Kochkor

Kochkor is a quaint village nestled in the central part of Kyrgyzstan, situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Inner Tien Shan. It serves as a crossroads where several routes converge—eastward to Issyk-Kul Lake, westward to the Tyuz-Ashuu Pass and Chuy region, and southward to the town of Naryn, eventually leading to the Torugart Pass into China. Once a pivotal stop on the Great Silk Road, today Kochkor offers a fascinating and enlightening pause for travelers exploring Kyrgyzstan. Amidst its stunning landscapes and the fragrant steppe grasses, visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic traditions of a Kyrgyz village, where hunting, livestock herding, farming, and craftsmanship have been a way of life for generations.

With a population of over 15,000 residents, most of whom are engaged in livestock breeding or farming, Kochkor boasts a warm and welcoming community that embraces guests with genuine hospitality. Here, one can experience the traditional lifestyle and customs of nomads, stay in a yurt, and savor national dishes and drinks. The village is dotted with numerous craft workshops where you can purchase a variety of souvenirs, all handcrafted by local artisans. Kochkor is surrounded by vast, lush meadows and pastures (known as jailoo), offering an ideal retreat for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

For travelers, Kochkor presents a rich cultural program. Visitors can witness the setting up of yurts, observe the intricate process of felt-making that results in the creation of shyrdaks—complex patterned carpets—and watch demonstrations of training birds of prey for hunting. You can also learn how traditional dishes are prepared, see herdsmen driving horses and flocks of sheep to pasture, and much more.

Folklore concerts, horseback riding competitions, and jailoo tours—horseback excursions where local hunters showcase their skills with eagles—are organized for tourists. Visitors can indulge in fishing, with the nearby river teeming with grayling, char, and other fish, or embark on a trek through the mountains and meadows, enjoying the breathtaking scenery, crisp air, a deep connection with nature, and a rare sense of isolation from civilization.

In Kochkor, you’ll have the chance to sample the authentic cuisine of Kyrgyz shepherds and even observe its preparation. This culinary process holds a special place in the traditional rhythm of local life, and the sandal, a cooking stove, always occupies the center of the yurt. Meals are arranged around it on a dastarkhan, a low table, where various dishes and bowls of kumis are placed. Guests are invited to sit on felt cushions and savor dishes like beshbarmak (boiled meat with homemade noodles), kuurdak, kyulchetai (dough in broth), horse sausage chuchuk, flatbreads, and more. The meal always concludes with Kyrgyz tea, enriched with milk, butter, sour cream, and salt.

In summer, this entire process moves outdoors, where an oven and table are set up. The village also offers conventional dining options, with restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, pizzerias like «Syrduu» and «Safran,» teahouses, and other establishments—all warm, welcoming, and very budget-friendly.

A popular accommodation choice in Kochkor is the yurt guesthouse, where visitors can stay in a genuine yurt, cozy and remarkably warm, covered with felt on the outside and lined with carpets inside. For those who prefer more conventional options, there are mini-hotels and guesthouses—over a dozen in total. Additionally, tourists in Kochkor have the unique opportunity to stay with local shepherd families or on farms, providing an authentic cultural experience.

There are two notable sites near Kochkor: the semi-abandoned underground sanatorium in the Chon-Tuz salt mine and the Arakyol spring, where the water ignites when a match is brought near. The water is safe to drink, though it’s advised not to let it touch your teeth, and it loses its healing properties a few hours after coming into contact with air.

Every Saturday, Kochkor hosts a livestock market. It’s an opportunity to observe Kyrgyz livestock and watch as local farmers buy and sell their animals. The bazaar is also an excellent place to stock up on any essentials you may need for your journey.

What truly sets Kochkor apart, however, is the women’s craft cooperative «Altyn Kol» (meaning «Golden Hand» in Kyrgyz). Established in the mid-1990s as a means to provide an alternative source of income for needy rural families, «Altyn Kol» has gained international acclaim for its handcrafted felt carpets (shyrdaks). Felt is made from sheep’s wool, making it entirely eco-friendly and incredibly practical for a nomad’s lifestyle. This dense material allows air to pass through, has low thermal conductivity, and is non-flammable. Felt is used to produce yurt coverings and colorful national carpets—shyrdaks. The creation and decoration of shyrdaks is one of the most intricate Kyrgyz folk crafts, recognized as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, with its secrets passed down through generations. Each region has its distinct technical and artistic felting techniques, colors, and ornamentation. Felt is also used to make traditional headgear—kolpaks, saddle pads, bags, toys, and a variety of souvenirs.

Kochkor hosts a Felt Festival where guests can delve deeper into Kyrgyz culture and traditions, participate in workshops on felting, learn the art of creating colorful patterns, and purchase unique handcrafted items. From Kochkor, it’s convenient to embark on hiking and cycling tours, such as those to Lake Ukok or Son-Kul, where in the summer months, you can witness the stunning pastures known as jailoo.