Tamgaly Tas: mysterious stones with signs near Almaty

Kazakhstan is the heart of Eurasia, the great land where the historic Silk Road caravan passed through, connecting West and East. Discovering these great steppes, one can find magnificent places, and each time, the world's ninth-largest country enchants people with its numerous touristic attractions. One mysterious and unique place is Tamgaly Tas near Almaty, thanks to its Stones with signs.

Tamgaly, Kazakhstan

Tamgaly, Kazakhstan

Tamgaly Tas

Tamgaly Tas in the Kazakh language means "the stones with signs". It is located 170 km from Almaty city, on the Ili River's right bank. The place is now called an open-air Buddhism temple. The remarkable thing is that stones found here have Buddhism signs and inscriptions on them, whereas Buddhism as a religion holds less than 1% of believers in Kazakhstan. One can be curious about how in the middle of the Kazakhstani steppe had appeared the signs of Buddhism, which are dated back to the 14th-16th century. Let's get closer to its source and history. 

Tamgaly Tas legend

The legend has it that in the 10th century, when the Buddhism missioners passed alongside the Ili River trying to find a way to cross it, a sudden earthquake occurred, causing stones to fall. By the missioners, this sign was understood as a message from heaven saying that this trip should end here, and they would go back to India. In return, missioners decided to honor the saints and draw three gods of Buddhism. Avalokiteshvara is depicted with the inscription "I obey to the saint Avalokiteshvara", and a very popular Buddhism mantra "Om mani pad me hum" is dedicated to him. He is illustrated in the central stone and appears to be the biggest drawing. To the right, Gautama Buddha is illustrated with a similar inscription. On the left side, one can see the image of Burhan Mangla - a healing deity.  

Other signs

There is another legend as well. In this land, the nation called Kalmyks lived and made the inscriptions on stones created by Zaya Pandita Ogtorguin in 1648. For three centuries, it was used and then adopted by nomadic Mongols, who then carved Buddha images. The scientists discovered the meaning of inscriptions that say that on March 6, 2004, the prophet will be born in this land. Apart from stones with signs, one can find runes drawn as well. They represent animals and humans, and they belong to the ancient Turkic style from the 8th and 9th century by Kipchaks, who were the inhabitants of the Eurasian steppe back in time. 

How to reach

It is highly recommended for those who come for the first time to book a guided tour with some local tour providers. However, other options always exist. On social networks, one can find many amateur travelers and hikers who are organizing the trip for free. So, you are welcome to join them to see this miraculous place and make new friends at the same time. This usually makes a tourist feel closer to local people, who are very open to newcomers. And if the friendship goes well, they might even take you to hang out in Almaty's coolest spots. 

Visit time

Visiting the Tamgaly Tas will take around 8-9 hours roughly for the whole trip. The visiting time starts in March and ends in November. Keep in mind that this is not a short trip. Therefore, it is very important to be prepared for it. Overall you will spend 1-1.5 km of walking while discovering the stones with signs, the rest of the distance is made by car to reach the place and go back. Since it is located in the steppes area with some rocky surface, make sure to have comfortable clothes, sneakers, sun protection, and some snacks and water. If you have more time to spend in the area, there is an option to combine two touristic destinations - The Tamgaly Tas and the Nomad village, located one hour away by car. 

The Nomad Village near Almaty city

2XPW+Q2 Iliysk, Kazakhstan

The trip to Tamgaly Tas near Almaty will give you a lot. On one side, you will be in the company of locals and blend in with nomadic souls. And on the other side, you will enjoy a spiritual feeling of Buddhism after the glance given to the mysterious stones with signs.