The Altay Mountains contain scattered rock art sites — petroglyphs carved or pecked into boulders and cliff faces — that document thousands of years of nomadic occupation. The carvings show hunting scenes, horses, deer, cattle, human figures, and geometric patterns. Some sites are easily reached; others require a guide and a willingness to walk.
The most accessible concentration of rock art is found in valleys within a day's drive of Altay City. Local tourism offices and guesthouses can point you toward the main sites; hiring a local guide is strongly recommended both for finding the carvings (signage is minimal) and for understanding the cultural context. Some figures are rendered in considerable detail and are genuinely striking.
The petroglyphs are not fenced or heavily managed, which means they retain their atmosphere but also makes them vulnerable. Treat them with respect — do not touch or add to the surfaces.