Tash Rabat Road is an extremely isolated drive
Located in the Naryn Province of Kyrgyzstan, Tash Rabat is a stone caravanserai (an extensive network of traveler’s inns along old caravan roads) in the middle of nowhere.
This extremely isolated Silk Road caravanserai lies at an elevation of 3,200m (10,498ft) above the sea level. It’s probably Kyrgyzstan’s most remarkable monument. Yhis beautiful mountain setting for an ancient caravanserai was built in 15th century. It was the inn for merchants and travelers on the ancient Silk Road from Central Asia to China.
The road to one of the main archeological sights of Kyrgyzstan is gravel. It’s 15km long running along the valley of the Tash Rabat river. It’s a 4wd road. Don’t stuff your belly too much. Eventually, you might feel vomiting temptations while climbing circuitous roads at higher altitudes. Snow blocks the road for up to eight months a year. Even without snow blocking the road, constant landslides and avalanches, not to mention regular earthquakes and floodings often turn the road into a mere suggestion. Therefore, the road leading to Tash Rabat should under no circumstances be tackled without a local driver. Altitude sickness is another threat, which should not be taken lightly. The road goes on to a summit near the town, at an elevation of 3.968m (13,018ft). This final part is a mule track. It's one of the highest roads of the country.
Pic: Truchot Pascal