Jane’s travelogue

Prepare to Squat!

Prepare to Squat!

In Kochkor, as in most rural areas of Kyrgyzstan, you will find that most homes lack indoor plumbing. Be prepared to squat in an outhouse!

Gates in Kochkor

Gates in Kochkor

Every home in Kochkor seems to have a large gateway. I found this one incredibly picturesque.

The village of Kochkor

The village of Kochkor

The streets of the village are empty and dusty... although the people I met here were wonderful and welcoming.

Kochkor

Kochkor

Once you leave the main road which bisects the village of Kochkor, the streets are dusty and paved with gravel. The awesome mountains to the south provide an incredible backdrop for this quaint town.

Shyrdaks at the Altyn Kol shop in Kochkor

Shyrdaks at the Altyn Kol shop in Kochkor

Shyrdaks are traditional Kyrgyz wool felt rugs. The shyrdaks pictured here are all hand sewn by local women in the Kochkor area, who receive the profits from their sale.

My future husband?

My future husband?

As we were leaving Tash Rabat, we met this man, who lived in the Tash Rabat valley. After chatting with me for about five minutes, he offered me offered me five yaks to become his second wife! (We later learned that most farmers in that area own approximately 200 yaks each, making that a pretty raw deal! Besides, what am I supposed to do with five yaks?)

Tash Rabat Toilet

Tash Rabat Toilet

As in most rural areas of Kyrgyzstan, expect to use an outhouse when visiting Tash Rabat. On the plus side, this outhouse is set in one of the most picturesque locales in the country!

sheep at Tash Rabat

sheep at Tash Rabat

The caretaker of Tash Rabat raises sheep and cows.

The caretaker's homestead

The caretaker's homestead

The homestead of Tash Rabat's caretaker, as seen from Tash Rabat itself.

The caretaker's homestead.

The caretaker's homestead.

This is where the caretaker of Tash Rabat lives. For a small fee, he will unlock the fortress and allow you to explore it. Additionally, his wife cooks excellent food, which you can also purchase at a low price.

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