Earlier this year Gary and I decided to take a trip to Kyrgyzstan not knowing anything about the country. We scrolled through images on google before buying our tickets to Bishkek. The rolling green hills, horses running wild in open plains and nature that looked similar to Switzerland was about all the convincing we needed.

We stayed two weeks in total (now looking back, two weeks is hardly enough time to see all this country has to offer). We flew into Bishkek, then made our way to a busy village called Kochkor which is where many people go before heading to Song-Kul lake. We hired horses for a few days and trotted to Song-Kul. We slept in yurts for the most part, unless we were in the city or a decent size village. After Song-Kul we traveled to Karakol located on the east side of Issyk Kul lake. As soon as we got there, we heard there was a traditional festival that was happening a few hours back in the way we came. We didn't want to miss it, as there was really no other way for us to see a game of Kok-Boru (Dead Goat Polo... yes, you read that right). It's as crazy as it sounds. In short, it's a bunch of men on horses that are trying to put a headless goat in a goal.

South of Karakol is where we really felt at home, it looks so much like Switzerland. Locals, when they heard we came from there would proudly tell us that Kyrgyzstan is known to be the second Switzerland. The day after we arrived in Karakol we hired a taxi to drive us 20 minutes outside of town, where we started our long trek. If you know me, I don't ask many questions before going on an adventure, I leave it to Gary. So over the next three days, we trekked 47km in 16.5 hours and gained 2000m in elevation. The area is called Karakol Valley, it leads to Ala-Kul lake and Ala-Kul pass. Absolutely stunning and worth every step.

The images here are from Bishkek and Kochkor.