Tash Rabat, Kyrgyzstan

The first stop in Kyrgyzstan. Tash Rabat is the name of the yurt settlement, the valley, the river and the caravansarai (see another post). These are various pictures of the incredible beauty of thisRead more
Bishkek

The capital of Kyrgyzstan. The first pic is a war memorial from WW2.. Next is the Opera House famous for the mix of Soviet and Kyrgyz architecture. Then the parliament building, the governmentRead more
Burana

The remains of a major trading center on the northern branch of the silk road. The minaret is restored but only to 25 meters. The original was over 40 meters. The second pic looks at the remains ofRead more
Goat Polo

A traditional Kyrgyz sport played on horseback, where a beheaded goat is used. The goal is to pick up the goat and carry it to the opposing goal. Horses are specially trained for this. The third picRead more
Petroglyphs at Issyk-Kul

Former site of religious and ritual significance, dating back thousands of years. Many animals, stone circles and more is a rather uniques geologic setting.
Ak-Suu Arashan

Another beautiful spot in Kyrgyzstan. The first pic is the valley where we stayed. Second is a Russian army truck we used the get there over the worst road by far I have ever been on anywhere inRead more
Jeti Oguz Valley

A large valley not far from Issyk-Kul. The name means seven bulls. The first pic is of the formation that gives the valley it's name. Second is broken heart rock. The rest are of the scenery. TheRead more
Eagle hunting

Hunting with eagles is an ancient tradition in central Asia. I'm holding a golden eagle trained for hunting by the man in the second and third pictures. In the 4th the eagle is up on the ridge for aRead more
Yurt building

This a visit to a workshop where the wooden frames for traditional Kyrgyz yurts are handmade by a family that has been doing this for generations. Starting from pieces if Willow, they are cut,Read more
Kochkor--felt making at Altyn-Kol

The traditional process for rug making. Cleaning the wool. Cutting the wool. Making a design. Setting the design with hot water and pressing by foot. Then elbow pressing. Finally, the "rug" with theRead more
Arlansbob, Kyrgyzstan

Our last stop in Kyrgyzstan. The first two pics are panoramas over the town. Then a look at what is said to be the largest walnut forest on the world--over 600,000 hectares. Last is a waterfall inRead more