Kyrgyzstan
At the tail end of 2017 a friend, Gary Bebb, who is the founder of Go London adventures quietly announced he was in the midst of organising a trip to Kyrgyzstan. His plan - to explore the vast wilderness and dramatic landscapes with the Nomads living amongst the Tien-Shan mountain ranges. Thus far I’d been really impressed with Gary, who was designing well tailored trips that were becoming increasingly adventurous and off the beaten track. I had every confidence this would be something special. I was at that time spending my working days in Soho, day dreaming and craving a true respite from the relentless machine that is TV commercials. I was all ears and practically packed already. Adventure beckoned!
Kyrgyzstan itself is formerly part of the Soviet empire, majority Islamic, and was along the Silk roads. It’s 80% covered in mountain, with a population that stands at about 5 million (with 1 million being in the capital city of Bishkek). A rich heritage of Nomadic living where children can ride virtually as soon as they can stand, Eagle hunting, spell-binding vistas and open for business. Who wouldn’t be enticed by a place steeped in such rich history with vast countryside that begged to be explored.
And so it was in the late Summer of 2018 I found myself in this unforgettable place wedged between China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. What’s more, I had a one way ticket.
Below are just some of the highlights of my trip with Go London. After which I continued to see more of the beautiful country on my tod for some weeks.
If you would like to know more about Go London and their upcoming trips click here. I highly recommend them.
Kyrgyz cowboy
Ultimately our destination was in the Nariyn region, beyond a demilitarised zone. But before that we made a few stops. Some highlights included exploring Bishkek with it’s markets and impressive Soviet squares and gardens, visiting Burana tower, spending our first night in Yurt, cosily perched within a scenic valley, delicious dinners together, a glorious day trek, some stops in pretty places and a very refreshing dip in Issy Kul lake.
Nariyn Region
Nestled in the wilderness not far from the Chinese border; this was our base for several days as we explored by foot or horse.
Frozen Frontier
Many Ibex roam the surrounding hills and mountains.
It pays to keep your eyes peeled. We saw a dozens of Ibex as we made our way across the passes. Often, Eagles and Vultures circled overhead, and many a cheeky Marmut reared their heads to investigate the commotion of our passing group.
Morning glorious
This view blew me away
You couldn’t argue with the view from the Yurt camp. The warm glow over the undulating hills with a backdrop of towering mountains. From the moment we arrived to that at which we left, this place and these vistas enchanted me and left an indelible mark on every one of us. A truly remote place of beauty; man’s touch barely felt, a harshness of elements not for the feint of heart, with a community living in symbiosis with a nature that is to be respected and often feared. A view so loaded with feeling that I struggle to describe it, but sublime comes close.
Meet the fam
A wonderfully hospitable Kyrgyz family in Nariyn.
I RAN OUT OF ADJECTIVES
Lunar landscapes
