At-Bashy Valley
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.
Experiences
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.
Day-trip to Koshoy Korgon
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.
Day-trip to Tash Rabat
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.
Fishing
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.
Kyrgyz Cemetery
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.
Livestock Bazaar
On Sundays, visitors can have the chance to visit one of Central Asia’s largest livestock bazaars - if they can stand the smell!
National Horse Games
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
Kyrgyzstan Regions
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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.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
World Nomad Games: The Most Unusual Sporting Event of the Year
- Author
- Richard Collett
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.
With the Eagle Hunters of Kyrgyzstan
- Author
- Richard Collett
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.
Building a Yurt on the Shores of Issyk Kul Lake
- Author
- Richard Collett
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.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A California father and son
Also unforgettable was our experience driving through Beijing in an old fashioned motorcycle side car followed by lunch with a local family in their traditional hutong house.
