To visit the remote At-Bashy valley is to step into the unknown - to venture to a part of the world few get the opportunity to see. Here, life is difficult. The severe, arid climate makes it difficult to grow plants, so most of the people lead a nomadic lifestyle, breeding livestock to make a living. Nomadic traditions have been around for a while, to say the least, dating back thousands of years. This is one of the most sparsely-populated areas in the country.
The surrounding At-Bashy mountain range stretches for around 100 miles, with peaks over 15,000 feet. At-Bashy village, on the northern side of the range, has a population of 10,000 people, not far from which lie verdant pine forests and mineral springs. Due to the spectacular surrounding scenery, At-Bashy is a fantastic place to spend the night, especially for guests either en-route to the nearby Chinese border, or to use as a base for day-trips to Koshoy Korgon and Tash Rabat.
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
To the west of At-Bashy village stands a ruined fortress with mud-walls, enclosing a large area. The date and history of its construction is uncertain, leaving visitors to guess when it was built, and why. There is an on-site museum to help solve the mystery, but it is, unfortunately, rarely open.
Thought to have once been a Nestorian or Buddhist monastery, Tash Rabat is a well-preserved stone caravanserai. The structure dates back to the 15th century, though evidence shows it may date back even farther. This fascinating spot makes a wonderful day-trip, especially when combined with a trip to Koshoy Korgon.
Visitors keen to try their hand at a bit of fishing can do so in the fresh mountain rivers, fed by some of the region’s 190 glaciers.
Perched on a ridge overlooking At-Bashy town is an evocative cemetery. Though cemetery visits may not be everyone’s thing, this prominent feature is sure to shed some insight into the local culture.
On Sundays, visitors can have the chance to visit one of Central Asia’s largest livestock bazaars - if they can stand the smell!
Participating in traditional games is not only fun, but also a great way to learn about Kyrgyzstan’s culture and interact with locals. Ulak Tartish is one such game - a national horse game that involves
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Multi-Country Specialists
Remote Lands
Choose somewhere you’d like to visit, something you’re interested in, and when you’re planning to travel and we’ll suggest sample itineraries to inspire your bespoke journey.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands – a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Richard Collett travels to the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan for an inspiring story of sporting greatness, cultural pride, and dead goat polo – also known as Kok Boru – in one of Asia’s most interesting competitions.
Aidar and Nursultan, Kyrgyz eagle hunters, train their deadly predators on the edge of Issyk-Kul Lake, a window into the past and a demonstration of nature’s raw power.
Richard Collett travels to Kyrgyzstan to build a yurt on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake with a traditional builder, from the wooden willow planks to the tunduk.
Here is a small selection of the kind words our guests have said about us, as well as features by journalists and travel writers.
From the moment I happened upon the REMOTE LANDS website over a year ago, browsed the options, I knew that this would be well worth it. The entire staff is nothing less than professional with service that made us feel like royals.
This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Magical destinations, the most luxurious hotels in the world, and the most wonderful travel companions we could’ve wished for. We were treated like family everywhere we went and we have 14 new best friends.
We have used some of the top rated travel specialists all over the world and, without question, Catherine Heald and Remote Lands are at the very top of the list!
