2 Travel adventures Kyrgyzstan

From Amsterdam to Tokyo

1 mei 2016 - 8 augustus 2016 (100 days)

The road gradually climbs to a mountain pass over three thousand meters high. The view on the other side is spectacular. We see the road winding down with sharp hairpin bends. In the distance, we can see the valley below. Once there, we take the turnoff to Lake Son-Kul. Around 5 PM, we drive over the mountain pass. Son-Kul is a kind of crater lake. The rim is at 3,200 meters; the lake itself just over 3,000. Surrounding the lake are high, snow-capped mountains. As we descend into the crater, we see the blue water and white peaks all around. Yurts dot the grasslands, and herds of livestock roam near the camps. Some of the yurts are set up for tourists. We stop at a yurt hotel. There’s still space available. The four of us can sleep in one yurt. Blankets cover the floor, and there are camp beds. The sun is already dipping toward the horizon.

Photos Video Travelogue Route

Kyrgyzstan

Edelweiss

Edelweiss grows abundantly in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Sunset

The magnificent sunset at Lake Son Kul in Kyrgyzstan

Nomads

A boy rides his horse through the valley

Sunset

The sun sets at Son Kul Lake

In the Footsteps of Marco Polo

28 april - 1 juli 2012 (65 days)

Outside, the sun is already shining brightly. I wash myself at a simple water point. By pressing the pin at the bottom of the bucket upward, water flows out. I look out over the vast valley. In the far distance, I can see the village. It’s clear enough to see the blue water of Lake Issyk-Kul. Behind me, I see fresh snow in the mountains. The rain from last night has fallen as snow just a hundred meters above me. Men are busy again assembling the yurt from yesterday. Everything was taken apart to be reassembled properly in daylight. I’m going on a horseback ride through the valley. Amer approaches with my horse. Luckily, the horse isn’t too big. In one motion, I’m in the saddle. As soon as I give the animal a nudge, it starts walking. I ride through the grasslands. Along the way, I see various herds of sheep, groups of horses, and cows.

Photos Video Travelogue Route

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