Kyrgyzstan – Tschaupe.ch

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😊.

Trekking in the Eastern Thien Shan Mountains

28 June 2023 / David & Regula / Tags: Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Trekking

To top off our stay in Karakol, we wanted to explore the local hiking trails. Three roommates in our guesthouse came back excited about the popular tour to Ala-Kol Lake and assured us that the three-day hike was doable despite snowfields.

Across Kyrgystan

18 June 2023 / David & Regula / Tags: Asia, Cycling, Kyrgyzstan

As soon as Arslanbob was behind us, we had reconciled with Kyrgyzstan. We enjoyed Shoro (a barley-wheat-corn drink) at the roadside and were surprised by the scenic diversity! Green, fertile valleys alternated with barren and eroded lands. The choice of route was made easier by the stormy weather and closed pass roads.

Trekking to Kol Mazar

18 June 2023 / David & Regula / Tags: Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Trekking

After David had cured a recent stomach illness, we started our hike to the Holy Lake of Arslanbob (Kol Mazar). Thanks to the forced break days, we were able to benefit from a perfect time window of good weather for our trip. In order to safe space in the backpacks, we pre-cooked the dinners (buckwheat stew) and stuffed them appetizingly into Zip-Locker plastic bags😉.

Through the Fann Mountains and the Fergana Valley to Kyrgyzstan

27 May 2023 / David & Regula / Tags: Asia, Cycling, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Trekking, Uzbekistan

Only two hours by bicycle away from Samarkand we were already at the border to Tajikistan. The first impressions of the new country were great: good roads, the wonderful view of the Fann Mountains, English speaking young women who talked to us at the tea stop, two fresh breads from the baker’s family who took selfies with us… We were excited, felt comfortable and welcome!