Foto: The trees in Kaindy lake (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Kazakhstan - From the village of Saty, it’s still twelve kilometers along a dirt road to Lake Kaindy. The road is little more than a cart track. Oncoming cars can only be passed by pulling off into the roadside. Suddenly, we reach a river. Other drivers advise us that it’s better to cross further upstream — the water is too high here. We drive a stretch through the riverbed. It’s a challenge for the motorcycles, but they manage to cross without any trouble. A bit further on, it gets easier for them. The bridge over the river has been partially washed away. Motorcycles can still get across, but our Land Rover is too wide. So we have to go through the river again. The front of the car goes underwater, but without issue, Brutus climbs back out on the other side. Around seven o’clock, we arrive at the entrance of the national park. An entrance fee is required here. Then we drive the final few kilometers to Lake Kaindy. The lake was formed in 1910 after a landslide. The trees that once stood in what is now the lake still rise straight up out of the water like pillars. A remarkable sight, especially with the clear blue water. Nearby, several groups are camping. Many local Kazakhs have come here especially for the weekend. After dinner, we join a campfire. Some of the men speak a little English. I’m immediately offered vodka. There is singing, laughter, and drinking. A great introduction to Kazakh hospitality.
AksuZhabagly Nature Reserve
Kazakhstan - In a four-wheel drive jeep, I head to Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Park. Lammert and Elmira come along — they’ll be our guides in the area. Just outside the village, the road quickly worsens. The driver often has to switch to low gear. I’m jolted around ...
The beautiful Charyn Canyon
Kazakhstan - A good asphalt road leads us to the Charyn Canyon area — a rugged rock formation carved out by the Charyn River. At the location marked by our GPS as the canyon entrance, we wait for the motorcyclists. But they’ve found the entrance somewhere else. ...
The former capital Almaty
Kazakhstan - From the hotel, we walk to the St. Nicholas Cathedral. A light turquoise-colored cathedral with golden onion-shaped domes. Built in 1909, the cathedral features a beautifully ornate iconostasis inside. A heavy chandelier, filled with candles, hangs above ...