Petroglyphs of the Yelangash Valley, Ancient rock art site in Kosh-Agachsky District, Russia.
The Petroglyphs of the Yelangash Valley are stone carvings that display animals, human figures, and geometric patterns across rocky surfaces in the Altai Mountains. The engravings span a wide area and form a substantial collection of ancient artwork created by hand on exposed stone.
The rock carvings were created over several millennia by successive cultures, with the oldest works dating back approximately 3000 years. The continued use of the valley by different peoples throughout time demonstrates its enduring significance in the region.
The carvings depict scenes from daily life, including hunting, herding, and spiritual symbols that reveal how ancient peoples related to their natural surroundings. These images give us a window into the priorities and beliefs of communities who lived in these mountains long ago.
The petroglyphs are located in remote mountain terrain, so hiking experience and reasonable fitness are needed to visit this site. Traveling with local guides is recommended, as they know the exact locations and can help navigate the difficult landscape.
The carvings are positioned where the Boguta and Naryn-Gol rivers meet, creating a natural arrangement like an ancient amphitheater. This geographical feature may explain why early artists chose this location for their work.
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