We all kick off onto the road without much confirmation of who would end up where other than myself which was dead set for Arslanbob.
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| Riding Views from Toktogul Lake to Arslanbob Forest |
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| Riding Views from Toktogul Lake to Arslanbob Forest |
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| Riding Views from Toktogul Lake to Arslanbob Forest |
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| Riding Views from Toktogul Lake to Arslanbob Forest |
Both Luch & Donkey gave the lets see how the days go answer when asked for their destination and plan for the day. Most of the journey had no reception or signal but two-thirds into the journey I received the message that both of them were ahead of me making that turn into the detour to Arslanbob.
I guess they just like their unofficial tour guide’s planning. Arslanbob was the largest walnut forest in the world and I had enough time that a big detour should not be skipped. Both Luchs & Donkey however had a dateline to keep for crossing into Europe while I was actually spending more time in Central Asia. Still it was not something to really skip if you are in the region.
Luchs and Donkey reached fairly early and started the hunt to find a campsite. The village terrain had not much open space for campers and the few campspot were away from the river and we were still picky campers looking for that perfect scenic spot.
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| Arslanbob River |
We ended up at a guesthouse recommended by Hayat from the CBT Tourist Office and camped in their yard. My tent was set hidden in the trees by the potato crops.
I was still not really satisfied being in Arslanbob Village. The road to the walnut forest was some crazy mud and rock filled offroad and would be impossible with my skills and Bragge so while exploring around the Village, I saw many 4x4 old soviet trucks bringing what was obviously tourist going on day tours.
I was still not really satisfied being in Arslanbob Village. The road to the walnut forest was some crazy mud and rock filled offroad and would be impossible with my skills and Bragge so while exploring around the Village, I saw many 4x4 old soviet trucks bringing what was obviously tourist going on day tours.
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| Pitching My tent by the Potato Fields |
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| Camping in a Guesthouse in Arslanbob |
A quick chat with Hayat and he helped arrange a 4x4 which Luchs & Donkey quickly hopped on to share the cost. The next morning the 4x4 was a classic 1949 soviet jeep and we had the fun time riding the jeep up the rocky track to see some of the sights in Arslanbob.
1st stop was the large waterfall which was actually a tall waterfall but still beautiful going through the roads. Non of our vehicle would have been able to manage that track. Even Luchs fully decked out 4X4 Toyota Hilux might be in trouble.
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| Team Luchs & Team Donkey & Myself on a Soviet Jeep Tour in Arslanbob |
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| Old 1949 Soviet Jeep Tour in Arslanbob |
2nd stop was the highlight, The Arslandbob Walnut Forest, largest in the world. Felt like a plantation but I could tell that if one really venture deeper and deeper into the forest, it could get creepy and wild.
Really unlike the Rainforest in Malaysia where you watch everywhere you step. This was open space forest but with a cold chill from a horror movie.
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| Arslanbob Walnut Forest |
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| Arslanbob Lookout Point |
3rd stop was the lookout point of Arslandbob. Scenic view is always a welcome and finally we headed to the last stop of small waterfall which was even packed with locals just hanging out. Half day tour done in Arslanbob, we packed up and made a run for the open road to Osh.
Traveled on: June 2024
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