Besshatyr is a necropolis of large earthen burial mounds built by the Saka, the Iron Age steppe nomads known to the Greeks as Scythians. The tombs rise from the open plain like low hills, some of them very large, and the scale of the site hints at the wealth and power of the people buried here. Archaeologists have found that the biggest mounds contained stone-lined chambers and rich grave goods, and the same culture left the famous Golden Man burial found near the town of Issyk. Standing among the mounds, with only wind and grass for company, is a quietly powerful way to connect with the deep history of Kazakhstan. A typical excursion combines the mounds with a nomad-themed visitor stop, where you can see reconstructions of yurts, crafts and traditional tools and learn how the steppe peoples lived. Guides play an important role here, because the mounds look like simple hills until someone explains what lies beneath them and how researchers date them. The trip suits travelers who enjoy history and open landscapes more than polished attractions, and it makes a good companion to the petroglyphs at Tamgaly.
How to do it
Join a guided day trip with hotel pickup, since the site lies off the main roads and has few services. The drive is moderately long, and the tour usually includes a stop for lunch. Ask whether the nomad-heritage visit is included, whether entrance fees are covered and how much time you will have at the mounds. A private tour is best if you want extra time for photos or questions, while group tours are more economical.
What to expect
A walk around and between the mounds on open ground, with a guide explaining the layout. There is little shade and no facilities at the site, so bring water, a hat and sun protection, and wear shoes that can handle dry grass and uneven soil. The mounds are protected heritage, so do not climb them unless your guide says it is allowed, and do not remove anything. The best light is early or late in the day, when the shadows give the mounds shape.
Best planning
Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures and green or golden grass. Summer can be hot and exposed, and winter is cold and windy. If you are interested in archaeology, build a longer circuit that adds the Tamgaly petroglyphs or the Altyn Emel National Park, which lie in the same general direction and share a similar landscape of steppe and low ridges.
For a gentler version of the same theme, the Huns Ethno-Village near the city offers a more staged introduction to nomadic culture. Either way, this is a trip for travelers who love stories and silence.
Extra tips
Read a little about the Saka before you go, including the Golden Man of Issyk, since the context makes the mounds far more meaningful. Ask your guide how archaeologists excavate these tombs and what has been found, and compare the site with the carvings at Tamgaly if you visit both.
Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdlife, as the open steppe attracts raptors. Keep your plans flexible in strong wind or heat, and carry enough water for the whole day. The silence and horizon are what make this stop special, so allow time to simply sit, look and think about the people who built it.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day trip east of Almaty to the Besshatyr Saka burial mounds, usually with a nomad-heritage stop and a lunch break.
Best time
Spring and early autumn, in early morning or late afternoon light.
How long
A full day, with a moderate drive each way.
Tips
Bring water, a hat and sun protection, and ask what fees and meals are included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who enjoy open landscapes and a quiet, atmospheric site.
- Families
- Better for older children who like stories; there is little shade or play space.
- Couples
- A calm, thoughtful day out with space to talk and wander.
- Pair with
- Tamgaly petroglyphs or Altyn Emel on a longer circuit.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Who built the Besshatyr mounds?+
The Saka, Iron Age steppe nomads also known as Scythians, who buried their elites in large earthen mounds.
Can I climb the mounds?+
Only if your guide says it is allowed. They are protected heritage sites.
Is there shade or food at the site?+
No. Bring water, a hat and snacks, or arrange lunch with the operator.
What is the best season?+
Spring and early autumn. Summer is hot and winter is cold and windy.
Is it worth it without a guide?+
A guide makes a big difference, because the site is easy to misread as ordinary hills.
