Kyrgyzstan: Chok-Tal Seven Lakes Chok-Tal Seven Lakes offers a pleasant stroll through wildflower-filled pastures up to a string of seven lakes atop a small plateau above the main Chok-Tal valley. Local shepherds and the occasional marmot are likely the only company you’ll come across in this little-known valley high above […]
Kyrgyzstan: Kol Tor Lake (At Bashi) The trek to Kol Tor is an easy dayhike to a beautiful mountain lake off the upper At Bashi Valley in the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan. Short distances and minimal elevation gain make this suitable for trekkers of all levels, and the views stack […]
Kyrgyzstan: Belagorka Waterfall The Belagorka Waterfall is the highest in the Kyrgyz ridge of the Alatoo Mountains, the range immediately surrounding Bishkek and the Chuy Valley. It’s a pleasant, easy daytrip from Bishkek and so remains popular as a dayhike from Bishkek – though more-so with local groups than foreign […]
Kazakhstan: Aksai Canyon Monastery Казахстан: Монастырь Аксайский каньон The short and easy Aksai Canyon Monastery walk is every bit as much a cultural experience as a natural one. The small Russian Orthodox Serafimo-Feognostovskiy Monastery makes a great dayhike destination for families or casual hikers, combing some pretty and gentle landscapes […]
Kyrgyzstan: Ak Tash (Naryn Region) Кыргызстан: Ак Таш (Нарынская область) Ak Tash (literally White Stone) is a small ridge just east of the city of Naryn – these forested hillsides with panoramic mountain views are an excellent dayhike out of the city, offering a fairly easy route with a lot […]
Kazakhstan: Charyn Canyon Казахстан: Чарынский каньон Charyn Canyon is a unique semi-desert valley cut against the bed of the Charyn River. One of the most popular tourist outings from Almaty, these lovely landscapes are often compared to the Grand Canyon in the US. It’s an essential destination for hiking in […]