Kyrgyz Highlands Beckon: Photographers Capture the Majesty of Arakul Pass
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Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking landscapes, sculpted by millennia of glacial activity, are set to captivate audiences worldwide as the 1009th episode of KBS2’s “Video Album Mountain” premieres on Thursday, July 11th, at 6:55 a.m. local time. The episode focuses on the arduous yet rewarding climb through Arakul Pass, a region renowned for its dramatic peaks and vibrant alpine lakes.
A Land Forged by Time and Ice
Kyrgyzstan, a nation where over 90% of the terrain is mountainous, presents a formidable beauty. “The mountains cover the land and the wind blows across them,” a KBS spokesperson noted, highlighting the raw, untamed character of the region. The Tianshan Mountains, the backbone of the country, were formed by the collision of tectonic plates and subsequently refined by the relentless power of glaciers. This geological history has carved out stunning features like the Arakul Pass, a glacial pathway that challenges and inspires.
Journey to the Sky: A Photographer’s Expedition
Mountain photographer Lee Sang-eun and photographer Choi Kyeong-jin embarked on a 26-kilometer journey, estimated to take approximately 12 hours, through the Arakul Pass. Their expedition began at Sirota Camp, situated at an elevation of 2,950 meters, and aimed to reach the summit of Arakul Pass at 3,920 meters. The route traverses challenging terrain, including steep valleys where sunlight struggles to penetrate, demanding careful attention to maintaining body temperature.
Trials of Altitude and Terrain
The ascent proved physically demanding. The trail, composed of sharp rocks and gravel, became increasingly treacherous as the group gained altitude. “The endless uphill road feels like the final test of the mountain,” one observer commented, underscoring the relentless nature of the climb. A powerful waterfall and strong currents added to the difficulty, creating slippery conditions and requiring constant vigilance. Despite the exhaustion, the photographers found renewed energy in anticipation of the vistas to come.
Rainbow Lake: A Jewel of the Tian Shan
The arduous climb culminated in the discovery of Lake Arakul, a stunning body of water nestled amongst towering rocky peaks. The lake’s unique characteristic – its ability to shift colors with the changing sunlight – has earned it the moniker “Rainbow Lake.” Standing by its shores, the photographers paused to absorb the serene beauty of the landscape.
Conquering the Summit: A View from the Top
The journey continued towards the summit of Arakul Pass. Battling strong winds and heavy rain, the team persevered, finally reaching the peak. The summit, often described as a place where “all the winds in the world pass through,” offered a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Below, a jade-colored lake mirrored the sky, framed by snow-capped peaks and the striking red hues of the rock formations. “As I stand in front of that spectacular view, the weight of all the time I spent walking seems to disappear in an instant,” a photographer reflected, capturing the transformative power of the experience.
The expedition, documented in “Video Album Mountain,” showcases the raw beauty and challenging terrain of the Tian Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan, a country where plateaus truly touch the sky.
Cast: Lee Sang-eun / mountain photographer, Choi Kyeong-jin / photographer
Travel Course: Sirota Camp (2,950m) – Arakul Lake (3,532m) – Arakul Pass (3,920m) – Altin Arashan / Approximately 26km, takes approximately 12 hours.
