Ibex carvings
On dark rock.
Bgag — CC0 · Zde — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bgag — CC0 · Malcolm Manners from Lakeland FL, USA — CC BY 2.0 · Paul Munhoven — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Zde — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bgag — CC0
An open-air museum on the mountain slopes north of Cholpon-Ata, spread over a wide field of boulders, many of them carved with ancient petroglyphs. The oldest date from the Bronze Age, and some continue into the first centuries AD. Most show mountain ibex with curling horns, along with deer, horses and wolves and hunting scenes, including one of a hunt with tamed snow leopards, according to the site's signs. The carvings stand out pale against the dark, sun-blackened rock. The site also has stone grave markers with human faces from the ancient Turkic period, and stone circles thought to have been ritual places. Between the boulders the view opens over Lake Issyk-Kul to the snowy mountains on the far side. A small entry fee is paid at the gate, per visitor guides. There is no shade, so come in the morning or late afternoon, when low light brings out the carvings.
On dark rock.
With carved faces.
And mountains.
North of Cholpon-Ata town, at the foot of the mountains
In the morning or late afternoon, when low light brings out the carvings and it is cooler; a small fee is paid at the gate.