Saimaluu-Tash

Saimaluu-Tash, which translates to 'patterned stone', is a world-class archaeological site in the Fergana Range. At an altitude of over 3,000 meters, this high valley houses more than 10,000 stones with carvings dating back to the Bronze Age. The depictions include animals, hunting scenes, religious rituals, and astronomical symbols, providing deep insight into the spiritual world of early Central Asian inhabitants. Access to this open-air museum is difficult and only possible during the summer months of July and August when the snow has melted. The journey requires a multi-day hike or ride through pristine mountain landscapes, making the visit a true expedition. The isolation has helped the petroglyphs remain in a remarkable state of preservation over millennia. Although there is no tourist infrastructure on-site, the experience of camping under the open sky amidst this ancient art is incomparable. Visitors should travel self-sufficiently and bring necessary gear for extreme mountain conditions. Saimaluu-Tash is a sacred place for archaeology enthusiasts and adventurers wanting to explore the origins of human civilization in one of the earth's most remote regions.

Nearby cities

Jalal-Abad

One of the largest cities in the south of the country, known for its hot springs and mineral waters.

Tash-Kumyr

An industrial city on the Naryn River, known for its coal mining and hydroelectric power plants.

Toktogul

A city north of the huge Toktogul Reservoir, surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges.

Kochkor-Ata

A city in the Jalal-Abad Region whose economy is traditionally dominated by oil and gas extraction.

Kerben

A small town in the Aksy District, located in a picturesque mountainous landscape in the west of the country.

Kazarman

A highly isolated mining settlement in inner Kyrgyzstan, often cut off from the rest of the country in winter.

Suusamyr Valley

A vast high-altitude plateau at 2,200 meters, famous for its green pastures and traditional Kumis production.

Mailuu-Suu

A former Soviet closed city, famous for its uranium mining during the Cold War.

Sary-Chelek Lake

A stunning high-altitude lake within a UNESCO biosphere reserve, famous for its crystal-clear waters and dense walnut forests.

History & landmarks

Saimaluu Tash

A remote mountain site hosting over 10,000 petroglyphs from the Bronze and Iron Ages.

Nature

Sary-Chelek Lake

Hidden in the mountains lies the deep blue Sary-Chelek Lake, framed by wild fruit and walnut forests.

Chatkal River

The wild Chatkal River has carved deep, breathtaking gorges into the mountains of the western Tien Shan.

More places

Saimaluu-Tash State Nature Park

This park is world-famous for its tens of thousands of rock carvings (petroglyphs) scattered high in the mountains.

Makmal Gold Mine

A significant gold mining complex in the Jalal-Abad Region.

Kambar-Ata-2 Hydroelectric Power Station

A modern hydroelectric project to increase Kyrgyzstan's energy capacity.

Arslanbob Walnut Forest

The massive walnut forests of Arslanbob are a unique natural heritage, stretching across gentle hills.

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Dashman State Nature Reserve

The reserve is famous for its ancient and extensive walnut forests, which are considered the largest in the world.

Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station

The largest hydroelectric power station in the country, located on the Naryn River.

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Fergana Valley Cotton Fields

In the warm plains of southern Kyrgyzstan, extensive cotton fields dominate the landscape.

Mailuu-Suu Lightbulb Factory

One of the largest lightbulb factories in Central Asia.