Kyrgyzstan Photography Tour
July 10-20, 2026
Discover Kyrgyzstan: A Photographers Paradise
Join professional photographer Andrew Hertel and local guides for an unforgettable photography workshop amid the majestic landscapes and vibrant culture of Kyrgyzstan.
Experience the stunning beauty of Kyrgyzstan, where towering mountains, serene alpine lakes, and charming local villages create an unparalleled backdrop for your photography journey. Sometimes called the "Switzerland of Central Asia," Kyrgyzstan's majestic mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming environment are sure to inspire. Capture the grandeur of the Tien Shan mountain range with its snow-capped peaks and the expansive Sary-Jaz Valley. Photograph the tranquil beauty of alpine lakes and lush, vibrant meadows. Explore the rugged allure of glaciers, flowing rivers, and dramatic canyons. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kyrgyz villages, where traditional lifestyles and warm hospitality await.
Highlights:
Remote Sary-Jaz Valley near the Kazakhstan border
High-altitude alpine lake camp in the Tien Shan Mountains
River crossings in old Soviet trucks
Traditional yurt stay under the stars
Visit with a local eagle hunter
Cultural exploration in Karakol
July 10-20, 2026
Limited to 6 Participants
$3,500.00 per person (based on double occupancy; hotels, yurts and tents. Single Occupancy supplement: $400.00
$500.00 non refundable deposit required to reserve your space. The remaining balance due 90 days before tour start date.
Join us in Kyrgyzstan for a photography workshop that promises not just incredible images, but an unforgettable adventure in one of the world's most extraordinary locations.
The Plan
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Arrive in the vibrant city of Bishkek and feel the adventure begin. After checking into our hotel, we will explore the lively streets and historic landmarks. In the evening, we’ll gather for a warm meet and greet dinner with the crew, setting the tone for the incredible journey ahead.
Accommodations: Hotel
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We'll embark on a scenic drive, gradually ascending to just over 3,000 meters above sea level. Though it's a long journey, the breathtaking landscapes make every moment worthwhile. Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of Son Kol Lake, capturing mesmerizing sunset shots. Experience a traditional felt-making demonstration, discovering how carpets and yurt coverings are created.
Accommodations: Yurt Camp
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Leaving the tranquil Son Kol Lake in the morning, we’ll head towards the crystal-clear waters of Issyk Kul Lake. We’ll stop for a delightful lunch with a local family renowned for their yurt-making skills and witness their fascinating craftsmanship. Continuing to the captivating Canyon of Forgotten Rivers, we’ll arrive just in time for a sunset photography session. We’ll spend the night in a yurt camp by the awe-inspiring Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest mountain lake in the world.
Accommodations: Yurt Camp
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We’re in for an exhilarating day as we journey from the peaceful lake to the dramatic Mars Canyon. Here, we’ll have the unique opportunity to photograph an eagle hunter and his majestic bird. Traveling to Peak Eltcin in a rugged Soviet military vehicle, we’ll arrive with ample time to explore the stunning valley and river before capturing the sunset over the mountains.
Accommodations: Tent Camping
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We’ll wake up to a breathtaking sunrise with Peak Eltcin as our backdrop. After a morning photo session, we’ll descend the valley towards Karakol City. Recharge at the hotel and, in the afternoon, explore a location offering panoramic views of Karakol city for an enchanting sunset shoot.
Accommodations: Hotel
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We’ll hop on a military bus and drive to the basecamp of Karakol Peak. Embark on the trip’s most challenging hike, or opt for a thrilling horseback ride, as we ascend to the campsite. This 4-mile hike promises stunning views and an invigorating adventure.
Accommodations: Tent Camping
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We’ll watch the sun rise over the mountains, then trek back down to the basecamp, or ride horseback if preferred. Enjoy lunch and then board our military vehicle for the return journey to Karakol City, ready to unwind and share stories of the day's adventures.
Accommodations: Hotel
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After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll embark on an epic drive to the Sary-Jaz Valley in 4x4s. This journey takes us through breathtaking valleys and along rivers with views of towering snow-capped mountains. We’ll camp under the expansive sky and soak in the serene environment, perfect for night photography.
Accommodations: Tent Camping
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We’ll capture the sunrise from our camp before enjoying breakfast. We’ll begin the journey back towards Karakol, passing through the picturesque Karkara Valley and over Basharin Pass. In the evening, we’ll savor a delicious dinner and explore Karakol one last time.
Accommodations: Hotel
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After breakfast, we’ll travel back to Bishkek, reflecting on the epic adventure and the incredible memories made. Enjoy a final dinner together, celebrating the journey and the friendships forged.
Accommodations: Hotel
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We’ll relish a final breakfast together before saying our goodbyes and departing for home. We’ll take with us unforgettable memories and a portfolio of stunning photographs that capture the essence of Kyrgyzstan.
Tour Highlights
Majestic Tien Shan Mountains: Capture the grandeur of snow-capped peaks and expansive valleys, providing breathtaking backdrops for your photographs.
Traditional Yurt Camping: Experience authentic Kyrgyz culture by staying in traditional yurts, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Eagle Hunter Photography: Witness and photograph the ancient tradition of eagle hunting, with up-close interactions with an eagle hunter and his majestic bird.
Scenic Drives: Travel through diverse landscapes, from serene alpine lakes and lush meadows to dramatic canyons and rugged mountain passes.
Cultural Immersion: Engage with local communities, learn about traditional crafts like felt-making and yurt construction, and enjoy warm Kyrgyz hospitality.
Night Sky Photography: Camp under expansive, star-filled skies perfect for capturing stunning night photography.
Challenging Hikes and Horseback Rides: Embark on invigorating hikes and optional thrilling horseback rides to remote locations, offering unique photographic opportunities and adventure.
Experience the Nomadic Lifestyle
Experience the ancient tradition of eagle hunting with a local hunter and his majestic bird. This rare opportunity offers incredible photographic moments and a deep appreciation for the bond between hunter and eagle.
Eagle Hunting: Witness and photograph this ancient nomadic tradition.
Cultural Immersion: Engage with the local nomadic lifestyle.
Comprehensive Photography Workshop
Whether you're an experienced photographer, passionate amateur, or complete beginner, this workshop will enhance your skills and expand your artistic horizons.
Daily Photography Sessions: Participate in hands-on instruction and post processing techniques.
Techniques and Guidance: Learn techniques for landscape, nature, and cultural photography.
Personalized Guidance: Receive personalized tips and guidance to improve your photography.
Adventure and Comfort Combined
Travel with local guides, skilled porters, and talented chefs through remote locations via 4x4 vehicles, old Soviet-era trucks, hiking, and possibly horseback riding. Accommodations range from comfortable hotels to authentic yurt camps and wild tent camping.
Travel Modes: Explore remote locations in 4x4 vehicles, trucks, on foot, and possibly horseback.
Accommodations: Stay in hotels, yurt camps, and tents for a complete Kyrzyk experience.
Join Us in July 2026
Join us for an adventure that promises stunning photographs and a deeper connection with Kyrgyzstan's natural world and vibrant culture. Don’t miss this chance to explore, learn, and create lasting memories.
What’s Included?
All transportation from arrival in Bishkek until departure.
Accommodation during the entire stay including yurt camps, hotel and a few nights in a tent when we are in the mountains. As we have porters for tent nights, you will never have to carry a tent or heavy kit. If you do not wish to bring along your favorite sleeping bag, you many rent one from the guide service for an additional fee.
Three meals per day, coffee and tea. You will not go hungry on this trip!
All photographic instruction and local guiding services.
Special entry permits for border zone areas.
Transport throughout the trip with our local drivers.
What’s Not Included?
Transportation to and from Kyrgyzstan.
Visa if required for your home country.
Travel, medical and equipment insurance. It is strongly recommended that you obtain travel insurance for the cost of the tour and any travel expenses.
Sleeping bag for tent nights, you may rent one from our guide service.
Alcoholic drinks.
Any additional costs to extend your stay before or after the tour dates. It is recommended you arrive a day early to avoid any surprise delays and to acclimate to altitude if needed.
Gratuities for local guides, porters and chef. Not required but they help greatly to ensure we are comfortable as possible throughout our journey.
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Yes, Kyrgyzstan is generally a safe destination for travelers. Like any travel experience, it’s important to take standard precautions, but our team prioritizes your safety and comfort. We collaborate with local guides who are highly knowledgeable about the regions we visit. Additionally, we stay updated on any travel advisories and make necessary adjustments to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all participants. Kyrgyzstan is known for its warm hospitality and stunning natural landscapes, making it a wonderful and enriching destination to explore.
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Most likely not, more than 90 countries are exempt from needing a Visa for visiting Kyrgyzstan for less than 60 day, however you may want to double check for your country, click here to check.
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Bishkek is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan where Manas (FRU), the international airport is located. There are several flights daily from Istanbul to Manas (FRU) via Turkish Airlines, there is also the option of flying to Manas via Dubai depending on what part of the world you are arriving from.
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All levels of photographers are welcome! From seasoned pros looking to experience new places to complete beginners and everyone in between will have a great experience on this trip. No worries, if you are a beginner, we’ve all been there, I will help you produce images you are proud of. If you are a beginner, try to become familiar with the controls and menus of your camera prior to the trip, it’s never fun trying to figure out where a setting is when the light is good.
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This adventure involves traveling into seldom visited areas in remote regions of the county where lodging options may be limited. Our accommodations will include a mixture of hotels, yurt camps and wild tent camping when we will be in the mountains. Accommodations are double occupancy unless you have purchased a single occupancy upon booking the tour. Yurt camps usually sleep 4-6 people per yurt, no single occupancy.
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Everyone has a different definition of adventure, in general, an average level of fitness is all that is required. We will be doing a lot of walking and exploring areas but nothing crazy. You should be able to carry your camera bag and walk for a few miles each day, sometimes up elevations on uneven surfaces. There will be one day that may test your fitness levels when we will visit Karakol Peak, we will be hiking from basecamp to our wild camp which is at an elevation of 10,100ft (3,000M), traveling around 4 miles (6.4 KM) gaining 1,800 ft (550 M) of elevation. There may be the option of getting to our camp via horseback if available (for an additional cost). If members of the group are tired or do not wish to make this hike, the option of staying at basecamp and exploring the valley is possible, it’s a beautiful area. We will be traveling through areas of higher elevation, upwards of 12,500 ft (3,8500 M) to get from one valley to another, if you are prone to altitude sickness please bring any medicine you may need with you. You may want to consult with your physician prior to the trip as well.
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I will send out a detailed list to tour attendees. Besides your camera gear and a good attitude clothing is the biggest challenge. This tour will take us from hot to cold to rain to maybe even snow, possibly all in the same day. I highly recommend that you bring a variety of layers to peel on and off as the weather and climate changes during the tour. We will be in the mountains for a good portion of the trip which means it can and probably will rain, a good waterproof (Gore-tex) rain jacket and paints are a must. A good sturdy pair of waterproof boots are a must along with good socks, think merino wool not cotton. You will also need casual clothing for the days when we are exploring the cities.
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Yes and I encourage you to bring a drone. The remote regions are heaven for drones! Don’t fly in cities, near airports, around people or private residences. Prior to the tour, educate yourself on drone laws in Kyrgyzstan and any restrictions on bringing a drone on the airline you will be flying with.
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When we are staying in hotels we will eat at our hotel or restaurants which serve a wide variety of foods. When we are in the mountains we will have a chef with us who will prepare delicious meals made from local ingredients. Dinner in the Yurts usually consists of a set meal including a soup, salad and a main course for dinner. Breakfast will usually consist a bread, eggs and fruit. Vegetarian options will be available but please inform me ahead of time. Not to worry, there will be no shortage of coffee and tea available on the tour. You will not go hungry on this tour!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel more than 90 days from the start date of the Workshop: refund of monies paid minus the $500 deposit.
If you cancel 89-31 days from the start date of the Workshop: refund of monies paid minus the $500 deposit and $200 admin fee.
If you cancel 30 days or less from the start date of the Workshop: no refund of any monies paid.
If you need to cancel, please notify me as soon as possible. If we can fill your spot on the tour, we will refund any payments made minus $200.
I understand that life happens but unfortunately there are NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY, even for medical emergencies. All cancellation requests must be made via E-mail. I encourage participants to purchase refundable airline tickets and trip cancellation insurance. I strongly recommend trip insurance to protect you in the event of an unexpected situation that prevents you from attending the workshop. There are many different trip and travel insurance companies, I highly recommend you speak to an agent to ensure your trip is covered.
I reserve the right to cancel any workshop in the unlikely event the minimum participant enrollment is not met. In the event I cancel a workshop, participants will be given the option to reschedule to a later date or receive a full refund. I am not, however, liable for expenses incurred such as airfare or accommodations, and for this reason I also recommend the purchase of trip insurance.
Have questions about the adventure that haven’t been covered, send me a message.
