Irkeshtam Hotels

Nameless trucker's hostel: Only choice

Most people spend the night at Irkeshtam rather than Sary Tash these days, as the ride from Sary Tash to the border can take upwards of four or five hours. The only game in town is the trucker's hostel, which is very basic but only 60 som.

Unique Quality: The "facilities" have so much ammonia smell you can hardly breathe. And the lights don't work so in the daytime you can't actually see what you're doing. You just have to hope you're properly positioned.