Petroglyphs of Tamgaly
Таңбалы
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with about 5,000 Bronze Age rock carvings along the canyon walls, most famous for the “Sun-Headed” deity figure.
The Tamgaly (Tanbaly) Petroglyphs are in a canyon in the Chu-Ili Mountains, about 170 km northwest of Almaty. They were inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2004. About 5,000 rock carvings are concentrated on several rock faces, dating from the Bronze Age to modern times. Themes include the “Sun-Headed” deity with rays around its head, dancers, bulls, deer and riders, and the surrounding area also contains ancient tombs and ritual sites. The site has a visitor center and walking paths. Viewing the main rock art panels along the trail takes about 1 to 2 hours, and a small admission fee applies. There is no public transport, so you will need to hire a car or join a one-day tour (about 3 hours one way). It is often combined with the Kapchagay Reservoir. The canyon offers no shade, so bring water and sun protection, and watch out for snakes.
Opening hours
Approx. 9:00 am–6:00 pm (per scenic area notices)
Nearby sights
- First President's Park
- Kazakh State Circus
- Almaty Botanical Garden
- A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts
- Zhibek Zholy (Almaty Arbat)
- Arasan Baths
- Abai Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre
- Almaty Central Mosque