Eki-Naryn is a small high-mountain settlement in the Naryn region of central Kyrgyzstan, located in a broad valley shaped by the upper course of the Naryn River. The name of the place is closely tied to its geography: in Kyrgyz, eki means “two,” and Naryn refers to the river, pointing to the fact that this area lies near the meeting point of two headwater branches that together form the Naryn River. These branches descend from the surrounding Tien Shan mountains and converge in the valley, giving the location both its name and its physical character.
The presence of the two river branches has long influenced life in Eki-Naryn. The rivers provide water for livestock and pastures, shape the wide valley floor, and create natural routes through the otherwise rugged mountain terrain. Historically, such river confluences were important landmarks for nomadic herders, serving as seasonal gathering points and reliable sources of water during migrations between summer and winter pastures.
How to get there?
Most visitors reach Eki Naryn from Naryn, which has regular transport connections from Bishkek.
By car/taxi
That is basically the only way to get to Eki Naryn. If you don’t have your own wheels, you can find taxi drivers hanging out at Naryn Bus Station. It’s about a 42 km trip from the centre of Naryn, and the drive takes about an hour.
I negotiated the price of 2.500 som with the same driver that I met upon arrival from Kochkor. His name was Mars, and he was a fantastic guy, always listening to good music in his Land Cruiser. You may also contact him if you need a transfer to Tash Rabat or Kel Suu Lake. Phone number: +996 702 857 367.
There is no public transport, and I don’t recommend hitchhiking as the traffic is minimal and you may get stuck for several hours.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit is from June to September, when mountain roads are accessible, and the landscape is green and vibrant.
Where to stay in Naryn?
I spent a few nights at Pamko. The place was spacious and clean. There was also a mini kitchen area, and the owner was very friendly. They kept my luggage safe while I was staying overnight in Tash Rabat.
Is it worth it?
I don’t think a visit to Eki Naryn quite justifies the time and expense on its own. The scenery is beautiful, especially if you have a drone to capture it from above, but from ground level, it may feel less striking. That said, it can be a pleasant stop if you’re already travelling through the mountain roads on the way to Issyk-Kul Lake.
