Dardamty Petroglyph Site
The Dardamty Petroglyph Site is situated in the Almaty Region, amidst the northern foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains within the Ketmen Ridge. The site boasts an impressive collection of rock paintings that depict human figures and animals.
The site encompasses 300 petroglyphs, each providing a glimpse into different periods of the region's history. Among them, you can see drawings of wagons, camels, deer, and mountain goats, as well as scenes of hunting. Some of these artworks date back to the Early Iron and Bronze Ages, while the majority trace their origins back to the 1st millennium BC.
Noteworthy among the petroglyphs is a set of two carved symbols. They have been identified by archaeologists as belonging to either the Oirat or Tibetan script. The symbols date back to the 17th-18th centuries, the time when the Dzungar Khanate's rulers established their headquarters in this area. Additionally, near the rock art, the remnants of an ancient settlement have been unearthed.
How to get there?
The Dardamty Petroglyph Site sits approximately 7 km (4 mi) to the south of the village bearing the same name, situated within the Uigur district of the Almaty region. For those traveling from Almaty, reaching Dardamty village takes around 4 hours, covering a distance of approximately 314 km (195 mi) along the A-352 highway.
Other tourist attractions near the Dardamty Petroglyph Site:
- Chunja Hot Springs
- Charyn National Park
- Lake Tuzkol
- Ili River
- Charyn Ash Grove
- Nazugum Cave
- Derevyannoye Lake
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