Unexpectedly for us we decided to celebrate New Year in Kyrgyzstan. We passed through Bishkek and went to Issyk-Kul immediately. We were stunned by the beauty of the nature, low prices, kindness of people around us and variety of nature in a former country of Soviet Union.
Our hostess treats us with «endless tea», which is poured very little in our vials. It’s a Kyrgyz tradition that resembles respect for guest, the less you have, then more you are respected.
Ferris wheel! Issyk-Kul is a very calm lake and you can build attractions right on the shore without fear that climate and erosion will eradicate it within a season.
Incredible sky-high mountains, we were confused on what to enjoy first, either lake or mountains. In the end we decided to take a trip two times, first one for lake, then the latter.
Clouds are quite low here, or this mountain range is higher than the lower atmosphere. Locals told us that mountain peaks are covered with snow all-year round.
We took the boat and went for a ride! What a lovely view, it looks even greater from distance!
Winter beach.
It’s time for some winter swimming! Maybe…
That lake was incredible, but we had to move on. We continued our journey to the mountains, main goal of our trip!
If you look at some rocks under right angle, they’d look like they are very hot if you touch them.
Frozen waterfall
Skiing time!
Sea buckthorn. Its bushes are so thick (and don’t forget thorns, which are just damn on every inch of it) that you can’t pass them unless you are a tank.
Local horseman.
Our journey is coming to an end and on our way back we saw this interesting authentic bus-station.
Author: Vladimir Kolmykov
