Nomadic trails in Kyrgyzstan – 6/10

This day will be dedicated to our journey to Song Kol Lake.

A trekker look is too classy

After a good night’s sleep in the guest house, we pick up the laundry set to dry the day before. Because it is the advantage of “comfort” breaks: we can wash our clothes to leave with clean things. But it was not counting the night rain: the clothes are soaked. Never mind, fixing the few clothes on the backpacks, it will dry in the open air. And who knows, we will perhaps launch a fashion “socks in the wind” ;-).

Eagle hunting

A bit of theory

We leave with another group for an eagle hunting show. The falconer is in traditional dress. In addition, he is accompanied by an assistant, an eagle of 4 kilos and a dog. At first, he tells us how the training is going. He first takes the cub in the nest only if there are two eggs. Indeed, only one would survive. He tells us again that the eagle will only work with one trainer for 20 years. After that, the latter releases him. He will live still between 30 and 40 years in the wild.

And practice

After his explanations, place to the show: we can hold the eagle at arm. Then we continue with a lure attack demo. Suddenly, sensitive souls are asked to move away because a real rabbit is going to be used. Then come the dog’s turn, kind of yak-haired greyhound, to catch a lure. Finally, we finish with an archery session.

Arrival in Kochkor

After a long drive, we arrive at Kochkor. We take the opportunity to observe the school uniforms of children: costumes for boys, skirts and lace in the hair for girls. As the lunch hour approaches, the guide proposes to us to choose between two restaurants: a small local or another a little more touristic. Faced with this choice, we take the small. We find ourselves in a recycled container filled with Kyrgyz, except for a table of tourists bike. The restaurant is run by women and the food is delicious.

Departure for Song Kol Lake

We follow the road, which quickly becomes a trail, through the mountains. A pass at 3700 m allows us to admire the view. We then note the presence of some traces of snow that reminds us that autumn is coming. Meanwhile, the laundry lying on the backpacks is still not dry. Yet our second trek begins tomorrow. Therefore, we hang them outside the vehicle, stuck in the top of the car door. So we leave flag in the wind!

The Song Kol Yurts village

Arriving by road, we are a little disconcerted because the view of many yurts at the lake gives us the impression of arriving in a place dedicated to tourists. Fortunately, it does not last. Indeed, yurts are widely spaced and belong to nomad families who live there during the grazing. They use two yurts: one to sleep and one to eat. But with tourism, these families have added two or three yurts to accommodate the visitors. Phew, we are not at YuyurtLand!

Song Kol Lake

We are saved! Indeed, there are threads to extend the laundry and the weather is nice! Once the presentations made and our installation completed, we decide to walk around the lake. The latter reminds us of the sea thanks to the sound of the surf and the seagulls which, at more than 3000 m of altitude, is surprising. Then, after having a good time, we go back to our yurt. That’s when one of our hostesses comes to talk to us through the door. Not understanding what she says, I go out and realize that there is a mobile phone hanging on our yurt. It’s apparently the only place where it captures network. It’s official, we have the phone yurt! 😉

Evening “specialty”

English begin

We find a group of English, our guide and our driver for the evening meal where we have the opportunity to taste the Kumiss, fermented mare’s milk drink. However, our guide has warned us: if you drink more than a glass, the stomach may not appreciate. Our hostess then fill a bowl that goes from guest to guest. The English seem to appreciate.

Our tour is coming

When my turn comes, I start by smelling the bowl whose smell is sweet. Indeed, I was expecting something much stronger. I drink a sip, and the taste is a bit like brine. I play however security by stopping there. Then, my wife takes a teaspoon and swallows it. For her, the effect is immediate. Indeed, she hates anything that is salad dressing or brine. She goes out immediately to let her stomach reject the drink. Following this, we will sleep in our yurt heated by a stove. In addition, our blankets are very warm which allows us to spend a relaxing night.

After this day of transfer to Song Kol Lake , find the entire stay. And if you want to do the same, you can order it here.