Arashan Valley Trek

Dave arrived a week ago and we immediately took off for a 2 day trek into the mountains. We started the Trek in Karakol which is about 5 hours from Bishkek and on the far East side of the lake (Issy-Kul). After the trek, we drove home on the south side of the lake which is much less developed and just amazing. We stopped at Jeti-Oguz for a mid-morning hike and stayed the night in Bokonbaeva. It was a great trip.

10 mile hike in with 3000ft elevation gain. It was hard for Otto, but he did a good job. We were all tired when we arrived.

Arashan Valley. If  you continue on through the valley past this area, the trek potential is endless.

Palatka Peak (in Russian means Tent). It seemed so close. It is climbable, but technical. Dave and I were drooling.

This is the little dorm we stayed in. A former Soviet mountaineering camp.

The bonus was a natural hot springs that had has been 'developed' these are a couple of rooms with concrete or tile baths. it was heaven to soak after the hike in. the temp was hot - just above 100F we figure.

Otto and Jackson taking  a break. Jackson did such an amazing job. he probably did 20 miles the first day because he would be walking with the group up front and then every 5 minutes he would back track to make sure we were all there. i figured he would be exhausted that first night...not at all. but after the hike out the next day, he was definitely more tired.

Our guide, Azamat and porter, Nurbek. They are with CBT (Community Based Travel). they did an awesome job. Very knowledgeable and good at ping pong (there was a table at the mountain camp).

The homestay guest house in Karakol. Gulnara's Guesthouse.

Interesting rock formations at Jeti-Oguz. Dumpy town though - we had planned to stay the night here, but there wasn't anything going on here. So instead we did a hike from here into another Valley.

The trusty Element.

 I should have taken some pictures of the south side of the lake...but you can just look that up on google. I am sure i will do plenty of camping there this summer, so photos will appear. we also thought about camping, but when we got to the beach spot, it was windy and cool. good thing we didnt because it rained that night.

I am headed off to South Africa (Johannesburg for my annual medical conference, Capetown for a few days with friends) and then a short overnight in Antalya Turkey on my way home in 2 weeks. will have plenty more photos to share!!