Kochkor - the charm of local fauna and the colorful traditions
Kochkor village is located in the northern part of the Naryn region. It stretches across a vast valley at the confluence of the Eastern Karakol and Kara-Kudzhur rivers into the Chu River. The valley is surrounded by the mountains of the Inner Tien Shan. Additionally, Kochkor is the center of the eponymous district and a transport hub for the region. The village is where the roads converge, leading to Balykchy, Naryn, and the Tuy-Ashuu pass (the border between the Naryn and Chuy regions). The village is located 60 km from the city of Balykchy.
The population is about 9,700 people.
Kochkor is inhabited by Kyrgyz farmers and herders. The Chu River here has an unpredictable course, flooding significantly during spring runoff, which is why both the village and agricultural lands are located on the second floodplain terrace of the river. To tame the river, channels have been created, where fish can even be found. Against the backdrop of bare mountains, Kochkor appears as a blooming oasis – there are many orchards and greenery. The construction is represented by typical Soviet single-story buildings, although there are also multi-apartment two- and three-story houses. In the summer, treks to the surrounding mountains are organized from Kochkor. In winter, however, severe frosts dominate the area, and mountain trails become impassable.
Kochkor is famous for its mountains and landscapes, which attract tourists who come to explore everything in detail. Additionally, in the village, one can find a couple of recreation bases and hotels offering tourists comfortable rooms, delicious breakfasts, and other additional services. If you book accommodation in advance, you can significantly save time upon arrival in Kochkor. After all, tourists will no longer need to visit all the hotels in search of comfortable rooms.
Kochkor is a village in Kyrgyzstan located near Lake Son-Kul. Visit Kochkor, which has long been considered a convenient transit base on the Great Silk Road leading to the Chinese city of Kashgar via the Torugart pass.
Previously, most travelers simply passed by Kochkor (or Kochkorky, as it is called by Russian-speaking residents of Kyrgyzstan) on their way to Torugart towards the Chinese border. Now, more and more people are stopping here to spend some time in this region.
One of the reasons for this is apparently the ongoing project in the region called "Life of a Shepherd" - a local initiative of the Swiss development program Helvetas.
As part of the program, local shepherd families offer homestays for tourists. Transportation services, horseback riding, guided tours, demonstrations of local crafts, concerts of Kyrgyz traditional music, and more are organized for city guests.
Homestays or farm stays are popular worldwide. This type of accommodation is suitable for those who wish to get acquainted with the daily life, culture, and lifestyle of the local population, and for shepherds and farmers, it is a way to increase their income.
