Saimaluu-Tash

Saimaluu-Tash (Kyrgyz: Саймалуу-Таш, meaning "Patterned Stone") is an archaeological site and petroglyph field in Jalal-Abad Region, located in the Ferghana Range at about 3,000 m elevation. It is one of the most significant rock-art sites in Central Asia, with over 10,000 petroglyphs dating from the 3rd millennium BC to the Middle Ages.

The site is a protected area, accessible only in summer (July–August) due to heavy snow at other times. The petroglyphs depict hunting scenes, animals (ibex, deer, wolves, camels), sun-headed deities, and everyday life of ancient Central Asian peoples. The remote mountain setting adds to the site's mystique.

By Plane

Osh International Airport (OSS IATA) is about 150 km south.

By Car / Road

Access requires a 4WD from Jalal-Abad via the village of Kazarman, about 4-5 hours on rough roads. A local guide is essential for navigation. The final approach is on foot or horseback.

On foot. The petroglyph field covers several square kilometres of alpine plateau — allow a full day for exploration.

• Petroglyph fields — Thousands of carved rock surfaces with ancient art spanning millennia.

• Alpine plateau — The high-elevation setting offers panoramic mountain views.

• Petroglyph viewing — The main reason to visit. Allow several hours to explore the rock-art panels.

• Photography — Both archaeological and landscape photography.

• Guided tour — Essential for understanding the site's history and significance.

Self-cater with camping provisions. Bring a stove and fuel — no cooking facilities exist at the remote plateau.

No reliable water source at the site. Bring all drinking water from Jalal-Abad (at least 3-4 litres per person per day). Snowmelt may be available but requires purification.

• Camping — Bring a tent and cold-weather gear (temperatures near freezing even in summer).

No shops or facilities at the site. All supplies must be brought from Jalal-Abad — food, water, camping gear, and fuel.

• Kazarman (50 km north) — Town on the route to Saimaluu-Tash.
• Jalal-Abad (150 km northeast) — Regional capital.
• Dashman (30 km north) — Village near the Arslanbob forest.