L-R: Ching Neng Bin, Chia Kok Bin, Chew Leng Soon, Chan Hew Ley, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Law Chew Siah, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Ng Yoke Ping, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok.
Day 11 (28 May 2026) Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Our 11th day marked our return: a 271 km journey from Tong to Bishkek in about 4 hours. After an unforgettable 9-day adventure around the magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake, we have successfully completed a clockwise circumnavigation of one of the world's largest alpine lakes, covering approximately 1,183 km since leaving Bishkek.
Before dawn, many of us made our way to the lake shore to witness the sunrise over Issyk-Kul. As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the calm waters and distant Tian Shan Mountains, the peaceful morning provided a fitting farewell to one of Kyrgyzstan's greatest natural treasures. The tranquil atmosphere and fresh mountain air made it a memorable start to the day.
After breakfast, we spent some time exploring the grounds of Beltam Yurt Camp and strolling along its quiet beach. The gentle waves, wide shoreline, and spectacular mountain backdrop offered one last opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Issyk-Kul Lake before beginning our journey back to the capital.
We departed the camp at 9 am and headed west towards Bishkek. Along the way, we stopped for lunch at the Burana Hawaii Center, where we enjoyed a relaxing meal accompanied by a refreshing beer. Located about 50 km east of Bishkek, the Burana Grand Hotel and its adjoining Hawaii Center is a popular family recreation complex featuring a large beach-style swimming pool with a central bar, children's pools, cafés, restaurants, and landscaped gardens.
By late afternoon, at around 5:00 p.m., we arrived back in Bishkek and checked into the Golden Hotel once again. Unlike our brief stay earlier in the trip, this time we finally had the opportunity to explore the city.
We spent the early evening walking through one of Bishkek's beautiful public parks, enjoying its tree-lined avenues, colourful flower beds, fountains, and relaxed atmosphere. Families, cyclists, and evening strollers filled the park, giving us a glimpse into everyday life in the Kyrgyz capital.
Returning to the hotel, we gathered together for a well-deserved happy hour. With cold beers in hand, we shared stories, laughed about the adventures we had experienced over the past eleven days, and reflected on the unforgettable memories created while travelling through Kyrgyzstan's mountains, valleys, lakes, and villages.
Completing the full circuit of Issyk-Kul Lake was a significant milestone in our Silk Road adventure, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter before continuing our journey into the next destination.
11th night accommodation: Golden Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan +996 552 800 033 
Our 11th day marked our return, 271 km in about 4 hours journey to Bishkek from Tong. After an unforgettable 9-day adventure around the magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake we have successfully completed a clockwise circumnavigation of one of the world's largest alpine lakes, covering a total distance of approximately 1,183 km since leaving Bishkek.
Before dawn, many of us made our way to the lake shore to witness the sunrise over Issyk-Kul. As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the calm waters and distant Tian Shan Mountains, the peaceful morning provided a fitting farewell to one of Kyrgyzstan's greatest natural treasures. The tranquil atmosphere and fresh mountain air made it a memorable start to the day.
Before dawn, many of us made our way to the lake shore to witness the sunrise over Issyk-Kul. 
Before dawn, many of us made our way to the lake shore to witness the sunrise over Issyk-Kul. 
Breakfast at Beltam Yurt Camp.
Breakfast at Beltam Yurt Camp.
Breakfast at Beltam Yurt Camp.
Breakfast at Beltam Yurt Camp.
Breakfast at Beltam Yurt Camp.
The ornate ceiling of a Mongolian yurt, featuring red, black, and white patterns framed by tassels. 
A vintage Singer sewing machine with ornate metalwork, a hand-crank mechanism, and a single white thread spool. The machine rests on a wooden table, showcasing the craftsmanship and design that made the Singer brand a household name in the early 20th century.
After breakfast, we spent some time exploring the grounds of Beltam Yurt Camp and strolling along its quiet beach. The gentle waves, wide shoreline, and spectacular mountain backdrop offered one last opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Issyk-Kul Lake before beginning our journey back to the capital.
After breakfast, we spent some time exploring the grounds of Beltam Yurt Camp.
A clump of Lomandra longifolia, a native Australian grass known for its long, narrow leaves.
Ching Neng Bin standing in front of several traditional yurts at Beltam Yurt Camp.
L-R: Ching Neng Bin, Chia Kok Bin, Chew Leng Soon, Chan Hew Ley, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Law Chew Siah, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Ng Yoke Ping, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok.
Ching Neng Bin standing in front of several traditional yurts at Beltam Yurt Camp.
On the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
On the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
On the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
On the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
On the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The Muslim graveyard.
On the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
On the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
On the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Large cylindrical storage tanks along the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Along the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Along the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Along the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Along the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Along the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Along the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
We could see a large number of Chinese automobiles coming in.
Along the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Along the road from Tong → Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Along the way, we stopped for lunch at the Burana Hawaii Center.
Along the way, we stopped for lunch at the Burana Hawaii Center, where we enjoyed a relaxing meal accompanied by a refreshing beer. Located about 50 km east of Bishkek, the Burana Grand Hotel and its adjoining Hawaii Center is a popular family recreation complex featuring a large beach-style swimming pool with a central bar, children's pools, cafés, restaurants, and landscaped gardens.
Along the way, we stopped for lunch at the Burana Hawaii Center.
We stopped for lunch at the Burana Hawaii Center, where we enjoyed a relaxing meal accompanied by a refreshing beer. Located about 50 km east of Bishkek, the Burana Grand Hotel and its adjoining Hawaii Center is a popular family recreation complex featuring a large beach-style swimming pool with a central bar, children's pools, cafés, restaurants, and landscaped gardens.
Along the way, we stopped for lunch at the Burana Hawaii Center.
Along the way, we stopped for lunch at the Burana Hawaii Center.
Metal art sculpture at the Burana Hawaii Center.
Metal art sculpture at the Burana Hawaii Center.
Metal art sculpture at the Burana Hawaii Center.
Metal art sculpture at the Burana Hawaii Center.
Metal art sculpture at the Burana Hawaii Center.
Metal art sculpture at the Burana Hawaii Center.
Metal art sculpture at the Burana Hawaii Center.
A life-sized bronze horse statue at the Burana Hawaii Center.
A life-sized bronze cow statue at the Burana Hawaii Center.
A life-sized bronze dog statue at the Burana Hawaii Center.
A life-sized bronze pig statue at the Burana Hawaii Center.
A life-sized bronze rat statue at the Burana Hawaii Center.
A life-sized bronze horse statue at the Burana Hawaii Center.
A mini-zoo at the Burana Hawaii Center.
Common Pheasant with its vivid iridescent plumage, long tail feathers, and distinctive red facial skin.
A small group of sheep resting in a shaded corner of a brick-walled enclosure.
Two ostriches standing in an outdoor enclosure, feeding from a wooden trough.
A cream-colored Moskvich 400 vehicle is on exhibit at the Burana Hawaii Center, featuring a vintage grille and rounded fenders that resemble mid-century Soviet automotive style. The Moskvich 400 was a popular Soviet car manufactured in the 1940s and 1950s, notable for its durability and unusual appearance.
A restored GAZ-67 military vehicle, painted in olive green with a canvas roof. Produced in the mid-20th century, the GAZ-67 was a versatile 4x4 used by Soviet forces for both civilian and military purposes.
A classic Vauxhall 12 HIX vintage car, painted in a glossy black finish with chrome accents.
A bright blue GAZ-21 Volga classic car on display, featuring its distinctive rounded headlights and chrome grille. The GAZ-21, produced in the Soviet Union during the mid-20th century, became one of the most iconic and widely used cars of its era.
A white Moskvitch 403 sedan showcasing its classic rounded fenders and chrome detailing. Produced in the 1960s, the Moskvitch 403 was a popular Soviet city car known for its reliability and distinctive design.
A large silver fairy sculpture with outstretched wings and a bird perched on its outstretched hand. 
Burana Grand Hotel.
At Burana Hawaii Center, we enjoyed a relaxing meal accompanied by a refreshing beer.
At Burana Hawaii Center, we enjoyed a relaxing meal accompanied by a refreshing beer.
At Burana Hawaii Center, we enjoyed a relaxing meal accompanied by a refreshing beer.
By late afternoon, at 5p.m., we arrived back in Bishkek and checked once again into the Golden Hotel.
Our early meal at the fast-food chain behind the Golden Hotel.
Kyrgyz National Philharmonic Hall in Bishkek, featuring Soviet-era architecture and prominent statues.
Aykol Manas Monument in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, depicting the legendary Kyrgyz hero riding a galloping horse and holding a spear aloft. The monument stands as a symbol of national pride and is located near the State Philharmonic Concert Hall.
Aykol Manas Monument in Bishkek, depicting the legendary Kyrgyz hero riding a galloping horse
Manas Monument in Bishkek, depicting the legendary Kyrgyz hero riding a galloping horse.
Statue of Sayakbay (Саякбай), Kyrgyz monk, in Bishkek.
International University of Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek, with its ornate neoclassical architecture and a tall spire rising above the surrounding greenery. Students and visitors can be seen walking and cycling near the building on a sunny day.
National Bank of Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek.
Bishkek City Hall in Kyrgyzstan, featuring its grand neoclassical façade, central fountain, and multiple national flags. The building serves as the seat of the city's government and a prominent landmark in the capital.
This mural depicts a woman in traditional attire, featuring a deep red dress with floral patterns and long braids, painted on the wall above shops along Chui Avenue in Bishkek.
This mural depicts a woman in traditional attire, painted on the wall along Chui Avenue in Bishkek.
A colorful street mural depicting a young boy in traditional Kyrgyz attire, seated cross-legged on the ground with a mountainous backdrop.
Kyrgyzstan Parliament Building in Bishkek, featuring its modernist architecture, symmetrical design, and a central fountain surrounded by landscaped gardens. The building serves as the seat of the country's legislative body and is a prominent landmark in the capital.
Victims for the Freedom of the People Monument, Chui Avenue, Bishkek City Region.
Ching Neng Bin playfully mimicking the dynamic pose of the Monument to the Victims of the 2002 and 2010 Revolutions in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Ching Neng Bin is mimicking the dynamic pose of the Monument to the Victims in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
People's Friendship Monument in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, featuring two towering white obelisks flanking a large black sculptural base depicting figures in a celebratory pose. The monument was erected in 1974 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan's incorporation into the Soviet Union.
Manas Monument in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, featuring a bronze equestrian statue atop a tall, angular marble obelisk. The monument honors the legendary Kyrgyz hero Manas, a central figure in the country's national epic.
Manas Monument in Bishkek honors the legendary Kyrgyz hero Manas.
The changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the State Flag of Uzbekistan monument in Tashkent is a proud daily ritual performed by the National Guard. Soldiers execute highly synchronized, deliberate strides in their ceremonial uniforms down red-carpeted stairs to secure the country's azure, white, and green standard.
The changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the State Flag of Uzbekistan monument in Tashkent.
Government Palace in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with its distinctive white marble facade, arched windows, and a golden dome topped by a red flag. The building serves as the seat of the President of Kyrgyzstan and houses the presidential office and other government offices.
State History Museum in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with its imposing stone facade and large glass windows reflecting the surrounding cityscape. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and documents related to the history of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Vladimir Lenin statue in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by a flower bed and set against the backdrop of the State Historical Museum. The monument honors the Soviet leader and is a prominent symbol of the city's Soviet-era heritage.
Vladimir Lenin monument in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, featuring a statue of the Soviet leader with one arm extended and the name inscribed on the pedestal. The monument was erected in 1984 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Monument of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, depicting the two socialist thinkers seated together on a bench. The statue, created during the Soviet era, commemorates their joint contributions to Marxist theory and the development of the socialist movement.
A large bronze compass embedded in a paved surface, marking the Kilometre Zero point in Bishkek. The monument serves as a symbolic starting point for measuring distances from the city, with the surrounding text providing historical and cultural context.
Ala-Too Cinema in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, featuring its distinctive Soviet-era architecture with colorful mosaic panels and bold Cyrillic signage. The historic theater, located on Erkik Avenue, is one of the city's most recognizable cultural landmarks.
Abai Kunanbaiuly monument in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, depicting the poet seated with an open book in his lap. The statue honors the celebrated literary figure, who is regarded as one of the greatest poets in the history of the Kyrgyz language.
A lively public square in Bishkek, with people walking, playing, and gathering near fountains and modern architecture. The city, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is known for its mix of traditional and contemporary design elements.
Ala-too Square in Bishkek, featuring the towering Manas statue and the State Historical Museum in the background. The square is a major cultural and political landmark in Kyrgyzstan, attracting both locals and tourists for its historical significance and public events.
Kyrgyzstan national flag flying high above the Manas Statue in Bishkek’s Ala-Too Square. The red flag with a golden sun and traditional tunduk symbol is a prominent feature of the city’s public spaces and national identity.
Kyrgyzstan national flag flying high above the Manas Statue in Bishkek’s Ala-Too Square.
Monument to the Founders of Novorossiysk, depicting three armed figures in a heroic pose atop a rocky base. The monument commemorates the city's founding and its role in the Russian Revolution, with inscriptions in Russian honoring its historical significance.
Monument to the Founders of Novorossiysk.
Returning to the hotel, we gathered together for a well-deserved happy hour. With cold beers in hand, we shared stories, laughed about the adventures we had experienced over the past eleven days, and reflected on the unforgettable memories created while travelling through Kyrgyzstan's mountains, valleys, lakes, and villages.
Baltika #7, a popular Russian beer brewed by Baltika Breweries. The #7 Export is one of the most widely sold beers in Russia, known for its smooth taste and strong presence in the country's beer market.
Today we walked 18,871 steps.
2026 Central Asia (Silk Road 2) Adventure
Kyrgyzstan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan (18 May – 6 June 2026)
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