shoreline of this huge lake towards
our next stop on the journey, Karokol.
The next day was spent off the
bikes and bouncing around in a
couple of ex-military, Russian, four
wheel drive troop carriers. We made
our way high into the nearby Tien
Shan mountains for an overnight stay
in the staggeringly beautiful alpine
valley of Altyn Arashan.
Our yurt accommodation was basic
but spectacularly located and the hot
springs bath house beside a rushing
snow melt river soothed away all of
the bruising. Some nasty local wine
made the evening very social.
A cool and misty morning was
picturesque, but we were glad to get
down out of the hills and back to the
warmth of the lower regions the next
day.
Back in Karokol, we were treat-
ed to a fascinating walking tour of
this very soviet looking city. Our
young and professional guides from
an organisation called “Destination
TRAVERSE 60