Welcome to Kyrgyzstan - the land of celestial mountains. A rugged country with the Tien Shan mountain range covering approximately 95% of the whole territory. The population is about 6 million people most of whom are Turkic-speaking Muslims.

An interesting fact - The flag of the Kyrgyz Republic is a powerful symbol of the nation's identity and heritage. The Tunduk, the wooden top of the yurt, is prominently displayed in the center of the flag, surrounded by a sun with rays extending outward symbolizing the unity of the 40 tribes that make up the Kyrgyz people.

Today was about seeing the sights of Karakol and then heading toward Bokonbayevo. Karakol in the picturesque Karkara Valley is famous for its mountain flowers that attract many bee-keepers.

Started the day with a visit to Dungan Mosque made out of wood with no nails. Its intricate wooden sections fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Designed by the Chinese between 1907 and 1910 for the local Dungan community, it features unusual imagery — like a wheel of fire and a pagoda in place of a minaret — evocative of the Dungan's pre-Islamic, Buddhist roots. At the mosque in Karakol but they didn't like my knees, hence I was given a royal purple gown for my visit. The boys got royal blue to cover their knees so at least I know it wasn't sexist!!

Then it was off to the Holy Trinity Cathedral. This 1869 Russian Orthodox Church recalls Karakol's time as a garrison town on the edge of the Russian Empire. Back then, it was a chapel for Cossacks and other troops — those who were a long way from home and perhaps wanted to pray for their families and safe passage on the return journey. During Soviet times, the church building took on many different roles, including as a dance hall for some years. Today, it serves as one of the town's primary landmarks.

As we headed out of town we could see old Russian Style houses (1870 - 1910). Karakol's Russian Quarter is full of intricately carved wooden gingerbread houses, and other architecture from the last two centuries. These cottages are remnants of this frontier town on the edges of the Russian empire. Russian merchants built beautiful, colourful houses — the more successful the merchant, the more elaborate the house!!

We then headed to Jeti-Oguz Gorge. where we had the opportunity to admire fantastic rock formations made of red sandstone and view local pastures which have long been used by shepherds to graze flocks of sheep and herds of horses. The most impressive formation is Djety-Oguz which in the Kyrgyz language means "Seven Bulls". We took a walk up the steep hill to the lookout which was worth it for the views. While at the top 4 ladies have a "call of nature" and not a toilet to be found. Never mind we can go behind a bush......we may have got caught relieving ourselves by a Spanish bushwalker, not sure who got the biggest surprise!

There is also a well-known but much-neglected Russian spa resort located at the entrance to the valley. The resort was created on the basis of hot hydrogen sulphide waters, the healing power of which has been known since ancient times. Can see it must have been beautiful at one time but now has the look of a prison.

It was then off to Issyk-Kul Lake even though we seemed to have been following the shoreline for hours. Issyk-Kul Lake is 180km long, 60km wide, and 700m deep. The lake sits in a hollow surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau Mountain ranges at an altitude of 1600m. One hundred and thirty-four streams and rivers flow into the lake but none flow out due to underwater tectonic activity. Issyk-Kul Lake is the second-largest alpine lake in the world (after Lake Titicaca in Peru/Bolivia). The lake's name, which is also spelled Ysyk Kol or Issyk-kol, means literally 'warm lake' in the Kyrgyz language. It never freezes as it's salty and has sand (gravel) beaches.

We then head to Bokonbayevo which is a small picturesque village on the edge of the southern shore of Issyk-Kull Lake. Bokonbayevo is far from the crowded beaches of the north shore and is also well known for its yurt camps and guest houses. Needless to say, we are staying in a yurt camp tonight.

Almaluu traditional yurt camp was an experience. For someone who does not do camping, I was pleasantly surprised by what a good night's sleep I got. Yes, there are basic facilities but the yurts are warm and cosy. We also had a lesson in making traditional Kyrgz flatbread which we ate with our dinner. Communal dining is de rigeur here!!