Kyrgyzstan is so much more fertile a land than what I have seen of Mongolia. Our journey south and eastwards took us through lands of cultivated fields before we hit the first mountain pass. This range had a little evidence of the first dusting of winter snow but the higher peaks were capped white and I am sure they never loose that colour.

This lay-by had a fitting monument for my journey and it was placed here to represent a natural and wildlife reserve. Sadly the same futile minds as we have in the west seem attracted to any focal point, and are compelled to adorn their meaningless and ugly graffiti.