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Map (2)
China (4)
Darjeeling (4)
Indien (16)
Kazakhstan (16)
Kirgisistan (13)
Ladakh (8)
Landy (1)
Latvia (1)
Lithuania (2)
Map (1)
Mongol Rally (1)
Mongolia (15)
Nepal (10)
Overland (1)
Pakistan (12)
Personal (1)
Poland (1)
Russia (11)
Sikkim (3)
Trans-Siberia Train (6)
Usbekistan (2)
Work (1)
China (4)
Darjeeling (4)
Indien (16)
Kazakhstan (16)
Kirgisistan (13)
Ladakh (8)
Landy (1)
Latvia (1)
Lithuania (2)
Map (1)
Mongol Rally (1)
Mongolia (15)
Nepal (10)
Overland (1)
Pakistan (12)
Personal (1)
Poland (1)
Russia (11)
Sikkim (3)
Trans-Siberia Train (6)
Usbekistan (2)
Work (1)
Kirgisistan
Toruggart Campsite
12/09/16 17:09
This was my final Campsite in Kyrgistan before heading over to Kashgar, China. Spectacular views of the Tien Shan mountains and their surroundings at about 3500m. 
Tash Rabat
12/09/16 17:09
Cash Rabat is one of the best preserved historic caravanaserei alongside the Silk Road. Build in the 15th century at an altitude of 3200m within the Tien Shan mountains it is about 250km away from Kashgar (China) respectively Bishkek (Kyrgistan). It consists of about 31 rooms and the main center hall and is also partly build into the mountain so that you can easily walk onto the roof section.
I stayed at a jurt camp for the night.
I stayed at a jurt camp for the night.
World Nomad Games 2016
12/09/16 17:08
For two days I visited the World Nomad Games 2016. They were held for the second time and are a kind of Olympic Games for Nomad type of sports such as various types of Horse Racing, Wrestling and Archery. 52 Nations were participating including teams from Germany, Netherland, Poland, Iran, China, Tajikistan, Brasil, USA, Mongolia and Russia.
The Games were held in Choplon Ata, Kyrgistan, north side of the lake Issyk Kul. However, the games are not all about sport but also about nomad culture, heritage and lifestyle. The next will be held in 2018.
Further, they staged a 2-3 hour opening ceremony, which was rather spectacular, musically and very visual due to the 3d animations.
The Games were held in Choplon Ata, Kyrgistan, north side of the lake Issyk Kul. However, the games are not all about sport but also about nomad culture, heritage and lifestyle. The next will be held in 2018.
Further, they staged a 2-3 hour opening ceremony, which was rather spectacular, musically and very visual due to the 3d animations.
Song-Kul
02/09/16 15:43
Stayed at the next large Lake - Song-Kul. This is an Alpine lake and at about 3000m altitude. The track up is easy to drive. However, nowadays this one also is now very touristy especial at the beginning with the good view. And at 3000m altitude ist can get frosty at nighty and the weather will change randomly. Meet some overlanders from South Korea on their way to Marokko, some Swiss-French backpackers, German Overlander and Israelis on cycles.....
From Kuchkor to Suusamyr
02/09/16 15:42
From Kuchkor to Suusamyr - a Backroad and just stunningly beautiful. Easy to drive and you will stoop at least a few times to enjoy the views!
Some from in-between
02/09/16 15:40
Some in between from the Issyk-Kul South-road, from the small village Kochkor and the Orto Tokoy Reservoir.
Fairytale Canyon.
02/09/16 15:40
Fairytale Canyon. Close to Issyk Kul and the town Tosor is a canyon made of red sandstone and some other natural minerals in red, orange, yellow colors.
Very artistry!!!
Very artistry!!!
Issyk Kul campsite
02/09/16 15:38
Issyk Kul campsite - Camped directly at the beautiful shoreline if the lake for a few nights. Not alone. Meet very lovely Russian families, some Brit’s and Locals.
Anyway. The water is crystal clear and warm. Gods for a few swims. And its a such a lovely lake to camp, factually the best on the whole journey.
Anyway. The water is crystal clear and warm. Gods for a few swims. And its a such a lovely lake to camp, factually the best on the whole journey.
364 Goldmine road
02/09/16 15:36
M364 Goldmine road. This is a road into the backlands of Issyk Kul and parts of the Tien Shan mountains. The Kumtor goldmine is the second highest goldmine and one of the largest. The gold is located in the permafrost layer below a large glacier and has environmental impacts.........
However the views around and alongside the road are breathtaking spectacular. And so far I've crossed the highest pass - 4028m
And I've stayed there not alone!!
However the views around and alongside the road are breathtaking spectacular. And so far I've crossed the highest pass - 4028m
And I've stayed there not alone!!
M364 Road into Tien Shan Mountains
02/09/16 15:35
South east of Karakol, about 80km, is the M364 which takes you into the Tien Shan Mountains. The peaks are up to 7400m and it's the borderline between Kyrgiztan and China.
At the entrance of the road you have to register and close to Inylchek there is a military checkpoint. Beyond you need a permit which takes up to three weeks - didn't have one.
The road is following a canyon and sometimes you have a glimpse of the peaks but until the checkpoint no real panoramic views.
Well....
At the entrance of the road you have to register and close to Inylchek there is a military checkpoint. Beyond you need a permit which takes up to three weeks - didn't have one.
The road is following a canyon and sometimes you have a glimpse of the peaks but until the checkpoint no real panoramic views.
Well....
German Village Bergtal and Burana Tower
02/09/16 15:29
On my way to Issyk Kul I passed trough the German Village Bergtal and the Burana Tower.
The Village Bergtal was renamed to Rot-front in 1927 due to the Soviet Area - but its original name is till the name mostly used, especially in travel guide. At the end of the 19th century German-speaking settlers from the Russian Empire moved to Central Asia and the village of Bergtal was established.
The Burana Tower is a minaret and basically all that's left of the ancient town of Balasagun, which also was part of the ancient Silk road network.
The Village Bergtal was renamed to Rot-front in 1927 due to the Soviet Area - but its original name is till the name mostly used, especially in travel guide. At the end of the 19th century German-speaking settlers from the Russian Empire moved to Central Asia and the village of Bergtal was established.
The Burana Tower is a minaret and basically all that's left of the ancient town of Balasagun, which also was part of the ancient Silk road network.
M41 Bishkek to Osh
16/08/16 13:48
Well, I did not expect that much from my drive down to OSH for the next day border crossing, but this road is very nice to drive and scenery is beautiful all around. Basically there every 1000m opportunities for photo stops - so much to look at and the best thing, I have to drive this road twice.
Bishkek
16/08/16 13:43
Its about a 5hrs drive including the boarder crossing, which in itself is very straight forward, to Bishkek - the capital of Kirgisistan. I’ve been here a few years ago and really nothing has changed. It’s still a lively city, but not up to scratch in regards cityscape standards. Had stroll around the main city centre and actually wanted to visit the national history museum again (it’s a nice one), but its closed fro renovation works (why??). The basar is for the next time after the short Usbekistan visit.
