The mountains on the northern side of the lake peek through the clouds. Since there is no outflow, evaporation leaves behind mineral salts in the lake water, a purported source of healing. The water tastes slightly salty.
Native vegetation
Turkish cemetery
near Issy-Kul
Lake Issy-Kul
Access road to Fairy Tale Canyon
Fairy Tale Canyon
Poisonous plant
Fairy Tale Canyon
On the road to Barskoon
Russian cosmonaut and first-man-in-space Yuri Gargarin
He is said to have visited here after his historic space flight. Memorial is carved out of native rock.
Near Barskoon
A Canadian gold mining company is building an access highway through the mountains.
Wild horses
A common sight along roads
Ak Orgo yurt-building workshop
How you tie a knot is important
Mekenbek, founder of Ak Orgo
Mekenbek has devoted his life to producing traditional Kyrgyz crafts. He founded the workshop to preserve them while providing employment opportunities for Barskoon, a community with 80% unemployment.