Kyrgyzstan Mountains – Ala Archa National Park to Lake Toktugul May 19 to 20th 2019
Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park. Kyrgyzstan. Day 20, May 19th 2019
The scenery evokes Europe, New Zealand, the Alps. Tiny Kyrgyzstan surrounds you with snow-covered mountains, steep cliffs opening out into wide green valleys and plains.
For the past two days, we have been treated to a feast of magnificent scenery without the pomp and overcrowding of many European countries.
Ala Archa National Park – amazingly only 40km from the capital city Bishkek. A gorge lined with mountains and many sporting and hiking options. As we arrived and set off there were few people around. A tour bus set down its passengers following us up to the end of the paved path – soon they had turned back and on we went alone except for occasional hikers.
The highest peak in the park is 4895metres – nowhere near where we were trundling along. Our walk took us along a rocky river bed with a fast-flowing river at its centre. Up a track that leads to views of the mountains beyond.
Apparently, there are rare plants and trees however we were guide-less today so just enjoyed our magnificent surroundings. There is also said to be lynx and snow leopard – we saw one (very pretty) squirrel and large burrows on the hillside.
Warm humid weather in Bishkek had lead us to be foolishly unprepared for hiking and while we had raincoats we had little warmth. As we walked further in the weather deteriorated – after a sit and contemplate of our surrounds we turned back.
Bishkek – Toktogul. Kyrgyzstan Day 21, May 20 2019
The drive to Toktogul Lake is about 360km through the Chichkan gorge, and over the Too-Ashu Pass – said to be one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan. We would find it easy to believe that. A stunning drive. Up to 3,500 metres and down into the Suusamyr valley.
The drive lead out of Bishkek through green valleys with villages lining the road and mountains always the mountains in the distance.
Quickly the road climbs and continues to climb first through a gorge of steep rock cliffs with sheer angles and multicoloured rock faces. In the distance snow-covered mountains come increasingly closer.
As the road winds further and further up the surrounding rocky cliffs become snow-covered mountains. The higher we climb the brighter the snow. Along the way we are treated to views back down the valley and gorge.
Throughout the day herds of animals filled the roads – goats, horses, cattle. Men and boys of all ages on foot and horseback herding the animals expertly along the roads.
Soon after the highest point on the road of 3750 metres we entered a tunnel of 2.6km – popping out with a view overlooking the Suusamyr valley, – vivid greens and curvy hills with a river threading through. Further mountain ranges – jagged ranges with snow covering the angles lined the valley.
A picnic by the river – worth carrying the necessaries around when you can stop and prepare a meal with a giant stone table. This time a huge erratic gave us a picnic table. Providing entertainment for the horseman riding by with a herd of horses. One cheeky grey horse was determined to scale the embankment and join us – thankfully the horseman moved him on.
Our room for the night was described as 2 star – the location more like 5star – amazing – overlooking the lake surrounded by mountains. The Hotel Kokbel was older with small simple rooms, comfortable beds, and a throne toilet!! Treated to a gentle sunset setting, over the lake, right in front of the hotel.
