Richard And Jo Demeester's photos with the keyword: Kolsai

I think we walked about 10 or 11 km from the lower Kolsay Lake (and then repeated it to get back). Mainly sunny, other than a half hour of rain and hail - well, that's mountain weather, I guess. Found a Kazakh couple who were going at a similar pace to us, so we passed them, and they then us, multiple times, and it was really nice to get to know them a bit (her English was pretty good). Anyway, the worst weather was when we we got close to the lake, so we sheltered and ate lunch for a bit, and in a short break got to enjoy the spectacular views.

Home made "manty", a Kazakh equivalent to momos. I am not sure why I am looking so shifty...

The lady in the middle, self proclaimed babushka, was sitting on the step of the house when we pulled up. Jo went and began asking her about a yurt, but she just apologised multiple times and got her daughter to come out, who was not much better at English, but a lot better at gestures and guessing. We got there.

After completing the 20-something kilometre walk, we treated ourselves to some drinks at this viewpoint over the lower lake.

Inside our yurt. It was basic, but comfortable. Uncomplicated, but warm. A table for meals in the centre, with cushions. Mats for sleeping. That’s it. Drop toilet outside (and a little bit of a walk, thankfully).

So, we gestured to the lady who owned the yurt, could we eat. She understood our gesture, and responded with a long list of things that we had no idea about. We guess she was asking us what we wanted or what we ate. We just shrugged, and nodded, somehow knowing it would work out well. And we were blown away by this amazingly tasty stew of tender meat.

Possibly the Kolsay River? Anyway, we were driving to the Kolsay Lakes, and there was a bit of a spot on a bend where cars had parked, and it seemed like it might be interesting. And wow, there along the road was this rift through the land. So dramatically in contrast with the barren flatness that surrounded it.