Petroglyphs in Cholpon Ata

Petroglyphs in Cholpon Ata are of one the most interesting historical sites in Kyrgyzstan which certainly must be included into your tour if you travel to the northern shore of Issyk Kul lake. It is the second huge collection of carved stones dating from at least as early as 2000BC in the Bronze Age, and may well be even older. This unique open air museum bears a name “Saimaluu Tash” which means “embroidered” or patterned stones in Kyrgyz which is not by chance. 

Around 5, 000 boulders are scattered over the slopes and are etched onto shiny basaltic stone representing the images of snow leopards, mountain goats, deers, hunting scenes, ritual dances and many others. Archeologists agree on the point that this site served the ancient tribes a sacred place where shamans practiced votive offerings. 

The first biggest collection in Kyrgyzstan takes place in an open plateau in 100 km distance from Jalal Abad city at the altitude of 3,000 meters. This site covers over 11,000 carved stoned along 3 km distance. However this place is not easily accessible, you can reach there by rent car and leave it in a village of Kazarman and the rest of the route must be completed by foot. While petroglyphs in Cholpon Ata can be easily reached by stopping your rent car right at the gate and enjoy half an hour walk among these marvelous creatures of humankind. Come to visit petroglyphs in Cholpon Ata during your tour in Kyrgyzstan.