Day 3 of the tour - adventurous

After breakfast in Bosteri, we headed east along Issyk-Kul.

Our first stop was the hot springs in Oruktu - and they completely exceeded our expectations. The hottest pools have a temperature of around 45°C, the water is very mineral-rich and is said to help with everything and everyone. Everything is kept very clean and there are always three different temperatures - the hot pool, body warm, and icy cold - great for pub effects. Delicious strawberries were also available, and so we quickly lost track of time.

Next stop is the city of Karakol at the eastern end. The city itself is not so impressive, but the mosque of the Dungans - the Chinese Muslims who sought refuge here at the time - is fascinating. The mosque was built from 1907-1910 in Chinese style - and without a single nail.

The Russian Orthodox cathedral from 1895 is also worth seeing. Made of wood and well maintained with a beautiful rose garden in front.

Then we continue - now along the southern coast of Issyk-Kul. The next stop is the small village of Jeti Ogus. Here there is an intoxicating rock formation that represents a broken heart. And generally lots of great red rocks and a raging river. You could go hiking here, probably also to a waterfall, but the weather is now slightly rainy again and above all it is late - we still have to reach our next accommodation - a campsite behind the village of Kysyl-Suu - the hostess is waiting with Manty for us!

And so we quickly move on! From the village, there is no longer a road to our campsite in Google Maps - we drive along a dirt road past forests - we become impatient - turn around and call again - yes, the road was correct, so back on and eventually we are there - and we are overwhelmed! Our tent is actually right by the lake - an amazing view awaits us! We start taking pictures, the owner waves us off - we should wait until the sun shines tomorrow...

So, the promised Manty from the chef - the two women run this place together - accompanied by two great dogs - to the delight of our children!

Manty are excellent, just like the Prjaniki with tea. And then the question - do we want to go to the Banja - the sauna right by the water - tonight? Of course, we nod eagerly. There is only electricity here from eight o'clock in the evening until eight o'clock in the morning, so the sauna needs until 10 o'clock to warm up. No problem for us, we play with the funny dogs and then a little card game in the tent and then we go down to the water to the sauna! What an experience - sauna at night and then swimming naked in the cool Issyk-Kul under moonlight!

Completely overwhelmed by this day, we fall into our sleeping bags and look forward to the next adventure day!