In 1985 prehistoric rock carvings, or petroglyphs, were found at several sites in Rutok County. This was the first time such discoveries had been made in Tibet, although similar finds have since been made at numerous other sites.
Rumudong
The extensive collection of rock carvings at Rumudong is right beside the road, about 36km south of the old Rutok turn-off, or about 96km north of Ali. Travelling north from Ali, start looking on the east side of the road at kilometre marker 970 (though the kilometre markers may change with the upgraded road); the petroglyphs are at around 967. There are two distinct groups on the rock face right beside the road, just before it crosses a bridge to travel along a causeway over the marshy valley floor of the Maga Zangbu-chu.
The first and more extensive group also features a number of more recent Buddhist carvings, some of them carved right over their ancient predecessors. The most impressive of the rock carvings features four extravagantly antlered deer racing across the rock and looking back at three leopards in hot pursuit. Also depicted are eagles, yaks, camels, goats, tigers, wild boars and human figures.
Lurulangkar
About 12km southwest of Rutok, these relatively primitive carvings are right beside the road, up to a height of 4m above the ground, and show a variety of pre-Buddhist symbols and animals, including dogs, yaks, eagles, deer and goats. Human figures are shown standing in isolation or riding on horses. There are a number of hunting scenes showing dogs chasing deer and hunters shooting at them with bows and arrows.
