The backpackers (L-R): Chia Kok Bin, Ng Yoke Ping, Ching Neng Bin, Chew Leng Soon, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Law Chew Siah, and Chan Hew Ley at the Talas Region of Kyrgyzstan.
Day 3 (20 May 2026) Bishkek → Issyk-Ata Waterfall → Chon-Kemin State Nature Park. Distance: Approximately 200km (4 hours by road)
Our 3rd day took us from Bishkek into the beautiful countryside of Kyrgyzstan. After breakfast, we set off on a scenic 200km drive towards the mountains, with our first destination being the picturesque valley of Issyk-Ata.
The village of Issyk-Ata lies in a valley carved by the river of the same name. From the parking area, we embarked on a pleasant walk of approximately 2.5km to reach the Issyk-Ata Waterfall. Surrounded by mountain scenery and fresh alpine air, the waterfall provided a rewarding sight and an excellent opportunity for photographs and appreciation of Kyrgyzstan's natural beauty.
After the hike, we enjoyed lunch at a village shop that served freshly cooked salmon caught from the local river. In the afternoon, we continued our journey through rolling hills and mountain landscapes to the Chon-Kemin Valley, one of Kyrgyzstan's most scenic national park regions. By evening, we arrived at Ular Guest House, nestled within the tranquil surroundings of the Chon-Kemin National Park area.
As the sun set over the valley, we settled into our guest house and reflected on a day filled with nature, fresh mountain air, and memorable experiences.
3rd night accommodation: Ular Guest House, Chon Kemin, Kyrgyzstan 
We had the most amazing breakfast at the Golden Hotel in Bishkek. We were assigned an exclusive room.
Day 3 (20 May 2026) Bishkek → Issyk-Ata Waterfall → Chon-Kemin State Nature Park.
Distance: Approximately 200km (4 hours by road).
We liked the interior decor of the Golden Hotel breakfast area in Bishkek.
We liked the interior decor of the Golden Hotel breakfast area in Bishkek.
We liked the interior decor of the Golden Hotel breakfast area in Bishkek.
We enjoyed the most delicious breakfast at the Golden Hotel in Bishkek.
We enjoyed the most delicious breakfast at the Golden Hotel in Bishkek.
The friendly staff at the Golden Hotel in Bishkek.
We went to the AFB bank to exchange USD into local currency.
The entity commonly referred to as AFB in Kyrgyzstan is Alma Finance Bank (AFB). Headquartered at 176 Abdrahmanov Street, Bishkek, it is backed by Chinese capital and licensed by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic.
At AFB bank to exchange USD into local currency.
RM 1 = ~21.53 KGS Som
Visitors to the ethno-complex "Supara" can experience ancient Kyrgyz history, culture, and daily life in real time. It is surrounded by seven wooden and felt yurts, nomadic houses arranged in a semi-circle. Traditional stone cottages are higher up, overlooking the river that flows behind the yurts, providing a refreshing respite on hot summer days.
Visitors to "Supara" can experience ancient Kyrgyz history, culture, and daily life in real time.
Visitors to "Supara" can experience ancient Kyrgyz history, culture, and daily life in real time.
A bronze statue seated on a bench, wearing a cap at "Supara".
A rustic stone and wood building with a thatched roof at "Supara".
The yurt's interior features a magnificent circular timber roof and multi-tiered chandelier at "Supara".
The interior of "Supara" restaurant has rustic wooden beams, stone walls, and dining tables.
The rustic decor features wooden beams, green cushioned couches, and soft lighting. 
A restroom of wooden counters and sinks featuring natural tree-root shapes and stone basins.
The "Supara" yurt-style restaurant with a white, diamond-patterned roof and expansive glass windows.
A group of children dressed in traditional white and red costumes with feathered headpieces, seated outdoors in a courtyard setting.
We were enjoying a sunny day on a wooden staircase surrounded by children.
The ornate entrance of the Supara Kyrgyzstan Ethno-Complex, featuring intricate wooden carvings and a traditional Mongolian yurt design. The complex showcases the cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people through its architecture, crafts, and open-air performances.
The picturesque country road leading to Issyk-Ata Village.
The picturesque country road leading to Issyk-Ata Village.
The picturesque country road leading to Issyk-Ata Village.
The picturesque country road leading to Issyk-Ata Village.
The picturesque country road leading to Issyk-Ata Village.
The picturesque country road leading to Issyk-Ata Village.
The picturesque country road leading to Issyk-Ata Village.
The entrance to a district in the Talas Region of Kyrgyzstan, marked by a large archway. 
We stopped here to get an excellent look at the villages below.
We stopped here to get an excellent look at the villages below.
We stopped here to get an excellent look at the villages below.
Issyk-Ata is a mountain valley in Kyrgyzstan, located about 80km east of Bishkek.
A rocky riverbank flowing through Issyk-Ata Village.
A rocky riverbank flowing through Issyk-Ata Village.
The village of Issyk-Ata lies in a valley carved by the river of the same name. From the parking area, we embarked on a pleasant walk of about 2.5km to reach the Issyk-Ata Waterfall. Surrounded by mountain scenery and fresh alpine air, the waterfall provided a rewarding sight and an excellent opportunity for photographs and appreciation of Kyrgyzstan's natural beauty.
The stunning scenery along the 2.5km walk to the Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
A cluster of flowers in full bloom among lush green foliage.
A mature dandelion seed head, its white filaments radiating from a central brown core. The fluffy structure is designed to catch the wind, allowing the seeds to disperse widely.
The stunning scenery along the 2.5km walk to the Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
A small group of horses along the 2.5km walk to the Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
A horse along the 2.5km walk to the Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
A horse running along the 2.5km walk to the Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
The stunning scenery along the 2.5km walk to the Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
The stunning scenery along the 2.5km walk to the Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
The stunning scenery along the 2.5km walk to the Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
The stunning scenery along the 2.5km walk to the Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
The ladies were fortunate to travel in this three-wheeler to the waterfall.
Surrounded by mountain scenery and fresh alpine air, the Issyk-Ata
Waterfall provided a rewarding sight and an excellent opportunity for
photographs and appreciation of Kyrgyzstan's natural beauty.
Ching Neng Bin at Issyk-Ata Waterfall proudly holds up the Malaysian flag.
Ronnie Chin Keng Kok at Issyk-Ata Waterfall proudly holds up the Malaysian flag.
Ching Neng Bin at Issyk-Ata Waterfall proudly holds up the Penang Adventure Club flag, which he co-founded in 1975 with Mr Hoon Joong High and Mr M.Pasupathy (RIP).
L-R: Chew Leng Soon, Chan Hew Ley, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Law Chew Siah, 
Nancy Ho Siew Cheng and Chia Kok Bin at Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
Ng Yoke Ping at Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
L-R: Clara Leong Sook Wah, Law Chew Siah, Ng Yoke Ping, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Chia Kok Bin, Chan Hew Ley, Chew Leng Soon at Issyk-Ata Waterfall.
Trekking down from Issyk-Ata Waterfall to town for lunch.
Trekking down from Issyk-Ata Waterfall to town for lunch.
Trekking down from Issyk-Ata Waterfall to town for lunch.
Trekking down from Issyk-Ata Waterfall to town for lunch.
Trekking down from Issyk-Ata Waterfall to town for lunch.
The stunning scenery along the 2.5km walk to the Issyk-Ata village.
After the Issyk-Ata waterfall trek, we had lunch at the Issyk-Ata village cafe, which featured freshly cooked salmon caught from the nearby Issyk-Ata river.
At Issyk-Ata village cafe, a bird of prey perched on a wooden post against the wall, wings outstretched. The specimen appears to be a hawk or eagle, with detailed plumage and trapped prey in its talons.
At Issyk-Ata village cafe, a bird of prey perched on a wooden post against the wall, wings outstretched. The specimen appears to be a hawk or eagle, with detailed plumage and trapped prey in its talons.
We observed the capture of a live 2 kg+ salmon from a fish tank for our lunch.
Everyone was satisfied with their lunch at the Issyk-Ata village cafe and eagerly awaiting the 2 kg+ salmon to be served.
Surprised! Ching Neng Bin brought out the cooked 2 kg+ salmon at the Issyk-Ata Village Cafe.
Surprised! Ching Neng Bin brought out the cooked 2 kg+ salmon at the Issyk-Ata Village Cafe.
In the afternoon, we continued our journey through rolling hills and mountain landscapes to the Chon-Kemin Valley, one of Kyrgyzstan's most scenic national park regions.
We stopped for a toilet break at a shopping plaza in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, featuring a tall decorative tower, a guitar monument, and a row of modern retail stores. The area is part of a planned commercial development aimed at attracting both local residents and tourists.
A bronze goat statue positioned on a rock base in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan.
The entrance gate to Talas Oblast in Kyrgyzstan, marked by two tall white pillars archway located in the eastern part of the country and is known for its mountainous landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
By evening, we arrived at Ular Guest House, nestled within the tranquil surroundings of the Chon-Kemin National Park.
Ular Guest House, nestled within the surroundings of the Chon-Kemin National Park.
The dining area of Ular Guest House at Chon-Kemin National Park.
The bedroom of Ular Guest House at Chon-Kemin National Park.
As the sun set over the valley, we settled into our guest house and reflected on a day filled with nature, fresh mountain air, and memorable experiences.
Chong-Kemin State Nature Park is a protected area covering 123,564 acres in northern Kyrgyzstan, about 135 km east of Bishkek. It is nestled in the Tian Shan mountains and ranges from semi-desert foothills to lush conifer forests and glaciers. It is well known for the 116-km-long Chon-Kemin River and seven peaks.
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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