Sanitorium – Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Broken Heart Rock

After a night spent in the local Sanitorium being scrubbed to within an inch of our lives, we got up in the morning for a swim in the Issyk Kul lake, which translates as ‘The Warm Lake’. This just isn’t true at 6 in the morning, although the random skinny-dipping lady handing out vodka shots was much appreciated.

Took a few pics to test the waterproofing on my camera and it still seems ok.

From the sanitorium we drove to a nearby Jeti-Ögüz gorge marked by an enormous heart shaped rock, broken in two, where we set up camp before setting off on the Six Bridge hike.

The next day we hiked up to the Valley of the Flowers – a plateau in the mountains full of Yurts and yaks where they gave us tea and fresh bread and jam, along with some of the local soured cream.

That night we drove into a really poor town and found the best hotel so far, a modern boutique hotel with Conran-style decor and excellent internet access.

The next day we drove further round Issyk-Kul and camped on the early on the beach and prepared for Michelle’s birthday party by swimming and playing cricket/Frisbee.

Hopefully related posts:

“Excuse me, has anyone seen my goat?” – Song Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan Driving from China to Kyrgyzstan – Torugart, Kyrgyzstan Wash in Osh – Osh, Kyrgyzstan Homestay – Karakol, Kyrgyzstan