It was a tough night with sub zero temperatures, the high altitude and a rock hard ground making deep sleep almost impossible !
After a breakfast of eggs and dry bread it was time for our signature climb !
It might have been only 3 kms long but on dirt and at 8+% to the top of the 4,616 Al Baital Pass it was brutal!
Apart from poor Kiwi Pete who was still suffering, everyone made it to the the summit and posed for numerous pics against a backdrop of picturesque multi coloured mountains.
The descent and flat ride to morning tea were murderous ! It was impossible to not ride on rutts, in fact even the rutts were rutted ! ! This pain filled journey went for over 15kms !
Thankfully after morning tea conditions improved as we followed the old Chinese border.
Rounding a corner Lake Kara Kul appeared as if by magic - it's deep blue colour stunningly set against the snow capped mountain range
Despite the remote location our accommodation for the evening was packed meaning a fair wait to use the bathing facilities and outdoor toilet - not ideal but par for the course !
With hordes of barking dogs I figure tonight was not going to be great for sleeping either !
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| Night time at Ak Baital camp ! |
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| Tajiky brother in arms - top of Ak Baital Pass ! |
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| Descending from the pass |
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| Lake Kara Kul formed by a meteorite some 10 million years ago ! |
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| Kiwi Pete near Lake Kara Kul |
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| Ian and Martein lead the way ! |
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| Stunning views ! |
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| Group shot on top of the pass |
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| Christine successfully on top |
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| Big John on top of the pass |
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| Simon taking a breather |
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| Stunning backdrop heading to Lake Kara Kul |
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| Stuart on the move |
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