winds predicted to reach 20 m/s, this wasn’t going to be an easy journey. But skipping the chance to see the so-called “Grand Canyon of Central Asia”? Not an option.

We set out from Turkmenbashi, where we stayed at the four-star Beyik Yupek Yoly Hotel (double rooms from $88). Though not in the city center, it offered a comfortable base before our adventure.

At dawn, our off-road vehicles pulled up, ready for the drive ahead. The first 100 km of the journey passed smoothly on paved roads, with only a few potholes to dodge. But the last stretch—about one-third of the route—was pure wilderness. The asphalt disappeared, replaced by dusty, uneven trails, with deep ruts carved into the earth. As we neared the canyons, the desolate desert gave way to rugged beauty, and the real adventure began.

Wind, Abyss, and Infinity

The forecast was spot on. At the canyon’s summit, the wind roared, threatening to rip hats from heads and push us off balance. We left the jeeps behind and made our way toward the cliffs.

The main attraction? A legendary rock ledge jutting out over the abyss, offering one of the most awe-inspiring views in Central Asia. Below us yawned a 500-meter-deep chasm; ahead, endless space stretched to the horizon. Far below, the dry riverbeds of ancient waterways twisted like veins through the landscape.

Stepping closer to the edge was daunting, but we couldn’t resist capturing the moment. Holding our ground against the wind, we snapped a few photos—each one a testament to the raw power of nature. Then, we simply stood in silence, soaking it all in. Overcome with awe, we let out a shout, and the canyon’s echo answered back, amplifying the vastness of this place. It was a moment of pure exhilaration, the kind that lingers long after the journey ends.

A Night Under the Stars

Despite its extreme conditions, Yangikala is a dream for campers, offering an unforgettable overnight experience for those who love the great outdoors. We gathered around a campfire, savoring the smoky aroma of grilled meat and the rhythmic crackling of burning wood. As the sky turned deep indigo, the cliffs reflected. the last light of day, glowing like embers before fading into darkness.

Eventually, we packed up and headed back, making our way to the NEBITCHI 3-star hotel in Balkanabat (double rooms from $104). 

But Yangikala had left its mark. The Fire Fortresses of Turkmenistan had lived up to their name—fierce, untamed, and utterly unforgettable.

The material was published in Travel+Leisure Central Asia magazine (July 2025)