L-R: Ching Neng Bin, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Chan Hew Ley, Law Chew Siah, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Chia Kok Bin, Ng Yoke Ping, Chew Leng Soon.
Day 6 (23 May 2026) Karakol → Jeti Oguz → Karakol
Our 6th day was a scenic day trip from the Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol to the famous Jeti-Oguz Valley and back. Although the distance was only about 50 km, much of the route was on dirt roads undergoing upgrading works, making the journey slower but no less interesting.
We began the morning with a visit to Karakol's so-called Container Market, a unique marketplace where many of the shops are housed in converted shipping containers. Rain had fallen throughout the morning, and the narrow walkways between the rows of containers had become channels for water to flow. Despite the wet conditions, the market remained lively, with vendors selling everything from clothing and household goods to fresh produce and local products.
After our shopping excursion, we enjoyed lunch at Tandyry Cafe before continuing our journey into the mountains.
Our destination was the beautiful valley of Jeti-Oguz, one of the most popular excursions from Karakol. Nestled among the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, the village is best known for its spectacular red sandstone rock formations that have inspired legends for generations.
Our first stop was the famous Broken Heart Rock. Standing prominently on its own, the formation resembles a giant heart split into two halves. According to local legend, two men fell deeply in love with the same woman and fought over her affection. Their rivalry ended in tragedy, breaking the woman's heart and giving rise to the rock's distinctive shape. Another version tells of a wealthy king who desired a beautiful village girl. After killing her lover and forcing her to become his wife, he discovered that her grief was so overwhelming that she died of a broken heart, forever commemorated by the stone formation.
Continuing further into the valley, we reached the iconic Seven Bulls formation. Towering above the village, the massive red sandstone cliffs resemble seven giant bulls standing side by side. These striking formations are among the most recognizable natural landmarks in Kyrgyzstan and give Jeti-Oguz its name, which translates as "Seven Bulls" in the Kyrgyz language.
The Seven Bulls are also surrounded by fascinating folklore. One legend tells how the gods turned seven bulls into stone to protect the valley and its people. Another tale recounts a tragic story of revenge between rival kings, in which seven bulls were sacrificed, their blood staining the rocks red and creating the dramatic landscape seen today.
The brilliant red cliffs, set against green meadows and snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance, created one of the most memorable landscapes of our journey through Kyrgyzstan. It was easy to understand why Jeti-Oguz remains one of the country's most beloved natural attractions.
After spending time exploring and photographing the area, we returned to Karakol, where we relaxed at Riverside Guesthouse and reflected on another wonderful day of discovery along the Silk Road.
6th night accommodation: Riverside Guesthouse, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan 
Our 6th day was a scenic day trip from the Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol to the famous Jeti-Oguz Valley and back. Although the distance was only about 50 km, much of the route was on dirt roads undergoing upgrading works, making the journey slower but no less interesting. 
Our breakfast at Riverside Guesthouse, Karakol.
Karakol town.
We began the morning with a visit to Karakol's so-called Container Market, a unique marketplace where many of the shops are housed in converted shipping containers.
We began the morning with a visit to Karakol's so-called Container Market, a unique marketplace where many of the shops are housed in converted shipping containers. 
Rain had fallen throughout the morning, and the narrow walkways between the rows of containers had become channels for flowing water.
Rain had fallen throughout the morning, and the narrow walkways between the rows of containers had become channels for water to flow. 
Rain had fallen throughout the morning, and the narrow walkways between the rows of containers had become channels for water to flow. 
Despite the wet conditions, the market remained lively, with vendors selling everything from clothing and household goods to fresh produce and local products.
Despite the wet conditions, the market remained lively, with vendors selling everything from clothing and household goods to fresh produce and local products.
This shop sells all kinds of dried fruits and nuts.
This shop sells all kinds of dried fruits and nuts.
This shop sells all kinds of pizzas and bread.
This shop sells all kinds of pizzas and bread.
This shop sells all kinds of pastries and bread.
This shop sells all kinds of freshly baked bread.
We were heading out of the Container Market, a one-of-a-kind marketplace in which many of the shops are located in converted shipping containers.
After shopping, we had lunch at Tandyry Cafe before continuing our journey into the mountains.
Lunch at Tandyry Cafe before continuing our journey into the mountains.
Lunch at Tandyry Cafe before continuing our journey into the mountains.
Lunch at Tandyry Cafe before continuing our journey into the mountains.
Lunch at Tandyry Cafe before continuing our journey into the mountains.
Lunch at Tandyry Cafe before continuing our journey into the mountains.
Our driver is taking lunch at Tandyry Cafe before continuing our journey into the mountains.
Although the return distance was only 50km, much of the route was on dirt roads undergoing upgrading works, making the journey slower but no less interesting.
Although the return distance was only 50km, much of the route was on
dirt roads undergoing upgrading works, making the journey slower but no
less interesting.
Jeti Oguz is home to several bee farms, which sell locally produced honey along the roadside. The honey is of high quality and worth purchasing if you can bring it home with you.
Jeti Oguz is home to several bee farms, which sell locally produced honey along the roadside.
Jeti Oguz is home to several bee farms, which sell locally produced honey along the roadside.
A large decorative shield, colorful fabric panels, and a mountainous backdrop. The site appears to be a cultural exhibit showcasing traditional Mongolian and Chinese heritage.
A traditional Kyrgyz yurt set against the rugged red rock hills of Jeti-Oguz.
The interior of a Kyrgyz yurt, decorated with traditional felt carpets, wooden poles, and a long table set with an assortment of snacks and drinks.
Ching Neng Bin was invited inside a Kyrgyz yurt, which was decorated with traditional felt carpets, and a big table laden with snacks and drinks.
Ching Neng Bin was invited inside a Kyrgyz yurt, which was decorated with traditional felt carpets, and a big table laden with snacks and drinks.
A small house nestled among green trees at the base of the striking red rock formations of Jety-Oguz in Kyrgyzstan. The area is famous for its dramatic cliffs, known locally as the Seven Bulls, which rise dramatically from the surrounding steppe.
The Jeti-Oguz River flows through Kyrgyzstan's Jeti-Oguz Gorge. It's a glacier-fed mountain river that flows through the famed red sandstone canyon and alpine scenery.
Our 1st stop was the famous Broken Heart Rock. Standing prominently on its own, the formation resembles a giant heart split into 2 halves. According to local legend, two men fell deeply in love with the same woman and fought over her affection. Their rivalry ended in tragedy, breaking the woman's heart and giving rise to the rock's distinctive shape. Another version tells of a wealthy king who desired a beautiful village girl. After killing her lover and forcing her to become his wife, he discovered that her grief was so overwhelming that she died of a broken heart, forever commemorated by the stone formation.
Broken Heart Rock stands prominently on its own and resembles a giant heart split into 2 halves.
A path through a grove of leafless trees towards the river at Broken Heart Rock in Jety-Oguz.
A path through a grove of leafless trees towards the river at Broken Heart Rock in Jety-Oguz.
Continuing further into the valley, we reached the iconic Seven Bulls formation. Towering above the village, the massive red sandstone cliffs resemble seven giant bulls standing side by side. These striking formations are among the most recognizable natural landmarks in Kyrgyzstan and give Jeti-Oguz its name, which translates as "Seven Bulls" in the Kyrgyz language.
The Seven Bulls are also surrounded by fascinating folklore. One legend tells how the gods turned seven bulls into stone to protect the valley and its people. Another tale recounts a tragic story of revenge between rival kings, in which seven bulls were sacrificed, their blood staining the rocks red and creating the dramatic landscape seen today.
Even though it is on the opposite side of the main road from the 7-bulls, it is a beautiful, peaceful, and tranquil location that most visitors overlook. We also trek to the top of the hill to see the valley from above.
We also trek to the top of the hill to see the valley from above.
The Seven Bulls are also surrounded by fascinating folklore. One legend tells how the gods turned seven bulls into stone to protect the valley and its people. Another tale recounts a tragic story of revenge between rival kings, in which seven bulls were sacrificed, their blood staining the rocks red and creating the dramatic landscape seen today.
Another fantastic view of the Seven Bulls and the town below.
Ching Neng Bin is seen very busy taking photos for his blog post.
At Jety-Oguz, we had our first taste of horse milk, which tasted like soybean milk.
The beautiful valley of Jeti-Oguz, one of the most popular excursions from Karakol.
The beautiful valley of Jeti-Oguz, one of the most popular excursions from Karakol.
The beautiful valley of Jeti-Oguz, one of the most popular excursions from Karakol.
The beautiful valley of Jeti-Oguz, one of the most popular excursions from Karakol.
The 10 Malaysian 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.
Ching Neng Bin at Jeti-Oguz proudly holds up the Penang Adventure Club flag, which he co-founded in 1975 with Mr Hoon Joong High and Mr M.Pasupathy (RIP).
Jeti-Oguz mountain valley campsite — following the river into the heart of Kyrgyzstan.
Jeti-Oguz mountain valley campsite — following the river into the heart of Kyrgyzstan.
After spending time exploring and photographing the Jeti-Oguz mountain range, we head back down to Jeti-Oguz village.
The long and bumpy gravel road to Karakol.
The long and bumpy gravel road to Karakol.
The picturesque countryside views along the way to Karakol.
The picturesque countryside views along the way to Karakol.
The picturesque countryside views along the way to Karakol.
We had dinner at this restaurant. Dastorkon Restaurant in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, has its sign in both Russian and English and an outdoor seating area visible. The restaurant is known for its Eastern cuisine and is a popular dining spot in the Issyk Kul region.
A Toast to the Journey - After a day of mountain roads and breathtaking scenery, we gathered around the table at a local restaurant, raising our glasses in a cheerful toast. To friendship, adventure, unforgettable memories — and another great day on the Silk Road!
Flag of Kyrgyzstan flying atop a monument in Karakol.
A tall, cylindrical abandoned brick water tower standing against a vivid blue sky. The weathered structure, with its narrow windows and crumbling brickwork, suggests it has been unused for many years.
The Tokmok Mosque in Kyrgyzstan, a striking example of Islamic architecture with a golden dome and red-brick façade set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Driving back to our Riverside Guesthouse after dinner.
Driving back to our Riverside Guesthouse after dinner.
We met some Malaysian families at Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol.
We met some Malaysian families at Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol.
Ching Neng Bin went for a walk in the Karakol River Park behind the guesthouse, where two people rode bicycles through lovely green trees. A playground and picnic area in the background contribute to the park's recreational vibe.
Ching Neng Bin went for a walk in the Karakol River Park behind the guesthouse
Ching Neng Bin went for a walk in the Karakol River Park behind the guesthouse
Karakol River Park in Kyrgyzstan, featuring logos from Destination Karakol, the Kyrgyz government, and USAID. The park was established with support from the United States Agency for International Development to promote environmental conservation and tourism.
A brown horse walking along a sunlit brick path in Karakol River Park.
A brown horse grazing on lush green grass beside a paved path in Karakol River Park.
A barberry bush in full bloom, its branches laden with small, bright red berries.
The vibrant pink blossoms of the Robinia hispida, also known as the bristly locust, in full bloom.
The Karakol River is a fast-flowing mountain river in Kyrgyzstan. It runs through the Terskey Ala-Too range of the Tian Shan mountains, passing near the city of Karakol and feeding into the scenic alpine region of Lake Issyk-Kul.
The Karakol River is a fast-flowing mountain river in Kyrgyzstan.
Beautiful flowers by the roadside.
Beautiful flowers by the roadside.
A white dandelion flower by the roadside.
View of the Tien Shan Mountains with snow-capped peaks rising above lush green valleys.
Our 6th night accommodation: Riverside Guesthouse, Karakol.
Our 6th night accommodation: Riverside Guesthouse, Karakol.
Today, Ching Neng Bin walked 22,762 steps.
Walking 22,762 steps is equal to about 16.16km for most adults.
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.
///
No comments:
Post a Comment