Berel Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum
The Berel burial ground, nestled within the Katon-Karagai National Park in Kazakhstan, is a remarkable archaeological site comprising 40 barrow-like mounds, dating back to the V-IV centuries BC.
This ancient burial ground holds a significant place in history as the final resting place of leaders and elites from the Pazyryk culture, a branch of the Central Asian Scythians. Its discovery in 1865 helped us learn more about this enigmatic culture.
The most notable mound within this necropolis is the "Golden Mound of Kings," renowned for the intricate gold-plated costumes unearthed during excavations. This mound, hailing from the VIII-VII centuries BC, is home to the Golden Man, a majestic artifact now displayed at the State Museum of Gold and Precious Metals in Astana. A painstaking ten-year effort by scientists led to the recreation of the Golden Man's attire, which is now accessible to all. Remarkably, this is the third such discovery of a "golden man" in Kazakhstan. One more was unearthed in the Issyk burial ground in the Almaty Region.
Archaeologists have also found a diverse array of items, including carpets, wooden utensils, leather goods, felt blankets, and horse saddles. Notably, many of these objects boast unique decorative designs depicting animals and fantastical creatures. The remains and artifacts were exceptionally well-preserved due to the favorable climatic conditions. These conditions included cold winters and an abundance of moisture, which contributed to the formation of permafrost. Many artifacts from the Berel mounds have found their way into not only Kazakhstan's museums but also the renowned Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Today, the Berel mounds are safeguarded and curated by the Berel Historical Museum-Reserve. Visitors have the opportunity to marvel at the wealth of artifacts, including military equipment, items used by nomads, and exquisite jewelry. However, the primary draw for travelers remains the mounds situated in the vicinity of the museum.
How to get there?
The reserve-museum is located within the Katon-Karagai National Park in the East Kazakhstan Region. To access the park, you can take the R-163 road from Ust-Kamenogorsk. The Berel mounds are conveniently located just 1.7 kilometers from the village of Berel.
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sat-Sun – closed
Other tourist attractions near the Berel Reserve-Museum:
- Yazevoye Lake
- Rancho Tourist Resort
- Rakhmanovskie Klyuchi Resort
- Arasan Waterfall
- Rakhmanovsky Waterfall
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