Sarmishsay Petroglyphs

The Sarmishsay gorge cuts into the Karatau hills near Navoi, and along several kilometres of its walls and boulders are something in the order of ten thousand carvings: hunters with bows, aurochs, ibex, deer, horsemen, camels and later Arabic inscriptions, pecked into the dark rock over a span running from the Bronze Age into the Islamic period. A stream runs through the gorge, and walnut trees grow along it.

What you actually see

• The carvings - in the order of ten thousand images along the gorge walls.
• The animal figures - aurochs, ibex, deer and camels among the commonest subjects.
• The time span - images from the Bronze Age through to the Islamic period.
• The gorge - the stream and walnut trees running through the rock walls.

When to go

April to May and September to October are the comfortable months. Morning and late afternoon give the best raking light on the carvings. Summer heat is severe.

Honest expectations

Vandalism and modern graffiti have damaged a significant number of panels. There is no marking or interpretation and finding the best groups needs a guide. Summer heat in the gorge is severe.

Nearby

Navoi is southwest, and Nurata is northwest.