Jane’s travelogue

Riding up to Sunken Pass uploaded on 19 July 2008

My friends Katy and Ben riding up the path towards Sunken Pass.

The trek to Sunken Pass begins uploaded on 18 July 2008

This shot was taken only a few minutes after we left the jailoo and began our trek up the Sunken Pass.

An elderly Kyrgyz Couple uploaded on 18 July 2008

This couple, aged 78 and 87 respectively, live in the jailoo - the high mountain pastures - where they continue the traditional Kyrgyz herding lifestyle.

Kendje pours the tea uploaded on 18 July 2008

(This is my boss, by the way.)

Sunset as seen from inside the yurt uploaded on 18 July 2008

Yurt life uploaded on 18 July 2008

At mealtimes, the center of the yurt serves as a giant table for all and sundry.

Moonrise over the Jailoo uploaded on 18 July 2008

Jailoo Paradise uploaded on 18 July 2008

A jailoo (pronounced jai-low) is a high mountain pasture where the Kyrgyz traditionally spent their summers. Many still do - and you can see why! The view from this particular jailoo was quite impressive. You can even see Kyrgyzstan's famous Lake Issyk-Kul in the distance, just beyond the first mountain range.

Kumar and the Samovar uploaded on 18 July 2008

My boss's son, Kumar, adds wood to the samovar. The central fire inside the samovar heats the water in the outer compartment. The hot water will later be used to make tea, a staple beverage of jailoo life.