Kyrgyz Republic II
Overview
Click here to read Justin Black’s article Kyrgyzstan: The Undiscovered Country, published in the December 2021 issue of Outdoor Photographer magazine.
https://vimeo.com/360716476
For lovers of wild mountain landscapes, few destinations on Earth are more spectacular than the Kyrgyz Republic (also known as Kyrgyzstan) with its soaring peaks ranging from Alpine to Himalayan in beauty and scale. The Tien Shan mountains rise higher and wilder than the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, Alps, or Andes – peaks below 16,000-feet in elevation are barely considered worthy of a name. Along the Chinese border, the Kokshaal-Too range soars to truly Himalayan heights, including the world’s most northern summits over 7,000 meters (22,965 feet): Khan Tengri (translation: “Lord of the Skies”) and Jengish Chokusu (also known in Russian as Pik Pobeda, “Victory Peak”). The landscape beneath the peaks is sublime: glacier-carved gorges, slopes covered in purple, yellow, pink, orange, and white alpine wildflowers (there is more edelweiss here than in the Alps), raging rivers, spruce and fir forests, and high pastures (“jai-loh”) where semi-nomadic Kyrgyz graze small herds of horses, yaks, sheep, goats and cattle during the short summer.
Kyrgyzstan’s majestic mountain landscapes and unspoiled natural beauty make it a gem for avid photographers, but it has been relatively unknown and little-visited. Kyrgyzstan is just now gaining recognition as a highly desirable travel destination for its magnificent mountain scenery, comfortable climate, and immensely welcoming culture, ranking #5 on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019 Top Countries list. While others are just discovering Kyrgyzstan, Visionary Wild recognized its vast opportunity for photography years ago. Based on extensive scouting we have carefully developed an exceptional photography-focused itinerary for those seeking to travel in style and comfort, with a spirit of exploration and adventure.
Our adventure begins in the capital of Bishkek, where our guests will be met at the airport and transferred to the thoroughly modern Solutel Hotel, offering excellent accommodations and English-speaking staff, conveniently located in the city center. There, we will welcome you to our introductory orientation and first dinner as a group. Early the next morning, we load up into our four-wheel-drive caravan, comprising three highly capable and comfortable Toyota Sequoias to carry our six guests, plus Visionary Wild photo leaders Justin Black and Jerry Dodrill, both veteran Kyrgyzstan travelers. Two additional 4WD support vehicles will carry gear, provisions, our cook and camp staff. From there, we set off on our spectacular route through the Tien Shan mountains.
Our itinerary is designed to take advantage of prime light on the landscape morning and evening each day. After dark, clean air and absence of light pollution provide a superb opportunity for nighttime landscapes including the Milky Way. Wildlife we typically see at some point along the way includes golden eagles, Marco Polo sheep (the largest wild sheep in the world), Lammergeier (or Bearded Vulture, a bird of prey with a ten-foot wingspan), ibex, and marmots. If we are very lucky, we might even see a shy wolf or snow leopard. We will also enjoy excellent opportunities to interact with and photograph the Kyrgyz people themselves, particularly herders in the high pastures, families at our yurt camps, and at the sprawling and colorful Osh Market in Bishkek. This will be a highly productive and immensely fun photographic adventure that you’ll never forget.
Itinerary
July 24: ARRIVAL DAY
We expect that most participants will arrive in the morning on a Turkish Airways flight from Istanbul. You will be met at the airport and transferred to Solutel Hotel in central Bishkek. There, we have arranged early morning check-in so you can go straight to your room several hours ahead of normal check-in time. Meet your fellow photographers, relax in the hotel, or perhaps take a walk to explore downtown. That evening, our itinerary officially starts with a 4pm group meeting in the salon bar, followed by dinner at one of Bishkek’s finest restaurants.
Overnight: Solutel Hotel (D)
July 25: INTO THE MOUNTAINS
After an early breakfast, we drive via Kochkor valley up into the mountains and a landscape almost too perfect to be real: lake Song-Kul. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch in our yurt camp, photograph around the lake and up into the mountains, have dinner, and have a restful night in our comfortable and traditional Kyrgyz yurts.
Overnight: Yurt camp (B,L,D)
July 26: DAY AT SONG-KUL
Sunrise and sunset photography around the lake, plus photo sessions with local herders.
Overnight: Yurt camp (B,L,D)
July 27: SILK ROAD ROUTE
After a morning photo session and breakfast, we descend from Song-Kul via the scenic canyons of Karatal-Zhapyryksky State Preserve, located on a main Silk Road route. After lunch, we continue on to a yurt camp beside a mountain creek in a gorge with soaring rock walls, near the fortified stone caravanserai, Tash Rabat, that once sheltered Silk Road travelers on the ancient Torugart Pass trade route into China. The current structure dates from the 15th Century, but earlier remains indicate that a structure stood on the site for hundreds of years before that. In a nation of nomads, stone structures were rare enough that the Kyrgyz name “Tash Rabat” translates simply as “stone building.”
Overnight: Yurt camp (B,L,D)
July 28: TASH RABAT AND KÖL SUU VALLEY
After an early breakfast, we will explore and photograph Tash Rabat before driving via the At-Bashy mountain range to the escarpment of the Kokshaal-Too mountains and the turquoise alpine lake Köl Suu, located in a narrow gorge winding between the high peaks. This evening we will enjoy spectacular photography of the high peaks and Köl Suu River. Assuming the weather is clear, this is a great location for night sky photography of the Milky Way over the mountains.
Overnight: Yurt camp (B,L,D)
July 29: KÖL SUU LAKE
Up early to photograph pre-dawn light, and after breakfast we’ve organized an excursion by boat on the little visited turquoise lake Köl Suu, dramatically positioned in a deep glacier-carved gorge between peaks soaring to 16,000 feet. The relatively short approach from our camp to the lake can normally be traversed in our group vehicles, though in wet years it may involve a mile or so on horseback. We’ll be back in time for dinner, and more sunset and twilight photography near camp.
Overnight: Yurt camp (B,L,D)
July 30: KOK SHAAL-TOO RANGE OF THE TIEN SHAN MOUNTAINS
Sunrise shoot, breakfast, and drive to a little-visited valley beneath high peaks on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China. A modern mountain lodge provides an opportunity for recharging, laundry, sauna, and a shower.
Overnight: Lodge (B,L,D)
July 31: KOK SHAAL-TOO
We continue on to a new location beneath a breathtaking panorama of glacier-draped high peaks of the Kok Shaal-Too range.
Overnight: Visionary Wild tent camp (B,L,D)
August 1: KOK SHAAL-TOO
Early morning and evening “magic hour” light on the peaks, and an excursion to the glaciers.
Overnight: Visionary Wild tent camp (B,L,D)
August 2: NARYN
After sunrise photography and breakfast, we leave the border region and drive to the town of Naryn, the regional capital, for an opportunity to resupply and photograph the local Kyrgyz culture.
Overnight: Khan Tengri Hotel (B,L,D)
August 3: EKI-NARYN TO ISSYK-KUL
After breakfast, our caravan traverses a beautiful overland route through the mountains south of Issyk-Kul (the second largest alpine lake in the world), following wild rivers through high pastures, or “jailoh,” with alpine wildflowers in bloom, waterfalls plunging in side canyons. The photography along the way and near camp is incredible. Our crew will set up our tented camp beside an idyllic river in the mountains, with ancient petroglyphs located right in camp, at about 11,000 ft (3,353 m).
Overnight: Visionary Wild Tent Camp (B,L,D)
August 4: ONWARD TO KARAKOL
After morning photography and breakfast, we will continue over the high pass of Tosor, dropping down to our first views of the vast sapphire waters of lake Issyk-Kul. There, we will meet a Kyrgyz eagle hunter and his trained Golden Eagles, to photograph a training session. We then proceed to the town of Karakol and the charming and comfortable Green Yard Hotel (the best hotel in eastern Kyrgyzstan). Dinner will feature an assortment of traditional dishes from the Chinese-influenced Dungan ethnic minority, served in the home of a friendly and hospitable Dungan family.
Overnight: Green Yard Hotel (B,L,D)
August 5: KARKYRA
We will have a leisurely start this morning, and will then drive north into the Karkyra Valley, to our camp along the pristine Turuk River on the border with Kazakhstan. If time permits, we will make an excursion into the beautiful Turuk River canyon in the afternoon. Accommodations tonight will be the nicest yurts you’ve ever seen, complete with connected en suite bathroom.
Overnight: Ak–Sai Karkyra Basecamp Luxury Yurts (B,L,D)
August 6: LORD OF THE SKIES: KHAN TENGRI BASE CAMP
After breakfast we head to the helipad for our jaw-droppingly spectacular forty-minute flight to Khan Tengri Base Camp on South Enylcheck Glacier at 13,000 ft (3,960 m), aboard a spacious Mi-8 MTB (mountain variant) transport helicopter, piloted by a highly experienced flight crew who fly this route regularly. The flight is a superb opportunity to do aerial photography of the high peaks, glaciers, and valleys, through the helicopter’s open windows. Beneath the 23,000-foot peak of Khan Tengri, and 24,406-foot Jengish Chokusu (also known as Pik Pobeda – Victory Peak – the highest peak in the entire Tien Shan mountain system), we will be positioned in a virtually Himalayan setting, with outrageous photographic potential. Nighttime photography with star trails over the mountains is one of our goals.
Overnight: Tents at base camp (B,L,D)
August 7: KHAN TENGRI BASE CAMP
This morning, we will make the most of early light on Khan Tengri and the surrounding mountains, and then explore the glacier via trails on the rocky medial moraine (no special gear or experience required). We will hope for the late alpenglow on Khan Tengri that can turn the marble summit pyramid a deep orange-pink.
Overnight: Tents at base camp (B,L,D)
August 8: BACK TO BISHKEK
Sunrise photography of the mountains and glaciers from basecamp will be followed by a morning helicopter flight back to Karkyra. From there, we will load up into our vehicles and drive to the north shore of Issyl-Kul, for lunch and a visit to a fascinating Kyrgyz cultural center, or an ancient petroglyph site, depending on group interest. We will then return to Bishkek, check into our hotel, and enjoy dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.
Overnight: Solutel Hotel (B,L,D)
August 9: DAY IN BISHKEK
After breakfast, we will make an excursion to the sprawling Osh market. This large city-center market features everything from spices, to produce, to dried fruit and nuts, traditional breads and pastries, traditional Kyrgyz clothing, rugs, housewares, and more, with special halls for the butchers, cheesemakers, and on and on. The photographic potential here is phenomenal. Nearby, we will make a short visit to the Tumar Group, makers of high quality Kyrgyz-designed handicrafts – both traditional and modern – including felt carpets, blankets, hats, slippers, handbags, toys, pottery, and more. Both Tumar and Osh Market offer excellent opportunities to shop for high-quality, authentic Kyrgyz handicrafts. After lunch, we will continue our tour through the city center, followed by some down time and a celebratory final dinner at one of Bishkek’s best restaurants.
Overnight: Solutel Hotel. (B,L,D)
August 10: DEPARTURE DAY
We all say “Jakshe bargyla” (goodbye) and go our separate ways until our next adventure. Airport transfer provided. (B)
Instructors
Justin Black
- JUSTIN BLACK is a photographer (www.justinblackphoto.com), writer, editor, expedition leader, photo workshops instructor, a Fellow ...
Jerry Dodrill
- Jerry Dodrill has been an award-winning professional photographer and highly regarded photography teacher for more than two decades. A protégé of the late legendary adventure photographer Galen Rowell ...
Gallery
Pricing
PRICING AND OCCUPANCY
All costs are per person.
Participants booking on a single-occupancy basis will have their own private accommodation whenever possible. Single-occupancy accommodation can be guaranteed for hotel and tent camp nights only. Participants traveling alone may, on some occasions, need to share yurts with one other participant. In this case, we will do our best to pair participants of the same sex, although given the small group size this cannot be guaranteed.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- 60% deposit is required upon registration
- 40% payment due March 6, 2022
Click here to review our payment, cancellation and refund policies; as well as terms and conditions for participation.
Please review our terms and conditions even if you have participated in previous Visionary Wild trips so that you are aware of current policies.
INCLUDED:
- Accommodation for all seventeen nights
- All meals and beverages (including wine and beer with dinner)
- All in-tour photographic instruction, land transportation, and guide services by leader team of two professional photographers, and professional Kyrgyz guides
- Round trip helicopter flights to South Enylchek Glacier Base Camp beneath Mount Khan Tengri
- Private excursion by Zodiac on Lake Köl-Suu
- Horseback rides (optional, and according to availability)
- Support provided by professional local overland drivers, camp staff, and camp cook
- Permits for special access to border zone areas, taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
- International and domestic air travel and domestic transportation within your home country, or any other travel services required to arrive at the tour commencement location, along with all associated taxes, levies and insurances
- Immigration, duty, passport and visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance and emergency medical and evacuation insurance – required for this expedition
- Personal items including gifts or other purchases
- Any paid communications, alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer served to the group at dinners, hotel room service or minibar charges
- Any additional costs to extend your stay, such as hotel nights and meals, beyond the dates and meals specified in the itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and camp staff (we recommend that each guest budget US$300, or the equivalent in Euros or Kyrgyz Soms)
- Optional activities not explicitly listed as included in the itinerary
Highlights
- Expansive pristine landscapes: Kyrgyzstan gives the impression that someone decided to merge the Himalaya, the Swiss Alps, Mongolia, and southwestern Colorado into one country. The difference is that much of Kyrgyzstan is unspoiled and little-visited.
- Diverse photographic opportunities: We will visit twelve different locations on the itinerary, taking advantage of prime light in the morning and evening of each day, as well as superb nighttime landscapes.
- Focused attention and instruction: Trip leaders Justin Black and Jerry Dodrill, both experienced in leading expeditions in Kyrgyzstan, will provide generous and attentive support and photographic instruction throughout the expedition.
- Excellent support: Our excellent local guides have worked with us on our past trips, and understand the unique interests and goals of photographers.
- Small group: Limited to just six guests, with a low 3:1 participant to instructor ratio
- Welcoming culture: The Kyrgyz Republic is a safe secular democracy, and the Kyrgyz people are delightful hosts with a fascinating and ancient history. We will enjoy excellent opportunities for interaction with and photography of the Kyrgyz people themselves, in the high pastures, at our yurt camps, and at the sprawling and colorful Osh Market in Bishkek
- Easy to get there: Fly Turkish Airlines to Istanbul and on to the capital of Bishkek (or Emirates via Dubai), with no visa required for visitors from the USA and many other developed nations.
- Travel in style: Our caravan of Toyota Sequoias will carry just two guests per vehicle, along with the driver, and an instructor or local guide.
- Comfortable accommodations: Excellent hotels in Bishkek, Naryn, and Karakol, and in more remote areas in local yurt camps or our own luxury tent camp, supported by camp staff and cook.
- Helicopter to Khan Tengri basecamp for two nights: The trip culminates with a visit to a seasonally established mountaineering basecamp at 13,000ft. elevation, surrounded by a 360º panorama of glacier-draped high peaks, including the famous pyramidal peak of Khan Tengri (23,000ft.) and Jengish Chokusu (a.k.a. Pik Pobeda, or “Victory Peak,” at 24,406ft.) infamous in the mountaineering world for being one of the most dangerous peaks in the region. Flights to in and out of basecamp will be aboard a spacious and capable Mi-8-MTV transport helicopter, optimized for high altitude operations in remote areas, piloted by a flight crew with decades of experience in the type.
Accommodations
This overland adventure involves travel into little-visited corners of a sparsely populated nation, where lodging options are limited. We therefore make use of a mix of very comfortable hotels, yurt camps, and tent camps. The single-occupancy option refers to the hotel and tent camp nights only. Participants traveling alone share yurts with other participants, though they are roomy and set up to accommodate sharing well. We will do our best to pair participants of the same sex, but given the small group size this cannot be guaranteed.
Bishkek: Solutel Hotel – an excellent and modern European business-class hotel in the city center.
Song-Kul: Yurt Camp (with hot shower and toilet facilities) – Spacious, comfortable, and featuring the impressive hospitality of our Kyrgyz hosts, yurt camping may be simple, but it is very civilized.
Tash Rabat: Yurt Camp (with hot shower and toilet facilities)
Köl Suu: Yurt Camp (with hot shower and toilet facilities)
Secret Valley: Lodge and Visionary Wild Tent Camp (with hot shower and toilet facilities)
Naryn: Khan Tengri Hotel
Jailoo-Suu: Visionary Wild Tent Camp
Karakol: Green Yard Hotel – A very nice family-run boutique hotel: clean, modern, good beds, good showers, great breakfasts, solid Wi-Fi, and lovely grounds.
Karkyra: Luxury Yurt Camp (with hot shower and toilet facilities)
Khan Tengri Base Camp: Established Mountaineering / Trekking Tented Camp (Wi-Fi, steam room and toilet facilities)
Travel
