I came to Kazakhstan with actually very little knowledge about the country. I was not even aware that there were national parks in Kazakhstan worth visiting. My image of Kazakhstan was of a grim ex Soviet country with steppes and nomads on horses. Even from …
This post is a travel guide about Backpacking Kazakhstan with all the practical things you need to know. There was not much information about backpacking in Kazakhstan when I first visited the country in 2016. Therefore I was surprised by its diversity and how easy …
Kyrgyzstan is called the Switzerland of Asia and is one of my favourite countries in the world. With more than 80 mountain ranges, glittering high altitude lakes and superb hiking trails there are plenty of opportunities to plan a Kyrgyzstan itinerary full of exciting activities …
This post is about Song Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. Before I went to Kyrgyzstan every tour agency I emailed told me it was not possible to get to Song kul lake in may. It would still be too cold and the season only starts in …
Are you thinking of travel in Kyrgyzstan and are you wondering what to see in this beautiful country? You are in the right place. In this post I will share the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan to help you plan your itinerary. Kyrgyzstan is …
Let me be honest, for many Kyrgyz food is not love at first bite. Many travellers struggle with the bland and greasy food in Kyrgyzstan. In the average roadside restaurants choices are limited and simple. Dishes are often characterized by chunks of mutton that have …
This post is about the best things to do in Bokonbaevo, Kyrgyzstan. Like Karakol, it is not Bokonbaevo itself that makes it a spectacular destination, but the surrounding mountains and the range of outdoor activities that are on its doorsteps. Bokonbaevo in Kyrgyzstan is not …
For the people in Kyrgyzstan, Manjyly Ata is a holy place that attracts local pilgrims since people can remember. They believe that Manjyly Ata is the valley of sacred springs whose healing waters can cure any disease. As famous as Manjyly Ata is among the Kyrgyz …
This post is about the Skazka Canyon in Kyrgyzstan. When I look around me I am wondering if I am still in Kyrgyzstan. The colourful red rock formations of the Skazka Canyon are a completely different world from the green alpine meadows and the snow …
As I walk with my bare feet through the sand of Tosor beach it almost feels like I am on a sunny beach holiday. Who knew you can also go on a beach holiday when backpacking Kyrgyzstan? Why visit Tosor? Most people imagine mountains, yurts, …
Jeti Oguz is a sleepy village in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and one of the most popular day trips from Karakol. Nowadays, most people come to see the unique red rock formations such as the iconic seven bulls. Throughout the day busloads of tourists arrive …
This post is about Jyrgalan in Kyrgyzstan. In 2014 when I first visited Karakol nobody knew about Jyrgalan. However, when I returned to Kyrgyzstan the next time it was one of the most popular destinations for those that love outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding …