Terekty Gorge
The Terekty Gorge is located at the western end of the Dzungarian Alatau mountain range in southeastern Kazakhstan. The Terekty River flows along the bottom of the gorge. The canyon is overgrown with trees, among which stone blocks rise as high as a two-story house.
The gorge’s most notable feature is its rock paintings from the Bronze Age, early Iron Age, and Middle Ages. These petroglyphs depict animals, people, chariots, and hunting scenes. In addition to the rock paintings, there are inscriptions made in the Clear Script used by Buddhist nomads. At the bottom of the gorge, you can also find the ruins of stone structures, which are the remains of residential and farm buildings. The Buddhist inscriptions and ruins date back to the late 17th to mid-18th centuries.
How to get there?
The Terekty petroglyphs are located 2.3 kilometers (1.2 mi) southeast of Bigash village in the Jetysu region. Bigash village is situated 40 kilometers (25 mi) southeast of the town of Taldykorgan and is accessible via the R-125 highway.
Other tourist attractions near the gorge:
- Kora Gorge
- The Town of Tekeli
- Koksu River
- Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall
- Bayan-Jurek Ridge
- Altyn-Emel National Park
- Shoqan Walikhanov Memorial Museum
Recommended tours:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Altyn-Emel National Park 2-Day Tour")
Visit the stunning Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan, established to protect endangered species of plants and animals. Witness breathtaking landscapes and wildlife during your visit.
Discover the highlights of Altyn-Emel National Park, including the stunning Singing Dune and the striking Aktau Mountains, along with Kazakhstan's most awe-inspiring canyon, Charyn Canyon.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Altyn-Emel National Park Off-Road Tour")
On request
Off-road journey to Altyn Emel State Natural Park will allow you to make new discoveries and get the unforgettable experiences!
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Unknown Jungaria Off-Road Tour")
On request
Discover mysterious Jungaria, where probability to meet other tourists is negligible. You are awaited severe off-road, alpine meadows, plateaus and ancient settlements...
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Golden Ring of Dzungaria Tour")
On request
Embark on a route through the less-explored trails of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains. This expedition promises encounters with Kazakhstan's tallest waterfall, ancient petroglyphs, the remnants of bygone settlements, an azure mountain lake, and various other natural landscapes!