Naryn

"We stumbled upon Naryn completely by chance after hitching a ride with a couple we met along the way. Initially, we had no plans to stop there, but it ended up being one of our favourite spots in Kyrgyzstan. We found a cozy homestay run by a local historian who gave us an insightful breakdown of the area’s history and shared fascinating bits about the country. Her stories added so much depth to our understanding of Kyrgyzstan’s rich culture and heritage. We ended up staying a week in Naryn to recharge, and our timing couldn’t have been better. We happened to be there during the city’s annual festival, which turned out to be an absolute highlight. We got to watch incredible cultural dances, enjoy delicious local food served in a traditional yurt, and even hold a majestic eagle—an experience we’ll never forget! If you’re lucky enough to be in Naryn during the festival, we highly recommend it. It’s a brilliant, immersive way to experience the local culture and traditions. Even if you're not there for the festival, Naryn still has plenty to offer for anyone looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot to explore. We certainly felt like we discovered a hidden gem."