We left Samarkand at the usual 8am start with full cars and spare fuel in the guides car. Our destination was a Yurt camp on the shores of Lake Aydarkul. The story goes that a Soviet Dam built on the major river leading to the Aral Sea was in risk of breaking so they diverted the water to a natural depression in the desert and created a new lake 200km long. It is still fed from the river. A contributor to the Aral Sea “disappearing”.
On the way I have been looking for opportunities to take photos of some of the modes of transportation. These were usually donkeys pulling all sorts of carts.
We had organised to stay at a Yurt camp so I will have to call this day…the day of animals! We knew there would be no internet and limited power and washing facilities…basically camping but a great experience.
Arriving at the camp we dropped our luggage in the yurt, had lunch and then drove our cars down to the lake. This was beautiful and swimming and relaxing in the shade was a good way to spend a couple of hours of a hot afternoon.
While there relaxing, a flock of sheep and goats came down to the lake for a drink!
Returning to the camp we rode camels.
Again animals are the theme and there were two baby camels penned while the mothers roamed around free. They wouldn’t go far from their babies!
A fabulous afternoon and we fell into bed not noticing the warm temperature or mattress on the floor of the yurt.
Silk Road by MG 
Leave a Reply