The Köýtendag Nature Reserve was formerly known as the Kugitang Nature Reserve. It is an interesting geological research center, right on the border with Uzbekistan. The nature reserve was established in 1986 and it measures 271.4 km².

Its main attraction is a rock plateau that is imprinted with hundreds of dinosaur footprints. It is thought that in the Jurassic period, some 150 million years ago, the plateau was the bed of a lagoon. Later, when the lagoon dried out the wet sand, including the tracks was left to bake in the sun and hardened. Later it was covered by sand and dust that protected the prints from eroding.

There are also more than 300 interesting caves. Aýrybaba is also located in the Köýtendag Nature Reserve. It is the highest peak in Turkmenistan. The Daraydere Canyon is one of the deepest and most lush canyons in the reserve.

The nature reserve is located in the extreme east of Turkmenistan. It encompasses:

• The Garlyk Sanctuary.
• The Hojapil Sanctuary.
• The Hojaburjybelent Sanctuary.
• The Hojagarawul Sanctuary.

The best way to visit it, is on a day trip from Magdanly, not far to the southwest.