Today was our last day in Kyrgyzstan. We decided to spend it visiting Ala Archa National Park, located about 40 km outside Bishkek. Waterfall hike The day was sunny and cool, perfect for hiking. Upon arrival at the national park, we…
City of statues
This morning in Bishkek was cool and cloudy. I woke up not particularly rested. As much as I like Kyrgyzstan, it seems that it doesn’t like me all that much, as the country appears to have declared war on my…
Rocks and towers
Greetings from Bishkek. I’ve made it to Kyrgyzstan’s capital and most populous city. With a little over a million people, Bishkek is the face of young, cosmopolitan Kyrgyzstan. In contrast to the rural, agrarian countryside, Bishkek is full of cafes,…
A day at the beach
When I booked this Silk Road trip, I specifically said that I knew it wouldn’t be a day at the beach. Well, it seems that I lied, because here I am, in the lakeside resort town of Cholpon-Ata, spending a…
Dobro pozhalovat’ v Karakol
The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, but someone forgot to tell the people of Karakol. This very Russian city east of Lake Issyk-Kul is our stop for the night. Most of the people here appear to be Russians, not Kyrgyz,…
Community-based tourism
Greetings from Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan! As you can see, I have internet access again, even at this homestay in a tiny village in the Kyrgyz mountains. I suppose there’s no such thing as “off the grid” anymore. In addition, it’s exciting…
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan
I’m in Kyrgyzstan! Even just saying that makes me grin like a fool. I absolutely love it here and I’ve only been here for a day. I have so much to update, I hardly know where to start. Crossing the…