They are one of the oldest written attestations of the Turkic language family, predating the Orkhon inscriptions (Khöshöö Tsaidam monuments) by several years.

[1] The inscriptions are in Tuul River valley at 47°42′N 107°28′E / 47.700°N 107.467°E / 47.700; 107.467 (in Nalaikh, Ulaanbaatar).

[2] They are often confused with, or considered as a part of, the Orkhon inscriptions (Khöshöö Tsaidam inscriptions), although the Orkhon inscriptions are actually located about 360 kilometres (220 mi) to the west of Bain Tsokto.

Unlike the two other Orkhon inscriptions which were erected after the hero had died, Bain Tsokto inscriptions were erected by Tonyukuk himself around the year 716.

The writing, which proceeds vertically from top to bottom, is in the Old Turkic alphabet.