To the south of Bishkek, amongst the Tian Shan Mountains, lies the province of Naryn. This is a territory of wild beauty with alternating white peaks, valleys and gorges and an abundance of wildlife.

The climate is sharply continental and winter lasts for 6-8 months here but in the spring and summer the mountainsides are covered with wild flowers.

Despite the rugged terrain, the Central Tian Shan has been inhabited since ancient times and numerous rock drawings and burial sites testify to the fact. It was also a main caravan route on the Silk Road and one can visit the beautifully preserved 15th century Tash Rabat caravanserai.

The largest lake in Naryn province is Lake Song Kul, set amongst steppe vegetation and home to countless wild geese, ducks and other waterfowl. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake's colour changes from violet to dark blue to pink, depending on the time of day. The highest lake is Lake Chatyr Kul.

The main highway to the Chinese border skirts Lake Chatyr Kul before arriving at the Torugart Pass, the only border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and China. The pass lies 400km south of Bishkek and 160km north of Kashgar at an altitude of 3752m. The drive is spectacular but border formalities can be long.