Batken

Batken is the capital of the eponymous, southwesternmost administrative region of Kyrgyzstan, sitting at around 1100 metres above sea level in a remote area threaded with intricate borders between Tajik and Uzbek enclaves. The town has about 30,000 inhabitants and was designated administrative centre of the newly created region in 2000, after the area drew international attention during the incursions of Islamist groups from Tajikistan in 1999 and 2000. Its economic base rests on fruit and vegetable cultivation, above all the production of sweet sun-dried apricots, widely regarded as the finest in Central Asia. Daily life is complicated by recurring border tensions with Tajikistan and by the lack of a direct corridor to the rest of the country, since many roads must inevitably pass through Uzbek or Tajik territory.

Nearby cities

Razzakov

A city in the far west of Kyrgyzstan, formerly known as Isfana.

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Kyzyl-Kiya

A city in southern Kyrgyzstan that developed as one of the oldest coal mining centers in Central Asia.

Sülüktü

A remote mining town on the edge of the Turkestan Mountains in the Batken Region.

Kadamjay

An industrial city in the south of the country that developed around the mining and processing of antimony.

Isfara

Isfara is an ancient industrial town on the Kyrgyz border, famous for fruit processing.

Kokand

Former capital of the Khanate of Kokand, rich in historical palaces and madrasas.

Shaydon

Shaydon is the administrative center of the Asht District and is surrounded by extensive apricot orchards.

Konibodom

Konibodom in the Fergana Valley is often referred to as the city of almonds due to its extensive orchards.

Chust

Known for traditional craftsmanship, especially the making of knives and headwear.

Tavildara

A picturesque mountain village in the Obikhingou River valley, known as the gateway to the High Pamir.

Gharm

Gharm serves as the historical and cultural heart of the Rasht Valley, surrounded by high mountains.

Nature

Chatkal River

The wild Chatkal River has carved deep, breathtaking gorges into the mountains of the western Tien Shan.

More places

Batken Apricot Orchards

The southern Batken region is known throughout the country for its endless apricot orchards.

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Surma-Tash State Nature Reserve

In the harsh environment of the Batken region, this reserve protects high-alpine ecosystems and glacial valleys.

Khaidarkan Mercury Plant

One of the few remaining primary mercury producers in the world.

Kadamjay Antimony Plant

A large metallurgical plant for the production of antimony.

Sarkent National Park

In the remote Batken region, this park offers rugged, rocky landscapes and untouched alpine ecosystems.

Sulukta Coal Mine

A historical center of coal mining in the extreme southwest of Kyrgyzstan.

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Kyzyl-Kiya Coal Mine

One of the oldest coal mining areas in Kyrgyzstan.

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Batken Historical Museum

This museum in the southwest of the country focuses on the archaeology of the Batken region and the history of local agriculture.