Barskoon

The village of Barskoon, with a population of over 9,000, lies on the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. Remains have been found proving the existence of man as far back as the 4th century BC.

There are also the ruins of an ancient caravanserai dating from the 8th century, as the village lies at the start of the Silk Road over the Bedel Pass (4252 metres above sea level) to the town of Aksou in Xinjiang. The eleventh-century scholar Mahmud al-Kashgari was originally from this region. His father Husayn was the village mayor. Mahmud al-Kashgari is best known as the author of the Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk, the first comparative dictionary of Turkic languages, which he wrote while living in Baghdad in 1072-4 and his map of the known world at the time places Barskoon at the centre of the world.

What's more, the village of Barskoon is the starting point for a number of exciting outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts can take to the picturesque trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, archaeological sites and glacial lakes. The region also offers opportunities for horse riding, mountain biking and fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes.

In terms of infrastructure, the village of Barskoon has basic facilities such as guest houses, homestays and a few local shops.