Sacred and Holy Places of Zhetysu and Kazakhstan -
Jeep Tour to Kalakai Sanctuary from Almaty -
Kalakai Sanctuary is a sacred, holy place, a place of pilgrimage, is an architectural monument and dates back to the first millennium BC. The sanctuary is located at an altitude of 1812 meters above sea level in the most beautiful mountainous area of Zhetysu region in the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau. The place is associated with the ancient traditions of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia and is a stone complex. In the center there is a huge granite stone, surrounded by smaller stones in a circle, and small burial mounds (bulk mounds, possibly ancient burials) were also discovered here. The sanctuary has served as a place of worship, sacrifices and spiritual practices for centuries. The nature here is incredibly beautiful, the area is surrounded by mountains and filled with energy. People first walk around the stone clockwise in the outer large circle, and only then approach the central stone. There is such an unwritten, unspoken ritual of approaching the large central stone.
Legends and traditions -
Locals say that Kalakai was a place where "heaven connects with earth." Warriors came here before military campaigns to receive a blessing. It was believed that whoever makes a sacrifice on the sacred stones of Kalakai will be protected in battle and will find good luck. There is also a legend that there once was a "fire temple" here, where an eternal fire burned. According to legend, this fire was lit by the Saka priests, and it symbolized the unquenchable power of the family.
How to get there and visit -
The Kalakai sanctuary is located 20 kilometers from the village of Kapal, 10 kilometers from the village of Balasaz, on the bank of the small river Sunkarbien in the mountains of the Dzungarian Alatau, the Bayan Zhurek Mountains, Aksu district, Zhetysu region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 45°05'38"N 79°18'37"E
History and archeology -
According to researchers, the Kalakai sanctuary dates back to the period of the Scythian-Saka culture (VIII-III centuries BC). The burial mounds found in this area often contain traces of ancient burials of nobles and warriors, accompanied by weapons, jewelry and cult objects. Stone sculptures - "balbals" - symbolized ancestors who continued to protect their people after death. Later, during the era of the Turkic Khaganates, the sanctuary continued to play the role of a sacred center. Shamans could gather here, perform rituals dedicated to the spirits of the earth, water and ancestors.
The Kalakai sanctuary has a diameter of 97 meters along the outer circle of stones, and a cross-shaped form is also laid out here, this form is oriented to the cardinal points. The sanctuary is dedicated to the sun, in ancient times our ancestors worshiped the sun. Near the sanctuary there are ancient burial mounds that date back to the Saka period, and the ancient settlement of Bayan Zhurek is also located in this area. According to the researchers, it was suggested that the Kalakai sanctuary was an ancient clock and an ancient astronomical observatory, our ancestors calculated the time of sunrise and sunset, equinoxes, rainy seasons, etc. On the central stone you can see petroglyphs (ancient rock paintings).
Nature, atmosphere and tourist value -
The Kalakai sanctuary is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, where springs roar and ancient junipers grow. The atmosphere here is special: silence, only the call of birds and the whisper of the wind create the feeling that time has stopped. Many travelers note the strong energy of the place. Today, the Kalakai sanctuary is included in the list of sacred sites of Zhetysu and Kazakhstan. It is interesting not only to archaeologists and historians, but also to tourists who want to get in touch with the ancient traditions of the steppe. For those interested in ethnography and spiritual practices, Kalakai is of particular value: it is not just an archaeological site, but a place where you can feel the breath of centuries and a connection with your ancestors.
Attractions nearby:
Altyn-Emel National Park
Zhongar-Alatau National Park
Zhetysu region
Taldykorgan city
Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall
Kora Gorge
Kora River
Kapal River
Karatal River
Koksu River
Tamshybulak Spring
Sievers Apple tree in Zhongar-Alatau Park
Semenov-Tyan-Shansky Peak
Tekeli Stupa (suburgan)
Lake Miketovo
Uygentas kurgan (stone hill)
Medieval town of Almalyk
Talapty Settlement
Maly Koytas settlement
Tasbas Settlement
Balpyk Bi Mausoleum
Kapal village
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