Cholpan Ata, Kyrgyzstan, September 2009
Lake Issyk-Kol. The lake is the second-largest mountain lake in the world (Lake Titicaca is larger). The lake is 113 miles long, is 37 miles wide at the widest point, and reaches depths of 2,200 feet.
Birch trees along the shore of Lake Issyk-Kol.
Lake Issyk-kol. There were a few people swimming while we were there, but not many -- more just sitting on the beach and enjoying the sun and scenery.
Lake Issyk-Kol and surrounding mountains.
Lake Issyk-Kol
Lake Issyk-Kol, with a glimpse of a portion of the town of Cholpan Ata.
Building one of the yurts outside the amphitheater.
Building the yurt: starting to put on the covering after the framework is completed.
Building the yurt: completing the inner (felt) covering. The felt was then covered with colorful quilt-like hangings.
Interior of yurt, with tables ready for banquet guests.
Outdoor museum: a huge area with rocks with petroglyphs on them. According to the signs, they date from 5th century BC to 8th century AD.
Petroglyph
Petroglyph
Petroglyph
Field of petroglyphs with Lake Issyk-Kol in the background.
Lake Issyk-Kol. The lake is the second-largest mountain lake in the world (Lake Titicaca is larger). The lake is 113 miles long, is 37 miles wide at the widest point, and reaches depths of 2,200 feet.
Birch trees along the shore of Lake Issyk-Kol.
Lake Issyk-kol. There were a few people swimming while we were there, but not many -- more just sitting on the beach and enjoying the sun and scenery.
Lake Issyk-Kol and surrounding mountains.
Lake Issyk-Kol
Lake Issyk-Kol, with a glimpse of a portion of the town of Cholpan Ata.
Building one of the yurts outside the amphitheater.
Building the yurt: starting to put on the covering after the framework is completed.
Building the yurt: completing the inner (felt) covering. The felt was then covered with colorful quilt-like hangings.
Interior of yurt, with tables ready for banquet guests.
Outdoor museum: a huge area with rocks with petroglyphs on them. According to the signs, they date from 5th century BC to 8th century AD.
Petroglyph
Petroglyph
Petroglyph
Field of petroglyphs with Lake Issyk-Kol in the background.