Nestled in a lush valley in the shadow of Gora Babash-Alta mountains lies the village of Arslanbob, home of the world’s largest natural walnut forest. It’s difficult to describe the atmosphere of the walnut forrest, not spooky, nor fairytale-like but the omnipresent green color is at least special. A bit unearths. Arslanbob is a bit on the shabby side. A feeling which is magnified by the high number of antique cars. Robust Soviet material which keeps on rolling. It’s like looking in your rear view mirror and get kicked back 60 years.The whole village is involved in the harvest of …

Nature is diverse, we all know that. But do you appreciate the diversity? Do you recognise true beauty when you look around? What do you feel?Only mountains, made of raw material, stones, sometimes covered with soft grasses, different shapes.Majestic.

A golden heart, a golden bird, a lovely host. That’s Aitoo’s Home.We arrived late afternoon unannounced. The welcome was warm and immediately we were invited for a cup of tea & cake. Together with his spouse Gulnaz and mother we enjoyed the warmth of their presence and kitchen. They live rather secluded and are therefore self-sustaining for most part of their daily life. We spent the night in one of their yurts, covered under colourful blankets. In Kyrgyz an eagle is called Berkut, named after the golden feathers in his neck. The hunters are the Berkutchi. Eagle hunting is probably …

Roads are as such that you have to adapt your travel timing. Poor quality and plenty of pot holes force you to drive carefully. On top you have the speed limits and the local police who’s very vigilant. Often dirt roads are in better shape as their asphalt siblings. The Chinees driver got stuck on the mountain pass 2 days before we met him. Together with a Czesh hitchhiker Martin, we picked him up the day before, we managed to shuffle the guy to freedom. Due to the poor quality of 90% of the roads and ancient cars (most of …