"Cultural Shock" of two Russians in Kyrgyzstan

Issyk-Kul

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.

Share this with friends:
Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

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. 

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

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.

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

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.

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

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.

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

We took the boat and went for a ride! What a lovely view, it looks even greater from distance!

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

Winter beach.

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

It’s time for some winter swimming! Maybe…

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov
Author
Vladimir Kolmykov
Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

That lake was incredible, but we had to move on. We continued our journey to the mountains, main goal of our trip!

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov
Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

If you look at some rocks under right angle, they’d look like they are very hot if you touch them.

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

Frozen waterfall

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

Skiing time!

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

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.

Author
Vladimir Kolmykov
Author
Vladimir Kolmykov
Author
Vladimir Kolmykov

Our journey is coming to an end and on our way back we saw this interesting authentic bus-station.

Author: Vladimir Kolmykov