Kazachstan – Tschaupe.ch

Russia Part 1 – Altai

24 July 2023 / David & Regula / Tags: Asia, Cycling, Kazachstan, Russia

During the last two days, the very friendly Kazakhs once again did their utmost to make sure that we would remember them and their country in the best possible way. On the way out of Oskemen, two policemen asked us (out of curiosity) where we were coming from, where we were going, etc… A few minutes after we had resumed our journey, a police Lada followed us and it blared via megaphone “…Velosipedistji…, Velosipedistji…”. Slightly perplexed we stopped… the two policemen had forgotten the selfie with us😊.

Back to Kazakhstan

10 July 2023 / David & Regula / Tags: Asia, Cycling, Kazachstan, Kyrgyzstan

The rough road, strong headwind and dark clouds did not make our departure from Karakol easy. Fortunately, the thunderstorms blew past us at the last pass of Kyrgyzstan, so we were dry and could stop for a snack in a small container. Here we finally took the opportunity to try the Central Asian specialty Kumis (fermented mare’s milk). The drink tasted less bad than feared and the predicted toilet trip as an immediate consequence did not occur😊.

By the whim of the wind

26 April 2023 / David & Regula / Tags: Asia, Azerbaijan, Cycling, Kazachstan, Uzbekistan

No timetable exists for the ferry across the Caspian Sea from Alat (Azerbaijan) to Kuryk (Kazakhstan): the ship sails when the deck is full and the wind conditions permit. The duration of the crossing varies from a day to a week, as the ferries can only dock in good weather and the Caspian Sea is notorious for strong winds and rough seas. We accordingly braced ourselves for a long wait at the port as well as seasickness, filthy toilet facilities and poor food on the ship.