Place: The Sacred Spring, Balykchy, Kyrgyzstan

Description

Atop a mountain pass in Kyrgyzstan, between the village of Chong Kemin and the town of Balykchy, lies a sacred spring. The spring flows year-round from the mountain, and nearly all passersby stop to wash in and drink from its waters. Many tie scraps of cloth as prayer rags to the surrounding trees. I was told that the waters of the spring bring good health, and that to wash and pray at the spring brings good fortune. The two times I stopped at the spring, it was attended by a sad but regal-looking dog, who apparently survives off handouts from those stopping at the spring.