Impressive photo tour to Kyrgyzstan — visiting all highlights.

A complete immersion into the world of the nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan.

During this 12-days photo tour to Kyrgyzstan, we will see the unique life of the nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan. We will spend the night in yurts and tents on the mountains, where civilization has not yet reached. Tour includes 4 days of hiking, our guides will support you during the trek, so it will be very easy. We will visit very beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan: Son Kol Lake, Kel Suu Lake, Ala Kul Lake, Isyk Kul lake.

Description of the photo tour to Kyrgyzstan

Our photo tour starts from Bishkek airport and ends there. The best time for this tour is July, August, and September as mountain lakes in Kyrgyzstan freeze in winter and melt only mid-summer. Includes hiking, city tours, camping, and overnight in yurt.

Day 1. Bishkek or Bishkek airport - Son Kol lake

Meeting at the airport. Travel to Son Kol lake(4-5 hours). Explore nomadic life. Overnight in yurt. There are yurt villages with local shepherds on the banks of the Son Kul. This is a good opportunity to get acquainted with the local culture and overnight stays in yurts. Here you can take pictures of local life, shepherds, horses and of course against the background of the mountains.

Day 2. Son kol Lake - Naryn

After early breakfast near Son Kol, and morning photographing we will travel to Naryn. (5-6 hours). Torpok pass. Overnight in a guest house.

Day 3. Naryn - Kok kyia Valley - ak say valley - Kel Suu lake

Travel from Naryn to Kel suu lake. 4-5 hours. After lunch we will hike to Kel Suu lake. 12 km there and back. But very easy as it is 200 m elevation gain and back loss -200 m. We’ll shoot the Kel Suu until the evening and return to the yurts for dinner. Overnight in yurt.

Day 4. Kel Suu - Ton, Isyk Kul Lake - Ak say canyon (Canyon of forgotten rivers)

After early breakfast, we will travel to Isyk Kul lake.(7-8 hours) Ak say canyon sunset. Overnight in yurt in Jaichy yurt camp.

Day 5. Ton - Arabel lakes - Sunset in Fairy tale canyons

Early photoshoot of eagle show in the first lights. After breakfast day trip to Arabel lakes through Barskoon pass (3600 m). Back to Fairy tale canyons for sunset.

Day 6. Mars canyons - Elcin Peak - Jeti Oguz rocks - Karakol

Early in the morning, we can organize transport Mars canyons. After breakfast, we will travel to Jeti Oguz Valley with Red Rocks. Flower Valley. Sunset photoshoot of Elcin Peak view(5020m). After arrive in Karakol. Overnight in a guest house.

Day 7. Karakol town - Karakol Peak - horseback riding day

After breakfast, we drive up the gorge to Karakol. Where we are met by our horse guide. After a short instruction, we ride on horseback to the foot of Karakol Peak. Here we spend the night in tents and take pictures at sunset time.

(4-5 hours by horse, driving 2 hours)

Day 8. Hiking: Karakol gorge - Ala Kul Lake.

+1000 m, 5-6 hours, 7 km

This day we ride horse back to Sirota bridge 1.5 hours after we hike up to Ala kul lake.

Summit Ala Kul Lake (3500 m). Overnight in a tent by Ala Kul Lake. Sunset photoshoot.

Day 9. Hiking: Ala Kul Pass - Altyn Arashan

+400 m, -1000 m, 6-7 hours, 12 km

Summit Ala Kul Pass (3900 m). Hike down to Altyn Arashan. Overnight in a yurt, enjoy a hot spring pool.

Day 10. Hiking: Altyn Arashan - Karakol

Sunrise photographing in ALtyn Arashan, Hiking down to Karakol. 3 hours. 14 km. -800 m elevation loss. Visit local sights if you prefer. Dungan Mosque. Orthodox church. Dinner in the restaurant. Overnight in the guest house.