Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Community Based Tourism - Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

This is where the bus dropped us off on the way from Karakol to Bakonbaeva. Though it may not look like much, it's exactly where we needed to be. A local CBT (Community Based Tourism) affiliate offers yurt stays less than a kilometer away. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Dog Hiking Companion - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

This dog served as our trail guide and led us up dry creek beds to enjoy fantastic views of the mountains and southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. We wish we could have taken him with us for future treks. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Kalpak on the Bus - Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

This man boarded our marshrutka (shared minibus) from Karakol to Bakonbaeva. He was a bit inebriated. He kept us all amused and insisted on wearing his kalpak (Kyrgyz hat) during the ride. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Dan at Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Dan enjoys a beautiful sunny day at Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Kyrgyz Couple on Bus - Karakol to Bakonbaeva, Kyrgyzstan

Once the camera came out, everyone on our bus from Karakol to Bakonbaeva wanted their photo taken. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Goats Grazing Near Lake Issyk-Kul - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

A herd of goats scrambles over a hill to make its way home for the night. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Hiking Near Lake Issyk-Kul - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

This dog gets a dose of affection from Audrey after serving as our trail guide and leading us up dry creek beds for a wonderful hike on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake near Manzhyly. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Red Rocks, Blue Waters of Lake Issyk-Kul - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

A perfect end to a perfect day on the southern shores of Lake Isskyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Yurt Ceiling - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

Looking up to the ceiling of a yurt. The felt flap can be lifted from the circular top, making for a natural sky light during the day. If you are seeking design and color inspiration, look no further than a yurt! Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Woman With Camera Under Moon - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

Audrey climbs a hill to take a sunset shot while the moon rises above her. Southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul at Manzhyly. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Yurts at Lake Issyk-Kul - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

We visited Manzhyly on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul mid-September. It was past tourist season and we had the whole place to ourselves. The smaller yurt was the sleeping yurt, while the larger yurt served as the dining area. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Audrey and Dan at Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Hiking above Manzhyly on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Oromo (Stuffed Kyrgyz Dish) - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

We were served oromo for dinner at the yurt in Manzhyly. It's a roll filled with cabbage, meat, and carrots and makes for one of the best local meals in Kyrgyzstan. Tasty and pleasantly light on the meat. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Sweet Puppy - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

.A puppy at the yurts at Manzhyly - Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Kurut (Yogurt Balls) - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

They might look sweet, but they're not. Called kurut in Kyrgyz, these yogurt balls are very salty with a hint and tang of old goat cheese. We cannot even begin to imagine eating a whole plate! Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Breakfast Inside a Yurt - Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

A feast of a breakfast laid out for us at the yurt in Manzhyly (near Bakonbaeva) on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Audrey with Dogs - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

This puppy tries to get some attention and love from his father. Out of fairness, Audrey showers both with affection. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Breakfast in Yurt - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

Our view from breakfast in a yurt on the southern shore of Kyrgyzstan's Lake Issyk-Kul (Manzhyly). What a peaceful and pleasant place to stay. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Butterfly on Flower - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

Southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul - Manzhyly. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Kyrgyz Cemetery with a View - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

The cemetery at Manzhyly and beautiful surroundings serve as a peaceful final resting place. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Kyrgyz Man and Dog - Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

We met this man on a sojourn to Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. With 76 years of wisdom under his sagging belt, he tells us that we should wander, learn and explore while we’re young. We’re shocked to find a kindred spirit halfway around the world on top of a donkey. He tells us that the next time we return, we’re his guests - though he expects us to learn some Kyrgyz. This almost looks like a pose for a painting (just replace the donkey with a noble steed). Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Kyrgyz Cemetery at Lake Issyk-Kul - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Cemetery at southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Kyrgyz Cemetery, Medals and Flowers - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Cemetery, Tombstone - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Kyrgyz Cemetery Yurt - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

We noticed that several people were buried inside a structure that looked like the metal frame of a yurt. Manzhyly, southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Kyrgyz Cemetery - Manzhyly, Kyrgyzstan

Cemetery at Manzhyly on the southern shore of Kyrgyzstan's Lake Issyk-Kul. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities and our perfect day at Lake Issyk-Kul.