The Kyrgyz city of Naryn is located in a valley, and is surrounded by easily accessible hills, foothills and mountains - an excellent place for either a liesurely stroll or a strenuous hike.
The small village of Kochkor is located on the main road between Lake Issyk-Kul and the city of Naryn. It's a great place to relax for a weekend if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Just north of the village of Kochkor lie freshwater springs which flow into the Chuy River. A five minute walk will lead you into this relaxing paradise, spotted with sheep, cows and horses.
In recent years, Saudi Arabian benefactors have paid for the construction of mosques throughout the country of Kyrgyzstan. Most are nothing architecturally special.
Ala Archa is a large national park in Kyrgyzstan, located in the mountains and valleys surrounding the Ala Archa river, roughly 30km south of Bishkek.
The ruined citadel of Koshoy Korgon, is located just outside of the village of Kara-Suu. Not much is known about this fortress (at least according to my guidebooks, anyway) but it dates from roughly the 10th century, and was probably Karakhanid.
Community Based Tourism, or CBT, has offices throughout Kyrgyzstan, although their central office is located in Bishkek. CBT is an excellent resource for those travelling through Kyrgyzstan.
The tiny village of Kara-Suu is located just outside the somewhat larger village of Kochkor, just off the main road connecting Naryn with Lake Issyk-Kol. While there are not many ammenities to be found in this tiny place, the scenery is spectacular, and it is a great place to begina horse-trek.
Tash Rabat is a stone fortress/caravanserai dating from either the 13th or 15th century (depending on the source), which was once a prominent stop on the silk road. Tash Rabat is only about 60km from the city of Naryn; however, due to the quality of the roads, the trip takes about two and a half hours.
Located in the center of the small village of Kochkor, CBT Kochkor will arrange homestays, horse-trekking, hikes and more for those interested. Additionally, they work in cooperation with the Altyn Kol group, which provides a place for local women to sell their handmade traditional felt goods, specifically shyrdaks, traditional Kyrgyz rugs.
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