Burial Mounds of Besshatyr
The Scythian burial mounds of Besshatyr, located within the Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan, hold immense historical and cultural significance. Dating back to the 6th-4th centuries BC, these burial mounds serve as a necropolis for the Eastern Scythians.
An area full of tumuli
This archaeological site encompasses a total of 31 burial mounds from the early Iron Age. The largest mound, measuring 104 meters (114 yd) in diameter and 18 meters (59 ft) in height, stands out among them. Similar to other mounds of that era, the Besshatyr mounds feature stone exteriors, while the interiors consist of rubble and earth.
The size of the burial mounds at Besshatyr reflects their purpose: larger mounds were intended for the burial of leaders and renowned warriors, medium-sized ones for noble individuals, and smaller mounds for common people. The tombs of the royal family were constructed using valuable Tien Shan spruce wood, transported from the Ile Alatau Mountains, located 200-250 km (124-155 mi) away from Altyn-Emel.
Precious artifacts
Excavations at the necropolis have unveiled a plethora of artifacts, including various weapons such as swords, daggers, and bows with arrows. Additionally, precious items made of gold, bronze, and agate have been discovered. Intricate networks of tunnels have also been found beneath the larger mounds.
Beyond being a burial site, this region between the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains and the Ili River valley has served as a location for sacred rites and worship, as recognized by archaeologists. Menhirs, circular altars composed of vertical stones, provide evidence of these ancient practices. The menhir near the largest burial mound features tall stones adorned with carvings of animals, solar symbols, and tamgas (ancestral signs).
Journeying towards the mounds grants tourists the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Altyn-Emel National Park, including its diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna. Purchasing a tour of Altyn-Emel allows visitors to witness other noteworthy attractions within the park, such as the Singing Dune, the Aktau and Katutau Mountains, as well as the Oshaktas Stelae. Rest assured, a visit to this park guarantees an engaging and captivating experience.
How to get there?
To reach Altyn-Emel National Park from Almaty, you can take either the Almaty-Khorgos or Almaty-Ust-Kamenogorsk highways, and then continue on the P-20 road. While the route to the park is mostly paved, it is advisable to use an SUV due to potentially bumpy sections along the way and the unpaved roads within the park itself. To access the Besshatyr mounds, you need to pass through post No. 1, which is located near the village of Shengeldy. The journey from Almaty to the mounds typically takes around 3.5 hours, covering a distance of approximately 186 km (115 mi).
Other tourist attractions near the burial mounds of Besshatyr:
- The Singing Dune
- Oshaktas Stelae
- Kosbastau Tract
- Aktau and Katutau Mountains
- Kapchagai Reservoir
- Shoqan Walikhanov Memorial Museum
- The Town of Tekeli
- Aulie Agash
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