Only 10 km northwest of Karakol, on the banks of the Issyk-Kul, lies the Przhevalsky Memorial Park. Here is the grave of Przhevalsky as well as a monument and a museum to his honors. Nikolai Mikhailovich Przhevalsky, often named after the Polish spelling Przewalski, was an officer of the Tsar. His outstanding contributions to the […]
Kara-Kyz Yurt Camp
The Kara-Kyz Yurt Camp is approx. 30 km east of Karakol in a small valley off the Tien Shan. The access road to the camp is relatively difficult to find. Between Konstantinovka and Kaiyrma Aryk, we have to ask for the way several times. After crossing a brook and overcoming a hill, we arrive well […]
Sunset cruise on the Issyk-Kul
The Issyk-Kul is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. The lake is 182 km long, 60 km wide and 668 m deep. The lake has several tributaries but no outflow. Thus, the water level varies depending on local weather conditions. The salinity of the lake is approx. 0.6%, which makes it difficult to freeze even in […]
From Karakol to Jyrgalan and Alakol-Jyrgalan Eco Center
We drive from Karakol to Jyrgalan, to the easternmost point of our journey to Central Asia. Jyrgalan Jyrgalan is a former miner village, approx. 60 km east of Karakol that was set up for a coal mine. But for environmental protection reasons the mine was closed. Since 2013, Jyrgalan has been being developed for tourism […]
Bird’s Eye View of Jyrgalan
We came to Jyrgalan at the right time to attend the summer festival. The Jyrgalan summer festival is an event with cultural, artistic and sporting elements. Singers, musicians, and dancers perform. One shows craft products and makes a fashion show. There is a Manaschi and games, involving the spectators. Highlights are horse games, such as […]