Charyn Canyon to Cholpon-Ata. Kazakstan to Kyrgyzstan Day 17 May 16th 2019
Once the camp driver had filled the petrol from a large old plastic water bottle – using a cut off plastic bottle and piece of hose as a funnel – we were on our way. Dodging through narrow rock arches with scrapes of previous meetings apparent on the wall we scooted along the floor of the stunning canyon.
And so reluctantly we leave the Charyn Canyon and our wonderful Yurt stay in the Eco park heading for the our car waiting up top in the car-park and on to the border. Long straight roads with the mountains following us on either side.
The road out of the Kegen Canyon to the border was “under repair”. It seemed a confusion of parallel roads. Work was happening everywhere, one section would run out, and we would have to reverse and go back and find the link to the next section.
We are met with handshakes at the Kazakh border and go to have our passports processed. Whilst waiting we chat with a British couple who have come overland from the UK ! A polite inspection of our baggage and then we drive on to the Kyrgyzstan checkpoint.
Again very friendly Kygyrs border guards – passport check, car checked. While waiting in a small group near us also waiting to cross was a woman who when she smiled displayed a full upper row of gold teeth! Apparently a throwback to Soviet times.
We walk across no-mans land into ‘Stan’ number two.
We drive into a different landscape away from grasslands past green valleys. The road was often blocked by livestock being herded down the road by young boys on horseback.
We arrived at the resort Hotel Kapriz an amazing resort and sporting complex with hotel rooms along with self-contained Dachas (summer houses like villa units).
The resort town sits on the edge of Lake Issyk Kul with a long pathway leading down to the water’s edge, complete with fountain. A wander along the promenade felt like a modern-day summer palace walk.
The Kapriz complex offers a huge range of sporting and recreation options including volleyball court, training centre, basketball and tennis courts and so much more. A holiday haven for many Russian travellers.
Also built for visitors’ pleasure closer to the town is a huge racecourse. The town itself is strung along the highway and doesn’t really seem to have a centre. Ramil did have a perfect recommendation for lunch and dinner at the U Rybaka or Fishermans Restaurant were both delicious. A spicy egg salad with noodles and potato starch slices. A delicate, simple fish soup with fresh white fish and potato.
