Diaries of a Backpacker

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Diaries of a Backpacker

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Diaries of a Backpacker is a website dedicated to adventure travels, following the steps of Daniela Zavala as she crosses the world in search of extraordinary stories and experiences. Daring to go where many people don't, Daniela offers a deep insight of the places and cultures she visits through her diaries, feature stories, photos and video reports, all while providing useful travel information.

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29/10/2024

This adventure ends just as it began: with a hug from my love.

I remember the days when I wasn’t a mother; coming home felt bittersweet as I always wanted to stay longer.

Now, with my son waiting for me, I am excited to return home.

While this chapter concludes, another adventure is on the horizon—this time with my family.

Stay tuned for more world travels!

24/10/2024

It is time to start heading home after a great adventure to a region that has always fascinated me.

I have four flights to get back to Arizona, and one of the stops is Dubai. I have always been welcomed by my dear friends, who feel more like a family away from home.

What a treat to see my dear friend Divina -whom I have known for 30 years!- and her husband Vik twice this year.

They always wonder how I travel with a backpack—this time, two backpacks.

Well, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

23/10/2024

It may look like the Canadian Rockies, but this stunning location is actually in Kazakhstan!

With its beautiful turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain scenery, Big Almaty Lake is definitely worth the half-day trip from Almaty.

You can either hike a 6.4-mile loop trail or drive up with a guide. If you prefer a car ride, you must visit 9 a.m.

Since it was cold and slippery during my visit, I opted for a guided drive. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable guide who can provide detailed information about the lake as well as insights into the history and present of Kazakhstan, I recommend contacting Dmitriy from Daotravel.kz. He offers private tours and knows the area well.

Not only is this lake incredibly beautiful, but it also provides water for the city.

22/10/2024

A magical morning in the Big Almaty Lake, an alpine reservoir 2500 meters above sea level, located not so far from the city of Almaty.

21/10/2024

If you come to Almaty, you MUST eat at NAVAT Chaikhana!

It is the best food I have tried during this trip and any other trip to Central Asia.

It offers SO many options for local cuisines from the entire region.

No wonder why “The favorite appetizer” -sort of Fried eggplant rolls with tomatoes and cheese inside- has that name. It was to die for!

From the food and drinks to the atmosphere and service, this restaurant offers an unforgettable experience.

21/10/2024

Whether you are a shopper or not, the Green Market in Almaty (which is walking distance from the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park) is worth checking out.

This two-level indoor market has many stalls and tables selling all sorts of things: clothes, souvenirs, sweets, fruits, meat, vegetables, nuts, and so much more.

I really enjoy strolling in local markets and just people-watching while walking around.

21/10/2024

Not far from the majestic Orthodox Church at 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park, there is a historical and architectural monument dedicated to and named after the Panfilov heroes, who were the 28 soldiers from Almaty who died during the Second World War defending Moscow from the N***s.

During my visit, men and women, as well as children in uniform, lined up to lay flowers in the Eternal Flame to honor the fallen soldiers.

20/10/2024

The Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, is one of Almaty’s main sights and is the most beautiful (in my eyes).

This exquisite and colorful Russian Orthodox cathedral -completed in 1907- is located in Panfilov Park and is made of wood without nails.

During the Soviet years, it was used as a museum and concert hall. In 1995, it went back to be a church.

A piece of art outside and inside.

20/10/2024

From Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan!

I have to say that I didn’t have high expectations from Kazakhstan, but since Almaty (Kazakhstan) was so close to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), I decided to take a few days to check it out.

I imagined it to be very modern (Kazakhstan is among the top ten largest countries in the world and the most advanced and developed in Central Asia due to its oil and mineral reserves) and also very Soviet (not very pretty looking).

To my surprise, Almaty is a very beautiful modern city with many parks, new constructions, and stunning snow-capped peaks.

I stayed at the iconic Kazakhstan hotel (built in 1977), from which I had amazing views of the mountains and a good starting point to explore the main attractions.

Almaty really exceeded my expectations and some more!

Stay tuned for more photos and stories about the places I visited.

19/10/2024

After a beautiful experience in Kyrgyzstan, it is time to say bye to a wonderful country and to new friends 🥹

Thanks Nura for being a tourist for a day with me and making my last hours in Bishkek so much fun! 😃

19/10/2024

Must places to check out in Bishkek:

✨State History Museum
✨Ala Too Square
✨Osh Bazaar
✨White House

If you have more time, also check:
✨Russian Orthodox Cathedral
✨Turkish Mosque

19/10/2024

I ate delicious food in Kyrgyzstan but also tried something peculiar…

My Kyrgyst friend Nura, whom I met on the flight from Dubai to Bishkek, decided to explore her city with me and joined me for a stroll in the Osh Bazaar.

Local markets worldwide sell many things, including some weird foods. One thing I didn’t expect (and have never seen in another country) was rocks (ground) for sale to eat!

We both tried it, and our reactions were quite different. Check it out! 😂

19/10/2024

Before coming to Kyrgyzstan, I was a bit concerned about vegetarian options while traveling here. I came prepared with food as I didn’t want to cause locals inconvenience because of it.

I have to say that I was surprised by the delicious fresh food I found here. So, if you are a vegetarian, you don’t have to worry about that. And be ready to have some amazing teas!

Bokonbaevo Village has a restaurant that offers the best lentil soup I have ever had: . It is a must-stop if you pass through this town. Check out there the lentils soup (the best I have ever had) and the crispy eggplant salad.

You should also try the Traditional Kyrgyz Kattama (a tasty bread that melts in your mouth) and Laghman noodles (Mars’s favorite dish).

18/10/2024

The guide you have on a trip can make your trip an unforgettable and beautiful experience or a bad one.

They can be the best ambassadors for a country, and that’s exactly what Mars has been. He has gone the extra mile to show us the beauty of his country and made changes to the itinerary to meet our particular interests.

Right after dinner, Mars surprised us with beautiful traditional Kyrgyz vests. This was such a thoughtful and unexpected gesture. I will think of this wonderful adventure every time we wear it at home.

Bringing home so many beautiful memories and it was thanks to him.

If you come to Kyrgyzstan, I strongly recommend you to reach out to Mars

I think we (these two Latinas) didn’t drive this Kyrgyz man crazy. 🤪

18/10/2024

Horseback riding is a popular activity in Kyrgyzstan.

I couldn’t come here and not do it. Mars brought us to Chon-Kemin, a beautiful valley with a winding river surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Rafting and hiking through the forests are also popular activities, but the season for them is over with current freezing temperatures (we woke up at 0C or 32F).

We took a beautiful horseback ride around the valley, soaking in the stunning views.

Our horses were a bit rebellious and didn’t hear much of our commands 😂 “Chu” (go) didn’t click with them (eating along the way and going at a very slow/chill pace were their priorities) 😜

Looking around, I can imagine these mountains’ endless hiking opportunities, weather permitting.

The family-owned Ular guest house (where we stayed) is newly built (a combination of modern and traditional charm) and offers fantastic views, cozy rooms, and delicious food.

17/10/2024

This is the Burana Tower, an important archaeological site of Kyrgyzstan and one of the oldest architectural constructions in Central Asia, dating back to the end of the 10th century.

This beautiful minaret is part of the remains of the ancient city of Balasagun, the capital of the Karakhanid Empire in the 9th century.

Although small, the museum near the tower has an interesting exhibit of Coins, pottery, jewelry, and other old artifacts.

It is possible to climb to the top of the minaret. If you dare, be ready for a steep, dark hike. There is not much to see from the top, but I think it is worth the little adventure.

17/10/2024

The day I arrived in Kyrgyzstan was cloudy, and while I could see the mountains, I couldn’t really appreciate the magnitude of the peaks surrounding us.

After a long rain overnight and the skies clearing out, I was completely blown away by the range of snow-capped peaks in every direction I looked.

The contrast of the lake with the white mountains was simply spectacular.

This is a hiker’s and climber’s dream playground!

17/10/2024

Relaxing in the hot springs of Kaji Say was a nice stop as we explored the surrounding areas of Issue Kul Lake.

The views of the snow-capped mountains from the outside hot springs pools were incredible.

One of the pools had cold glacier water from the lake, so guests could jump from hot to cold and vice versa.

Check out how Sandra and I did jumping between pools 😆

16/10/2024

Beautiful moments and people. ❤️

16/10/2024

Living in Arizona and having explored many canyons there and in southern Utah, I am used to canyons, and I have seen stunning ones, but Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale canyon, on the south shore of Lake Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan is truly special and very different from the snow-capped peaks the country is known for.

It was a rainy morning and a slippery hike, but the colorful red rock formations were worth the visit.

According to local legend, a dragon fell in love with a beautiful girl and asked her to marry him. When she said “no,” the angry dragon cursed the Issyk Kul valley, raising the waters in the wells and flooding the valley every full moon.

To prevent the valley from overflowing, the locals covered the wells with golden lids, but one day, a woman forgot to cover them, and Issyk Kul flooded and became the lake we see today.

16/10/2024

A yurt is a portable round tent traditionally used by nomadic herders.

Check out Nomads Lodge, a beautiful yurt guest house by Issyk Kul Lake.

I planned and expected to stay in a yurt with a family, just as I did in the Gobi desert in Mongolia in 2007. However, a lot has changed in this region.

My yurt has comfy beds, electricity, and a heater. Listening to the overnight rain, I slept really well in this beautiful and comfortable yurt. The yurt insulation protects from nature’s elements yet allows one to experience it.

16/10/2024

Juuku Gorge has been my favorite spot so far in Kyrgyzstan.

We went off-roading deep into the canyon, enjoying some fantastic views of mountains, red rock formations, and rivers.

We didn’t see one person or one car along the way, and that is the magic of coming to a place like Kyrgyzstan. We have this place for ourselves to enjoy.

To say that I am happy is an understatement 😃

We had a picnic in the middle of the valley, and it was one of the most scenic and peaceful lunches I have ever had!

Mars brought horse’s sausage, a delicacy here. I am a vegetarian, so I didn’t try it, but Sandra did, and she was surprised by how tasty it was.

15/10/2024

Kyrgyzstan is known for its semi-nomadic herders, who live in yurts and tend sheep, horses, and cattle.

At this time of the year, when temperatures start cooling down, the herders leave their yurts and go down the mountains for warmer weather.

15/10/2024

Today has been epic!

90% of Kyrgyzstan is covered by mountains, and today, we experienced the pristine beauty of incredible landscapes.

We started our day with a short hike, which wasn’t hard, but the high elevation made it a bit challenging. The effort was rewarded with beautiful views of peaks and waterfalls.

After the hike, Mars took it to his favorite spot next to a dreamy river for tea and more stunning views.

I cannot get enough of these majestic mountains ❤️🏔️

PS: The interesting statue/memorial is of Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin, a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut who became the first human to journey into outer space.

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Videos

Big Almaty Lake

A magical morning in the Big Almaty Lake, an alpine reservoir 2500 meters above sea level, located not so far from the city of Almaty. #Lakes #Alpinelakes #travel #travelwithme #travelphotography #worldtheworld #Almaty #nature

Drinking horse milk

As part of the meal and experience in NAVAT Chaikhana, the restaurant serves all guests “Kumis” or horse milk. This traditional fermented milk—which is slightly alcoholic—is popular in Central Asia and, according to locals, good for health. What did you think about it? Check this out! #food #foodie #foodstagram #travel #travelphotography #travelblogger #worldtraveler #centralasia #almaty #restaurants #kazakhstan #travelwithme #travelstories #kumis #horsemilk

Weird food!

I ate delicious food in Kyrgyzstan but also tried something peculiar… My Kyrgyst friend Nura, whom I met on the flight from Dubai to Bishkek, decided to explore her city with me and joined me for a stroll in the Osh Bazaar. Local markets worldwide sell many things, including some weird foods. One thing I didn’t expect (and have never seen in another country) was rocks (ground) for sale to eat! We both tried it, and our reactions were quite different. Check it out! 😂 #weirdfood #foodphotography #travelphotography #traveltheworld #travelblogger #travel

Hot springs in Kyrgyzstan

Relaxing in the hot springs of Kaji Say was a nice stop as we explored the surrounding areas of Issue Kul Lake. The views of the snow-capped mountains from the outside hot springs pools were incredible. One of the pools had cold glacier water from the lake, so guests could jump from hot to cold and vice versa. Check out how Sandra and I did jumping between pools 😆 #coldplunge #centralasia #kyrgyzstan #travelwithme #travelblogger #travelphotography #worldtraveler

Sunrise in Kyrgyzstan

Where I woke up today ❤️ #travelblogger #centralasia #travel

Archery in Kyrgyzstan

After a lot of attempts, I got two. 😆#nomadiclife #archery #hunting #kyrgyzstan #centralasia #travel #travelblogger

On the road

Landed at 4:40am and already heading to the mountains! When I travel, I avoid taking group tours. I thought this was a private tour but it turned out I have a travel companion. And it was another Latina but from Nicaragua. Mars, our Kyrgyz guide, said it is the first time he has travelers from Venezuela and Nicaragua. I think this is going to be a cultural immersion for us, but also for him. 😜 #travelblogger #travelgram #travel #centralasia

Back to the airport to catch a flight to explore Central Asia once again! From Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan to Timur and the Russians, each left their marks on this region… it has been a crossroads for people, trade of goods, and ideas. I am so excited to return to it and immerse myself in this hidden corner of the world and parts of the Silk Road. My heart is beating faster in anticipation of this great adventure ahead. I get this feeling every time I travel solo, and I love it! Some don’t dare or fear traveling solo. I discovered the beauty of this form of traveling in 1997. It was not on purpose, but it changed my life. During these adventures, I learned about other people and cultures and a lot about myself. It has been 27 years, and I still discover something new about myself in each trip. Traveling solo is liberating and can also be the best therapy. While I understand that solo travel is not for everyone, I encourage everyone to try it at least once. But for the moment, are you ready to travel along with me? Follow my adventure. Stay tuned for stories along the way! #travelblogger #travel #worldtraveler #travelstories #solotravel #backpacker #backpacking

After three flights and two connections, I arrived in Dubai, a stop I had to make to reach my final destination. A good surprise during my flights was that I had premium economy seats for the international ones! I booked this trip with miles months ago and had no idea I was in premium. I have to say that having the extra space and more comfortable seats (even better food!) do make a difference. This is a good way to kick off this adventure!!! In this video, I will give you another clue to see if you can guess where I am heading next tomorrow night. #diariesofabackpacker #travelgram #travelblogger #adventuretime #solotravel #diariesofabackpacker

Solo hike in Lake Quinault Rainforest

While I love exploring with my husband and son, I also enjoy the quiet, lonely walks in nature. Hiking solo in the rainforest of Lake Quinault is a magical experience. #rainforest #lakequinault #olympicnationalpark #olympicnationalforest #hikingadventures #hiking #outdoors

Marymere Falls is one of the most popular trails in Olympic National Park. This trail is an easy 2-mile round trip hike located near Lake Crescent. #nationalparks #hiking #nature #outdoors

Got photobombed by a sea turtle! 🤣❤️🐢 Seeing these beautiful creatures softly swim by was such a beautiful and relaxing experience. #muscat #oman #snorkling #turtles #seaturtles #Daymaniyatisland #travel #travelwithkids #worldtraveler #travelblogger #travelwithme

During our overnight stay in the desert and under the stars, we were mesmerized by the Tanoura, an Egyptian folk dance similar to Turkey’s Sufi dance but with a twist. The man rapidly spins to Arabic tunes with a giant colorful skit with lights attached, depicting the universe's movement. While entertaining, this dance is a form of meditation for the performer. Beautiful to watch. #islamicdance #TanouraDance #dubai #arabiandesert

What a memorable sunset! 🌅 We wrapped up our day #1, enjoying the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. Everything in Dubai seems to be the biggest, largest, tallest, and so on 😂 and we have really enjoyed them all! This water, music, and light show is located just outside Burj Khalifa at the center of Downtown Dubai, and it is free! Just arrive 30 to 40 minutes earlier to get a good spot. 💦💦💦 Watch to the end! The video doesn’t do justice to the magnitude of fountain. #dubaifountain #dubaidowntown #dubai #travel #travelblogger #worldtravel

We made it to Dubai safe and sound! Danny was born to travel! 😊 He did really well in the +16-hour flight and slept most of it. I was basically his mattress, so he had plenty of rest, me not so much, but the things a mother will do for her kid 😂😜 We were supposed to land at 7:30 pm, but with a delay at LAX, we landed almost at 9 pm in Dubai, and then a long wait for transport. We finally made it to our hotel room at 11:30 pm. Just from the taxi drive and our room this morning, I can see HOW much the city has changed since I last visited. It was almost unrecognizable to me compared to when I first visited in 2008! While it has been a long past 24 hours, Danny and I are excited to explore Dubai! It is going to be a busy day with so much to do that I hope we manage to visit and do all the things we have planned for today. #travel #travelwithkids #travelblogger #worldtraveler #dubai #momslife #momandson #dubai #unitedarabemirates

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Videos

Big Almaty Lake

Drinking horse milk

Weird food!

Hot springs in Kyrgyzstan

Sunrise in Kyrgyzstan

Archery in Kyrgyzstan

On the road

Solo hike in Lake Quinault Rainforest

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