At-Bashy is a village located approximately 35 km southwest of the Naryn region in Kyrgyzstan. It serves as the seat of the At-Bashi District. Magnificent fir forests adorn the northern part of the valley, and at its far end flows one of the tributary rivers named Naryn-At-Bashy.

A Glimpse Into History

At-Bashy means "Horse's Head" in Kyrgyz. The name was given by a horse breeder passing through the country. According to an ancient Kyrgyz legend, a livestock herder from the Andijan region settled in a pasture for the night and left his horse to roam free. The next day, when the horse had escaped, he pursued and hunted it down before killing it. He severed the horse's head and left it there before continuing on his journey with the remains, which he used for sustenance along the road. This is how he named the place "Horse's Head".

According to some estimates, the first settlement appeared more than 10 centuries ago on the current site of At-Bashy village. Traditional nomadic elements of Kyrgyz life and culture remain deeply woven into village life today.

At-Bashy Today

Serving as the administrative center of its namesake district, At-Bashy is a significant village with a population of just over 10,000. The village makes for a pleasant stopover. It offers all necessary amenities including shops, banks, and a post office where you can stock up before heading back out on the roads.

The village is famous for its large animal bazaar held every Sunday. Many people come to buy sheep, horses, cattle, goats, or donkeys. It is also known for its annual Shyrdack festival, colorful hand-woven rugs that are found in virtually every Kyrgyz household.

You can take advantage of your visit to At-Bashy to discover tombs and a few historical monuments while enjoying mountainous landscapes. From the top of the hill, you'll have a remarkable view over the village and several neighboring settlements. Nestled in a picturesque valley formed by mountains, forests, and meadows, At-Bashy sits at 2,400 meters altitude and faces harsh winters while enjoying pleasant summers.

The last major village before reaching China, At-Bashy is surrounded by small settlements that eventually give way to vast steppes, giving you the sensation of being alone in the world. Indeed, the At-Bashy region is renowned for containing some of the most remote sections of the country along the Silk Road. This region is ideal for off-the-beaten-path driving, horseback riding, and hiking. You can particularly enjoy the river and follow its course, which extends 180 km and traverses the Naryn province from end to end.

To reach At-Bashy, take marshutkas that travel the unpaved mountain dirt roads.