Kyrgyzstan > Overnight stay in a yurt

When we wake up, we discover that a spare tire from the motorcycles is missing—stolen. The tire had been on the roof of Brutus. Fortunately, we manage to recover the outer tire nearby, but the inner tube is gone. We had not expected this in such a small town. In the center, we buy some food, unsure whether we will camp tonight and need to prepare our own meal. The road outside Kazarman is unpaved.

Kyrgyzstan - The spectacular mountain pass to Lake Son Kul

We do not expect to encounter any paved sections today on the way to Lake Son Kul. The sun is shining, and the views are much better than yesterday. In one of the valleys, we stop for coffee. We unfold the chairs and make coffee in the back of the vehicle. A wonderful spot. We had agreed with the motorcyclists to meet around one o’clock. We have already been waiting for over an hour, but we have not seen any of them. We are convinced they must be behind us. We decide to wait until one o’clock. A text message provides clarification: one of Wilco’s panniers has come loose, causing their delay. Around half past one, the men arrive. After lunch, we continue toward Lake Son Kul. There is still over a hundred kilometers to drive. The road gradually climbs to a mountain pass of over three thousand meters. The view on the other side is fabulous. We see the road winding down with tight hairpin bends.

Kyrgyzstan - Nomad yurts on the shore of Lake Son Kul

In the valley below, we spot the landscape stretching out. Once there, we take the turnoff to Lake Son Kul. Around five o’clock, we reach the mountain pass. Lake Son Kul is a kind of crater lake. The rim is at 3,200 meters, with the water itself just above 3,000 meters. Tall snow-covered peaks rise around the lake. As we drive into the crater, we see the blue water and the white mountain peaks surrounding it. Yurts are scattered across the grass, and herds of livestock wander around these camps. Some yurts are set up for tourists. We stop at a yurt hotel, where there is still room. Four of us can sleep in the yurt. Rugs cover the floor, and there are makeshift stretchers. The sun is already sinking toward the horizon. From the hill behind the yurt camp, we have a beautiful view of the sunset and the lake. As soon as the sun goes down, it immediately becomes chilly. In the central yurt, dinner is served. There are seven other tourists, from France, Germany, and one young man from the Netherlands. Meanwhile, in our yurt, the wood stove is lit. I quickly retreat into the tent. At ten o’clock, the generator is turned off. I go to sleep.