Tash Rabat - An ancient caravanserai in a stunning setting

 


Tash Rabat is a 15th-century stone caravanserai some 100 kilometres south of Naryn, at an elevation of 3,000 metres, very close to the border with China. It is believed that originally it was a Buddhist monastery. The road to Tash Rabat first leads through a wide plain of a valley, bordered by snow covered ranges, then turns into a smaller valley among rocky hills. Horses and cows graze next to the river, but also herds of yaks. Compared to other historic sites in Central Asia, the building of Tash Rabat is not that outstanding, but it is nice and well preserved, and stands in a stunning setting. If you climb up to the surrounding hills, you can have a great view of the valley and a snowy peak further south. Beyond that is Chatyr Köl, a lake which you can visit in a multiple-day hike. I didn't have time for this, maybe another time, and it was already quite cold at this elevation. Going back to Naryn was just as beautiful as coming up to Tash Rabat - it was a memorable and well-spent day!

















































































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