L-R: Chew Leng Soon, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Chan Hew Ley, Law Chew Siah, Ng Yoke Ping, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Chia Kok Bin, Ching Neng Bin.
Day 10 (27 May 2026) Altygat Lodge → Barskoon Waterfall → Tosor → Tong
Our 10th day combined mountain trekking with a scenic drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The day's journey covered approximately 80 km, beginning with a hike to the beautiful Barskoon Waterfalls, then continuing west to Skazka Canyon, and finally to our overnight stay at Beltam Yurt Camp in Tong.
After breakfast at Altygat Lodge, we headed into the spectacular Barskoon Gorge, nestled within the Tian Shan mountain range. Dense pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped peaks created a magnificent setting for one of Kyrgyzstan's most popular hiking destinations.
Our group split into two according to fitness levels. The ladies chose the lower waterfall, which is closer to the trailhead and easier to reach, while the men challenged themselves with the steeper climb to the upper waterfall.
The uphill trek took about 45 minutes over rocky and sometimes slippery trails. The climb was demanding, but every step was rewarded by increasingly spectacular mountain scenery. At the top, we reached the impressive waterfall cascading down a broad sloping rock face. Climbing carefully to the base of the falls, we could feel the tremendous force of the rushing water as it thundered down the mountainside. Standing so close to the waterfall, surrounded by towering forests and alpine peaks, was one of the unforgettable highlights of our journey through Kyrgyzstan.
After descending from the mountains, we stopped at the Yuri Gagarin Monument. The monument commemorates Yuri Gagarin, the first person to travel into space, who visited the Barskoon Valley after his historic 1961 spaceflight to rest and recuperate. The memorial serves as a reminder of the close historical ties between Kyrgyzstan and the Soviet space programme.
Continuing westward, we visited Fairy Tale Canyon that looked like something from another planet. Brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow sandstone had been sculpted over thousands of years by wind, rain, and erosion into an incredible landscape of castles, dragons, towers, animals, and mythical creatures. Walking among these colourful rock formations felt like stepping into a fantasy world—or even a Martian landscape. Every turn revealed another natural sculpture, making it one of the most photogenic locations along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
After lunch in Tong, we continued to Beltam Yurt Camp, beautifully situated beside the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. The peaceful lakeside setting provided the perfect place to relax after an active morning.
The men gathered inside one of the traditional yurts to enjoy a well-earned beer while chatting about the day's adventures. It was a relaxing afternoon filled with laughter and good fellowship, while others rested or explored the lakeshore.
In the evening, we travelled into town for dinner before returning to the lake in time to witness a magnificent sunset over Issyk-Kul. As the sun slowly disappeared behind the distant mountains, the sky turned brilliant shades of gold, orange, and crimson, reflecting beautifully across the calm waters of the lake. It was a peaceful and unforgettable ending to another remarkable day along the Silk Road.
10th night accommodation: Beltam Yurt Camp, Tong, Kyrgyzstan 
Our 10th day combined mountain trekking with a scenic drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The day's journey covered approximately 80 km, beginning with a hike to the beautiful Barskoon Waterfalls, then continuing west to Skazka Canyon, and finally to our overnight stay at Beltam Yurt Camp in Tong.
Our 9th night accommodation: Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
Our 9th night accommodation: Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
The spectacular Barskoon Gorge, nestled within the Tian Shan mountain range.
The spectacular Barskoon Gorge, nestled within the Tian Shan mountain range.
Our 9th night accommodation: Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
Our 9th night accommodation: Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
At 7 a.m., the temperature inside the Altygat Lodge in Barskoon is 22°C and 7.2°C outside.
Having breakfast at Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
Having breakfast at Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
The kitchen at Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
The kitchen at Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
A group photo with the hosts at Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
Ching Neng Bin with the host at Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
Chew Leng Soon and Ching Neng Bin with the host at Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
Chew Leng Soon and Ching Neng Bin with the host at Altygat Lodge, Barskoon.
The mother is on the right, while her daughter is on the left. The mother appears extremely young.
The hosts at Altygat Lodge appear to be saddened by our departure.
Go ahead! We're ready to move on to our next waterfall adventure.
After breakfast at Altygat Lodge, we headed into the spectacular Barskoon Gorge, nestled within the Tian Shan mountain range. Dense pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped peaks created a magnificent setting for one of Kyrgyzstan's most popular hiking destinations.
We headed into the spectacular Barskoon Gorge, nestled within the Tian Shan mountain range. 
We headed into the spectacular Barskoon Gorge, nestled within the Tian Shan mountain range. 
We headed into the spectacular Barskoon Gorge, nestled within the Tian Shan mountain range. Dense pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped peaks created a magnificent setting for one of Kyrgyzstan's most popular hiking destinations.
We headed into the spectacular Barskoon Gorge, nestled within the Tian Shan mountain range.
Our group split into two according to fitness levels. The ladies chose the lower waterfall, which is closer to the trailhead and easier to reach, while the men challenged themselves with the steeper climb to the upper waterfall.
Our group split into two according to fitness levels. The ladies chose the lower waterfall, which is closer to the trailhead and easier to reach, while the men challenged themselves with the steeper climb to the upper waterfall.
A lush conifer forest in the Barskoon Valley, with dense evergreens framing a valley floor.
Our group split into two according to fitness levels. The ladies chose the lower waterfall, which is closer to the trailhead and easier to reach, while the men challenged themselves with the steeper climb to the upper waterfall.
The lower Barskoon waterfall is closer to the trailhead and easier to reach.
The lower Barskoon waterfall is closer to the trailhead and easier to reach.
The ladies chose the lower waterfall, which is closer to the trailhead and easier to reach.
The ladies chose the lower waterfall, which is closer to the trailhead and easier to reach.
A lush conifer forest in the Barskoon Valley, with dense evergreens.
The men challenged themselves with the steeper climb to the upper Barskoon waterfall.
The men challenged themselves with the steeper climb to the upper Barskoon waterfall.
The men challenged themselves with the steeper climb to the upper Barskoon waterfall.
Ching Neng Bin took on the challenge of the steeper climb to the upper Barskoon waterfall.
Ching Neng Bin took on the challenge of the steeper climb to the upper Barskoon waterfall.
Ching Neng Bin took on the challenge of the steeper climb to the upper Barskoon waterfall.
Ching Neng Bin took on the challenge of the steeper climb to the upper Barskoon waterfall.
Ching Neng Bin took on the challenge of the steeper climb to the upper Barskoon waterfall.
The uphill trek took about 45 minutes over rocky and sometimes slippery trails. The climb was demanding, but every step was rewarded by increasingly spectacular mountain scenery. At the top, we reached the impressive waterfall cascading down a broad sloping rock face. Climbing carefully to the base of the falls, we could feel the tremendous force of the rushing water as it thundered down the mountainside. Standing so close to the waterfall, surrounded by towering forests and alpine peaks, was one of the unforgettable highlights of our journey through Kyrgyzstan.
Barskoon Waterfall is a geological protected area located in Jeti-Ögüz District of Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan. It sits 90 km to the southwest of Karakol on one of the tributaries of the Barskoon River. There are several waterfalls at the site, which is located 20 km south of the village of Barskoon.
The impressive Barskoon Waterfall cascades down a broad sloping rock face. Climbing carefully to the base of the falls, we could feel the tremendous force of the rushing water as it thundered down the mountainside. Standing so close to the waterfall, surrounded by towering forests and alpine peaks, was one of the unforgettable highlights of our journey through Kyrgyzstan.
At the top, we reached the impressive Barskoon Waterfall cascading down a broad sloping rock face. Climbing carefully to the base of the falls, we could feel the tremendous force of the rushing water as it thundered down the mountainside. Standing so close to the waterfall, surrounded by towering forests and alpine peaks, was one of the unforgettable highlights of our journey through Kyrgyzstan.
We reached the impressive Barskoon Waterfall, cascading down a broad sloping rock face. 
Descending from the Barskoon Waterfall.
While descending from the Barskoon Waterfall, Ching Neng Bin slipped and fell 4 or 5 feet, injuring his index toe and knee.
While descending from the Barskoon Waterfall, Ching Neng Bin slipped and fell 4 or 5 feet, injuring his index toe and knee.
While descending from the Barskoon Waterfall, Ching Neng Bin slipped and fell 4 or 5 feet, injuring his index toe and knee.
Met some hikers along the trek down from the Barskoon Waterfall.
A dirt road winding through the Barskoon Valley, flanked by snow-capped peaks and pine forest. 
After descending from the mountains, we stopped at the Yuri Gagarin Monument. The monument commemorates Yuri Gagarin, the first person to travel into space, who visited the Barskoon Valley after his historic 1961 spaceflight to rest and recuperate. The memorial serves as a reminder of the close historical ties between Kyrgyzstan and the Soviet space programme.
The monument commemorates Yuri Gagarin, the first person to travel into space, who visited the Barskoon Valley after his historic 1961 spaceflight to rest and recuperate. The memorial serves as a reminder of the close historical ties between Kyrgyzstan and the Soviet space programme.
The monument commemorates Yuri Gagarin, the first person to travel into space, who visited the Barskoon Valley after his historic 1961 spaceflight to rest and recuperate. The memorial serves as a reminder of the close historical ties between Kyrgyzstan and the Soviet space programme.
The monument commemorates Yuri Gagarin, the first person to travel into space, who visited the Barskoon Valley after his historic 1961 spaceflight to rest and recuperate.
The Barskoon River flows through the valley, framed by steep mountain slopes and scattered pine trees.
Ronnie Chin and Ching Neng Bin at the Barskoon River, framed by steep mountain slopes.
Chew Leng Soon at the Barskoon River, framed by steep mountain slopes.
"10 Malaysian backpackers. 3 countries. 20 days. 1 Legendary Silk Road adventure". The backpackers: Chan Hew Ley, Chew Leng Soon, Chia Kok Bin, Ching Neng Bin, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Law Chew Siah, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Ng Yoke Ping, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok.
On the road to Tosor a small village in a high-altitude mountain pass region.
On the road to Tosor a small village in a high-altitude mountain pass region.
On the road to Tosor a small village in a high-altitude mountain pass region.
On the road to Tosor a small village in a high-altitude mountain pass region.
Everywhere you see on the main road is road-widening work done by a Chinese Company.
Everywhere you see on the main road is road-widening work done by a Chinese Company.
On a sandy beach at Tosor, gazing out over calm blue waters under a clear sky.
On a sandy beach at Tosor, gazing out over calm blue waters under a clear sky.
At Tosor, gentle waves lap against a pebble-strewn shore under a clear blue sky.
We made friends at Tosor sandy beach.
Tosor is a small village and high-altitude mountain pass region located in the Issyk-Kul Province.
The Tosor village sits on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
The rugged Tosor Pass climbs to an elevation of 3,893 meters into the Terskey Alatau mountain range.
On the dirt road to Fairy Tale Canyon.
Continuing westward, we visited Fairy Tale Canyon, which looked like something from another planet. Brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow sandstone had been sculpted over thousands of years by wind, rain, and erosion into an incredible landscape of castles, dragons, towers, animals, and mythical creatures. Walking among these colourful rock formations felt like stepping into a fantasy world—or even a Martian landscape. Every turn revealed another natural sculpture, making it one of the most photogenic locations along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Cars parked at Fairy Tale Canyon. 
We visited Fairy Tale Canyon that looked like something from another planet. 
We visited Fairy Tale Canyon that looked like something from another planet.
We visited Fairy Tale Canyon that looked like something from another planet.
A display of traditional warrior attire, featuring leather armor, a sword, and decorative patterns.
A stall selling souvenirs at Fairy Tale Canyon.
A stall selling souvenirs at Fairy Tale Canyon.
Two pieces of traditional nomadic-style armor displayed on a wooden wall, featuring leather, fur trim, and decorative stitching. The garments appear to be part of a cultural or historical reenactment, with swords and belts attached for display.
A souvenirs at Fairy Tale Canyon.
Ching Neng Bin wearing a traditional Tuva fur hat, standing beside a display of leather armor.
Ching Neng Bin taking a selfie at Fairy Tale Canyon, surrounded by traditional crafts, and paintings.
Ching Neng Bin seated on a traditional wooden chair at Fairy Tale Canyon.
Clara Leong is seated on a traditional wooden chair at Fairy Tale Canyon.
Years of erosion resulted in amazing sculptures at Fairy Tale Canyon.
Years of erosion resulted in amazing sculptures at Fairy Tale Canyon.
Years of erosion resulted in amazing sculptures at Fairy Tale Canyon.
Years of erosion resulted in amazing sculptures at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
Years of erosion resulted in amazing sculptures at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon.
The panoramic views are spectacular at Fairy Tale Canyon. 
The Yurt Camp in Issyk-Kul Lake, with rows of traditional white yurts.
The man who erected Aalam Ordo is commemorated by a statue on the mountain.
As you drive down the southern side of Lake Issyk-Kul, you can't help but notice a cluster of concrete yurts connected by a mural-covered wall. This is Aalam Ordo, a failed project started by a long-deceased president.
Aalam Ordo, built in 2009, was intended to be a center for culture, science, and spirituality. The vision for the project was big. This would be a venue where young Kyrgyz people may gather with elders to exchange ideas and learn without the need for lectures, curriculum, or courses.
Aalam Ordo was created by the Kyrgyz politician and public figure Tashkul Kereksizov, and built in 2009 under the orders and auspices of Kyrgyzstan's then-President, Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
Unfortunately, Aalam Ordo never became the renowned cultural center that it was envisioned to be. The Second Kyrgyz Revolution, which took place in 2010, deposed then-President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. The project was never completed, and the complex now stands empty, a mysterious ruin gradually being taken over by nature.
On the dirt road to Tong.
Fairytale Canyon is about 26 km east
of Tong along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul
in Kyrgyzstan.
A large bronze horse statue in a rearing pose in Tong.
We ate lunch at Tong. 
We ate lunch at Tong. 
Made some friends at the restaurant in Tong.
We ate lunch at Tong. 
After lunch in Tong, we continued to Beltam Yurt Camp, beautifully situated beside the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. The peaceful lakeside setting provided the perfect place to relax after an active morning. 
After lunch, we continued to Beltam Yurt Camp, situated beside the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. 
After lunch, we continued to Beltam Yurt Camp, situated beside the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. 
After lunch, we continued to Beltam Yurt Camp, situated beside the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. 
A row of yurts at Beltam Yurt Camp, situated beside the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Chew Leng Soon at Beltam Yurt Camp, Tong.
Ching Neng Bin at Beltam Yurt Camp, Tong.
A traditional Kyrgyz yurt interior with four neatly arranged beds covered in floral-patterned bedding. Such yurts are the mobile homes of nomadic communities in Kyrgyzstan.
The interior of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt, with its distinctive radial wooden beams radiating from a central circular opening. The design allows natural light to filter through the lattice, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere inside the dwelling.
The 3 C (Chew, Chia, and Ching) relaxing together inside a traditional Mongolian yurt, holding cans of beer and enjoying a casual gathering.
Cheers!
A selection of imported beer cans, including Brander Bier, Hebko, and Baltika, displayed in the yurt. The Baltika is, in particular, a popular strong beer in Russia, known for its distinctive white label and bold branding.
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| A large stone sculpture spelling the word "FUTURE" along a sandy beach, with Issyk-Kul Lake visible in the background. The installation appears to be part of a coastal art display, combining natural materials with bold lettering to create a striking seaside landmark. |
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| A good view of Issyk-Kul Lake. |
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| Astragalus hypogaeus, a hardy milkvetch species with delicate pink and white flowers blooming among gravelly soil. Native to the highlands of Central Asia, this plant is well adapted to cold, rocky environments where it thrives in alpine meadows and scrub-lands. |
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| A camping ground at Beltam Yurt Camp, Tong. |
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| A rustic fire pit surrounded by wooden logs and benches in a desert landscape, with snow-capped mountains rising in the background at Beltam Yurt Camp, Tong. |
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| A serene lakeside scene with weathered tree stumps in the foreground, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and snow-capped peaks at Beltam Yurt Camp, Tong. |
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| A row of tall, weathered stone pillars arranged in a circle on a sandy beach. The stones appear to be part of a ceremonial or decorative arrangement, surrounded by small stones and sparse vegetation at Beltam Yurt Camp, Tong. |
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| A row of tall, weathered stone pillars arranged in a circle on a sandy beach. The stones appear to be part of a ceremonial or decorative arrangement, surrounded by small stones and sparse vegetation at Beltam Yurt Camp, Tong. |
The sunset view at Bel Tam Yurt Camp in the Tong district of Kyrgyzstan offers breathtaking panoramas over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Issyk-Kul.
The sunset view at Bel Tam Yurt Camp in the Tong district of Kyrgyzstan offers breathtaking panoramas over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Issyk-Kul. The setting sun casts brilliant golden and pink hues across the lake and the surrounding majestic mountain backdrop.
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