Jul 1, 20173 min read

Kyrgyzstan, taking a chance on a photo.

How influential is Social Media?

In 2017 I was shown a photograph of a frozen lake surrounded by snow capped mountains and instantaneously I said "lets go!"

In the country of Kyrgyzstan, Ala-Kul lake appeared in a gorgeous photograph via Instagram that captured my soul. I contacted the gentlemen who had posted the photo and he graciously returned my message. The route to the lake wasn't easy nor a marked hiking route therefore I relied on local assistance. The trek is a full day hike with overnight camping and I was confident that we could make the trek, explore Bishkek, visit the large Issyk-Kul lake, and hike within the"Fairy-tale Canyon" all in four days.

Kyrgyzstan was part of the former Soviet Union before gaining its independence in 1991. I have found great joy in visiting former Soviet blocked countries as they were closed off to the western world for so long I feel it gives a fresh new experience blending the old country with the new. We arrived in the capital of Bishkek, had breakfast then drove six hours to Karakol town.

In Karakol we needed a vehicle transfer with an additional two hour drive to Altyn Arashan valley (Tianshan mountain system). The vehicle used was called an UAZ (old Russian military type SUV for rough terrain) to climb along a beautifully flowing river into the mountains. The rivers were flowing glacier water connecting from different mountain valleys merging to a main river artery which followed to our base camp. Wild horses roamed free and the land was the most impressive utopia I have seen.

Base Camp, 1st night: Tianshan mountains, with hot springs next to the river for bathing.

The following morning was cold, a slight mist covered the morning air, and the sound of the rushing river sounded like a mountain symphony. The trek to the Ala-Kul Pass took six hours before we set up tents establishing our evening camp. We had a quick meal next to the river then carried a day pack (remaining gear stayed at the base camp with a guard) for an additional three hour climb to Ala-Kul Lake.

The last 200 meters to the summit was comprised of loose rocks and an incline of 70 degrees. Each step forward had to be conducted on all fours only to slide down five feet in the opposite direction. It was an effort for sure, to add additional difficulty there were loose rocks and boulders rolling down towards us, surely not a safe situation but better than a cup of coffee to keep you alert.

Ala-Kul Lake was extraordinary at this time of the year, it was late June of 2017 and the lake was frozen while the surrounding mountains were snow covered. Standing above the lake at 4100 M (13,451 feet) it seemed like the photograph that inspired the trip allowed me to jump in and come alive. We hiked back to our camp site before sunset, had a fire with coffee, hot tea, and dinner before bedding down.

Drinking water straight from the glacier filled river was clean, refreshing and such a liberating feeling. The next morning we had a light breakfast, boiled water for tea, packed up our camp site then hiked into the lush green forest.

Altyn Arashan valley

On this evening our overnight was in a lovely place called the Argo guest house. We were able to shower, have a family style dinner with a family from Kyrgyzstan who hosted our stay.

Following a similar style breakfast we made our way to Issyk-Kul Lake located in the northern Tian Shan mountains of eastern Kyrgyzstan (it is the seventh deepest lake in the world). We then drove for quite some time witnessing the police pulling over many vehicles while the checkpoints reminded me of residue from the past Soviet leadership.

The Fairy-Tale Canyon hike and the tour of Bishkek (capital) were great ways to book-end the trip. Kyrgyzstan is a delightful country of beauty, there are many locations along the way that appear as if time has stood still, there are no western toilets only the outdoor "long drops", small villages to the modern progress of Bishkek. The mountain ranges are spectacular and I only scratched the surface of so much hidden beauty.