A Quick Look At Small Town Cholpon Ata In Kyrgyzstan

Cholpon Ata is a little resort town in Kyrgyzstan, located on the north shore of lake Issyl-Kul. Busloads of Russians would come during the Soviet era to enjoy the lake, hike, spa, be relaxed communists. Now, the town is a bit empty, the buses no longer coming.

Monuments are always good in a former Soviet town.

Along the main avenue, murals and posters.

Exotic drinks? The Nesquik of yak milk?

More remnants of another era.

The Asian culture seeping through.

Wandering Wagons In Kyrgyzstan

There's a curious, iconic sight in Kyrgyzstan: old gypsy wagons. Kind of a cross between a small train car and a Volvo. You can imagine them trundling through the plains of the country. What pulled them, yaks?

Most of the ones James saw were past their traditional use. Now, instant mobile homes.

Storage.

Construction offices.