Reportage News Article

Saimaluu Tash – The Embroidered Stones

Among the Tian Shan’s high-mountain archaeological sites, Saimaluu Tash, or “Embroidered Stones,” ranks among Central Asia’s most remarkable.

CNN article about Nomad's Land

Samuel

Saimaluu Tash can only be reached during a short summer season, usually from July to September. The approach involves a demanding hike across rugged terrain and a seasonal snow bridge, so route conditions and timing matter. Limited access has helped keep the site remarkably pristine and rarely visited.

Nearly 10,000 basalt boulders carry around 90,000 ancient petroglyphs made over three millennia by Bronze Age nomads, Scythian warriors and early Turkic peoples. The carvings include hunting scenes, warriors, sun worship and sacred rituals linked to the old Tengrist tradition.

Stephen Lioy, a long-time friend of Nomad’s Land and photographer with several years of experience living in Kyrgyzstan, recently featured Saimaluu Tash in a major CNN Travel article. The article names Nomad’s Land among trusted operators arranging journeys to Saimaluu Tash.