The Five Stans Adventure exploring Turkmenistan 🇹🇲 Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 Tajikistan 🇹🇯 Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 and Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
Explore the surrounding area of Saty Village today with a hike to Kolsai Lakes – also known as ‘the blue necklace’ for the azure water framed by green mountains. You may also visit the lesser-known Kaindy Lake – a turquoise lake with a striking ‘submerged forest’ protruding from the water. Amazingly, the lake was created by an earthquake in 1911 which caused a limestone landslide creating a dam in the forest. Have lunch during your hike, then continue the journey to Kyrgyzstan. When you arrive in Karakol, head out to explore with your leader – once a small Russian military post, then a bustling soviet state, this town is bursting with history. Visit the Dungan Mosque – built in 1910, this colourful mosque was created without the use of a single nail! Instead, the structure was built using special cutting and groove techniques. Then, explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market.
~ Intrepid Travel ~ Five Stans Day 19
We went to Kolsai Lakes yesterday so today we focused on the hike to Kaindy Lake and then the journey into Kyrgyzstan along with a medical emergency.
Kaindy Lake
Kaindy Lake was formed after an earthquake in 1911 caused a landslide forming a natural dam. The forest was submerged and the trunks still rise out of the water.
Getting there was interesting!
A great hike!
Oh this is so beautiful!
The Cows!
Crossing Into Kyrgyzstan ~ Border
Magnificent!
Throughout our trip the roads haven’t been great with a lot of bumps. On our way to the border we hit two bumps that threw us into the ceiling. One of our group hit quite hard and we backtracked to a local hospital we had recently passed. We were told there weren’t any fractures. It was a long and painful trip across the border and to our hotel in Karakol. Another visit to the hospital in Karakol and a MRI revealed fractures in her L1. The next morning she was evacuated back home and is healing nicely. It was a loss for our group and she was missed.
Hello Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
Kyrgyzstan is officially the Kyrgyz Republic and is located in the Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges surrounded by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China. The official languages are Kyrgyz and Russian. Kyrgyzstan is known for its incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions. It is pronounced “keer·guh·staan” and I still can’t spell Kyrgyzstan without looking.
Karakol
Karakol is known as the gateway to the natural wonders of the Tian Shan mountains and Lake Issyk-Kul. It is one of the best spots for trekking, delicious cuisine and diverse history.
The Suncor Hotel
Happy Travels!
Jackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at Ladies League and implementing software projects. Jackie has travelled to 7 continents, 5 oceans and 103 countries and she is always planning the next destination and adventure!