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The Naryn oblast lies in Central Kyrgyzstan and borders with China and the Kyrgyz oblasts of Chui, Issyk Kul, Djalal Abad and Osh.
Statistics: Area – 46707 square kilometers - Population – 263,000 (the population density is less than 10 per square kilometer)
Climate – Naryn can be the coldest town in Kyrgyzstan – falling as low as -40C in winter and the average annual temperature is -6C. In summer, however, it can be quite hot and dusty. The monthly averages for June and January are +17C and –17 respectively. The average rainfall is about 287mm.
Landscapes – more than 70% of the Naryn oblast is mountainous – and the remainder comprises high mountain valleys, many of which serve as summer pastures (jailoo). Even the lowest place in the oblast is 1400 meters above sea level.
Reserves – The Karatal-Japaryk reserve was founded in 1995 in the forest regions of the northern hills of the Kargo mountains, consisting of three small areas – a forested area and the high mountain lakes of Son Kul and Chatyr Kul - and occupies some 72,000 hectares. The Naryn state reserve was founded in 1983 and coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and other ecosystems are protected by it. The Salkyntor State Park was established in 2001 and covers some 10448 hectares – and is dedicated to the re-establishment of the Tien Shan Maral (Red Deer), and also serves as a recreational centre for the local population.
Main Towns – Naryn, Kochkor, At Bashi, Chaek.
Places to visit – Apart from the town of Naryn itself, there is Kochkor (famous for homestays, and a center for making Shyrdaks) and the nearby Chon Tus sanatoria based on an old salt mine; the remote mountain lake of Son Kul, lying at over 3000 meters on a treeless plateau ringed by mountains; Tash Rabat - an ancient caravansarai; The Ece Naryn valley and Salkyntor State Park; Lake Chatyr Kul near the border with China and the Ak Sai valley and the Torugart Pass to China.
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