Some areas of Kyrgyzstan look as if artists have sculpted and painted nature. This was especially true on the drive between magical Song Kul and the isolated town of Kazerman. The pictures in this post reflect what I have really seen, no 'painting-like' filter has been applied.
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TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Song Kul to Kazerman
- Moldo ashu, the pass on the western side of Song Kul is not always open
- There are no numbers on the road, but basically we left the lake on its North west side, then join the road down to Ak-Tal and then turn west (according to my map before to Naryn river and according to google maps after crossing it). However our guide was following on google maps while we were driving and google seems to be wrong.
- It took us roughly 8 hours for the whole journey.
- There are not many towns on the way and not many restaurants. Plan a picnic.
Last view of Song Kul
After a wonderful time in Song Kul it was time to say goodbye. We drove to the Western end of the lake and send drove away.
Moldo Ashu Mountain Pass
Not far after leaving the lake we reach the Moldo Ashu mountains pass. The sign said 3346m, the Internet says 3201m and the road is not even on my map... We were lucky because it is not always open on the first half of June.
From the top we can see the next range of mountains with the top covered in snow.
The unpaved road to get down is quite impressive from the top but it was wide and there was nobody on it, so it was not too difficult.
Meeting a nomad family
Once in the valley we stopped to meet another family because they were milking the horse and our guide was hoping we could see the process of making the byproducts. It was not possible but we enjoyed the nice chat.
The man was very proud of his horse Sprinter.
Mausoleums
Somewhere along the road we spotted some mausoleums set up for 2 warriors of the 17th century.
However I was more interested by the view on the other side.
And the painted landscapes...
Once in the valley this is where I discovered the different layers of rocks with intriguing shapes and various colors. Everywhere was incredible. I am letting the pictures show you:
Climbing up to the Kara-Koo Pass
From the valley we took the unpaved road to Kazerman through the Kara Koo Pass. The climb was tortuous but the view amazing. All those incredible hills we had seen from the ground, we discovered them from above:
Kara-Koo Pass
My map indicates it stands at 2625 meter but the only sign I found was this one at 2800m with another name.
The view on the other side was quote different. Higher and greener.
A family had set up camp there for the summer and the kids were really happy to see us.
And down again
Then we drove back down again. I realise there is a whole portion of the valley I have not protographed. I found it less interesting but it is rare that I do not take pictures. So here you have only the best sections. It is greener and as magnificent:
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Don't you think they look like paintings?
