| Hojapil Sanctuary | |
| Location: | Lebap Province,  Turkmenistan |
| Area: | 17,532 ha |
| Established: | 1986 |
Hojapil Sanctuary is a sanctuary (zakaznik) of Turkmenistan and a part of Köýtendag Nature Reserve.[1] It was established in 1986.[2]
An inclined limestone slab—spanning about 0.5 km in length and 0.2 km in width—preserving hundreds of dinosaur footprints, is a popular tourist attraction. The site was discovered by Soviet geologist in the 80s; Turkmen scientists propose the evidence to be suggestive of three new dinosaur species: Gissarosaurus, Hojapilosaurus, and Turkmenosaurus. In local tradition, the footprints were cast by elephants belonging either to the forces of Alexander the Great or some returning pilgrim from India.
A sacred site in Turkmen tradition, the floor of the cave has a tomb. Local legends explain the cave to have been created in an act of God, when 40 women — fearing capture by rogues — prayed for protection.
A waterfall with a height of 27 meters is popular among tourists.