Batken

Batken Province, located in the southwesternmost region of Kyrgyzstan, boasts a stunning landscape dominated by four mountain ranges, with elevations spanning from 400 meters to 5,621 meters (1,312 to 18,442 feet) above sea level. Established in 1999, the province is known for its rugged beauty and its rich historical and cultural heritage. The administrative center, Batken town, anchors this vast area, which also contains a number of peculiar enclaves belonging to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. These enclaves were formed when the borders of the Central Asian republics were drawn under the direction of a Soviet commission led by Joseph Stalin. Among the seven enclaves, the largest is Sokh District, part of Uzbekistan, with a population of 52,000 people. Some of the smaller enclaves are barely larger than a farm.

Batken is home to the lowest point in Kyrgyzstan, sitting at 401 meters above sea level—a sharp contrast to the country’s highest point, Peak Pobeda, which reaches 7,439 meters. The region is a haven for adventurers, offering activities such as horseback riding, spelunking, mountain climbing, rafting, and cultural tours. Its remote charm attracts visitors who seek the lesser-known gems of Kyrgyzstan.

In the central square of Batken stands the statue of «Erkindik» – Kyrgyzstan’s very own Statue of Liberty. An identical statue once stood on the main square of Bishkek from 2003 to 2011, but after the revolution in 2010, it was decided that the statue’s symbolism was flawed. According to critics, the tündük—the sacred dome of a nomad’s yurt—should not be held by women, and holding it in the left hand was inappropriate for men as well. Some even claimed that this statue on the nation’s main square was responsible for all of Kyrgyzstan’s problems! As a result, the Erkindik statue in Bishkek was dismantled, while its replica in Batken remains.

Notable places of interest in Batken Province include the stunning Ai-Köl Lake, the vast Sary-Tash National Park, the striking Sary-Töö Mountains, the dramatic Karavshin Gorge, the ancient Kan Fortress, and the mysterious Kan-i-Gut Cave. Additionally, the province is home to the rare and endangered Aigul flower (Fritillaria Eduardii), a plant that blooms for only two weeks in April and can be found exclusively in this region, nowhere else in the world. It grows only on the mountain Aygul Tash that is located 15 km to south-east of the town.

Despite its natural wonders, Batken remains relatively unknown to international tourists, with most visitors coming from other parts of Kyrgyzstan or neighboring countries. Several mountaineering and adventure tour bases are scattered throughout the province, including Pyramida-Dolina in the Batken region, Ak-Suu and Ozgorush in the Laylak region, and Dugaba in the Kadamjaiski region. These bases have even hosted international climbing expeditions, contributing to the province’s growing reputation as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The mountains in this region are incredibly rich in minerals and ores, rivaling or even surpassing the famous Khibiny Mountains in their variety. However, the most valuable resource in Batken is the mercury from the Haidarkan deposit. Kyrgyzstan ranks second in the world in mercury reserves, trailing only Spain, and second in production, following China.

The province also holds a wealth of ancient sites that are of great interest to history buffs. Among them is the legendary Kan-i-Gut Cave, known as one of Central Asia’s most mysterious and awe-inspiring landmarks. Mentioned by the great Persian philosopher and scientist Avicenna, this cave was an important waypoint on the ancient Silk Road. With a length of more than 6 kilometers, much of the cave’s intricate network was only fully discovered as recently as 2017. Local legends say that untold treasures are hidden within its depths.

Another extraordinary natural feature in Batken is the rainbow-colored mountains of Sary-Töö. The slopes of these hills showcase a kaleidoscope of colors: terracotta, turquoise, lemon yellow, emerald green, sandy beige, jet black, and deep purple. These vivid hues are a testament to the region’s geological history, as these mountains once formed the seabed of the ancient Sarmatian Sea, now transformed into a breathtaking natural wonder.