As Olga Guest House did not provide breakfast, I prepared a simple meal before setting out on an early-morning walk towards the lake. The morning was cool and peaceful, with the calm waters of Issyk-Kul reflecting the surrounding mountains. Along the way, I visited a yacht club nestled in a quiet bay and enjoyed the fresh air and tranquil scenery before the day's journey began.
Day 5 (22 May 2026) Cholpon Ata → Karakol
Our 5th day took us from Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata to Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol, a journey of 145 kilometres that took just over two hours along the eastern shore of the magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake.
At 9:00 a.m., we departed from Olga Guest House and made our first stop at Rukh Ordo, one of the most significant cultural attractions in Cholpon-Ata. The name "Rukh Ordo" translates as "The Spirits' Center" in Kyrgyz. Located on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, this unique open-air museum and cultural complex spans approximately 4.5 hectares and celebrates the rich cultural, spiritual, and historical heritage of Kyrgyzstan. The beautifully landscaped grounds, monuments, and exhibits offered fascinating insights into the country's traditions and beliefs.
Continuing eastward, we arrived in Karakol and checked into Riverside Guesthouse. After settling in, we headed into town for lunch at Komus Restaurant, where we sampled a variety of authentic local dishes and enjoyed a well-earned meal.
In the afternoon, we explored two of Karakol's most famous landmarks. Our first stop was the historic Dungan Mosque, a remarkable architectural masterpiece constructed entirely of wood without the use of nails. Built by the Dungan community in the early twentieth century, the mosque features colourful Chinese-inspired design elements that make it unique among Central Asian religious buildings.
We then visited the beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church that has stood as one of Karakol's most recognizable landmarks for well over a century. Its elegant wooden structure and peaceful surroundings reflected the city's multicultural history and enduring religious heritage.
Returning to the guesthouse in the evening, we prepared our own dinner before gathering together for fellowship and supper. As we shared stories and reflections from the day's experiences, the warmth of friendship and travel companionship became as memorable as the places we had visited.
5th night accommodation: Riverside Guesthouse, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan 
Our 5th day took us from Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata to Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol, a journey of 145km that took just over two hours along the eastern shore of the magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake.
I visited Cholpon-Ata yacht club nestled in a quiet bay and enjoyed the fresh air and tranquil scenery before the day's journey began.
A fisherman at Cholpon-Ata yacht club.
Cholpon-Ata yacht club nestled in a quiet bay.
Cholpon-Ata yacht club nestled in a quiet bay.
Cholpon-Ata yacht club nestled in a quiet bay.
Cholpon-Ata yacht club nestled in a quiet bay.
Cholpon-Ata yacht club nestled in a quiet bay.
Cholpon-Ata yacht club nestled in a quiet bay.
An American Coot standing in shallow, clear water, its dark plumage and bright white bill clearly visible. This rail-like bird is often mistaken for a duck but is actually a rail.
Cholpon-Ata yacht club nestled in a quiet bay.
A GAZ-66 4x4 military truck in green camouflage, parked on a grassy roadside. Produced by GAZ in the Soviet Union, the GAZ-66 was a main cargo vehicle for motorized infantry and remains in use in several former Soviet republics.
A quiet beach with a long wooden pier extending into calm, reflective waters under a cloudy sky.
The coastal view of Cholpon-Ata from Issyk-Kul Lake.
I gathered these three dried chir pine cones with my hands.
Cones of chir pine in early spring.
Goodbye to the owner of Olga Guest House at Cholpon-Ata.
Ching Neng Bin hugged the Olga Guest House landlord at Cholpon-Ata.
Chia Kok Bin also hugged the Olga Guest House landlord at Cholpon-Ata.
Passing through Cholpon Ata Town.
At 9:00 a.m., we departed from Olga Guest House and made our first stop at Rukh Ordo, one of the most significant cultural attractions in Cholpon-Ata. The name "Rukh Ordo" translates as "The Spirits' Center" in Kyrgyz.
Located on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, this unique open-air museum and cultural complex spans approximately 4.5 hectares and celebrates Kyrgyzstan's rich cultural, spiritual, and historical heritage. The beautifully landscaped grounds, monuments, and exhibits offered fascinating insights into the country's traditions and beliefs.
The Rukh Ordo Cultural Center (named after Chingiz Aitmatov) is an open-air spiritual museum in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. It is famous for promoting interfaith harmony, featuring identical chapels for Islam, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Buddhism, and Judaism, along with a special monument dedicated to the ancient religion of Tengrism.
Ching Neng Bin posing beside a bronze statue of Chyngyz Aitmatov on a park bench at the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The center is dedicated to the life and works of the celebrated Kyrgyz writer and is located near Issyk Kul Lake.
Ronnie Chin posing beside a life-sized bronze horse statue with sculpted eagle at Rukh Ordo
A camel sculpture with two humps, positioned on a patch of green grass at Rukh Ordo.
A bronze statue of a seated figure, mounted on a large rock at Rukh Ordo.
Joan of Arc, a peasant girl from Domrémy, France, became a national heroine and saint by leading French forces to key victories during the Hundred Years’ War before being captured and executed at age 19.
A small white church building with a tall, narrow steeple topped by a gold cross at Rukh Ordo.
Paintings depict the four apostles—Peter, James, John, and Andrew—each holding a book, symbolizing their role in spreading the Gospel.
Paintings depict three religious figures in flowing robes, each holding a symbolic object such as a book, a cross, and a small building.
The bronze sculpture of a woman at Rukh Ordo.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center with the Building of the Ancient Tengrism Religion.
A traditional Kyrgyz yurt with intricate geometric patterns and a conical roof.
A flag of Kyrgyzstan alongside the national emblem of the Kyrgyz Republic.
A 3D mural at the Art in Rukh Ordo Cultural Center museum, depicting a man in a red robe reaching toward a soaring eagle with snow-capped mountains in the background.
A Kazakh eagle hunter in traditional attire, aiming at a golden eagle soaring above.
A Kazakh eagle hunter in traditional attire, aiming at a golden eagle soaring above.
Kazakh prayer rug featuring geometric patterns in red and turquoise, with intricate border motifs.
A Shyrdak, a traditional Kyrgyz felt carpet featuring intricate red and dark green geometric patterns.
Kyrgyz Shyrdak traditional felt carpet featuring intricate floral, geometric patterns in vibrant colors.
A display of 3 traditional drums arranged on a wooden stand, accompanied by a golden bull sculpture.
This painting depicts a mother snow leopard with her two cubs.
This painting shows a mural depicting a towering red mountain flanked by snow-covered peaks.
This painting shows a mural depicting a towering red mountain flanked by snow-covered peaks.
This painting depicts Kırgız Hatun, a 19th-century ruler of the Khanate of Kokand, flanked by the national flags of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. She is shown in traditional attire, symbolizing the cultural and historical ties between the two Central Asian nations.
This oil painting depicts King Solomon wearing a blue robe with white vertical stripes and a decorative headband. The biblical monarch is often portrayed as a wise and powerful ruler, symbolizing wisdom and prosperity in religious art.
This painting depicts a ballerina in a flowing lavender dress, poised gracefully on one leg.
This photograph shows a large conference hall with rows of white chairs arranged in front of vivid mountain-themed murals. The room features a deep blue carpet with a patterned design and a curved ceiling, creating a striking visual backdrop for events.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
Iskhak Razzak uulu Razzakov was a Kyrgyz Soviet politician who served as First Secretary of the Communist Party of Kirghizia from 7 July 1950 to 9 May 1961.
A decorative archway with the name "Рух Ордо" and two classical-style statues, set against a waterfront backdrop. The scene features a checkered tile walkway leading to a pier, with calm waters and distant piers visible in the background.
The scene features a walkway leading to a pier, with calm waters and distant piers.
This photograph captures a bronze statue of a woman in a pointed hat, accompanied by two large white swan sculptures, set against the backdrop of a modern arched building.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
This painting depicts three armored riders on white horses, each wearing a helmet and a long robe, standing in a snowy landscape.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
This painting depicts a woman in traditional attire holding a falcon perched on her gloved hand.
This photograph captures a covered pavilion with a checkered pathway leading to a waterfront.
This painting depicts the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, illuminated at night with a large crowd of pilgrims gathered around its black stone covering.
This painting depicts four Buddha statues in traditional robes, each holding symbolic objects such as a vase, a lotus, and a folded hand gesture. Such statues are often placed in Buddhist temples to inspire devotion and reflect the teachings of the Buddha.
This painting depicts a seated Buddha statue adorned with a crown and holding a scroll, set against a dark, cloud-like background. The artwork reflects traditional Buddhist iconography, often used in temples and meditation spaces to inspire reverence and mindfulness.
This painting depicts Moses standing on a rocky shore, holding a staff and gesturing toward a dramatic seascape under a dark, stormy sky. The scene represents the biblical moment when Moses led the Israelites across the Red Sea, a miracle of divine intervention in the Exodus narrative.
This painting depicts a robed figure gesturing expressively beside a rolled scroll, rich tones.
This oil painting depicts Jesus Christ gesturing expressively with both hands.
This painting depicts Jesus Christ standing barefoot on a rocky shore, draped in a flowing white robe against a backdrop of blue waves and distant mountains.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
This portrait shows Abu Jaafar Al Mansur dressed in traditional robes, a wide-brimmed hat, and a decorative belt, standing against a backdrop of mountains and water.
This oil painting depicts Ali Shir Nevayi dressed in a long red robe with white trim, holding a book in one hand and a small object in the other. He was a prominent 19th-century Uzbek poet and writer, celebrated for his contributions to Uzbek literature and his role in the cultural life of Samarkand.
This painting depicts Abu al-Ghazi Bahadur, the Khan of Khiva, dressed in traditional attire with a long robe, fur hat, and ornate belt, standing against a backdrop of mountains and water. He ruled Khiva from 1643 to 1671, a period marked by significant cultural and political influence in Central Asia.
This painting depicts Abu Ali Ibn Sina, the Persian polymath often referred to as Avicenna, holding an open book while standing beside a desk with more books and a quill. He is celebrated for his influential works in medicine, philosophy, and science during the Islamic Golden Age.
This photograph captures the bronze sculpture depicting a boy embracing a horse near a waterfront.
This photograph captures a marble garden statue depicting a graceful female figure in a flowing, ruffled gown, posed with one arm raised and the other resting near her head.
This photograph, depicting a stylized tiger-beaver-like creature with a child riding on its back.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
A life-size bronze horse statue in a rearing pose, set against a backdrop of tall evergreen trees and a scenic lakeside view.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
This photograph shows painted murals depicting the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, with one mural showing the Kaaba and the other the iconic golden dome.
This painting depicts the Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina, Saudi Arabia, with its iconic green dome, four minarets, and surrounding architectural details under a bright blue sky.
The Russian Orthodox Church.
This painting depicts the Three Holy Hierarchs of Orthodox Christianity, shown in traditional liturgical vestments with distinctive patterns and halos. The saints, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, are venerated for their theological contributions and are often honored together during church celebrations.
This icon depicts the Three Holy Hierarchs of Orthodox Christianity: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John the Theologian, shown in traditional liturgical vestments. These saints are venerated for their theological contributions and are often honored during the feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs in the Russian Orthodox Church.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
This photograph captures a large stone millstone displayed in a grassy field, with two small white church-like structures in the background.
Cholpon Ata Rukh Ordo Cultural Center.
This painting depicts a serene Buddha statue standing on a rocky shore at sunset, with calm waters and distant mountains under a vivid orange and blue sky. The artwork conveys a sense of peace and reflection, often associated with Buddhist meditation and spiritual contemplation.
We stopped at this Kage LAX cafe for coffee.
We stopped at this Kage LAX cafe for coffee.
We stopped at this Kage LAX cafe for coffee.
We stopped at this Kage LAX cafe for coffee.
We stopped at this Kage LAX cafe for coffee.
Continuing eastward, we arrived in Karakol and checked into Riverside Guesthouse.
Continuing eastward, we arrived in Karakol and checked into Riverside Guesthouse.
Continuing eastward, we arrived in Karakol and checked into Riverside Guesthouse.
A marble monument depicting the woman standing beside a lamb.
The mosque is a notable example of traditional Ottoman architecture in the region.
The mosque is a prominent example of Islamic architecture in the Tatarstan region.
Continuing eastward, we arrived in Karakol and checked into Riverside Guesthouse.
Continuing eastward, we arrived in Karakol and checked into Riverside Guesthouse.
Riverside Karakol guest review award certificate from the 2016 Booking.com Guest Review Awards.
5th night accommodation: Riverside Guesthouse, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
5th night accommodation: Riverside Guesthouse, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
5th night accommodation: Riverside Guesthouse, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Dining area at Riverside Guesthouse, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
We headed into Karakol town for lunch at Komus Restaurant, where we sampled a variety of authentic local dishes and enjoyed a well-earned meal.
Komus Restaurant, where we sampled a variety of authentic local dishes.
Komus Restaurant, where we sampled a variety of authentic local dishes.
Komus Restaurant, where we sampled a variety of authentic local dishes.
Komus Restaurant, where we sampled a variety of authentic local dishes.
Komus Restaurant, where we sampled a variety of authentic local dishes.
Komus Restaurant, where we sampled a variety of authentic local dishes.
Komus Restaurant, where we sampled a variety of authentic local dishes.
Komus Restaurant, where we sampled a variety of authentic local dishes.
Komus Restaurant, where we sampled authentic local dishes and enjoyed a well-earned meal.
Komus Restaurant, where we sampled authentic local dishes and enjoyed a well-earned meal.
In the afternoon, we explored two of Karakol's most famous landmarks. Our first stop was the historic Dungan Mosque, a remarkable architectural masterpiece constructed entirely of wood without the use of nails. Built by the Dungan community in the early twentieth century, the mosque features colourful Chinese-inspired design elements that make it unique among Central Asian religious buildings.
A group photo in front of the Dungan Mosque in Karakol.
The historic Dungan Mosque, a remarkable architectural masterpiece constructed entirely of wood without the use of nails. Built by the Dungan community in the early twentieth century, the mosque features colourful Chinese-inspired design elements that make it unique among Central Asian religious buildings.
The historic Dungan Mosque, a remarkable architectural masterpiece constructed entirely of wood.
Dungan Mosque in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, with its striking blue roof, colorful diamond-patterned tiles, and yellow pillars. Built in the early 20th century by the Dungan community, the mosque is notable for being constructed entirely without nails.
The entrance of the Dungan Mosque in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, with its bright blue doors, colorful wooden panels, and Arabic calligraphy above the doorway.
Dungan Mosque, featuring a central prayer niche, red carpeted floor, and intricate wooden columns.
A group photo in front of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Karakol.
We then visited the beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church that has stood as one of Karakol's most recognizable landmarks for well over a century. Its elegant wooden structure and peaceful surroundings reflected the city's multicultural history and enduring religious heritage.
The beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church in Karakol.
The beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church in Karakol.
The beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church in Karakol.
Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church that has stood as one of Karakol's most recognizable landmarks for well over a century. Its elegant wooden structure and peaceful surroundings reflected the city's multicultural history and enduring religious heritage.
Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church that has stood as one of Karakol's most recognizable landmarks for well over a century. Its elegant wooden structure and peaceful surroundings reflected the city's multicultural history and enduring religious heritage.
Returning to the guesthouse in the evening, we prepared our own dinner before gathering together for fellowship and supper. As we shared stories and reflections from the day's experiences, the warmth of friendship and travel companionship became as memorable as the places we had visited.
Returning to the guesthouse in the evening, we prepared our own dinner.
We prepared our own dinner before gathering together for fellowship and supper.
We prepared our own dinner before gathering together for fellowship and supper.
We prepared our own dinner before gathering together for fellowship and supper.
2026 Central Asia (Silk Road II) Adventure
Kyrgyzstan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan (18 May – 6 June 2026)
The 10 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.
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