Kenkol and Manas-Ordo explore different themes in cultural history: from burial grounds and rock art to traditions surrounding the national epic Manas. The wider Talas Region adds a distinct natural landscape to this picture: Besh-Tash Nature Park. If you are looking for a hotel in Talas, first decide whether cultural heritage or nature is your priority. Seasonal conditions are also important for roads and mountain passes; check them before setting out on these routes.
Kenkol: Burial Ground, Rock Art and Writing
The Kenkol burial ground includes kurgans dating from the end of the first millennium BCE to the first half of the first millennium CE. Archaeological finds include silk clothing. In the Talas Region, the kurgans are associated with the Huns. Petroglyphs near the burial ground reflect the economic and ceremonial life of nomadic communities.
The Kenkol Gorge contains nomadic monuments, petroglyphs and Old Turkic runic inscriptions. The traditional use of its summer pastures as jailoo is considered to have remained unchanged over a long period. Thus, burials, rock art, written records and the use of pastureland represent different aspects of history and culture.
Manas-Ordo: Tangible and Intangible Heritage
Manas-Ordo and its surroundings encompass tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Intangible traditions include rituals and ceremonies associated with the initiation of manaschi, the storytellers of the national epic Manas. The cultural landscape includes sacred springs, trees, shrubs, a section of the Kenkol River, a mountain and pilgrimage routes. The routes are considered to be well preserved; check their condition locally before including them in your plans.
The Manas Ordo cultural landscape is located in the Talas Region, in the upper Talas Valley, on the right bank of the Kenkol, a tributary of the Talas, near the entrance to the Kenkol Gorge. A 14th-century mausoleum in this cultural landscape is traditionally associated by the Kyrgyz people with the hero Manas.
The institution’s history is also marked by several dates: Manas-Ordo opened as a literary and ethnographic museum in 1976. It later became a state museum reserve; in 1995 it was transformed into the State Manas-Ordo Complex, and in 2001 it received national status.
The Silk Road in the Upper Talas Valley
In the Middle Ages, the upper branch of the Silk Road ran through the Talas Valley toward southern Kazakhstan, Chach and beyond. The Manas Ordo cultural landscape is connected with a medieval branch that served Semirechye and southern Kazakhstan. The cultural sites therefore represent not only local traditions, but also a historical connection that extended beyond the valley.
The Natural Landscape of the Talas Region: Besh-Tash
As a distinct regional highlight, Besh-Tash Nature Park lies in the Talas Valley on the central northern slope of the Talas Ala-Too. It covers 32,411 hectares and was established in 1996 to protect a natural complex and biodiversity in northwestern Kyrgyzstan. More than 800 species of higher plants grow in the park. Animals found in Besh-Tash include deer, foxes, martens, snow leopards, bearded vultures, saker falcons and golden eagles. Osman fish are found in the Besh-Tash River.
Besh-Tash Valley can be reached by road from the city of Talas. A 15 km trail runs along a river gorge and opens out into alpine meadows below peaks under 4,000 m high. Seasonal conditions along the trail can vary; take this into account when planning your trip.
Getting to Talas
The road to Talas crosses the high-altitude Too-Ashuu and Otmok passes. As pass conditions vary by season, check them before departure. Toktogul and Suusamyr are also considered access corridors to Talas. Information about the passes and the route through Besh-Tash Valley concerns different route conditions, and each should be considered before taking the corresponding journey.
Discover more destinations: Talas, Kara Buura.
Go to the regional travel overview: Talas Region.
