I met a couple of people in a hostel in Bishkek who also wanted to go hiking in the mountains of eastern Kyrgyzstan.
We didn’t have much of a plan, but headed to Karakol and asked for recommendations at the (excellent) Visitor Center there.
Armed with an old Soviet map and rented camping gear, we jumped in a taxi to Jeti Oguz. From there, we set out on a four-day trek to Altyn Arashan, via the high-altitude Ala Kul Lake.
Altyn Arashan, meaning ‘Golden Spa’ in Kyrgyz, is a remote alpine valley known for its natural hot springs and lush meadows.
It was a fairly challenging route but easily one of the best hikes I’ve ever done.
On the second day of the hike, we stopped to chat with a nomadic shepherd who rode up to us on horseback. He spoke no English but made it clear we were invited to spend the night in his camp further up the valley.
Many Kyrgyz people still live in traditional yurts, working the land as their ancestors have done for thousands of years.
Our new friend cooked us a feast of boiled sheep head and innards, which he’d been drying on a rope inside his tent.
Extremely generous, for sure. Although, at times, I had to pretend I was enjoying it (you can’t really say no, though, right?).
We stayed up by the fire, drinking vodka, playing cards, and telling each other stories. Despite the total language barrier, we seemed to understand the gist of what the other was saying. The vodka definitely helped.
There was something incredibly humbling about the whole experience.
Being welcomed so warmly, by a person who seemed to have barely more than a crate of possessions with him, in such a remote place. I’ll remember it forever.
Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes seem almost too wild and beautiful to be real. The spirit of nomadic life still thrives here. It’s a massive part of Kyrgyz identity.
As is hospitality, as I was so fortunate to experience.
Kyrgyzstan is a hidden paradise for those who crave adventure. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in nature.
The photos below capture some of my favorite memories from this incredible country. I hope they inspire you to visit and experience Kyrgyzstan’s raw beauty for yourself.
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