Travel Discover Help — Mountain adventure in April

On April 24th, we took the children for a trip to the mountains. We were a bit worried about the weather — a light drizzle followed us on the road to Orlovka — but luck was on our side. The sun eventually came out and even felt quite warm. Our goal was to enjoy a hike and teach the kids the basics of mountain safety.

Since our group varied greatly in age, we decided to split into two:

• The older group set off to conquer the Konorchek Canyons. They hiked all the way to the panoramic viewpoint, marveling at the “Martian” landscapes and unique rock formations. As first-time hikers, they had to put in some effort, but the final view was worth every step. Now that they have some experience under their belts, an overnight trip is definitely on the horizon!

• The little ones headed to Issyk-Ata for a walk and a dip in the pool. The road there was a feast for the eyes: vibrant green hills, yellow and white wildflowers, and snowy peaks in the distance, with sheep and horses grazing peacefully. The children were thrilled by every cow and horse they
  saw—for them, it was a true adventure.

During the drive, we chatted and planned our day. While the kids were mostly looking forward to the pool, they were still curious about the mountain hike.

Once we arrived, we went over the essential safety rules:

• Stick together: Don’t run ahead or lag behind — stay with the group
• Keep your distance from the river
• Watch your footing: Don’t step on rocks, even if they look large and stable
• Respect wildlife: Don’t step on snakes or insects. Just wait — they are more afraid of us than we are of them
• Stay hydrated and keep your hats on

We didn’t hike for long, but there was plenty of time to soak in the scenery and snap a few photos. Being their first hike, the kids got a little tired, so we decided to head back. After all, a full hour of swimming in the hot spring pools was waiting for them!

We had a blast—lots of diving and splashing around. What more could you need for a perfect day? Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious lunch before starting the journey home. Most of the kids fell asleep on the way back; the hot springs have a way of relaxing you completely. An hour later, we were back, and it was time to say goodbye.

It’s always hard to part ways, but we’re already looking forward to seeing everyone again in May!