Petroglyphs of Almaty: Tamgaly-Tas and Tamgaly
Full or Half-day
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The tract by the Ili river
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You will see ancient writings on the rocks, made since the Bronze Age. These are the most interesting petroglyphs in Kazakhstan and were included in the UNESCO list because they were preserved in good quality.
This tour is intended for history lovers who want to see rock carvings of various eras, starting from the Bronze Age.
This tour is intended for history lovers who want to see rock carvings of various eras, starting from the Bronze Age.
Don’t know which tour to choose?
What’s the difference:
Both routes are unique and worth your attention. Below, we have prepared the programs for both tours for you — just choose the destination that feels closer to you, and we will organize a comfortable trip!
About tour to Tanbaly Petroglyphs
Kazia Tour organizes excursions from Almaty and around the city, individual and group
Petroglyphs of the archaeological complex of Tamgaly included in the UNESCO List. More than one hundred different monuments, settlements, burial grounds of altars, and accumulations of petroglyphs, concentrated on the territory of about 900 hа and dating from the middle of the 4th-5th cс BC to the turn of the 19th-20th cc, are known in Tamgaly.
The most ancient inhabitants of Tamgaly were the tribes of the Bronze Age in 2 thousand BC. About 3,000 petroglyphs are preserved.
During the tour you will:
Petroglyphs of the archaeological complex of Tamgaly included in the UNESCO List. More than one hundred different monuments, settlements, burial grounds of altars, and accumulations of petroglyphs, concentrated on the territory of about 900 hа and dating from the middle of the 4th-5th cс BC to the turn of the 19th-20th cc, are known in Tamgaly.
The most ancient inhabitants of Tamgaly were the tribes of the Bronze Age in 2 thousand BC. About 3,000 petroglyphs are preserved.
During the tour you will:
- Visit the reserve museum with ancient writings in the gorge, hear the history and interpretation of scripts;
- Visit the "Navel of the Earth" (on request), make a wish in a sacred place, and make a certain rite. Many people note that wishes come true
- Hear the predictions of the local keeper of the object;
8 hours (8:00 – 16:00)
Almaty – Karabastau (170 km) – Almaty
For those who appreciate deep history, archaeology, and want to experience some of the oldest monuments of humankind.
Price for the trip
The price includes: Transportation services, professional guide services, picnic and tea in a thermos.
Tamgaly-Tas (Written Rocks on the Ili River)
Located on the banks of the Ili River, 120 km from Almaty. These are massive steep cliffs carved with majestic images of Buddha and Tibetan mantras — a legacy of monks from the Great Silk Road. A great choice for lovers of scenic riverside landscapes and peaceful walks.
During the tour you will:
During the tour you will:
- Enjoy panoramic views
- Explore ancient petroglyphs
8 hours (8:00 – 16:00)
Almaty – Karabastau (170 km) – Almaty
For lovers of scenic landscapes (cliffs by the water), the history of Buddhism, and peaceful nature walks.
Price for the trip
What should you take with?
-
High QualityPassport or identity card.
Money for the individual expenses -
Camera or phoneAccessories for a photo shoot. -
ClothesThe temperature is about the same as in Almaty. Wear comfortable, warm clothes and shoes. -
Sun protectionWe recommend taking sun glasses.
Photos of Tambaly Petroglyphs
Book a tour and get a free airoport pick up from us!
What is included in service of Kazia Tour?
Meeting at airport if booking 3 tours
Transfer to the location
Guide support
Free cancelation policy
Free cancelation of tour is available until 24 hours before your tour starts
Read our 230+ 5* reviews on TripAdvisor, Viator,
- StevenUK
★★★★★
We became friends!
We had an amazing four-day adventure, made all the more enjoyable by Gulzat's personality. Through discussion, we arrived at the perfect bespoke four-day road trip. We did everything that we wanted to do and it was fantastic that we could return to the Charyn Canyon to take photographs in better light....
- RekaHungary★★★★★
See you in Budapest!
We spent teo days with her! She was so nice and plesent and helpful. I always felt safe. She was helpful! We spoke so much about our familiy and culture, we learned a lot from Kazakhstan! Thank you for the unfogetable experience! I recommend her to anyone! It was amazing how she can speak on three language... - NaoJapan★★★★★
We spent a great day!
I had a great experience with my guide, Gulzat. She is very polite, kind and caring person. She replied me very quick any time. I came to Almaty from Japan alone. I was a little bit nervous before but I was very relieved by her support. She invited me to a nice riverside lunch on the way to Big Almaty Lake. I had an amazing afternoon. The lake was beautiful ....
Frequently Asked Questions
A tour to the Tanbaly petroglyphs allows you to see unique rock carvings from the Bronze and Iron Ages, located in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan. The tour combines a walk through scenic landscapes, exploration of ancient art, and a guide’s story about the culture of nomadic tribes such as the Saka, Scythians, Huns, and Turkics. It is an excellent option for travelers interested in history, nature, and active recreation. The tour is safe and does not require high physical fitness, and photos with the petroglyphs will become a vivid memory of the trip.
The main objects for photos are the Tanbaly petroglyphs featuring images of animals, people, and symbols of nomadic tribes. Beautiful views of the rocks, the surrounding steppe, and small rivers also open up. The tour allows you to take unique shots against the backdrop of historical landmarks and natural landscapes, creating impressive memories of a trip to Kazakhstan.
A tour to the Tanbaly petroglyphs combines active recreation with immersion in ancient history. The rock carvings date back to the Bronze and Iron Ages and reflect the life of ancient Scythian-Sarmatian, Hunnic, and later Turkic-Mongolian nomadic tribes, their rituals, hunting, and beliefs. A guide accompanies the route, telling fascinating stories about how people left their marks thousands of years ago, while the nature of the region makes the excursion scenic and comfortable.
The Tanbaly petroglyphs are located in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan, near the village of Tanbaly. The easiest way to reach the site is by car or as part of an organized tour from Almaty. The route goes along paved and partially dirt roads, with the remaining distance covered by an easy walking trail.
The entire tour to the Tanbaly petroglyphs usually takes about 8 hours, including walking along the trails and viewing all the main carvings. For a comfortable visit, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and to bring water and a light snack. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages when basic safety rules are followed: stay on marked trails, do not get too close to the rock carvings to avoid damaging them, and do not stray far from the group. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Tamgaly (Tanbaly) is one of the oldest and most outstanding rock art monuments of Semirechye and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2004. In the late 1950s, a large number of rock carvings were discovered, and research began in the 1970s and 1980s. The Tamgaly region is located 170 kilometers northwest of the city of Alma-Ata in the Anrakai Mountains.
Most of the petroglyphs are located in the lower part of the main canyon and in the adjacent side canyon from the west, and are also located in 7 sai, located northwest of the main canyon. The total number of drawings of the main canyon is about 2000. All of them are conditionally divided into 7 groups. Groups are counted at the entrance to the canyon.
There are gods with sunny heads, mummers, palicenos warriors, married couples, women in labor, as well as multi-figure compositions depicting people and animals, scenes of animal hunting and bull sacrifice. Scenes depicting chariots are rare. Numerous solar signals are known.
Most of the petroglyphs belong to the Bronze Age. Paintings made in the style of Saka "animals" are mostly placed separately from older petroglyphs, but in some cases, they complement or even overlap each other. Medieval rock carvings are carved on the hills surrounding the canyon and adjacent arid Sayans. The central complex is distinguished by the highest concentration of petroglyphs and, possibly, altars, which indicate the possible ritual purpose of this place for sacrifices.
In addition to petroglyphs, a large number of ancient cemeteries were discovered in Tamgaly.Cysts of stone boxes of the Middle and late Bronze Age, hills of earth and stone from the early Iron Age to the present day.
Most of the petroglyphs are located in the lower part of the main canyon and in the adjacent side canyon from the west, and are also located in 7 sai, located northwest of the main canyon. The total number of drawings of the main canyon is about 2000. All of them are conditionally divided into 7 groups. Groups are counted at the entrance to the canyon.
There are gods with sunny heads, mummers, palicenos warriors, married couples, women in labor, as well as multi-figure compositions depicting people and animals, scenes of animal hunting and bull sacrifice. Scenes depicting chariots are rare. Numerous solar signals are known.
Most of the petroglyphs belong to the Bronze Age. Paintings made in the style of Saka "animals" are mostly placed separately from older petroglyphs, but in some cases, they complement or even overlap each other. Medieval rock carvings are carved on the hills surrounding the canyon and adjacent arid Sayans. The central complex is distinguished by the highest concentration of petroglyphs and, possibly, altars, which indicate the possible ritual purpose of this place for sacrifices.
In addition to petroglyphs, a large number of ancient cemeteries were discovered in Tamgaly.Cysts of stone boxes of the Middle and late Bronze Age, hills of earth and stone from the early Iron Age to the present day.
1-2-3 days tours
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