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Kyrgyzstan, as unlike Iceland as possible, really proved to be everything I had hoped for. Majestic valleys and mountains, lush vegetation and good air. Kyrgyzstan may be a poor country with main roads in all kinds of state – and vehicles likewise – but the people seem to me to be capable of solving minor problems without too much fuss - which I really like.

Of course, there are things which are really different. The cooking and preparation of food in restaurants and breakfasts consist of something else than what Westerners are used to. No pork on the menu and alcohol is not served in many restaurants, which is quite o.k. with me.

I hired a local guide to walk with me from Karakol valley, past Ala-Kul Lake and down to Arashan valley on a four days backpacking tour. The pass over to Arashan valley was officially impassible because of snow and the independent hikers on that route could not do the track. With some rope-work and scramble – and assistance of the excellent mountain-guide Dostan, crossing was possible.

If you like high rising mountains above majestic valleys, Kyrgyzstan should be on your menu. If I was to choose between hiking/backpacking in Nepal or Kyrgyzstan, the latter would have my vote.