Tanbaly-Tas, Petroglyph site in Almaty Region, Kazakhstan.
Tanbaly-Tas is an extensive petroglyph site in the Almaty Region containing hundreds of rock carvings scattered across multiple locations within the landscape. The engravings depict varied subjects including human figures, deity symbols, warrior representations, and animal forms.
The earliest carvings were created during the Bronze Age roughly 3000 years ago by the region's early nomadic peoples. Over millennia, successive cultures added their own depictions, using the site continuously across long periods.
The rock carvings depict scenes from nomadic life, including hunts, animals, and people engaged in various activities that reflect the beliefs and daily routines of those who used this site. These images offer glimpses into how ancient communities understood their relationship with the natural world and one another.
The site is located roughly 170 kilometers from Almaty and requires private transportation since no public transit serves the area directly. It helps to go with a knowledgeable guide to navigate the scattered carving locations across the terrain and understand their significance.
The deeper parts of the canyon contain rarer depictions of dance scenes and ritual actions that hint at spiritual practices of the time. Some of these carvings achieve notable size and stand out through their level of detail.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
