Magnificent scenery once more. Over two passes… Horses, cows, sheep on road on many occasions being taken to rich grazing lands.

The scenery was spectacular and the day of driving and photography was one of the best on the trip.

We stayed at a hotel which was very basic but clean. It was situated on a fast flowing river. Dinner was local Kygystan fare.

This was a day where I could have posted hundreds of photos. However these will have to be a sample!  What wonderful scenery.

This was a relaxing day in Bishkek. We drove Vulcan to the National park and walked to view the spectacular scenery.

Morning tea by a stream and when we returned to the hotel,  Ian worked a little on the car.  We walked to the Bazaar in town … an amazing assortment of food and other products. It reminded us of markets in Lagos but in a more orderly fashion!

Dinner at a local restaurant which was lovely.

We don’t think we will have internet in the next two days as we are staying in simpler guest house/homestay accomodation.

After a lovely night in a guesthouse in Karakol, we boarded an army truck to drive up to the Altyn Arashan Valley. The trucks had to “walk” over many rocky sections and it reminded us of our land cruiser travelling days.

This trip required us to change vehicles to get over an ice patch

and finally…

Our guest house for the night was nestled in the valley. There were hot springs nearby so after lunch we used the hot springs and walked up the valley. Horses, cows, sheep and even what were later identified as marmots were seen. The snow capped mountains and green valleys were beautiful. It reminded us of walking in alpine valleys and hills in Switzerland.

The night was spent in this setting and at 6.15 am Ian and I decided instead of the first army truck, to walk  down. In the crisp early morning it was beautiful and we stopped to take photos and enjoy the early morning!

After returning to our cars in Karakol, we drove to Bishkek around Issykkul Lake.

 The scenery changed from the green hills to desert like landforms once more. The Lake drive was beautiful and were reached Bishkek in the evening.

A full day driving…but what a day of scenery.  Spectacular mountains and green valleys. We visited a mini grand canyon and although there was not time to walk down into it, it was amazing.

Many herds of sheep with drovers on horseback, horses and cows by the roadside and innumerable friendly people waving at us as we passed by.

Lunch was at another amazing spot overlooking a gorge and river.

We crossed from Kazakstan to Kyrgyzstan this afternoon and it would have to be the easiest crossing to date. We then drove through more amazing countryside…gorgeous valleys and hills and then flatter farmland with the snow capped mountains in the distance. 

A fabulous day and one of the best driving days yet.