Tamgaly Tas Ili River
Explore thousands of ancient petroglyphs, from the Bronze Age to Medieval times, set against the scenic Ili River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Tamgaly Tas Ili River
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore thousands of ancient petroglyphs, from the Bronze Age to Medieval times, set against the scenic Ili River.
"I was mesmerized by the petroglyphs up close; it made me realize our ancestors deliberately made their carvings indestructible."
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for understanding the petroglyphs. Many visitors find guides crucial due to limited on-site information.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Even in winter, dress warmly. Temperatures can be freezing (-8°C recorded), so proper winter clothing is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Petroglyphs
Canyon walls
Thousands of rock carvings from the Bronze Age to Medieval times, including animals, hunting scenes, and Buddhist imagery.
Buddhist Imagery
Specific rock faces
Remarkable depictions of Buddha and deities, offering a unique glimpse into ancient spiritual practices.
Ili River Scenery
Along the riverbanks
Serene natural beauty with rugged landscapes and the majestic Ili River providing a peaceful backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for understanding the petroglyphs. Many visitors find guides crucial due to limited on-site information.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Even in winter, dress warmly. Temperatures can be freezing (-8°C recorded), so proper winter clothing is a must.
🗺️ Navigate Carefully
Dirt roads can be rough. An SUV is recommended, but a sedan can manage with slow driving.
📱 Use Translation Apps
English is not widely spoken. Rely on translation apps to communicate with locals and guides.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for understanding the petroglyphs. Many visitors find guides crucial due to limited on-site information.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Even in winter, dress warmly. Temperatures can be freezing (-8°C recorded), so proper winter clothing is a must.
🗺️ Navigate Carefully
Dirt roads can be rough. An SUV is recommended, but a sedan can manage with slow driving.
📱 Use Translation Apps
English is not widely spoken. Rely on translation apps to communicate with locals and guides.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Facilities are minimal. Pack plenty of water and snacks for your visit, especially if not on a guided tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are often mesmerized by the ancient petroglyphs at Tamgaly Tas, finding the experience deeply moving and historically significant. The site's natural beauty and the unique Buddhist imagery are frequently highlighted as major draws. However, the challenging access roads and limited on-site information mean that a guided tour is highly recommended for a fulfilling visit.
"I felt like a giddy grade schooler again visiting this place. Upon seeing the site and the museum, memories of old petroglyph pictures from my grade school textbooks came flooding back in. And seeing the petroglyphs up close, I was mesmerized. And again: giddy.
What is ironic is that my tour guide did not know the location. It was his first time to visit this place as well. FYI – my tour guide specializes on day tours to and from Almaty and hasn’t done any specialized southern Kazakhstan tours. And with the Winter 2025 tour I proposed to my tour guide, we ventured to southern Kazakhstan: going to Taraz and Shymkent, staying a night or 2 on each city. One of the stops during the drive to the southern KZ cities was this site, and I am now thankful that the tour guide proposed to visit this site as it was one of my highlights of my Kazakhstan 2025 winter trip.
I had the entire site for myself as I was the only tourist visiting this wonderful site. Yes, the weather during winter was very chilly (a freezing -8 degrees), so I do advise proper winter clothing while venturing to the site, even though that this is located in southern Kazakhstan.
A local tour staff (probably one of their caretakers) from the museum guided us to the petroglyphs’ site. Though the staff did not spoke a word of English, it was clear that he was very enthusiastic and was very excited to see an interested foreigner like me - well, maybe I’m the only tourist who visited there to begin with, as the site is not popular during the harsh winter month of January.
The main highlight – the petroglyphs themselves – are different from what I was expecting. The rock carvings are very “hardy”. I initially imagine it to be as quite fragile as it is exposed to the elements. But up close, and upon touching the grooves of the petroglyphs on the rock, it made me realize that our prehistoric ancestors deliberately made their carvings very indestructible (for lack of a better word). Maybe they have a foresight that their carvings will be seen 25,000 years later.
I am not sure if my review will be viewed by a lot of people considering the petroglyph sites of Southern Kazakhstan is not usually interesting for most people, especially the Gen Z crowd, but I do plead all foreign tourists to consider visiting this site, especially if you are interested in history or archeology."
Raymundo Atienza
"Tamgaly-Tas (Таңбалы тас) is a remarkable archaeological and cultural site located along the Ili River in Kazakhstan. Known for its ancient petroglyphs, this site features carvings that date back to as early as the Bronze Age. The most famous petroglyphs are depictions of Buddha and various deities, making it a significant site for followers of Buddhism, but the rock carvings also include scenes of animals, hunting, and daily life from ancient civilizations. The name "Tamgaly-Tas" translates to "rocks with signs" or "inscribed stones," which is fitting for a site rich in symbolic and historical meanings.
In addition to its archaeological importance, Tamgaly-Tas is a place of natural beauty. It’s surrounded by rugged landscapes and the scenic Ili River, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, historians, and spiritual pilgrims alike. The area offers visitors a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, enhanced by the serene flow of the river and the majestic, weathered cliffs. The site stands as a testament to Kazakhstan's ancient history, cultural diversity, and natural wonders, drawing both domestic and international tourists."
aj
"Tamgaly petroglyphs
(Tamgaly-Tas)
This is a Unesco world heritage site in Kazakhstan, about 110 Km from Almaty. Tanbaly is the local name.
There are rock carvings dating back to the Bronze age (second millennium BC). The rock art seems to have Buddhist influence though there are animals and humans depicted too, like in some prehistoric sites in India and elsewhere. It is similar to what we have in Bhimbetka, and Robertsganj in India. River Illysk (they call it Illi) flows in the Tanbaly gorge and presents a spectacular view.
I hired a taxi and did a day trip to the beautiful Tanbaly gorge. Oraz -the taxi guy spoke some working English so the time wasn't boring. Usually there is an entrance ticket and also a parking fee but the day I went was the day of garbage clearance and the site was closed for tourists. There were school children and teachers who were doing this volunteer service. So I had free entry and an opportunity to interact with the volunteers. Language is a problem in Kazakhastan and you have to rely upon the Google translator. Very few people speak English. Two of the teachers spoke English and we chatted about their country and the work they were doing as volunteers. Some photos are included with this write up."
Raj Sudan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tamgaly Tas is located about 110 km from Almaty. The most common way to visit is by hiring a taxi or joining a guided tour. The journey involves driving on dirt roads, which can be challenging, so an SUV is recommended, though a sedan can manage with careful driving.
Yes, independent visits are possible by hiring a car or taxi. However, due to limited signage and information, it's highly recommended to hire a local guide to fully appreciate the historical significance of the petroglyphs.
The roads leading to Tamgaly Tas are primarily dirt roads and can be rough. Visitors have reported that while a sedan can navigate them slowly, an SUV is a more comfortable and safer option.
Public transportation directly to Tamgaly Tas is very limited or non-existent. It is best to arrange private transport, such as a taxi or a tour, from Almaty.
The travel time from Almaty to Tamgaly Tas can vary depending on road conditions and traffic, but it typically takes around 2-3 hours one way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There might be an entrance ticket and parking fee, though some visitors have reported free entry on certain days or during specific events. It's advisable to check locally or with your tour operator.
Tamgaly Tas is an open-air archaeological site. While there aren't strict 'opening hours' like a museum, it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Some parts might be closed for events or maintenance.
Advance booking is generally not required for Tamgaly Tas itself, especially for independent visits. However, if you are booking a guided tour, you will need to arrange that in advance.
While some visitors mention a 'museum,' it appears to be more of a visitor center or information point rather than a traditional museum. Information on-site can be limited, reinforcing the need for a guide.
Yes, Tamgaly Tas can be visited in winter, but be prepared for very cold temperatures and potentially snowy conditions. Proper winter clothing is essential.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tamgaly Tas features around 5,000 petroglyphs dating from the Bronze Age to the Medieval era. You'll find depictions of animals, hunting scenes, daily life, and notably, Buddhist imagery including Buddha and deities.
While the broader Tamgaly site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tamgaly Tas specifically is a significant archaeological and cultural site along the Ili River, known for its unique petroglyphs.
Exploring Tamgaly Tas involves walking among the canyons to view the petroglyphs. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain. A guided tour will enhance the experience significantly.
Facilities at Tamgaly Tas are very basic. It's advisable to use restrooms before you arrive and bring your own food and drinks, as there are no cafes or extensive services on-site.
Tamgaly Tas offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially with the petroglyphs set against the natural landscape and the Ili River. The best light for photography is typically during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The best times for photography are during the golden hours – early morning and late afternoon. The low-angle sunlight highlights the texture of the petroglyphs and creates dramatic shadows, making them stand out.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a similar zoom, is useful for capturing both wide landscape shots and details of the petroglyphs. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions or capturing textures.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be respectful of the site and avoid using flash directly on ancient carvings if it could cause damage. Drone usage might be restricted, so check local regulations.
To capture the scale, include elements in your frame that provide context, such as the surrounding rock formations, the Ili River, or even a person (if with a guide or companion) standing near the carvings.
The areas with the most concentrated and well-preserved Buddhist imagery are particularly photogenic. Also, look for carvings set against dramatic natural backdrops of the canyons and the river.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to manage expectations regarding on-site amenities; there are no playgrounds or dedicated children's facilities. Bring plenty of snacks, water, and entertainment for the drive. A guide can help make the historical context more accessible and interesting for younger visitors, turning it into an educational expedition.
🏛️ History & Archaeology Buffs
To truly appreciate the site, hiring a local guide is highly recommended. They can point out significant carvings, explain their potential meanings, and share local lore that isn't readily available elsewhere. Visiting during off-peak times can offer a more contemplative experience, allowing for deeper immersion in the historical atmosphere.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hours – sunrise and sunset – for the most dramatic lighting that accentuates the carvings. Consider bringing a versatile lens to capture both wide vistas and intricate details. Be mindful of the terrain when setting up shots, and always respect the historical integrity of the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Art of Tamgaly Tas
One of the most striking aspects of Tamgaly Tas is the presence of Buddhist imagery, including figures of Buddha and various deities. This suggests a historical connection to Buddhist traditions and pilgrimage routes, making it a significant site for understanding the spread of religious and cultural influences in Central Asia. The name 'Tamgaly Tas' itself translates to 'rocks with signs' or 'inscribed stones,' a fitting description for this open-air gallery of ancient messages.
Visitors are often mesmerized by the 'hardy' nature of the carvings, which appear deliberately made to withstand the elements for thousands of years. This durability speaks to the intentions of the ancient artists, who sought to leave a lasting legacy. The experience of seeing these petroglyphs up close can evoke a profound sense of connection to the past, making it a deeply moving and educational visit for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
Navigating the Journey to Tamgaly Tas
Many visitors opt for organized tours or hire local taxis for the trip. This not only simplifies transportation but also often includes a knowledgeable guide who can provide invaluable context about the petroglyphs. Communication can be a barrier, as English is not widely spoken in the region, so having a guide who can translate or using a reliable translation app on your phone is essential for a richer experience.
It's important to be prepared for the journey. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities at the site are minimal. The drive itself, though potentially rough, offers scenic views of the Kazakh landscape, adding to the adventure of reaching this remote archaeological wonder.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit