Ak-Sai Valley

The Ak-Sai Valley is an extremely high-altitude, almost Arctic-like mountain basin in the Naryn region, spanning an immense elevation between 3,000 and 3,800 meters. This heavily isolated plain near the Chinese border is frequently referred to as the "Kyrgyz pole of cold," as brutal winter temperatures have been recorded plummeting to minus 53 degrees Celsius. Bounded to the south by the massive Kokshaal-Too mountain range, the stark landscape resembles a polar tundra far more than a traditional Central Asian steppe. The underlying ground is largely characterized by permafrost, which renders the growth of any trees entirely impossible. Despite these incredibly hostile living conditions, the Ak-Sai Valley is home to highly specialized and fascinating wildlife. It remains one of the last major refuges for the imposing Marco Polo sheep with their massive, spiraling horns, as well as Siberian ibex and the highly elusive snow leopards that prey upon them. Only the most resilient Kyrgyz herders dare to bring their hardy yaks into this severe but breathtakingly beautiful wilderness during the short, cool summers.

Nearby cities

Naryn

A high-altitude city in central Kyrgyzstan, located on the river of the same name and surrounded by high mountains.

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At-Bashy

An authentic Kyrgyz village at the foot of the mighty At-Bashy range, known for its livestock market.

Kochkor

A lively market town on the way to Lake Song-Kul, known for its Kyrgyz felt art.

Kel-Suu Lake

A spectacular high-altitude lake in a deep canyon, known for its emerald water and steep rock walls.

History & landmarks

Tash Rabat Caravanserai

A well-preserved 15th-century stone caravanserai located at an altitude of over 3000 meters along the ancient Silk Road.

Nature

Chatyr-Kul

Chatyr-Kul is situated solitarily on a vast high plateau and is the third highest lake in Kyrgyzstan.

Song-Kul

Song-Kul is a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by lush summer pastures.

Naryn River

The Naryn River meanders through picturesque gorges and wild valleys before leaving Kyrgyzstan.

Kel-Suu Lake

The hidden Kel-Suu glacier lake is secluded in a rugged, rocky gorge near the Chinese border.

More places

Karatal-Japyryk State Nature Reserve

Located high in the inner Tian Shan, this reserve encompasses alpine pastures, clear mountain lakes, and barren plateaus.

Naryn Valley

The deep gorge and valley through which the Naryn River flows, surrounded by spectacular, barren mountain landscapes.

Tian Shan

A vast mountain system in Central Asia, whose name means "Heavenly Mountains", covering most of Kyrgyzstan.

Arpa Valley

An extremely remote high-altitude valley in the Naryn Region, traditionally used by nomads as summer pasture.

Naryn State Nature Reserve

The Naryn Nature Reserve protects the dense coniferous forests and alpine meadows along the river of the same name.

Kakshaal Too

A massive mountain range forming the natural border between Kyrgyzstan and China, characterized by its harsh climate.