Day 192 (Kyrgyzstan): noman’s land - Sary Tash (shorty)

daily distance: 30 km
total distance: 11,353km
riding time: 1-2h

The night had been windy - and I didn’t sleep too well. Not well at all as a matter of fact. I kept waking up and couldn’t fall asleep in the wee hours of the morning.

Slightly groggy I packed up - but woke up to blue skies and more stunning scenery.

The Kyrgyz border post was a no-brainer. All said and done within less than 5 minutes. The guys were not awake yet and the drug inspection guy only wanted to know where I was from and where I was heading. “No problem, you can go.” Looking at the bike he probably figured whoever is stupid enough to bike over these mountains won’t bother transporting drugs. Rightio. It was still cold, but the scenery grew more and more stunning.

So did the wind and I was glad I was in Sary Tash after 30km, a depressing place. But I will take a car or bus from here tomorrow and head for Osh and then Bishkek to do the interview at the US embassy for my work visa. I will then come back and head for China if all goes well. At least and important set of documents has made it to Bishkek already … so things are on their way.

The town is uninspiring. But provided some good photo ops.

And the mountains which had been shrouded by fierce sand storms all afternoon showed their full beauty before sunset. Keep your fingers crossed that the cold winds abate somewhat next week when I am supposed to be back here to head to China.