Plizio Visual Lab

Kulan-Say Rock Art

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Aug 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Kulan-Say Rock Art site, tucked away in the Talas Mountains of northwestern Kyrgyzstan, is a significant archaeological treasure featuring over 500 petroglyphs. Most of these carvings date back to the Bronze and early Iron Ages, providing a vivid record of the region's ancient inhabitants. The site is named after the 'kulan,' an Asian wild ass that is a recurring subject in the rock art, often depicted with remarkable anatomical accuracy. Beyond the kulans, the dark, sun-scorched rocks are etched with images of mountain goats, stags, and dynamic hunting scenes involving bow-wielding archers and their dogs. These petroglyphs were created by pecking away the dark surface patina to reveal the lighter stone beneath, a technique that has allowed the images to endure for thousands of years. Kulan-Say provides a unique window into the spiritual world, hunting practices, and social structures of early nomadic cultures. Exploring the valley provides an immersive experience where history and nature converge, revealing the long-standing human connection to the high-altitude landscapes of Central Asia.

Explore on the map

How well do you know Kyrgyzstan?

Find cities, landscapes and regions in 10 varied challenges on the interactive map.

Start the map quiz 10 challenges

Your journey, your memory

A postcard from Kulan-Say Rock Art

Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.

Create a postcard

Location: Kyrgyzstan
Highlights: Aknazarov aiyl aimagynyn aiyl okumotu · Ken'-Aral mechiti · Mechet'
Nearby: Talas (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-4	2	7	12	17	20	19	14	7	1	-5
Rain mm	27	33	42	51	37	24	14	11	11	30	37	31

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

The Kulan-Say rock art is freely accessible and can be viewed from a marked trail. There is no entrance fee, and you can see the carvings up close. The site is outdoors and open at any time.

🕒

Typical hours

As an open-air site, it is typically accessible during all daylight hours. There are no fixed opening times, but visibility is best in clear weather. Avoid visiting during heavy rain as the trail can become slippery.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed and encouraged to capture the ancient carvings. For best results, use early morning or late afternoon light which enhances the rock art contours. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent glare.

⏱️

Time needed

Allow about 30 to 45 minutes to view the main panels. If you explore the whole area and search for all carvings, up to two hours may be needed. The trail is short but uneven.

➕

Combine with

Combine the rock art with a visit to Koshoi-Korgon Fortress or Manas-Ata Mausoleum. They are all in the Talas Valley and within a short drive. A day trip can easily cover all three sites.

🧭

Getting there

The rock art is located in the Talas Mountains, about 30 kilometers from Talas town. A 4x4 is recommended as the last section is on an unpaved road. From a small parking area, a hiking trail leads to the site.

💡

Insider tip

Bring binoculars to better see the higher carvings. Water and sturdy footwear are also recommended as the trail is rocky and uneven. Visit in the morning for the best light.

Geography

Coordinates

42.45110, 72.15110

Facts

Number of petroglyphs: over 1,000
Age: 2nd millennium BCE
Largest depiction: 50 cm
Animals depicted: ibex, horses, deer
Area: 5 km²
Discovered: 1963

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Talas Regional Museum10 km · NEExplore →

Ken-Kol Cemetery17 km · NEExplore →

Manas-Ata Mausoleum20 km · EExplore →

Besh-Tash National Park24 km · SExplore →

Talas River41 km · NWExplore →

Kyzyl-Adyr Citadel52 km · WExplore →

Akyrtas Palace Complex62 km · NWExplore →

Sary-Chelek Lake67 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Motorhome dimensions

Lengthm Widthm Heightm Weightt

Sights in the town Kulan-Say Rock Art (3)

Aknazarov aiyl aimagynyn aiyl okumotu🏺 historical

This townhall building houses the local administration for the Aknazarov rural district.

Ken'-Aral mechiti📍 landmark

The Ken'-Aral Mosque is a local Islamic place of worship meeting the spiritual needs of devout Muslims.

Mechet'📍 landmark

This traditional mosque serves as a central place for ritual prayer for the Islamic community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Kulan-Say petroglyphs?

They are ancient rock carvings depicting scenes from the indigenous people's lives.

Are the carvings freely accessible?

Yes, the site is open in the landscape without fencing.

Are special permits required?

No, no special permit is required for visiting.

What is the best time for viewing?

Morning or shortly before sunset provides the best lighting for details.

Is binoculars useful?

Not necessarily, as you can get very close to the rocks.

Kulan-Say Rock Art: where is it located?

Kulan-Say Rock Art is located in Kyrgyzstan.

Kulan-Say Rock Art: what is there to see?

Highlights include Aknazarov aiyl aimagynyn aiyl okumotu, Ken'-Aral mechiti, Mechet'.

Kulan-Say Rock Art: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Kulan-Say Rock Art: why is it worth visiting?

The Kulan-Say Rock Art site, tucked away in the Talas Mountains of northwestern Kyrgyzstan, is a significant archaeological treasure featuring over 500 petroglyphs.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →