According to rumors, the cabin at Shamshy had originally been built in the 1970s to possibly accommodate the shah of Persia on a hunting trip. The trip never happened, but the cabin has been used as a ramshackle base for rangers and visitors to the area ever since.
Now, it will get a second life as the base camp of the Shamshy Wildlife Sanctuary. It will host researchers and small eco-tourism groups, and will serve as a classroom and camp for local students who’ll come to the area to learn about the mountain ecosystem and the various species that call Shamshy home – including the majestic snow leopard.
Renovations on the cabin are about 70% done now. Our local team has installed a new roof, replaced all windows, and installed solar panels, which were donated by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, to supply the cabin with independent, clean, renewable, and free energy. They also renovated the interior, adding an inviting bench and table, among other upgrades.
Fixing the porch is next on the agenda. “Once the work is finished, Shamshy will be the foremost eco-education center in the country, says Kuban Jumabai uulu, the Snow Leopard Trust’s Program Director in Kyrgyzstan. “And it’s only 2 hours from the capital, Bishkek, so it will be very convenient for visitors who want to learn more about Kyrgyz wildlife.”