Naryn
Nestled into the foothills of Naryn-Too, Naryn city is home to around 40,000 people, as well as museums, institutes, and several administrative buildings. The city was once a small fortification on a trade route running from Kashgar to Central Asia, and it didn't actually become a city until the 19th century. Being just slightly over 100 miles from the Chinese border, Naryn is an important trade center and a free economic zone.
Naryn is known for being a scenic city, with the Naryn river - the longest in the country - running through it, surrounded by majestic mountains. It is, however, quite cold, with temperatures reaching as low as -104 degrees fahrenheit (-40 degrees celsius). Still, it is a popular stopping point for travelers on their way to and from Kashgar.
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.
Horseback Riding
As in many popular Kyrgyzstan spots, horseback riding is a must-do in Naryn. The best routes plod along the banks of the mighty Naryn river, making light weight of what would be a long, challenging route on foot.
Local Encounters
The vast majority of Naryn’s populace is made up of Kyrgyz, known for their friendly, welcoming nature. Though it may be necessary to have a guide translate - since most speak only Kyrgyz and Russian - having a chat with some of these locals will provide visitors with wonderful insight into their local culture.
Rafting
Rafting down the Naryn river is an exhilarating experience. This river is formed by the congruence of the Smaller and Greater Naryn, and although a large portion of the river has flat and tranquil waters, the lower gorges have quick and bouncy rapids. The canyon also boasts breathtaking scenery, making it a popular location for white-water rafting.
Son-Kul Lake
Just 56 miles from Naryn, Son-Kul Lake dominates as the second-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. It boasts some wonderful natural beauty, while also being home to many rare animals and birds. As such, it is a popular destination both with locals and visitors.
Soviet Architecture
Due to the fact that Naryn was founded over a century ago as a Russian garrison town, much of the town contains post-war Soviet-style architecture. Visitors can spend some time taking in this unique style, learning about the history of the town.
Trekking
People come from far and wide to explore the unspoiled lands of Naryn, in the Central Tian Shan. Here, it’s possible to see a variety of wildlife, for those intrepid hikers wanting to truly explore, they can search for the caves near Naryn town where early settlements have been found, suggesting the town is much older than originally thought.
Kyrgyzstan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
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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, 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.
Silk Road and Beyond: 5 Central Asia Journeys for Autumn
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- Travelogues
Right now, everyone is looking for something a little different. Luckily, as fall approaches, this part of the continent is experiencing its best weather.
A Night with the Nomads at Song-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Any good traveler knows that the more challenging destinations are almost always the most rewarding, and this is very much the case with Song-Kul Lake, the second-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan
Stan & Stare: Natural Wonders of Central Asia
- Author
- Remote Lands
Hidden in the yawning expanse of Central Asia that makes up the Stans are some treasures that should be on every intrepid traveler’s map. These seemingly uncharted lands are full of truly mind-blowing ancient and natural wonders.
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