Travel Discover Help project – trip to Karkyra

Trip Report: Adventure in Karkyra Valley

February 27, 2026

We had been planning this trip for a long time, but for various reasons, the timing never seemed right. Finally, at 7:00 AM on February 27, while it was still dark, we loaded the lunch boxes and water into the bus. Backpacks packed, we headed east through the empty streets toward Orlovka.

Felt a bit nervous. Although we’d met the kids before for a movie outing, you don’t really get to know someone in a dark theater. As we pulled up to the gates, the kids were already waiting, organized and ready to load their bags. The age gap was huge — the youngest was only 5, while the oldest was 17. Every one of them was unique and full of character.

“The plan is set — let’s go!”

As we drove, we admired the snow-capped Kyrgyz Range and Boom Gorge until the stunning Lake Issyk-Kul came into view. The little ones were the most excited. I remembered being a child myself, eagerly waiting for that first glimpse of the blue “sea” signaling the start of summer holidays. There wouldn’t be any beach swimming this time, but we certainly weren’t going to be bored.

We stopped at “Prishib,” a spot locals call the widest point of the lake, famous for its panoramic views. To save time, we skipped the roadside cafes and had a picnic with our pre-packed lunches. The kids were thrilled — most had never seen the beach in winter. The bravest even dipped their fingers in. “Whoa! It’s freezing!”

With sandwiches and snacks finished, we pushed on. To our left, the lake sparkled under a clear sky. As we turned toward the mountains, the landscape turned white. Every kilometer brought more snow — on the slopes, the roofs, and the massive Tian Shan firs. It was hard to believe that just an hour ago, there wasn’t a snowflake in sight.

We made it! The camp’s yurts appeared in the distance, and Daniyar, the manager, ran out to meet us. He was accompanied by Ryzhaya (“Red”), a big, friendly dog known as the “Queen of the Camp” for her love of hugs. Every single guest gave her a pat.

After a safety briefing (yurt living is serious business!), the kids settled into their yurts. They were shocked to find private showers and toilets — they expected “roughing it” and got a hotel-level experience instead. After a hearty dinner of pastries and sweets, we called it a night to save our energy for the big day ahead.

February 28, 2026

The morning started with a quick snowmobile check. The plan: rides on a nearby meadow. Karkyra is famous for its wind, but the hills offer a calm, windless sanctuary perfect for games.

The kids were ecstatic. The older ones even got to “steer” under the watchful eye of professional drivers. I stayed at the bottom, playing “hat and glove patrol” — keeping scarves tied and knocking snow off mittens as the kids played in a joyful frenzy.

During lunch, I sat and talked with the kids. It’s amazing how you start to see their individual personalities. Most of these children have living parents who simply couldn’t provide for them. Gulnara, the foundation’s director, is their “Apa” (Mother). She and her husband live in the same building as the kids 24/7.

She told me about their lives — how she teaches them financial literacy, how the older kids help the younger ones, and how they run a bakery to cover daily expenses. Gulnara is even training to be a speech therapist because there isn’t one nearby for the younger children. It’s a life full of challenges, but also full of grit and love.

In the afternoon, we had a painting masterclass with Elena, an artist from Karakol. We painted “ginger cats in a meadow.” It was a noisy, creative mess, and the results were beautiful—a whole gallery of sunny cats, each with its own personality.

The evening ended with an impromptu dance performance by the girls, followed by a presentation on tourism in Kyrgyzstan. We wanted to show them that our country is something to be proud of—and maybe, just maybe, one of them will join our team one day.

March 1, 2026

The final morning greeted us with a sapphire-blue sky. No one wanted to leave. On the drive back, the silence of the morning trip was replaced by chatter, questions, and dreams. We even spotted a herd of yaks along the way—a first for the kids!

As I watched my new five-year-old friend, Aminka, nap in the seat next to me, I thought about the future of this project. There is so much more we can do. These kids have their whole lives ahead of them, and with “Apa” Gulnara’s support and our help, the possibilities are endless.

We said our goodbyes in Orlovka with big hugs. It’s the first day of spring, which means more trips and more adventures are just around the corner.

Until next time!