Photo Tour Kyrgyzstan
About the tour
Discover the Most Photogenic Landscapes of Kyrgyzstan
This Photo Tour Kyrgyzstan is designed for travelers, photographers, and adventure lovers who want to capture the incredible beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains, alpine lakes, nomadic culture, and remote valleys. During the journey, guests will visit dramatic mountain passes, turquoise alpine lakes, authentic yurt camps, and scenic landscapes across the country.
Moreover, this Photo Tour Kyrgyzstan combines cultural experiences, wildlife, mountain photography, and off-road adventures. In addition, travelers will discover hidden valleys, traditional villages, horse games, eagle hunting culture, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Best travel period: June – September
Tour Overview
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Tour type: Photography & Adventure Tour
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Highest points: Moldo Ashu Pass & Kalmak Ashu Pass
- Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, yurt camps
- Best for landscape and cultural photography
Why Choose This Photo Tour Kyrgyzstan
- Visit Kelsuu Lake and Song-Kul Lake
- Photograph mountain passes and alpine valleys
- Stay in authentic Kyrgyz yurt camps
- Explore Jyrgalan Valley and Altyn Arashan
- Experience eagle hunting and horse games
- Discover Skazka Canyon and Barskoon Gorge
- Capture nomadic life and local traditions
Photography Adventure Itinerary
Day 1 – Bishkek, Boom Gorge & Naryn
Arrival in Bishkek and meeting with your guide at the airport.
After breakfast, we begin our journey toward Naryn through Boom Gorge and Dolon Pass. Along the way, we stop to visit the historic Burana Tower.
Meanwhile, travelers can enjoy scenic mountain roads and panoramic landscapes perfect for photography.
Upon arrival in Naryn, guests will have free time to relax and acclimatize before the upcoming high-altitude adventure.
Tour Details
- Driving distance: 320 km
- Scenic mountain drive
- Historical sightseeing
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Naryn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Kelsuu Lake Adventure
After breakfast, we transfer toward Kok Kiya Valley, one of the most remote and spectacular regions of Kyrgyzstan.
Upon arrival, travelers may continue exploring Kelsuu Lake on horseback according to their preference.
Meanwhile, the area offers dramatic mountain landscapes, alpine scenery, and excellent photography opportunities.
In the evening, return to the yurt camp for dinner and free time.
Tour Details
- Remote mountain landscapes
- Optional horseback riding
- High-altitude photography locations
Accommodation: Golden Moon Yurt Camp, Kok Kiya Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Song-Kul Lake & Nomadic Horse Games
After breakfast at the yurt camp, we continue toward Song-Kul Lake.
Along the route, we cross the spectacular Moldo Ashu Pass, famous for its dramatic serpentine mountain road and panoramic viewpoints.
Upon arrival at Song-Kul Lake, guests will have the opportunity to photograph traditional Kyrgyz horse games including:
- Kok Boru (Buzkashi)
- Kyz Kuumai
- Tyiyn Enmei
- Er Enish
Finally, dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp near the lake.
Tour Details
- Mountain pass crossing
- Nomadic horse games
- Sunset and landscape photography
Accommodation: Mirlan Yurt Camp, Song-Kul Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Kalmak Ashu Pass & Issyk-Kul Lake
After breakfast, we continue toward Cholpon-Ata along the northern side of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Meanwhile, travelers will cross Kalmak Ashu Pass where herds of yaks, horses, sheep, and donkeys can often be photographed.
Later, we stop in Kochkor village to visit the local bazaar and traditional felt handicraft workshop.
Finally, arrival at Issyk-Kul Lake with free time at the beach.
Tour Details
- Scenic mountain landscapes
- Local market photography
- Felt-making workshop
- Issyk-Kul beach
Accommodation: Family Guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata (Bosteri)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Jyrgalan Valley
After breakfast, we continue toward Jyrgalan Valley through the beautiful Issyk-Kul region.
Lunch will be served in Karakol before continuing to the remote mountain valley.
Meanwhile, Jyrgalan offers peaceful alpine scenery, authentic village life, and stunning photography locations.
Tour Details
- Mountain valley landscapes
- Rural village atmosphere
- Nature and lifestyle photography
Accommodation: Ala Kol Guesthouse in Jyrgalan or 3★ Hotel in Karakol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Altyn Arashan Hot Springs & Jeti-Oguz
After breakfast, we transfer to Teplokluchenka village and continue toward Altyn Arashan by Soviet UAZ vehicle.
Because regular cars cannot access the gorge, the off-road route becomes part of the adventure itself.
Upon arrival, travelers may enjoy bathing in natural mineral hot springs surrounded by mountain landscapes.
Later, we continue toward Jeti-Oguz Gorge for dinner and overnight stay in a yurt camp.
Tour Details
- Soviet off-road vehicle experience
- Natural hot springs
- Mountain landscape photography
Accommodation: Golden Yurt Camp, Jeti-Oguz
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Jeti-Oguz, Barskoon Gorge & Skazka Canyon
After breakfast, we hike toward Maiden Braid Waterfall while enjoying fresh mountain air and alpine scenery.
Meanwhile, travelers will also see the famous Seven Bulls rock formations and hear the legends connected to Jeti-Oguz Valley.
Later, we continue to Barskoon Gorge to visit one of its waterfalls and the Yuri Gagarin monument.
Afterward, we explore Skazka Canyon, known for its colorful rock formations and unique desert landscapes.
Tour Details
- Waterfall hiking
- Canyon photography
- Mountain landscapes
- Geological formations
Accommodation: Guesthouse Skazka or similar, Kaji Sai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Eagle Hunting & Yurt Assembly
After breakfast, travelers may attend an optional folklore performance by a local musician family.
Next, we continue to Bokonbaevo village for an optional eagle hunting demonstration.
Later, we visit Kyzyl-Tuu village, famous for traditional yurt production and felt handicrafts. Here, guests can participate in assembling a nomadic yurt together with a local family.
Finally, return to Bishkek for farewell dinner with traditional Kyrgyz music.
Tour Details
- Eagle hunting culture
- Yurt assembly experience
- Traditional music and local cuisine
Accommodation: 3★ Hotel Alpinist or similar, Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Manas International Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast
Included/Excluded
- Double/Twin accommodations at mentioned hotels
- 4-5 pax accommodations at yurt camps
- Transport (Sprinter 18 seat, 7 seat minivan according to group size)
- Meals – Breakfast, Dinner as mentioned
- Soviet Union Track to Altyn Arashan.
- Water 1 L per day per person
- Local English speaking guide
- Entrance fees in accordance with the tour plan (Mineral hot spring pool in Cholpon Ata, Skazka canyon, Burana tower)
- Nomadic yurt assembly show
- Picture with eagle
- Visa
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- Folklore show
- Eagle Hunting Show
- Washing costs
- Horseback riding
- Alcoholic beverages
- Horse Games demonstration
- Personal spending
- Single supplement
- Early check-ins and late check-outs
Amenities
Tour plan
Day 1. Bishkek, Boom pass, Dolon Pass, Naryn
Meeting at the airport, transfer to Naryn from Bishkek city (320 km). On the way we will visit Burana tower.
Upon arrival at Naryn, free time at hotel, dinner at hotel. We must have a rest for acclimatization. Tomorrow we will have busy day.
Accommodation – 3* hotel Khan Tengri or similar in Naryn, lunch, dinner
Day 2. Naryn, Kelsuu lake
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to Kok Kiya Valley.
We will continue to explore Kelsuu Lake on horses.
In the evening we will come back to our yurt camp for dinner, free time
Accommodation – Yurt camp Golden Moon at Kelsuu, Kok Kiya valley, meal: BLD
Day 3. Kelsuu, Naryn, Moldo Ashu Pass, Son Kul Lake
Breakfast at yurt camp
Transfer to Son Kul Lake.
We will pass Moldo Ashu Pass that is popular by it’s serpentine road.
Upon arrival at Son Kul, we will see horse games (Kok Boru (Buzkashi), Kiz Kuumai, Tyiyn Enmei, Er Enish), dinner at yurt camp, free time
Accommodation – Yurt camp Mirlan at Son Kul Lake, BLD
Day 4. Son Kul lake, Kalmak Ashu Pass, Kochkor, Cholpon Ata
Breakfast at yurt camp
Transfer to Cholpon Ata resort city on the Issyk Kul Lake north part.
On the way we will pass Kalmak Ashu Pass, In Kalmak Ashu yu will have opportunity to see herd of yaks, horses, sheeps, donkey.
We will stop at Kochkor village. We will visit local bazaar in Kocgkor that shows very interesting local life. We will also visit felt art factory where we will see felt carpet making procedures.
We will come to Cholpon Ata, and we will provide time at Issyk Kul Lake beach. According to your choice we will swim at mineral hot spring pool.
Accommodation – 3* hotel Akbermet or similar in Cholpon Ata, BLD
Day 5. Shaman show, Jyrgalan Valley
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Jyrgalan valley. On the road we will visit Shaman house where we will see shaman ritual.
Transfer to Jyrgalan Valley, free time, dinner
Accommodation – Guesthouse Ala Kol in Jyrgalan Valley, BLD
Day 6. Altyn Arashan mineral hot springs in nature, Karakol, Jeti Oguz
Breakfast at guesthouse
Transfer to Teplokluchenka village, from where departure to the Altyn Arashan mineral hot spring by car of the Soviet Union. Provide time at Altyn Arashan, according to your choice you can take a bath at hot spring in nature.
In the evening, we will go to Karakol by Soviet Track and departure to Jeti Oguz Valley. Dinner at yurt camp, free time
Accommodation – Yurt camp Golden Yurt in Jeti Oguz, BLD
Day 7. Jeti Oguz valley, Barskoon gorge, Skazka canyon, Kaji Sai
Breakfast at yurt camp, Hiking to the “Maiden Braid” waterfall, breathing in the fresh mountain air, admiring the beauty of the mountain nature.
In the same place, you will see the mountains “Seven Rock”, listen to the history of the name of this beautiful area Jeti-Oguz.
Transfer to Barskoon gorge, where we will hike to one of the 4 waterfalls, see the stone monument for Yuri Gagarin – the first cosmonaut.
Then visit the “Fairy Tale” canyon, where interesting faces of giant people formed from sand after rain, as if they are guarding these lands.
Transfer to Kaji Sai. Dinner at guesthouse, free time.
Accommodation – Guesthouse Skazka or similar in Kaji Sai, BLD
Day 8. Nomadic yurt assembly, Bishkek
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Then we will see folklore show from local musician family.
Transfer to Bokonbaevo village to see eagle hunting show.
Transfer to the village of the felt world – Kyzyl –Tuu on the south shore of Issyk Kul Lake, participate in assembling a nomadic yurt of a local family, and have lunch with this local family.
Transfer to Bishkek city.
Upon arrival, dinner at local traditional restaurant with Kyrgyz music.
Accommodation – 3* hotel Alpinist or similar in Bishkek, BLD
Day 9. Transfer to airport
Breakfast at hotel.
Accoridng to your time, visiting Osh Bazaar in Bishkek city. Bishkek city tour
Transfer to airport
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