The nature of Turkmenistan is diverse. Deserts of various types, seashore and mountains coexist here. This time we went to travel to the Kopetdag mountains not far from Kelyat of the Akhal velayat.

Lovers of active recreation who have been here talked about picturesque, but sometimes difficult to pass places. Despite the sultry climate of our country, the fast-flowing mountain rivers are always pleasantly cool.

Leaving Ashgabat early in the morning, you can be on the spot in a few hours. The path is not close, but the meeting with the nature of the native land justifies the time spent. Turning towards the mountains, we leave behind residential houses and a flat, asphalt road. Then we drive along rocky tracks. Plains give way to mountain landscapes.

A little more and the road ends at high bushes of blackberries and comb. The aroma of herbs and mountain mint, pleasant coolness and the murmur of the river will delight travelers tired of several hours of travel. After resting a little from the road and having a snack, you can go further on foot.

The path carries you higher and higher, opening a view of the area, but soon turns down to thickets of reeds and wild blackberries. Having overcome the vegetation jungle, we will find ourselves in a picturesque gorge, along the bottom of which lies the bed of the Bakhchi river.

There is already a completely different landscape - high-rise mountain rocks, at the foot of which a stream of water flows. Further only along the river. It is not full of water and does not impede forward movement.

Overcoming the rapids one by one, you can admire the surrounding natural beauty. On the way, there are low waterfalls. Blackberry twigs hang over the murmuring water streams, inviting travelers to feast on ripe berries.

After walking for a walk and overcoming the way back, you can remember the picturesque places of the Kopetdag mountains, which are perfectly illustrated by the photographs brought.       

Larisa Fomina

Photo by the author