Mountain / Rock
Bayanjurek Mountains
Bayanjurek (also spelled as Bayanzhurek) is low remnant mountains located in the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau.
Visit Duration
3 hours
Route cost
Location
Almaty province
Bayanjurek Mountains
Bayanjurek (also spelled as Bayanzhurek) is low remnant mountains located in the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau.
The length of the range is 14 kilometers (approx. 9 mi), width - 6 kilometers (approx. 4 mi), its highest peak is 2079 meters (6800 ft) above sea level. On the slopes of Bayanjurek, tributaries of the Buyen River originate. The Bayanjurek Mountains are known for petroglyphic complex of the same name.
On rocks and large stones in the southwestern part of the range, hundreds of paintings are carved. Most of the images were carved in the Bronze Age, and some researchers date the oldest group of images back to the Eneolithic period (end of the 3rd millennium BC). The petroglyphs depict horsemen, foot archers, hunting scenes, as well as various animals: argali, griffins, all kinds of fantastic creatures.
The peculiarity of the Bayanjurek petroglyphs is the predominance of medieval images belonging to the Turkic period. Images of riders with spears and banners in their hands, battles and hunting scenes are represented here. Moreover, one can see ancient runic inscriptions. These unique petroglyphs reflect the life, beliefs and worldview of the people who inhabited this place centuries ago.
Photo Gallery
