It was noticeably warmer overnight, and so we both slept like babies, not feeling the need to bundle up and nestle in our cocoons to maintain warmth. We are more than 2000 feet lower than our last camp, and we can feel the difference. As the first rays of direct sunlight hit the tent, the temperature inside begins to climb rapidly. Soon we are scrambling to get out of our sleeping bags and into our hiking clothes. (more…)
Tag: Keskenkyia Loop
Keskenkyia Loop, Day 4: Got Mare’s Milk?
We set the alarm for midnight and reluctantly climb out of our sleeping bags in hopes of photographing the stars. It’s definitely hard to get up, but we intentionally didn’t go to the bathroom just before bed, so that we would have the extra motivation of relieving our bladders as insurance. It’s cold, so we layer up as best we can: pants over long johns, rain coat over down jacket, hats, gloves, the works… (more…)

Keskenkyia Loop, Day 3: The Shepherd’s Hut
One of the great dilemmas for campers is whether or not to get up in the middle of the night to answer the call of Mother Nature. Do you break … Continue reading Keskenkyia Loop, Day 3: The Shepherd’s Hut

Keskenkyia Loop, Day 2: A Day Trip to Ailampa Lake
It’s not terribly cold when we wake up in the morning. All in all, it was a pretty good night of sleep considering that it was our first night in … Continue reading Keskenkyia Loop, Day 2: A Day Trip to Ailampa Lake

Keskenkyia Loop, Day 1: Welcome to the Jailoo!
We wake up at 6:15, “early” by Kyrgyzstan standards. Breakfast is not until 8 am, and we’re not supposed to set off for our 5-day trek until 9:30. But we … Continue reading Keskenkyia Loop, Day 1: Welcome to the Jailoo!