Yangigala, Kizyl Dag, Fiery Rocks, Rainbow Mountains and Pink Canyon – these are the names of the area on the ancient Ustyurt plateau south of the Garabogaz Bay in the northwest of the Balkan velayat, which is one of the most picturesque natural sites of Turkmenistan and is located 165 km north of Balkanabat and 160 km east of the seaside city of Turkmenbashi. The area of the approximately 24-kilometre section is also called the Grand Canyon of Central Asia, which is recognised as one of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.
The fantastic natural landscape appeared due to geological processes, climate and time. 2500 years ago, the Tethys Ocean was located on this site, but when it dried up, deposits of sandstone and other minerals remained in its place. Then the collision of tectonic plates led to the appearance of hills, and they in turn experienced the effects of erosion, wind and rain, forming incredible layers resembling a giant layered cake in a section.
