Darin McQuoid Photography

Kyrgyzstan

Day Nine: the Little Naryn

We have to adjust our plans due to the collapse of the bridge over the main Naryn River. Instead of driving across and heading downstream, we will do the Little Naryn before heading downstream. We camp about 11km up the Little Naryn at Eki-Naryn Yurt camp Акыл. The Little Naryn flows from the north into the Naryn River. A significant watershed in its own right, it joins the Naryn where we took out yesterday. From our campsite we drive up river about 13 kilometers. The run has a harder lower section and easier upper section. Much like Naryn proper, the Little Naryn is quite high too.

A significant rapid on the Little Naryn marks the transition between the upper and lower sections.

A bridge of the same wood construction as the one that collapsed. I'd imagine they can rebuild these every year for fifty years for less cost than one of ours runs. Just don't be driving over it when it falls.

The river up here is pure class fun. Non-stop big water III-IV, great scenery, some huge cliff walls. It's too fun to get out and take pictures of. We make very fast time down this section and only too soon are at the top of the lower section, and I take out. The section below isn't too visible from the road and might be quite full on, so I'll take a pass on that. Rok Sribar, Michal Kuthan, and Egor Voskoboynikov continue on through.

Michal Kuthan running the entrance to the first big rapid.

Michal Kuthan again, with some big boils to fight to get to the right.

Michal Kuthan, making it right for the crux move of the big rapid.

Michal Kuthan, greasting the line.

A bridge crosses the river below the big rapid, giving a great vantage into the downstream gorge and extra large entrance hole.

Michal, Rok and Egor portage their way into the gorge.

Egor Voskoboynikov paddles down into the gorge.

Rok Sribar, what a gorge it is, especially at this flow.

Rok Sribar turns the first corner.

Michael Kuthan.

We hop in the car with "Gimi" aka Дмитрий Погорелов and head back to camp. We arrive just a bit before the paddlers, and they said it was very exciting with some massive features and a near swim, but they're all elated to have pulled it off.

Back at the Yurt Camp.

We have a late lunch or early dinner, one of the best of the trip. The hosts are incredibly nice people.

Fairly typical fare for Kyrgyzsan, some meet, potatoes, bell peppers. Same for the tomato, bell pepper and carrot salad, we have it often. This meal had fresh cooked bread which was incredible.

A real Samovar, and some wonderful tea thanks to the hosts.

Gimi [Дмитрий Погорелов] takes a break, a talented driver and true asset to the adventure.

After a second night by the Little Naryn, it's time to head downstream. We pack up for a travel day. The bridge is still out, but the government has opened an old Soviet road that was in bad shape, and it's our alternate route. A dirt road, deep loose dust, and a pass around 10,000' to get downstream. For some reason our kayaks decide they don't like these condtions and really try to get off the trailer any chance they get.

Seasonal work and housing viewed from our alternate route.

How many of the locals commute in the mountains.

After a long stretch of driving we arrive in the town of Naryn, but the van needs repairs. Thankfully the shop is able to get it done in a couple hours, and we head out again. Eventually it gets dark and we're still driving. It's a long haul of the day, but finally we setup our camp gear near the Lower or "Greater Naryn" and anticipate a long day and big gorges to come. Our Campsite near the Greater Naryn.

On to Day Nine, The Greater Naryn.

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