The 10 backpackers (L-R): Ching Neng Bin, Ng Yoke Ping, Law Chew Siah, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Chia Kok Bin, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Chan Hew Ley, Chew Leng Soon, at the Talas Region of Kyrgyzstan.
Day 4 (21 May 2026) Chon Kemin → Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Our 4th day took us from Ular Guest House, Chon Kemin, to Olga Guest House, Cholpon Ata, a distance of 160 km in just over 2 hours.
We woke up early, walked around the Ular Guest House, and then had breakfast. Had some photos taken with the guest house owner and then proceeded on our journey. We first stopped at Shabdan Bridge for the scenic view of the Chon-Kemin River and the National Park.
On the way, we made a 15-minute stop at Kyzyl Alma Café, which featured stunning mountain views and the Silk Road Caravan Monument.
A beautiful sculpture representing a camel caravan and travelers dressed in traditional garb stood out against the rocky Tian Shan Mountains. The monument commemorates the old Silk Road, which centuries ago connected China, Central Asia, Persia, and Europe via merchants, pilgrims, and adventurers who crossed these valleys.
Our next stop was Pomnik and Sayakbay Karalayev, a historical site in Balykchy. As we approached Balykchy, the gateway to the gorgeous Issyk-Kul Lake, we stopped at a memorial honoring Sayakbay Karalayev, the famed Kyrgyz storyteller known for preserving and performing the epic Manas.
At the petrol kiosk, we saw this old car - a white Lada 2101 sedan with its rear license plate reading "378 AFL". The Lada 2101 was produced by AvtoVAZ in the Soviet Union from 1974 to 1989 and was exported to the West under the Lada brand.
The driver drove us to see his family and the farmhouse.
One of the highlights of our journey around Issyk-Kul was a visit to the Petroglyphs Open-Air Museum near Cholpon-Ata. Spread across a vast field at the foot of the mountains, the site contains hundreds of ancient stone carvings dating back more than 2,000 years.
4th night accommodation: Olga Guest House, Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan
From Ular Guest House to Olga Guest House in Cholpon Ata is 60km in just over 2 hours.
We woke up early, walked around the Ular Guest House, and then had breakfast. Had some photos taken with the guest house owner and then proceeded on our journey.
We woke up early, walked around the Ular Guest House, and then had breakfast. Had some photos taken with the guest house owner and then proceeded on our journey.
We had a good breakfast at Ular Guest House, Kyrgyzstan.
We had a good breakfast at Ular Guest House, Kyrgyzstan.
The Kyrgyz felt rug is displayed on a wooden wall at Ular Guest House, Kyrgyzstan.
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.
A lush green field bordered by tall trees, with rolling hills and mountains at Ular Guest House.
We first stopped at Shabdan Bridge for the scenic view of the Chon-Kemin River and the National Park.
Ching Neng Bin at Shabdan Bridge proudly holds up the Malaysian flag.
At Shabdan Bridge for the scenic view of the Chon-Kemin River and the National Park.
At Shabdan Bridge for the scenic view of the Chon-Kemin River and the National Park.
At Shabdan Bridge for the scenic view of the Chon-Kemin River and the National Park.
🐪🐫Shabdan Bridge for the scenic view of the Chon-Kemin River and the National Park.
The magnificent view of Chon-Kemin National Park from the bridge.
The magnificent view of Chon-Kemin National Park from the road.
KYT is a prominent private construction and real estate development company in Kyrgyzstan.
On the way, we made a 15-minute stop at Kyzyl Alma Café, which featured stunning mountain views and the Silk Road Caravan Monument.
At Kyzyl Alma Café, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the remarkable rock formations.
At Kyzyl Alma Café, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the remarkable rock formations.
A beautiful sculpture representing a camel caravan and travelers dressed in traditional garb stood out against the rocky Tian Shan Mountains. The monument commemorates the old Silk Road, which centuries ago connected China, Central Asia, Persia, and Europe via merchants, pilgrims, and adventurers who crossed these valleys.
A beautiful sculpture representing a camel caravan and travelers dressed in traditional garb stood out against the rocky Tian Shan Mountains.
The flag of Kyrgyzstan features a red field with a yellow sun at the center, containing a stylized depiction of a yurt roof and 40 rays representing the unity of the 40 tribes on the road to Cholpon Ata.
The magnificent view of Chon-Kemin National Park from the bridge.
The magnificent view of Chon-Kemin National Park from the road.
KYT is a prominent private construction and real estate development company in Kyrgyzstan.
On the way, we made a 15-minute stop at Kyzyl Alma Café, which featured stunning mountain views and the Silk Road Caravan Monument.
At Kyzyl Alma Café, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the remarkable rock formations.
At Kyzyl Alma Café, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the remarkable rock formations.
A beautiful sculpture representing a camel caravan and travelers dressed in traditional garb stood out against the rocky Tian Shan Mountains. The monument commemorates the old Silk Road, which centuries ago connected China, Central Asia, Persia, and Europe via merchants, pilgrims, and adventurers who crossed these valleys.
A beautiful sculpture representing a camel caravan and travelers dressed in traditional garb stood out against the rocky Tian Shan Mountains.
The flag of Kyrgyzstan features a red field with a yellow sun at the center, containing a stylized depiction of a yurt roof and 40 rays representing the unity of the 40 tribes on the road to Cholpon Ata.
🐪🐫Kyrgyzstan flag along Chon Kemin → Cholpon Ata road.
We approached Balykchy, the gateway to the gorgeous Issyk-Kul Lake.
🐪🐫Balykchy, the gateway to the gorgeous Issyk-Kul Lake.
Our next stop was Pomnik and Sayakbay Karalayev, a historical site in Balykchy. As we approached Balykchy, the gateway to the gorgeous Issyk-Kul Lake, we stopped at a memorial honoring Sayakbay Karalayev, the famed Kyrgyz storyteller known for preserving and performing the epic Manas.
A memorial honoring Sayakbay Karalayev, the famed Kyrgyz storyteller known for preserving and performing the epic Manas.
A memorial honoring Sayakbay Karalayev, the famed Kyrgyz storyteller known for preserving and performing the epic Manas.
A memorial honoring Sayakbay Karalayev, the famed Kyrgyz storyteller known for preserving and performing the epic Manas.
At the Balykchy historical monument, this lovely girl approached me asking about my adventures. She wanted to speak English with me to enhance her language skills.
Our driver fills the van with gasoline at Balykchy.
At the petrol kiost, we saw this old car - a white Lada 2101 sedan with its rear license plate reading "378 AFL". The Lada 2101 was produced by AvtoVAZ in the Soviet Union from 1974 to 1989 and was exported to the West under the Lada brand.
The back view of this old car.
Our next stop was Pomnik and Sayakbay Karalayev, a historical site in Balykchy. As we approached Balykchy, the gateway to the gorgeous Issyk-Kul Lake, we stopped at a memorial honoring Sayakbay Karalayev, the famed Kyrgyz storyteller known for preserving and performing the epic Manas.
A memorial honoring Sayakbay Karalayev, the famed Kyrgyz storyteller known for preserving and performing the epic Manas.
A memorial honoring Sayakbay Karalayev, the famed Kyrgyz storyteller known for preserving and performing the epic Manas.
A memorial honoring Sayakbay Karalayev, the famed Kyrgyz storyteller known for preserving and performing the epic Manas.
At the Balykchy historical monument, this lovely girl approached me asking about my adventures. She wanted to speak English with me to enhance her language skills.
Our driver fills the van with gasoline at Balykchy.
At the petrol kiost, we saw this old car - a white Lada 2101 sedan with its rear license plate reading "378 AFL". The Lada 2101 was produced by AvtoVAZ in the Soviet Union from 1974 to 1989 and was exported to the West under the Lada brand.
The back view of this old car.
At Sun Beach to view Issyk-Kul Lake.
We viewed the full Issyk-Kul Lake for the 1st time and tasted the water on Sun Beach.
For the first time, we saw the full Issyk-Kul Lake and sampled the water at Sun Beach.
The boys had a terrific time seeing Issyk-Kul Lake and sampling the water at Sun Beach.
The girls too had a terrific time seeing Issyk-Kul Lake and sampling the water at Sun Beach.
The girls and boys at Issyk-Kul Lake sampling the water at Sun Beach.
The tourist boats at Sun Beach.
Our driver brought us to see his family at their farmhouse.
Our driver brought us to see his family at their farmhouse.
Our driver brought us to see his family at their farmhouse.
Ching Neng Bin holding the girl in his arms while standing outdoors among leafy trees.
A tree laden with unripe green apricots, their leaves a vibrant shade of green.
A cherry tree laden with unripe green cherries surrounded by large, glossy leaves.
Our driver's farmhouse is full of various fruit trees.
Two colorful rooster and hen statues placed on rustic wooden stumps in a garden setting.
One of the highlights of our journey around Issyk-Kul was a visit to the Petroglyphs Open-Air Museum near Cholpon-Ata. Spread across a vast field at the foot of the mountains, the site contains hundreds of ancient stone carvings dating back more than 2,000 years.
The Petroglyphs Open-Air Museum near Cholpon-Ata. Spread across a vast field at the foot of the mountains, the site contains hundreds of ancient stone carvings dating back more than 2,000 years.
The Petroglyphs Open-Air Museum near Cholpon-Ata. A plaque describing mountain goats explains their depiction in ancient rock art, noting their realistic portrayal and distinctive features.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan, featuring stylized human figures, animals, and geometric patterns etched into a large boulder. The museum preserves and interprets these prehistoric artworks, which date back thousands of years and reflect the cultural heritage of the region.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
🐪🐫Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Tunguch Mosque, Kyrgyzstan, with its unique turquoise domes and tower.
4th night accommodation: Olga Guest House, Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata, popular, comfortable, and reasonably priced choice, with aggregate ratings consistently above 9.3/10 across major booking platforms. Guests routinely compliment the house for its tranquil garden setting, great cleanliness, and friendly hospitality from the hosts.
The tranquil garden setting of the Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
The flowers in the garden of the Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
The fruit trees in the garden of the Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata has many sitting space in its outdoor courtyard.
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata has many sitting space in its outdoor courtyard.
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata has many sitting space in its outdoor courtyard.
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata has many sitting space in its outdoor courtyard.
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata has many sitting space in its outdoor courtyard.
Our large dining room at Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
Our room at Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
Our room at Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
We had our dinner at U Rybaka restaurant located in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Our dinner at U Rybaka restaurant located in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Our dinner at U Rybaka restaurant located in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Our dinner at U Rybaka restaurant located in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Our dinner at U Rybaka restaurant located in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Ancient rock carvings at the Petroglyphs Museum Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.
Tunguch Mosque, Kyrgyzstan, with its unique turquoise domes and tower.
4th night accommodation: Olga Guest House, Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata, popular, comfortable, and reasonably priced choice, with aggregate ratings consistently above 9.3/10 across major booking platforms. Guests routinely compliment the house for its tranquil garden setting, great cleanliness, and friendly hospitality from the hosts.
The tranquil garden setting of the Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
The flowers in the garden of the Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
The fruit trees in the garden of the Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata has many sitting space in its outdoor courtyard.
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata has many sitting space in its outdoor courtyard.
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata has many sitting space in its outdoor courtyard.
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata has many sitting space in its outdoor courtyard.
Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata has many sitting space in its outdoor courtyard.
Our large dining room at Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
Our room at Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
Our room at Olga Guest House in Cholpon-Ata.
We had our dinner at U Rybaka restaurant located in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Our dinner at U Rybaka restaurant located in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Our dinner at U Rybaka restaurant located in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Our dinner at U Rybaka restaurant located in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Our dinner at U Rybaka restaurant located in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
🐪🐫Dinner at U Rybaka Restaurant, Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
After dinner, we went to the Cholpon Ata supermarket to get groceries for supper at the guest house.
We had a great supper fellowship at the guest house before retiring for the night.
After dinner, we went to the Cholpon Ata supermarket to get groceries for supper at the guest house.
We had a great supper fellowship at the guest house before retiring for the night.
2026 Central Asia (Silk Road II) Adventure
Kyrgyzstan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan (18 May – 6 June 2026)
"10 Malaysian backpackers. 3 countries. 20 days. 1 Legendary Silk Road Adventure".
"The journey is the destination, and the Silk Road remains one of the world's greatest journeys."
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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