Walk 5 km into Shirkent gorge to see over 400 fossilized dinosaur footprints, including unique five‑toed prints attributed to Macropodasaurusgravis. This one‑day private tour from Dushanbe pairs geology, light hiking and rural culture.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cool wind threads the Shirkent gorge as you step off the road and into a landscape that still remembers giant feet. Limestone slabs rise from a braided stream, their surfaces scored with fossilized impressions—five-toed prints larger than a human palm—waiting to be read like pages of deep time.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate; able to hike 5 km on uneven terrain with ~200–400 m cumulative elevation change.
Wildlife
History
The footprints are preserved in Mesozoic-age sedimentary rock; local workers have known the sites for generations and the area is protected as a natural monument.
Conservation
Visitors are asked not to step on fossil surfaces, to stick to established paths and to pack out waste to protect the fragile slab exposures and local hydrology.
Reserve your spot on the Shirkent Park, Dinosaur Tracking, One-Day tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring 2–3 liters of water
There’s little shade on exposed rock; hydrate before and during the 5 km hike to the prints.
Wear stiff-sole hiking boots
Uneven limestone and occasional loose scree make ankle support and grip important.
Start early
Morning light reveals footprint details and avoids hotter midday temperatures in the valley.
Use trekking poles for stability
Poles help on short steep pitches and river-bed sections where footing is variable.
Hiking boots
Provides ankle support and traction on limestone and scree.
Trekking poles
Improves balance on riverbeds and steep sections.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Exposed rock reflects sun; protect skin and eyes.
summer
Water reservoir or bottles (2–3L)
Limited water sources en route; bring enough for the whole day.
summer