Why Kyrgyzstan
A Place That Stays With You
There’s a question I get often when I talk about my photography tour in Central Asia:
Why Kyrgyzstan?
It’s a fair question. Most people can’t point to it on a map, and most have never even heard of it, and that’s exactly part of the answer.
A Place That Makes You Feel Alive
Before I ever set foot in Kyrgyzstan, I was searching for something different, somewhere off the radar, largely unknown to most travelers and photographers. I wanted an adventure, somewhere new, somewhere that felt undiscovered, especially by photographers. I didn’t want another trip to a familiar location. I wanted the unknown. And Kyrgyzstan delivered.
Taking in the sunset at Valley of Forgotten Rivers
I had seen a few photos, soaring mountains, open valleys, yurt camps, but I wasn’t prepared for how deeply the experience would land.
There was something electric about being somewhere completely unfamiliar. Every moment felt vivid. It’s hard to explain, but if you’ve ever felt that sense of I can’t believe I’m really here, then you know what I mean.
It wasn’t just the landscapes that caught me off guard, it was also the people. Kind, generous, proud of their culture, and excited to share it. Whether it was sharing a meal in a yurt, watching an eagle hunter train his bird, or chatting with our guides on the trail, I left with more than photographs. I left with stories.
Unreal Scenery, Under-Photographed
From a photography standpoint, Kyrgyzstan is a goldmine. Towering mountains, glacier-fed lakes, rolling pastures dotted with horses, it has the drama of the Alps and the remoteness of the Himalayas, but with a fraction of the crowds.
Camp site view from Sary Jaz Valley
And because so few photographers have worked extensively here, every scene still feels fresh. It’s rare to go somewhere this beautiful that hasn’t already been overrun by the same Instagram shots from the same overlooks.
Let’s Talk About the Name
When I tell people about this magical place, I often get a pause. The name Kyrgyzstan includes that “-stan” ending, and some folks immediately assume it must be similar to places they associate with the Middle East or war zones. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Kyrgyzstan is peaceful, welcoming, and culturally rich. It’s part of Central Asia, not the Middle East, and its people are known for their hospitality, resilience, and connection to a nomadic heritage that still thrives today. The country is over 90% mountains, dotted with alpine lakes and grassy highlands where shepherds still roam with flocks. It's a place that feels timeless.
Peak Yeltsin
In short, it’s not what you think. It’s not chaotic, intimidating, or dangerous. It’s calm, open, and rooted in a culture that welcomes visitors with genuine warmth. If anything, it’s the kind of place that quietly reshapes your expectations of what travel can feel like. It’s better.
A Journey, Not Just a Trip
Let’s be honest: this isn’t a “drive to a parking lot, take a picture, and move on” kind of tour. It’s for those who want a little more out of travel, who are curious, open, and okay with some dirt on their boots.
That doesn’t mean it’s extreme. You don’t need to be an elite athlete or an expert hiker. We’ll have local support (including 4x4 vehicles and sometimes even horseback), comfortable lodging ranging from hotels to cozy yurt camps, and a small group that allows us to stay flexible and go off the beaten path when it makes sense.
Leaving Sary Jaz Valley back into the mountains
Why I’m Going Back—and Bringing a Few of You With Me
There’s a reason I chose Kyrgyzstan as the destination for one of my most immersive workshops. Not just because it’s stunning (it is), or because it’s adventurous (without being overwhelming), but because it made me feel.
It reminded me why I picked up a camera in the first place, to explore, to connect, and to come home with more than just images.
So yes, that’s why Kyrgyzstan.
And if you’re ready to try something a little different—something that might just stay with you, I’d love to have you join me.
If you have questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! If you’re ready to join the adventure you can sign up on the workshop page here.
If this glimpse into Kyrgyzstan speaks to you, imagine experiencing it in person. That’s why I created this tour—to share a place that truly changed me.
