TAMGALY-TAS
Tamgaly-Tas: A Gateway to Ancient Buddhism
Buddhist Inscriptions of the Tamgaly-Tas Tract
Located just 100 kilometers from Almaty, the Tamgaly-Tas tract is an extraordinary open-air Buddhist sanctuary. This stunning area is adorned with petroglyphs depicting enigmatic deities and features intricate Buddhist inscriptions etched into the rocks. Visitors from around the globe come to marvel at the images of the Buddha and sacred Sanskrit texts that bestow blessings upon the lotus-born.
Geographical Features
The Tamgaly-Tas tract sits along the banks of the Ili River, the largest waterway in the Semirechye region, positioned 100 kilometers north of Almaty. To the left, the endless steppe gradually transitions into the Moyinkum Desert, while the Malaysara Ridge rises majestically to the right. Each spring, locals flock to the area to forage for white steppe mushrooms, adding to the region’s allure.
The Mystery of the Inscriptions
For over 150 years, researchers have sought to unravel the origins of the inscriptions found on the Tamgaly-Tas rocks. One prevailing theory suggests that these symbols were crafted by the Kipchak people during the late 8th to early 9th centuries. The significance of these ancient markings remains a captivating topic of study and exploration.
What Makes Tamgaly-Tas Special
Tamgaly-Tas is celebrated for its remarkably preserved petroglyphs, images of deities, and Buddhist inscriptions. Among its most notable features is the depiction of Bodhisattva Arya Avalokiteshvara, a revered figure in Buddhism, prominently displayed on the central rock. Nearby, an inscription translates to "worship of the holy deity," further enriching the site’s spiritual significance.
When to Visit
This mesmerizing area offers breathtaking views throughout the year, but spring and autumn are considered the best seasons to experience the enchanting atmosphere of this ancient natural wonder.
Fascinating Facts
The name "Tamgaly-Tas" translates from Kazakh as "stones with signs." The images and inscriptions date back to the 14th to 16th centuries, encompassing a complex of 18 rocks adorned with mysterious markings. Notably, three Buddha images are carved on one rock, with two more found on others. Tamgaly-Tas is regarded as both a Buddhist sanctuary and an open-air museum. Local legend tells of a caravan that experienced a powerful earthquake while passing through, causing massive boulders to tumble down the cliffs and create a natural river crossing. This event was seen as a divine sign, leading locals to honor the Almighty by carving unusual drawings into the rocks. Evidence of the earthquake and the natural crossing can still be observed near the site.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re eager to delve into the mysteries of history and nature, consider joining our Almaty Tamgaly-Tas tours. We promise unique experiences that will immerse you in the natural beauty of Kazakhstan while uncovering the secrets of the past. Treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable adventure!
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- Flexible ItinerariesYou can adjust your schedule and itinerary to fit your preferences at any time during the tour.
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Vacation in Kazakhstan will be an unforgettable adventure filled with new vivid impressions. Tourists will be able to enjoy the beauty of unique natural landscapes, feel the cordiality of local residents and taste the variety of flavors peculiar to the national cuisine. Being at the junction of Europe and Asia, the country has absorbed the influence of different cultures, on the basis of which traditional values have emerged. Kazakhstan travel agency Silktravel will do everything possible to make your trip bring a lot of positive emotions. We hope you will have a desire to visit our picturesque region again.
Kazakhstan is rich in beautiful places, natural attractions and historical sites. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here on vacation every year. Our tourist agency will help you decide on the type of tour, take over its organization, and guarantee complete safety of the trip.
Why is it profitable to travel through travel agency Silktravel:
1. The experienced travel agent is responsible for organizing a comfortable trip. Becoming a customer of Kazakhstan travel agency, you will not have to worry about anything. The main task will be to tune in for a pleasant vacation.
2. By cooperating with our company, you can be sure of high-quality service at all stages of your journey, regardless of the chosen destination.
3. Our staff will provide all the necessary information about the excursions upon request. You will know in advance what you need to be prepared for at every stage of the journey.
Travel agency Silktravel finds an individual approach to each client. We will be glad to arrange an interesting trip taking into account your personal preferences.
The unique sights of Kazakhstan will be able to impress even those tourists who have extensive travel experience in different countries. Our region is rich in original cultural traditions and spectacular natural landscapes, against which you can take beautiful photos.
The country is a mountainous region located in the south-east of the country. Almaty is a modern city with many amusement parks, bazaars, shopping malls and museums. No one will be bored in it, and everyone will be able to spend several busy days full of exciting trips here. Outside the former capital of Kazakhstan, travelers who prefer active recreation will find many locations for summer hikes or winter sports.
If you want to see the picturesque nature in its pristine form, purchase tours with visits to the national parks of Central Asia. There you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding space and enjoy the magnificent landscapes that open from all sides. In natural conditions, tourists will be able to get to know the flora and fauna of the region better. There are 13 national parks on the territory of the country, so regardless of the chosen destination, you can visit several of them. Book excursions at Kazakhstan travel agency Silktravel and enjoy an exciting vacation.
Why is it profitable to travel through travel agency Silktravel:
1. The experienced travel agent is responsible for organizing a comfortable trip. Becoming a customer of Kazakhstan travel agency, you will not have to worry about anything. The main task will be to tune in for a pleasant vacation.
2. By cooperating with our company, you can be sure of high-quality service at all stages of your journey, regardless of the chosen destination.
3. Our staff will provide all the necessary information about the excursions upon request. You will know in advance what you need to be prepared for at every stage of the journey.
Travel agency Silktravel finds an individual approach to each client. We will be glad to arrange an interesting trip taking into account your personal preferences.
The unique sights of Kazakhstan will be able to impress even those tourists who have extensive travel experience in different countries. Our region is rich in original cultural traditions and spectacular natural landscapes, against which you can take beautiful photos.
The country is a mountainous region located in the south-east of the country. Almaty is a modern city with many amusement parks, bazaars, shopping malls and museums. No one will be bored in it, and everyone will be able to spend several busy days full of exciting trips here. Outside the former capital of Kazakhstan, travelers who prefer active recreation will find many locations for summer hikes or winter sports.
If you want to see the picturesque nature in its pristine form, purchase tours with visits to the national parks of Central Asia. There you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding space and enjoy the magnificent landscapes that open from all sides. In natural conditions, tourists will be able to get to know the flora and fauna of the region better. There are 13 national parks on the territory of the country, so regardless of the chosen destination, you can visit several of them. Book excursions at Kazakhstan travel agency Silktravel and enjoy an exciting vacation.
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