Day 9 (26 May 2026) Karakol → Jyrgalan Village → Barskoon
Our 9th day involved one of the longest drives of our journey in Kyrgyzstan. We covered approximately 215 km over 5 hours, travelling from Karakol to Jyrgalan Village before retracing our route and continuing west to Barskoon, where we would spend the night at Altygat Lodge.
As usual, we began the day with another hearty breakfast at Sierra Hotel. The morning was cool and mostly cloudy, with the temperature hovering around 9°C —ideal weather for travelling. Soon after leaving Karakol, we noticed extensive highway improvement works being carried out by a Chinese construction company, a sign of the continuing development of Kyrgyzstan's road infrastructure.
Our first destination was Jyrgalan, located about 62km east of Karakol. The journey took around one and a half hours through beautiful mountain scenery.
Before entering the village, we stopped at a monument featuring a miner holding a pickaxe, mounted on a stone pedestal with a Russian inscription. From this vantage point, we enjoyed sweeping views across the valley, with Jyrgalan nestled among rolling hills and mountain peaks.
Driving into the village, we paused again in an open field where several pieces of road-construction equipment stood against the backdrop of the surrounding landscape. The peaceful setting highlighted the contrast between modern development and the traditional rural character of the village.
We then explored the remains of Jyrgalan's former coal-mining industry. Established in 1932 during the Soviet era, Jyrgalan was once a thriving mining town. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, however, many of its concrete industrial buildings and mining facilities were abandoned, leaving behind haunting reminders of a once-prosperous community. Walking among these weathered structures offered a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial past and the dramatic changes that followed independence.
After exploring Jyrgalan, we retraced our route back through Karakol before continuing west along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake towards Barskoon.
Along the way, we stopped for lunch at Kausar Café, where we enjoyed a freshly baked cheese pizza served on a wooden board and cut into eight generous slices—simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing after a long morning on the road.
Following a total of about five hours of driving, we finally arrived at Altygat Lodge in the late afternoon. Welcomed with hot tea, we relaxed after the day's journey while enjoying the peaceful mountain surroundings.
As dinner preparations got underway, several of the ladies in our group joined our gracious host in the kitchen, lending a hand with the cooking. It was a wonderful opportunity to share laughter, exchange recipes, and experience the warmth of Kyrgyz hospitality firsthand. The evening ended with a delicious home-cooked meal enjoyed together, bringing another memorable day of our Silk Road adventure to a close.
9th night accommodation: Altygat Lodge, Barskoon, Kyrgyzstan 
Our 9th day involved one of the longest drives of our journey in Kyrgyzstan. We covered approximately 215 km over 5 hours, travelling from Karakol to Jyrgalan Village before retracing our route and continuing west to Barskoon, where we would spend the night at Altygat Lodge. 
As usual, we began the day with another hearty breakfast at Sierra Hotel.
We began the day with another hearty breakfast at Sierra Hotel.
We began the day with another hearty breakfast at Sierra Hotel.
We began the day with another hearty breakfast at Sierra Hotel.
Our breakfast at Sierra Hotel in Karakol.
Our breakfast at Sierra Hotel in Karakol.
Our breakfast at Sierra Hotel in Karakol.
Our breakfast at Sierra Hotel in Karakol.
After our breakfast at Sierra Hotel in Karakol, waiting for our van.
The morning was cool and cloudy, with the temperature around 9°C —ideal weather for traveling.
The morning was cool and cloudy, with the temperature around 9°C —ideal weather for traveling.
The lush green fields and rolling hills on the road to Jyrgalan.
Ching Neng Bin is sitting next to the driver, who is highly concentrated on the road ahead.
Ching Neng Bin takes a photo of a large flock of sheep traveling down a road.
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