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.
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