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Camels, Canyons and Creeping Dunes

Jaimi Cyrus

Aug 305 min read

Silk Road Adventure

Camels, Canyons and Creeping Dunes

Wait…there are 'other' Albanians? And Azerbaijani wine?

Jaimi Cyrus

Aug 306 min read

Silk Road Adventure

Wait…there are 'other' Albanians? And Azerbaijani wine?

Trawling towards Turkmenistan

Jaimi Cyrus

Aug 247 min read

Silk Road Adventure

Trawling towards Turkmenistan

The Giraffe made it to Baku!

Jaimi Cyrus

Aug 102 min read

Silk Road Adventure

The Giraffe made it to Baku!

Vehicle overview: current assessment

Achim Kuttler

Aug 52 min read

Vehicle overview: current assessment

Vehicle upgrades

Achim Kuttler

Aug 53 min read

Vehicle upgrades

Original configuration and dimensions

Achim Kuttler

Aug 52 min read

Original configuration and dimensions

The Azerbaijan conundrum

Jaimi Cyrus

Aug 43 min read

Silk Road Adventure

The Azerbaijan conundrum

While we're waiting for the Black Sea Ferry...

Jaimi Cyrus

Aug 21 min read

Silk Road Adventure

While we're waiting for the Black Sea Ferry...

From Bulgaria to Georgia, by sea!

Achim Kuttler

Aug 26 min read

Silk Road Adventure

From Bulgaria to Georgia, by sea!

Overlander's Manifesto and Sketchy Castle Visits

Jaimi Cyrus

Aug 25 min read

Silk Road Adventure

Overlander's Manifesto and Sketchy Castle Visits

The Beginning: the Silk Road Adventure has commenced!

Jaimi Cyrus

Aug 13 min read

Silk Road Adventure

The Beginning: the Silk Road Adventure has commenced!

Sometimes things are worth a second try

Jaimi Cyrus

Jul 241 min read

Silk Road Adventure

Sometimes things are worth a second try

Somewhere in Serbia

Jaimi Cyrus

Jul 221 min read

Silk Road Adventure

Somewhere in Serbia

Jaimi Cyrus

Mar 14, 20231 min read

Getting started

The best part about driving across the Kazakh Steppes?
Probably the camels, and here's today's drop. 😉
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#camels #camelsofinstagram #greatsteppes #kazakhstan #kazakhsteppes #silkroadadventure #silkroad #scenesfromtheroad #seidenstrsse #overlandtravel #wildlifeencounter #exploretheworld #adventuringthroughlife #vanlife #centralasia

The best part about driving across the Kazakh Steppes?
Probably the camels, and here's today's drop. 😉
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#camels #camelsofinstagram #greatsteppes #kazakhstan #kazakhsteppes #silkroadadventure #silkroad #scenesfromtheroad #seidenstrsse #overlandtravel #wildlifeencounter #exploretheworld #adventuringthroughlife #vanlife #centralasia

What pops to mind when you think of Türkistan?
Because we've gotta say, the mental image we had and the reality were worlds apart!
Türkistan is a modern, beautiful city with impressive architecture and infrastructure. Packed with friendly and welcoming people (even just passing high-school students initiated a chat and an 8 year old translated for us). And in addition, they have a system that is highly digitized (easily bumping up my internet account on my local sim card - in about 30 seconds at the supermarket; paying everything with QR code; all state documentation including birth certificate, driver's license, etc available online...).
Honestly, it was a bit humbling, and a reminder that western states need to stop being complacent if we don't want to get rapidly passed by.
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#wakeupeurope #rapiddevelopment #Kazakhstan #centralasia #turkistan #silkroadadventure #silkroad#overlandtravel #adventuringthroughlife #broadenhorizons #travelandlearn #keepexploring ##overlanding #buildawareness

What pops to mind when you think of Türkistan?
Because we've gotta say, the mental image we had and the reality were worlds apart!
Türkistan is a modern, beautiful city with impressive architecture and infrastructure. Packed with friendly and welcoming people (even just passing high-school students initiated a chat and an 8 year old translated for us). And in addition, they have a system that is highly digitized (easily bumping up my internet account on my local sim card - in about 30 seconds at the supermarket; paying everything with QR code; all state documentation including birth certificate, driver's license, etc available online...).
Honestly, it was a bit humbling, and a reminder that western states need to stop being complacent if we don't want to get rapidly passed by.
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#wakeupeurope #rapiddevelopment #Kazakhstan #centralasia #turkistan #silkroadadventure #silkroad#overlandtravel #adventuringthroughlife #broadenhorizons #travelandlearn #keepexploring ##overlanding #buildawareness

Sunday was a culture day.
First, we navigated to the slightly wrong location and then when looping back around, we happened upon a very big happening in the middle of the desert-y fields. Loads of men, hundreds of horses, and a truck full of ready-to-kill livestock. Really. The sport of Kokpar or Kok Boru involves putting a dead goat, sheep, or calf on the horse and the different teams fight to take it away from each other. We don't really know how it works, looked like a free-for-all but everyone seemed highly engaged (and disturbed by Jaimi's presence...there were no women there).
We then continued on to the ancient city of Otrar to walk amongst the excavacations and see the re-built sections, providing a sense for how people lived there in the 8th-18th century.
And culminated the day by meeting an extremely friendly and welcoming man in the parking lot. Full of smiles and welcomes to his country, he gifted us an amazing dinner of Plov with meat, bread, and a drink. What a magic moment! The best plov we've had, sunset, new friends, horses being trucked home (including a truck full of still-mounted riders!), and cows meandering across the street on their way home. 🙂🙏
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#Kazakhstan #otrar #otyrar #silkroad #seidenstrsse #silkroadadventure #overlandtravel #overlanding #centralasia #culturalexperience

Sunday was a culture day.
First, we navigated to the slightly wrong location and then when looping back around, we happened upon a very big happening in the middle of the desert-y fields. Loads of men, hundreds of horses, and a truck full of ready-to-kill livestock. Really. The sport of Kokpar or Kok Boru involves putting a dead goat, sheep, or calf on the horse and the different teams fight to take it away from each other. We don't really know how it works, looked like a free-for-all but everyone seemed highly engaged (and disturbed by Jaimi's presence...there were no women there).
We then continued on to the ancient city of Otrar to walk amongst the excavacations and see the re-built sections, providing a sense for how people lived there in the 8th-18th century.
And culminated the day by meeting an extremely friendly and welcoming man in the parking lot. Full of smiles and welcomes to his country, he gifted us an amazing dinner of Plov with meat, bread, and a drink. What a magic moment! The best plov we've had, sunset, new friends, horses being trucked home (including a truck full of still-mounted riders!), and cows meandering across the street on their way home. 🙂🙏
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#Kazakhstan #otrar #otyrar #silkroad #seidenstrsse #silkroadadventure #overlandtravel #overlanding #centralasia #culturalexperience

Without many expectations, we made a stop at this Silk Road town...which was demolished by Genghis Khan but now is being rebuilt in a fashion reminiscent of its history. A little bit "Imitation Registan" perhaps, but still kind of nice.
Especially because we happened on it by accident - tour books talk about the historic mausoleums (okay, historic but underwhelming). Jaimi found a "Tower" pinned on a map, so we walked over there and found the rest. 😃
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#keepexploring #silkroadadventure #overlandtravel #taraz #kazakhstan #seidenstrasse ##adventuringthroughlife #exploretheworld

Without many expectations, we made a stop at this Silk Road town...which was demolished by Genghis Khan but now is being rebuilt in a fashion reminiscent of its history. A little bit "Imitation Registan" perhaps, but still kind of nice.
Especially because we happened on it by accident - tour books talk about the historic mausoleums (okay, historic but underwhelming). Jaimi found a "Tower" pinned on a map, so we walked over there and found the rest. 😃
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#keepexploring #silkroadadventure #overlandtravel #taraz #kazakhstan #seidenstrasse ##adventuringthroughlife #exploretheworld

An epic day in the mountains above Almaty!
Left the hotel at 6am (the Giraffe stayed at the garage overnight for service this morning). And met up with a former colleague, who had planned this 18km mammoth tour that required an 1355m ascent to a 3707m peak. Spectacular! And we made good use of the hotel amenities by soaking our tired bodies in the jacuzzi before bed. 🙂
Tomorrow: back on the road, as we head west across the Great Steppes!
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#adventuringthroughlife #mountaineering #hiking #dayofffromtravel #overlandlife #feelslikewinter #dayinthemountains #abovethesmog

An epic day in the mountains above Almaty!
Left the hotel at 6am (the Giraffe stayed at the garage overnight for service this morning). And met up with a former colleague, who had planned this 18km mammoth tour that required an 1355m ascent to a 3707m peak. Spectacular! And we made good use of the hotel amenities by soaking our tired bodies in the jacuzzi before bed. 🙂
Tomorrow: back on the road, as we head west across the Great Steppes!
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#adventuringthroughlife #mountaineering #hiking #dayofffromtravel #overlandlife #feelslikewinter #dayinthemountains #abovethesmog

Altyn Emel National Park...a few final images from the great 2 days we spent there. We could have easily spent another 2 days if we didn't have set appointments in Almaty!
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#overlandtravel #exploretheworld #altynemelnationalpark #altynemel #aktaumountains #kazakhstan #outdoors #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #centralasia

Altyn Emel National Park...a few final images from the great 2 days we spent there. We could have easily spent another 2 days if we didn't have set appointments in Almaty!
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#overlandtravel #exploretheworld #altynemelnationalpark #altynemel #aktaumountains #kazakhstan #outdoors #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #centralasia

Amazing! 😍
We weren't quite sure what to expect by the Aktau Mountains in Altyn Emel Park. And it was a long, bumpy ride to get there on an overcast, windy day. But the night was full of endless stars and the next day dawned with blue skies. We headed out into the canyons, climbed to a few peaks, and were blown away by this magical place.
Here are a few glimpses...
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#aktaumountains #altynemel #altynemelnationalpark #kazakhstan #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #centralasia #overlandtravel #adventuringthroughlife

Amazing! 😍
We weren't quite sure what to expect by the Aktau Mountains in Altyn Emel Park. And it was a long, bumpy ride to get there on an overcast, windy day. But the night was full of endless stars and the next day dawned with blue skies. We headed out into the canyons, climbed to a few peaks, and were blown away by this magical place.
Here are a few glimpses...
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#aktaumountains #altynemel #altynemelnationalpark #kazakhstan #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #centralasia #overlandtravel #adventuringthroughlife

Come in and visit our Giraffe! 🙂
We've had many requests (in person and online) for a tour, so here you go! A quick overview of the living cabin. There are many more details that we neglected, but gotta fit it into 90 seconds, right?! 😜
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#expeditionvehicle #vantour #campervantour #welcometoourhome #Giraffe #overlandtravel #overlandlife #vanlife #vanlifeliving #overlandlife #dopferreisemobilbau #ivecodaily4x4 @silwy_magnetic_system @dopfer.reisemobilbau

Come in and visit our Giraffe! 🙂
We've had many requests (in person and online) for a tour, so here you go! A quick overview of the living cabin. There are many more details that we neglected, but gotta fit it into 90 seconds, right?! 😜
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#expeditionvehicle #vantour #campervantour #welcometoourhome #Giraffe #overlandtravel #overlandlife #vanlife #vanlifeliving #overlandlife #dopferreisemobilbau #ivecodaily4x4 @silwy_magnetic_system @dopfer.reisemobilbau

An amazing beginning to our journey through Kazakhstan: 2 days enjoying Lunar Canyon and Charyn Canyon. And of course, the sites in between. 🙂
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#silkroadadventure #kazakhstan #lunarcanyon #charyncanyon #overlandtravel #traveltheworld #centralasia #exploretheworld #seidenstrasse

An amazing beginning to our journey through Kazakhstan: 2 days enjoying Lunar Canyon and Charyn Canyon. And of course, the sites in between. 🙂
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#silkroadadventure #kazakhstan #lunarcanyon #charyncanyon #overlandtravel #traveltheworld #centralasia #exploretheworld #seidenstrasse

Temerlik Canyon: the first place we visited in Kazakhstan (following yesterday's administration outing to the small town of Kegen, that is. You know: sim cards, diesel, insurance, groceries...all the typical 'first-day-in-country' stuff. 🙈)

We drove about halfway in, then parked the Giraffe near an unfinished and abandoned hotel (unfortunately, it's a nice building). Swapped the vehicle for Speedcross GTX shoes and hiked 6 km into and above the Canyon, including balancing across logs to cross the river.
Some nice formations and beautiful coloring! Now chilling on the rim of the Canyon, watching the sunset set and getting a bit of work done.

Not a bad first day! 😉
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#temerlikcanyon #temerlik #kazakhstan #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #centralasia #expeditionvehicle #adventuringthroughlife #iveco4x4daily #exploretheworld #overlandtravel #vanlife

Temerlik Canyon: the first place we visited in Kazakhstan (following yesterday's administration outing to the small town of Kegen, that is. You know: sim cards, diesel, insurance, groceries...all the typical 'first-day-in-country' stuff. 🙈)

We drove about halfway in, then parked the Giraffe near an unfinished and abandoned hotel (unfortunately, it's a nice building). Swapped the vehicle for Speedcross GTX shoes and hiked 6 km into and above the Canyon, including balancing across logs to cross the river.
Some nice formations and beautiful coloring! Now chilling on the rim of the Canyon, watching the sunset set and getting a bit of work done.

Not a bad first day! 😉
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#temerlikcanyon #temerlik #kazakhstan #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #centralasia #expeditionvehicle #adventuringthroughlife #iveco4x4daily #exploretheworld #overlandtravel #vanlife

A gorgeous trip into Karakol Valley. 😃
Not exactly what we planned (broken bridge and disastrous roads sometimes require a quick pivot!), but we had great weather and made the most of it. Totaled about 17km and 1300m elevation gain, enjoyed the views of the Tien Shan mountains and were a bit sad to leave.
Next up: Kazakhstan!
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#karakolvalley #kyrgyzrepublic #Kyrgyzstan #brokenbridge #hiking #adventuringthroughlife #overlandtravel #vanlife #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #silkroad #exploretheworld

A gorgeous trip into Karakol Valley. 😃
Not exactly what we planned (broken bridge and disastrous roads sometimes require a quick pivot!), but we had great weather and made the most of it. Totaled about 17km and 1300m elevation gain, enjoyed the views of the Tien Shan mountains and were a bit sad to leave.
Next up: Kazakhstan!
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#karakolvalley #kyrgyzrepublic #Kyrgyzstan #brokenbridge #hiking #adventuringthroughlife #overlandtravel #vanlife #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #silkroad #exploretheworld

A short trip with a very steep (and i mean VERY - coming back down was terrifying until we found an alternate route) hike to see a few waterfalls in the Barskoon Valley. And theres also a giant face-statue as tribute to Yuri Gagarin, who got some R&R here after his trip into space.
Then we continued to Jeti-Özguz to see the Red Rocks and "7 Bulls." Fog and rain, so we skipped hiking but did take a rather scary 12° track up a hill to get a view (sliding back down through the mud).
We also found a fantadtic parking spot for the night, right next to the beach, on grass. And enjoyed dinner at a local guesthouse. 🙂
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#busydays #silkroadadventure #issykkul #barskoonvalley #7bulls #redrocks #kyrgyzrepublic #Kyrgyzstan #overlandtravel #waterfalls

A short trip with a very steep (and i mean VERY - coming back down was terrifying until we found an alternate route) hike to see a few waterfalls in the Barskoon Valley. And theres also a giant face-statue as tribute to Yuri Gagarin, who got some R&R here after his trip into space.
Then we continued to Jeti-Özguz to see the Red Rocks and "7 Bulls." Fog and rain, so we skipped hiking but did take a rather scary 12° track up a hill to get a view (sliding back down through the mud).
We also found a fantadtic parking spot for the night, right next to the beach, on grass. And enjoyed dinner at a local guesthouse. 🙂
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#busydays #silkroadadventure #issykkul #barskoonvalley #7bulls #redrocks #kyrgyzrepublic #Kyrgyzstan #overlandtravel #waterfalls

It was a day of more scrambling than hiking, as we climbed up, over, along and around the amazing rock formations od Fairytale Canyon. We climbed along the Chinese Wall, scaled the perimeter if the Castle and climbed high ti enjoy the views over the canyon and down to Issyk Kul lake. 😍
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#fairytalecanyon #issykkul #Kyrgyzstan #kyrgyzrepublic #adventuringthroughlife #overlandtravel #silkroadadventure #centralasia #exploretheworld #seidenstrasse #silkroad #expeditionvehicle

It was a day of more scrambling than hiking, as we climbed up, over, along and around the amazing rock formations od Fairytale Canyon. We climbed along the Chinese Wall, scaled the perimeter if the Castle and climbed high ti enjoy the views over the canyon and down to Issyk Kul lake. 😍
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#fairytalecanyon #issykkul #Kyrgyzstan #kyrgyzrepublic #adventuringthroughlife #overlandtravel #silkroadadventure #centralasia #exploretheworld #seidenstrasse #silkroad #expeditionvehicle

Mars Canyon
Another impressive landscape on the south side of Lake Issyk Kul, with a truly otherworldly feel. From the mysteriously-shaped rock formations to the red dirt and the alien-looking plants. Definitely worth a visit and hike!
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#marscanyon #issykkul #Kyrgyzstan #kyrgyzrepublic #adventuringthroughlife #overlandtravel #vanlife #exploretheworld #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #centralasia

Mars Canyon
Another impressive landscape on the south side of Lake Issyk Kul, with a truly otherworldly feel. From the mysteriously-shaped rock formations to the red dirt and the alien-looking plants. Definitely worth a visit and hike!
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#marscanyon #issykkul #Kyrgyzstan #kyrgyzrepublic #adventuringthroughlife #overlandtravel #vanlife #exploretheworld #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #centralasia

A chill drive down this super cool camyon, all the way to Lake Issyk Kul where we parked for the night and grilled veggies burgers 😜
Oh, and if you saw the story...he's starting to pit the drone into appropriate action. Still learning, but we're getting there. 👍
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#overlandtravel #canyonofforgottenrivers #silkroadadventure #aksaicanyon #Kyrgyzstan #adventuringthroughlife #exploretheworld #vanlife #silkroad #seidenstrasse #kyrgyzrepublic #centralasia

A chill drive down this super cool camyon, all the way to Lake Issyk Kul where we parked for the night and grilled veggies burgers 😜
Oh, and if you saw the story...he's starting to pit the drone into appropriate action. Still learning, but we're getting there. 👍
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#overlandtravel #canyonofforgottenrivers #silkroadadventure #aksaicanyon #Kyrgyzstan #adventuringthroughlife #exploretheworld #vanlife #silkroad #seidenstrasse #kyrgyzrepublic #centralasia

Forgotten beach

Forgotten beach

I wasn't sure what to expect by the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers (also called Ak-sai Canyon), so I was all the more impressed. By the drive down and the hike above. Here's a glimpse of the hike... 🙂
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#aksaicanyon #canyonofforgottenrivers #kyrgyzrepublic #Kyrgyzstan #adventuringthroughlife #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #centralasia #soloday #overlandtravel #exploretheworld

I wasn't sure what to expect by the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers (also called Ak-sai Canyon), so I was all the more impressed. By the drive down and the hike above. Here's a glimpse of the hike... 🙂
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#aksaicanyon #canyonofforgottenrivers #kyrgyzrepublic #Kyrgyzstan #adventuringthroughlife #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #centralasia #soloday #overlandtravel #exploretheworld

Song-Kul lake:
A short summary of 2 days at Song Kul: starting with the very challenging climb up Teskey Torpok pass (called '33 parrots' because of the number of repeating serpentine curves) and then a descent to the lake at 3013m (9885ft).
Then we did 18km down a dirt/mud track to the last remaining open Yurt Camp, where coal was chopped to fire up a stove inside so we could spend the night.
We took a hike over neighboring peaks, enjoyed the views and sunset over the lake and finalized our trip with the drive over the Kalmak Pass at 3447m (where we hiked up a peak to 3700m).
All in all, a great visit to the peaceful and beautiful Son-Kul 🙂
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#sonkul #songkul #teskeytorpok #kalmakpass #Kyrgyzstan #kyrgyzrepublic #adventuringthroughlife #overlandtravel #exploretheworld #vanlife #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse

Song-Kul lake:
A short summary of 2 days at Song Kul: starting with the very challenging climb up Teskey Torpok pass (called '33 parrots' because of the number of repeating serpentine curves) and then a descent to the lake at 3013m (9885ft).
Then we did 18km down a dirt/mud track to the last remaining open Yurt Camp, where coal was chopped to fire up a stove inside so we could spend the night.
We took a hike over neighboring peaks, enjoyed the views and sunset over the lake and finalized our trip with the drive over the Kalmak Pass at 3447m (where we hiked up a peak to 3700m).
All in all, a great visit to the peaceful and beautiful Son-Kul 🙂
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#sonkul #songkul #teskeytorpok #kalmakpass #Kyrgyzstan #kyrgyzrepublic #adventuringthroughlife #overlandtravel #exploretheworld #vanlife #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Following the 2 day trip to Tash Rabat, we returned to the site of the mud fiasco and thankfully things had improved. The 26km track through the Red Hills definitely needed 4WD in a number of areas, along with some creativity to circumvent washed-out sections and head cross-country until we found the track again. But we tackled the challenges and were rewarded with a great afternoon! 😎
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#redhillsnaryn #adventuringthroughlife #kyrgyzstan #offroadadventures #try2 #overlandtravel #silkroadadventure #silkroad #exploretheworld #expeditionvehicle #seidenstrasse #ivecodaily4x4 #redhills

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Following the 2 day trip to Tash Rabat, we returned to the site of the mud fiasco and thankfully things had improved. The 26km track through the Red Hills definitely needed 4WD in a number of areas, along with some creativity to circumvent washed-out sections and head cross-country until we found the track again. But we tackled the challenges and were rewarded with a great afternoon! 😎
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#redhillsnaryn #adventuringthroughlife #kyrgyzstan #offroadadventures #try2 #overlandtravel #silkroadadventure #silkroad #exploretheworld #expeditionvehicle #seidenstrasse #ivecodaily4x4 #redhills

We were met early this morning by our guide dog, who was waiting when we stepped out of the Giraffe. He accompanied us on a big hike towards Tash Rabat Pass, dutifully waiting when we lagged behind and running over to us post-haste whenever we put the backpacks down (hoping for treats; we shared our sandwiches).
With all the fresh snow, it was strenuous and slow, meaning we didn't make it all the way up to the pass for a view of Chatyr Kul Lake and the border to China. Bummer! But it was a beautiful day, a 17km hike up to 3700m, and we concluded it with Martini Rosso on snow. 😉 (and the worn out guide dog got a fried egg - he was very happy, too!)
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#tashrabat #Kyrgyzstan #centralasia #hiking #adventuringthroughlife #overlandlife #overlandtravel #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #newfriends #climbhigh

We were met early this morning by our guide dog, who was waiting when we stepped out of the Giraffe. He accompanied us on a big hike towards Tash Rabat Pass, dutifully waiting when we lagged behind and running over to us post-haste whenever we put the backpacks down (hoping for treats; we shared our sandwiches).
With all the fresh snow, it was strenuous and slow, meaning we didn't make it all the way up to the pass for a view of Chatyr Kul Lake and the border to China. Bummer! But it was a beautiful day, a 17km hike up to 3700m, and we concluded it with Martini Rosso on snow. 😉 (and the worn out guide dog got a fried egg - he was very happy, too!)
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#tashrabat #Kyrgyzstan #centralasia #hiking #adventuringthroughlife #overlandlife #overlandtravel #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #newfriends #climbhigh

Tash Rabat is a 15th century, well-preserved stone Caravanserei sitting at 3200m in the Tien Shan mountains, quite close to the Chinese border. Even better, there is quite some mystery about it, as some scholars think it was originally built as a temple. In any case, it's pretty cool. And surrounded by jaw-dropping beautiful landscape! Not to mention, manned by a very friendly guide dog. 🙂
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#tashrabat #adventuringthroughlife #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #caravanserai #overlandtravel #exploretheworld #giraffegoneglobal #Kyrgyzstan #tienshan #centralasia

Tash Rabat is a 15th century, well-preserved stone Caravanserei sitting at 3200m in the Tien Shan mountains, quite close to the Chinese border. Even better, there is quite some mystery about it, as some scholars think it was originally built as a temple. In any case, it's pretty cool. And surrounded by jaw-dropping beautiful landscape! Not to mention, manned by a very friendly guide dog. 🙂
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#tashrabat #adventuringthroughlife #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #caravanserai #overlandtravel #exploretheworld #giraffegoneglobal #Kyrgyzstan #tienshan #centralasia

There was a lot of discussion in the Giraffe about whether we drive the extra 230km (RT) to visit the quite remote Tash Rabat. Jaimi insisted that as we're on a Silk Road Adventure, we really shouldn't leave it out. Achim grumbled. But after being a good sport about the mud encounter, Jaimi prevailed and it was worth it!
Here are a few glimpses of the route there - straight into the Tien Shan mountains and close to the Chinese border.
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#tashrabat #Kyrgyzstan #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #overlandtravel #overlandlife #centralasia #washboardroads #adventuringthroughlife #tienshan #giraffegoneglobal

There was a lot of discussion in the Giraffe about whether we drive the extra 230km (RT) to visit the quite remote Tash Rabat. Jaimi insisted that as we're on a Silk Road Adventure, we really shouldn't leave it out. Achim grumbled. But after being a good sport about the mud encounter, Jaimi prevailed and it was worth it!
Here are a few glimpses of the route there - straight into the Tien Shan mountains and close to the Chinese border.
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#tashrabat #Kyrgyzstan #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #overlandtravel #overlandlife #centralasia #washboardroads #adventuringthroughlife #tienshan #giraffegoneglobal

Driving 100km at home is usually a walk in the park. Here, it's a day's work #overlander #washboard #silkroad #washbrett

Driving 100km at home is usually a walk in the park. Here, it's a day's work #overlander #washboard #silkroad #washbrett

The rest of the trip over the Kaldamo Pass was so much fun! 😜
We woke up to blue sky and got an early start, so we could enjoy breakfast at the top, just anove 3000m. Perfect! 😁
We took a bit of a hike up to an abandoned container, visited the eagle statue and then enjoyed the trip down (once again feeling very thankful that we've gotten so lucky with optimal conditions - it would have been a lot sketchier in the rain!).
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#Kyrgyzstan #kaldamopass #toguztoro #ivecodaily4x4 #overlandtravel #vanlife #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #adventuringthroughlife #exploretheworld #centralasia

The rest of the trip over the Kaldamo Pass was so much fun! 😜
We woke up to blue sky and got an early start, so we could enjoy breakfast at the top, just anove 3000m. Perfect! 😁
We took a bit of a hike up to an abandoned container, visited the eagle statue and then enjoyed the trip down (once again feeling very thankful that we've gotten so lucky with optimal conditions - it would have been a lot sketchier in the rain!).
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#Kyrgyzstan #kaldamopass #toguztoro #ivecodaily4x4 #overlandtravel #vanlife #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #adventuringthroughlife #exploretheworld #centralasia

Coming down the Kyzyl-Art Pass and a quick glimpse at our first couple travel days in Kyrgyzstan.
The pass road was tough, but most of the others have been in much better shape than those in Tajikistan. We've encountered marmots, herds of cows, yaks, sheep, donkey, turkey. The Giraffe has climbed up and down a few smaller passes, curving around serpentine stretches. Parking places have entailed river crossings and provided both views and visitors (mainly cows). Achim has learned the benefit of burning rubbish rather than contributing to the heaps lying around seemingly everywhere. And we finally splurged on a much-needed scrub for the Giraffe - a mom and son type of job.
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#Kyrgyzstan #adventuringthroughlife #overlandtravel #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #vanlife #centralasia #kyzylartpass #adventuretravel #ivecodaily4x4 #roadlesstraveled

Coming down the Kyzyl-Art Pass and a quick glimpse at our first couple travel days in Kyrgyzstan.
The pass road was tough, but most of the others have been in much better shape than those in Tajikistan. We've encountered marmots, herds of cows, yaks, sheep, donkey, turkey. The Giraffe has climbed up and down a few smaller passes, curving around serpentine stretches. Parking places have entailed river crossings and provided both views and visitors (mainly cows). Achim has learned the benefit of burning rubbish rather than contributing to the heaps lying around seemingly everywhere. And we finally splurged on a much-needed scrub for the Giraffe - a mom and son type of job.
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#Kyrgyzstan #adventuringthroughlife #overlandtravel #silkroadadventure #seidenstrasse #vanlife #centralasia #kyzylartpass #adventuretravel #ivecodaily4x4 #roadlesstraveled

A couple of days in the Pik Lenin and Tulpar Lake area. Majestic mountains, gorgeous views, herds of yaks and horses, yurt camps, long hikes and of course a Giraffe overlooking the canyon. 🤩

Impressive (and rather frightening) base camp infrastructure: sinks with mirrors and hot water boilers?! Installed tent platforms with power outlets?! Restaurant building with panorama windows?! Definitely not reminiscent of Aconcagua, Elbrus or Denali climbs! 😂
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#expeditionvehicle #overlandtravel #ivecodaily4x4 #giraffegoneglobal #giraffe_gone_global #vanlife #expeditiontravel #adventuringthroughlife #travellife #exploretheworld #adventuretravel #adventuremobile #overlanding #overlandlife #seetheworld #getoutthere #piklenin #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #Kyrgyzstan

A couple of days in the Pik Lenin and Tulpar Lake area. Majestic mountains, gorgeous views, herds of yaks and horses, yurt camps, long hikes and of course a Giraffe overlooking the canyon. 🤩

Impressive (and rather frightening) base camp infrastructure: sinks with mirrors and hot water boilers?! Installed tent platforms with power outlets?! Restaurant building with panorama windows?! Definitely not reminiscent of Aconcagua, Elbrus or Denali climbs! 😂
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#expeditionvehicle #overlandtravel #ivecodaily4x4 #giraffegoneglobal #giraffe_gone_global #vanlife #expeditiontravel #adventuringthroughlife #travellife #exploretheworld #adventuretravel #adventuremobile #overlanding #overlandlife #seetheworld #getoutthere #piklenin #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #Kyrgyzstan

While our Giraffe enjoyed a well-deserved shower, a German speaking Kyrgyz approached me. After we exchanged some words, he left and came back with huge melons and grapes. All he said, this is Kirgistan. Amazing!

While our Giraffe enjoyed a well-deserved shower, a German speaking Kyrgyz approached me. After we exchanged some words, he left and came back with huge melons and grapes. All he said, this is Kirgistan. Amazing!

After crossing Ak-baital Pass, we bumped along many km of washboard roads, finally reaching a beautiful (albeit very windy) spot on the edge of Karakul lake. Where we enjoyed an evening walk along the shore, skipping stones, views of Pik Lenin off in the distance, another fun evening with Cindy, Benni and Simon (and a great bottle of Georgian Tsinandali!), and a challenging, windy hike up towards 5000m (but finished on a lesser peak as the very strong gusts were just too much to go all the way up).
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#expeditionvehicle #overlandtravel #ivecodaily4x4 #giraffegoneglobal #giraffe_gone_global #overlander #explore #vanlife #expeditiontravel #adventuringthroughlife #vanlifeliving #travellife #exploretheworld #adventuretravel #adventuremobile #overlanding #overlandlife #seetheworld #getoutthere #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #karakullake #karakul #tajikistan

After crossing Ak-baital Pass, we bumped along many km of washboard roads, finally reaching a beautiful (albeit very windy) spot on the edge of Karakul lake. Where we enjoyed an evening walk along the shore, skipping stones, views of Pik Lenin off in the distance, another fun evening with Cindy, Benni and Simon (and a great bottle of Georgian Tsinandali!), and a challenging, windy hike up towards 5000m (but finished on a lesser peak as the very strong gusts were just too much to go all the way up).
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#expeditionvehicle #overlandtravel #ivecodaily4x4 #giraffegoneglobal #giraffe_gone_global #overlander #explore #vanlife #expeditiontravel #adventuringthroughlife #vanlifeliving #travellife #exploretheworld #adventuretravel #adventuremobile #overlanding #overlandlife #seetheworld #getoutthere #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #karakullake #karakul #tajikistan

We thought staying the night near an old Caravanserei would be cool. What was really cool was meeting the other overlanders there and having a couple drinks together while swapping stories. 😃
We woke up to a crispy, cool morning with ice on the river and a herd of goats traipsing past. At about 4200m, it was a chilly start to the day but plenty of sunshine and a fun drive that parallels the border fence to China and took us across the Akbaital Pass at 4655m!
The Giraffe was unperturbed by the elevation and performed like a dream! 🙂
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#expeditionvehicle #overlandtravel #ivecodaily4x4 #giraffegoneglobal #giraffe_gone_global #overlander #vanlife #expeditiontravel #adventuringthroughlife #travellife #exploretheworld #adventuretravel #adventuremobile #overlanding #overlandlife #seetheworld #getoutthere #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #tajikistan #borderfence #akbaitalpass

We thought staying the night near an old Caravanserei would be cool. What was really cool was meeting the other overlanders there and having a couple drinks together while swapping stories. 😃
We woke up to a crispy, cool morning with ice on the river and a herd of goats traipsing past. At about 4200m, it was a chilly start to the day but plenty of sunshine and a fun drive that parallels the border fence to China and took us across the Akbaital Pass at 4655m!
The Giraffe was unperturbed by the elevation and performed like a dream! 🙂
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.
#expeditionvehicle #overlandtravel #ivecodaily4x4 #giraffegoneglobal #giraffe_gone_global #overlander #vanlife #expeditiontravel #adventuringthroughlife #travellife #exploretheworld #adventuretravel #adventuremobile #overlanding #overlandlife #seetheworld #getoutthere #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #tajikistan #borderfence #akbaitalpass

We said goodbye to the Panj River, the Wakhan corridor and views of Afghanistan as we headed north over the Kargush Pass and back onto the main part of the Pamir Highway. It was a long driving day which finished slightly south-west of Alichur, where we camped at Sasykul and enjoyed lake views - from inside, as we sheltered from high speed gusts of wind!
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peditionvehicle #overlandtravel #ivecodaily4x4 #giraffegoneglobal #giraffe_gone_global #overlander #explore #vanlife #expeditiontravel #adventuringthroughlife #vanlifeliving #travellife #exploretheworld #adventuretravel #adventuremobile #overlanding #overlandlife #seetheworld #getoutthere #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #tajikistan #kargushpass #sasykul

We said goodbye to the Panj River, the Wakhan corridor and views of Afghanistan as we headed north over the Kargush Pass and back onto the main part of the Pamir Highway. It was a long driving day which finished slightly south-west of Alichur, where we camped at Sasykul and enjoyed lake views - from inside, as we sheltered from high speed gusts of wind!
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peditionvehicle #overlandtravel #ivecodaily4x4 #giraffegoneglobal #giraffe_gone_global #overlander #explore #vanlife #expeditiontravel #adventuringthroughlife #vanlifeliving #travellife #exploretheworld #adventuretravel #adventuremobile #overlanding #overlandlife #seetheworld #getoutthere #silkroadadventure #silkroad #seidenstrasse #tajikistan #kargushpass #sasykul

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