It is one of the district centers in the Naryn region, which attracts the attention of ethnographers, scientists, and archaeologists. Today this small town is known as one of the starting points of tourist routes through the Tien Shan mountains. In the ancient times, there was a center of intersection of many ancient civilizations, a center of trade relations, where the multilingual speech of nomads and settled tribes sounded. Life was bustling in this place, various people roamed here: trade deals were made; cattle were sold and bought; goods and fabrics were exchanged briskly, and dervishes, travelers, and missionaries of various faiths passed by.

After all, ancient artifacts dating back to the 12th century, when the Karakhanid khans (kings) ruled here, were found in this area. Ruins, remains of ancient settlements, fragments of ancient jugs, household items, leather and bronze handicrafts and much more can still be found throughout the area. Many centuries ago, where silence reigns now, a long line of loaded camel caravans passed from China to the ancient state. Archaeologists continue to explore Kochkor and conduct excavations when funds become available.

Kochkor is one of the stopping points during multi-day trips around Kyrgyzstan due to its convenient location – about two and a half to three hours to Bishkek, or about one and a half to two hours to the southern shore of Issyk Kul. Travelers who stay in Kochkor are likely to go or have already visited Son Kol Lake, Tash Rabat caravanserai, and Kol Ukok Lake. Local residents provide various accommodation options, from the most budget to the luxury level. There are cafes, fast food outlets, a local bazaar in the town where you can buy groceries, various things or souvenirs, and demonstrations of felt carpet making are often held in Kochkor.