Residents of high-altitude villages travel to the district center for groceries only once a year — life near the Kyrgyz-Chinese border

Анна Федорова Society
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In 2025, significant changes occurred in the infrastructure of a remote high-altitude valley located near the Kyrgyz-Chinese border. This was reported by the village elder (ayil bashchy) Mars Berikbaev, who spoke about the new living conditions for local residents.

The village of Ak-Shiyrak, part of the Orgochor rural district, is located 240 kilometers from the Jeti-Oguz district. It is primarily inhabited by residents of the Uch-Koshkon area. According to Berikbaev, in 2025, a clean drinking water supply system was implemented for 42 households, providing water to every home. The project was funded by resources from public organizations, the local budget, and the presidential representative office in the region, ensuring that all residents now have access to clean water.

Another issue faced by local residents was frequent power outages during strong winds. However, in 2025, 38 kilometers of new power lines were laid, which helped resolve this problem.

Previously, physical education classes at the local boarding school were held outdoors, but this year, construction began on a sports complex costing 63 million soms funded by the republican budget. The completion of the work is expected in the fall of 2026.

In winter, during heavy snowfall, the road from the village is cleared by road enterprise No. 3. The main occupation of the population remains livestock breeding, while some residents work at Chinese enterprises. The elder noted that in 2026, work on improving the village's infrastructure is planned to continue.
Elder Turum Kököché, who was born and raised in Ak-Shiyrak, also noted that in the winter of 2025, internet access was established in the village. Now residents can stay in touch with relatives even at significant distances, including the USA.

Kököché added that living conditions in the mountains have become comparable to those in urban areas. Once a year, local residents descend to the valley to purchase groceries; however, if there is no necessity, they prefer to stay in their native valley.



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