SARY-JAZ VALLEY

The Sary-Jaz area is truly a unique place on the map of Kyrgyzstan. The half-abandoned Soviet village set in amongst the 6000+ meters snow-covered peaks of Tien-Shan intrigues the visitors with its enchanting history and diverse landscape.

Located off the beaten path, only a few kilometers from the Chinese border, it’s an ideal place for adventurous travelers seeking to discover the unusual locations - the ones where you won’t find many other people around.

The most rewarding way to get to know the Sary-Jaz area and its inhabitants is by staying with the local family. The social tours to the village allow you to truly get a feel of the spirit of the town, engage in long conversations with locals, try the traditional food, and understand how the life used to look there in the past. Without running water or the internet, you can escape the busy world, leaving the modern worries behind.

Now, many of the buildings in Sary-Jaz have been abandoned after the collapse of the Soviet Union, including several of the mines located on the nearby mountains.

You can explore them at your own pace, walk through the empty corridors, and glimpse into the past era, wondering what mysteries it left behind, buried under the dust.

The untouched nature in Sary-Jaz Valley offers endless opportunities for hiking and exploring. Take a peaceful swim in the nearby hot springs with no one around but mountains towering above your head. Jump between the huge boulders carved by the river or dive into the local history and search for the ancient rock inscriptions. Whatever you choose to do, one is certain – a trip to Sary-Jaz will stay on your mind and heart for a long time.