KYRGYZSTAN PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS 2026 & 2027
Discover the wonder of Kyrgyzstan on the ultimate 10 day photography tour - this really is the trip of a lifetime! Professional photographer, local guides and adventure around every corner.
Due to the popularity of my Kyrgyzstan tours I now offer a second itinerary which runs in the month of September each year, covering incredible locations. The June tour is the original one that I’ve been running for 5 years. So please check the schedule below for either the June or September tours to see which works best for you. And hurry - these are my best selling tours.
8 PARTICIPANTS MAX
14th - 24th June 2026
£3850 / per person
(Fully booked)
7th - 17th September 2026 > NEW ITINERARY!!
£3850 / per person
(3 spaces remaining)
20th - 30th June 2027
£4250 / per person
(3 spaces remaining)
(based on double occupancy (hotels & tents), single room supplement: £400)
“Join me and our amazing tour team for an epic adventure in Kyrgyzstan. Our tours have it all: amazing mountains in every direction, breathtaking lakes, canyons, valleys and sleeping in yurts - the real nomadic experience!
Kyrgyzstan is an incredible country that I have visited 6 times over recent years and it really is a photographers dream – often referred to as the Patagonia of Central Asia. With a country that is 90% mountainous and the most incredible & hospitable people, we’ll capture photographs and memories to last a lifetime!”
Only a 10% deposit is required to secure your spot.
Remainder balance is due 12 weeks prior to start date.
Use the Book Now button above to email me to reserve your place.
JUNE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Peak Yeltsin and Karakol Peak with panoramic views
Visit remote area of Sary-Jaz (on border with China)
Hike to the jaw dropping Ala-Kul lake, the jewel of Kyrgyzstan
Visiting incredible canyons (Mars Canyon, Canyon of Forgotten Rivers)
Drive through Chon-Ashuu pass 3822m (highest point)
Soak up the culture at Karakol animal market
Stay in yurt camp
JUNE TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1: Meeting in Bishkek
Arrival in the capital city of Bishkek and transportation to the hotel. You’ll have the opportunity to relax upon arrival or explore the city. Bishkek is a modern, bustling city with lots of parks, green spaces and Soviet era architecture. We’ll have a group welcome dinner in the evening, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet fellow guests & our tour team and discuss the upcoming schedule. Myself and our guides will run through the tour itinerary with you and answer any questions you may have before the real adventure begins!
Accommodation: Hotel
DAY 2: Bishkek – Canyon of Forgotten Rivers
After breakfast we’ll hit the road. Today will start our exploration of some of Kyrgyzstan’s incredible canyons. On the way we will visit Kok-Moinok Canyon. On arrival at our final camp we will hike 20 minutes on foot for sunset overlooking the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers. This location from a drone is just mind blowing but there are also fantastic compositions from ground level in all directions!
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
DAY 3: Canyon of Forgotten Rivers – Peak Yeltsin
This day will be packed with epic mountains and canyons. Guests can either take sunrise shots by drone from camp, take shots of the yurt camp in front of the canyon or head back to the main vantage point. After breakfast in our yurts we will drive to Jety-Oguz valley. On the way we will visit Mars Canyon where we can shoot a traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunter against this incredible backdrop. We will also visit Skazka Canyon (Fairytale Canyon) which is also an amazing landscape to explore and photograph. Finally we will switch to our Soviet military truck and make the bumpy journey (our first real taste of Kyrgyz roads) to our overnight camp with amazing views to Peak Yeltsin which towers at an altitude of 5128 meters.
Accommodation: Tent
(Our tent nights are based on 2 sharing a tent and come complete with porters, chefs and kitchen tent – it really is a fantastic set-up)
DAY 4: Peak Yeltsin – Karakol
Sunrise shot of Peak Yeltsin. We’ll have the opportunity to meet local shepherds and photograph them on their horses with the mountains as a backdrop, before heading back to the valley and driving to Karakol city. Today you will stay in a nice hotel and prepare your gear for the next days adventure. We can drive back to Jety-Oguz gorge for sunset above Seven Bulls or another location at the mouth of the Tyup River.
Accommodation: Hotel
DAY 5: Karakol – Karakol Peak
Now things begin to get really interesting. Our military truck will transport us through the stunning Karakol Valley to Alp Camp, which is located at an altitude of 2500 meters. Here we will complete a simple 2 hour hike and set up camp in front of the beautiful Karakol Peak. This huge mountain with glacier sits at over 5200 meters and is a towering sight. We will spend the night in tents in front of the glacier and watch out for starry skies.
(Optional - Horse riding if you would prefer not to hike. We can discuss this option before you arrive in Kyrgyzstan)
Accommodation: Tent
Our amazing Soviet military style truck!
Perfect for taking on those bumpy Kyrgyz roads (and rivers!) …
DAY 6: Peak Karakol – Ala-Kul
After a good nights sleep (and hopefully shooting) under the stars, we will pack up and make our way to the spectacular Ala-Kul lake. This will be the most challenging day of the trip but also the most rewarding - it will be no problem for someone with an OK level of fitness. We will make it up to this beautiful lake for sunset and camp overnight. This turquoise lake is one of the most beautiful in the world, situated at 3560 meters. It’s very possible that temperatures drop to freezing point this night but when the sun rises it will soon start to warm up.
Accommodation: Tent
DAY 7: Ala-Kul – Karakol
You’ll be awake early ready for an amazing sunrise. We can then hike to Ala-Kul pass where the views are stunning - perfect for those epic drone shots. After this we will hike down to Alp Camp and our military truck will return us to our hotel in Karakol. We can then refresh for the evening as we recover from our couple of days in the mountains, have a great meal and discuss our adventures. This will be a great opportunity to back up images and have a look together at what you’ve already captured.
Accommodation: Hotel
DAY 8: Karakol - Sary-Jaz
We’ll begin the day with an early morning visit to Karakol animal market which is a photographers dream – full of hustle & bustle and perfect for street photography and soaking up the local culture. Next we’ll hit the bumpy road to Sary-Jaz valley in our comfortable 4x4’s. We’ll be surrounded with views of mountains at over 7000 meters which are snow capped all year round. We will shoot these epic peaks at sunset before setting up camp for the night. We’ll be looking out for local shepherds and horses for photography opportunities.
(For this area you will require a special permit which we will obtain before the trip for you, this is due to the location being on the border of China)
Accommodation: Tents
KARAKOL ANIMAL MARKET
DAY 9: Sary-Jaz – Karakol
Driving back to Karakol through Karkara valley on the border with Kazakhstan. We’ll rise from our tents to shoot sunrise and see the first light hit the mountain peaks. You can even shoot from your tent if you prefer! We’ll take a different route back to Karakol so we can explore some different valleys.
Accommodation: Hotel
DAY 10: Karakol — Bishkek
Driving to Bishkek by the north shore of lake Issyk-Kul - the second largest alpine lake on the planet. In the evening we can enjoy a city tour in Bishkek and have a well deserved meal at our hotel. A welcome taste of luxury!
Accommodation: Hotel
DAY 11: Transfer to airport
After a farewell breakfast at the hotel you will be provided transport for your journey to the airport. Final goodbyes, lots of hugs and leaving with memories to last a lifetime.
SEPTEMBER TOUR DETAILS
Hot off the press!! I’m super thrilled to announce a new Kyrgyzstan itinerary due to popular demand. My September tours are based around the new moon so as well as incredible sunset/sunrise photography it will also have a strong focus on astro photography - trust me, there’s nothing quite like the dark skies in this amazing country.
I’m especially excited about bringing you all to one of my favourite locations in Kyrgyzstan - the hidden gem that is Kel-Suu lake. We even get to have a boat ride on its beautiful turquoise waters and camp on its shores which is incredibly rare! Geographically it was never feasible to have this in my original tour line-up so I’m thrilled to get back and explore it with you all. Finally there are 2 brand new locations - we have plenty of time at these locations to explore the many compositions.
These workshops sell out fast so please drop me a line if you have any queries or use the ‘Book Now’ button to come along on the trip of a lifetime. See you in Kyrgyzstan!
DAY 1 - Bishkek
Arrival in the capital city of Bishkek and transportation to the hotel. You’ll have the opportunity to relax upon arrival or explore the city & bustling markets with me. We’ll have a group welcome dinner in the evening, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet fellow guests & our tour team to discuss the upcoming schedule.
Accommodation: HotelDAY 2 - Bishkek - Son-Kul
Travelling through Boom valley we’ll begin the 5 hour journey through the beautiful Kyrgyz landscape ending with the winding ascent to the stunning Son-Kul lake, situated at an altitude of 3016 meters. Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll have plenty of time to explore the area and capture the serene beauty of the lake. The area is exploding with the real nomadic way of life, and we’ll even shoot traditional felt makers, seeing how yurt coverings are created, immersing ourselves in the local culture and a chance to enjoy the warm Kyrgyz hospitality.As night falls we’ll have the opportunity to shoot our unique homes for the night (traditional yurts) against the backdrop of the milky way – you’ve never seen skies as dark as in Kyrgyztsan!
Accommodation: YurtsDAY 3 - Son-Kul - Naryn
We’ll enjoy a sunrise shoot along the lake shore and after a delicious breakfast begin the 4 hour drive to Naryn town. Here we’ll enjoy a bit of luxury, taste the local cuisine, charge all our gear and ensure a good night's rest before the real adventure begins!
Accommodation: HotelDAY 4 - Naryn - Kel-Suu
After a bumpy 5 hour drive, we will reach one the jewels of Kyrgyzstan - Kel-Suu. Our first evening we’ll have the opportunity to explore this incredible valley and river system, then as darkness falls shoot incredible astro images.
Accommodation: YurtsDAY 5 - Kel-Suu
We’ll be up early to shoot sunrise, enjoy breakfast before saddling up for a 2 hour horse ride to the hidden gem of Kel-Suu – the most beautiful lake in Kyrgyzstan. On arrival we’ll switch from horses to a boat to sail through the gorge towering at 16000 feet surrounding the beautiful turquoise lake. We’ll be camping on the banks of the lake this evening complete with kitchen tent and chef (a bit of nomadic style) so we’ll have plenty of time to search for compositions and breathe it all in. Again, if we have clear skies we’ll do an astro photography session.
Accommodation: TentsDAY 6 - Kel-Suu - Kyzyl-Asker
Up early to photograph pre-dawn light, followed by breakfast and the horse ride back to the valley. We’ll then begin driving through most wild area in Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by towering summits and glaciers, to the little visited Kotur Valley on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China.
Accommodation: TentsDAY 7 - Kyzyl-Asker/Dankova
All day to explore this jaw-dropping landscape and find the best spots for photography as we slowly make our way to a new location beneath the breathtaking panorama of glacier-drapped high peaks of the Kok Shall-Too range.
Accommodation: TentsDAY 8 - Dankova - Naryn
After sunrise photography and breakfast, we leave the border region and drive back to the town of Naryn, the regional capital, for an opportunity to resupply and photograph the local Kyrgyz culture.
Accommodation: HotelDAY 9 - Naryn - Mars Canyon
It’s time to explore the canyons! We make our way to Mars Canyon where we’ll have the rare opportunity to shoot a traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunter against this incredible backdrop that feels like another planet. We will also visit Skazka Canyon (Fairytale Canyon) which is also an amazing landscape to explore and photograph. If we get clear skies we’ll have endless compositional options for stunning astro photography.
Accommodation: Guest HouseDAY 10 - Fairytale Canyon - Bishkek
After a beautiful sunrise session at the canyons we’ll enjoy the drive to Bishkek by the south shore of lake Issyk-Kul - the second largest alpine lake on the planet. You can even enjoy a dip if you wish! In the evening we’ll have a well-deserved farewell meal and a welcome taste of luxury!
Accommodation: Hotel
DAY 11 - Departure
Final goodbyes, lots of hugs and leaving with memories to last a lifetime.
INCLUDED
Airport Transfers from Bishkek airport (FRU)
All transport throughout tour
Accommodation each night in yurts/tents/hotels
All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
Photographic guidance from Richard
Local Guides & Porters
Permits needed to access remote areas
Entrance Fees
NOT INCLUDED
Potential visa fee (most countries don’t need visa for Kyrgyzstan)
Flights to and from Kyrgyzstan
Travel & equipment Insurance
Possible tips for porters, chef, guide
Alcoholic drinks
“We can’t forget the amazing Kyrgyz people and dwellings you’ll pass along the way. Whether it be kids on donkeys, faces that tell a thousand stories or just the traditional Kyrgyz welcome into a yurt to break bread and give us Kymys (fermented horse milk!).
This incredible land is full of the most welcoming people, Kyrgyzstan is notorious for it’s hospitality, and I have been photographing it’s people since 2018 - I even have a Kyrgyz girlfriend ; )
Here’s a sample of the feast of colour and faces we’ll meet along the way, and the incredible photo opportunities, on this incredible voyage of discovery!”
Only a 10% deposit is required to secure your spot.
Remainder balance is due 12 weeks prior to start date.
Use the Book Now button above to email me to reserve your place.
SO WHAT DOES A KYRGYZSTAN PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR LOOK LIKE?
FANCY A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES FROM THE 2024 TOUR?
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW >>>
REVIEWS
(DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT)
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This was a workshop like no other. From the opening day in Bishkek, we were transported into another world. Kyrgyzstan is a photographer’s dream. Over 10 action packed days we experienced everything from vast grassy plains and braided rivers of extraordinary colour and pattern, to the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the high Tien Shan mountains. Woven throughout it all were the Kyrgyz people - kind, generous, and deeply welcoming. It was a real privilege to visit this remarkable place.
Through his deep connection to the region and its people, Richard has crafted a photographic workshop of a lifetime. His knowledge, passion for teaching, and attention to detail are evident throughout, guiding you from one jaw-dropping location to the next. Working alongside exceptional local guides, the trip runs seamlessly and offers a deeper connection to both landscape and culture. Soviet truck, horseback, luxury bus, on foot - every mode of transport becomes part of the adventure!
You will be blown away by the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan and captivated by the people you meet along the way. With Richard’s careful planning and local knowledge, you are consistently placed in excellent situations to make strong images. He provides guidance when needed, while allowing the freedom to explore and develop your own approach. Whether you are building a portfolio or refining your work, the trip naturally leads to a noticeable step forward in both confidence and results. Richard fits a huge amount into a relatively short trip, so if you are ready for early starts, late finishes, and the kind of shared experience that creates lasting memories from an incredible country, this workshop is for you.
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The photography tour with Richard & Visit Karakol was fantastic. Every detail was thought of and I did not have to worry about any logistics. Whether it was airport transfers, food (lots of food - very well fed & accommodating to a vegetarian), sleeping arrangements, hotels, setting up tents, laundry, and filtered water supply, everything was taken care of.
Richard takes time to meet with every individual on the trip and tailors the photography lessons based on your own experience. He encourages you to try new techniques and is open to any ideas you might have. He is keen to share his knowledge of photography and looks for opportunities that connect with each persons style.
This is truly a hands on tour and the locations, staff, and fellow travelers are all top notch. We had a variety of folks from different countries, experience levels, and interests and we all got along so well. The group dynamic with Richard & Aidar meshed together beautifully.
I would highly recommend anyone to visit Kyrgyzstan once in their life and to take full advantage of the photo tours and adventures Richard & Visit Karakol have put together.
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Kyrgyzstan – and Richard Watson’s Kyrgyzstan in particular – is a sight, an experience and an opportunity unlike any this avid traveller and hobbyist photographer has had the pleasure of before.
The country – one only recently opened up with any kind of convenience or real access – still has the remoteness and unfamiliarity that travellers and photographers both crave. “There must be reasons why tourists generally, and particularly those from the West, don’t travel to central Asia, this vast area of the globe”, I remember thinking – in fact it was a main driver of why I wanted to visit. But believe me, I found none. Quite the opposite.
In one day, you can see arid, desert-like canyons and rippled, rocky waves of untouched, folded geometric rock formations that would go on forever were it not for the vast snow-capped mountains that rise to meet the horizon. In the same day, you can be up among those same mountains, with the mood and feeling of the place changing minute by minute as the sun plays with unpredictable beauty on the saw-like edges of the surrounding mountains.
In such a small country and in such a relatively short space of time, experiencing desert, arid rock, alpine, temperate, high mountain and lake-side yurt camps which feel like a brief beach holiday sojourn, is simply remarkable. Some of it is hard work, some of it feels a million miles away from home, and all of it is remarkable.Were it not for Richard’s experience – both as a photographer, his familial connections via his long-term Kyrgyz partner to the country and his many trips there – doing all this in 10 days would be impossible.
Personally, I am not a tour-group kind of traveller. I either go on holidays with friends, with family or ‘travel’ on my own. This has changed my mind. With a group of seven – from six different countries – you expect people pulling in different directions and each with different ideas of what they want. While this inevitably happens, none of it is negative. Each has their own vision, experience and ideas of what they want to see and capture, and Richard was always there – how, I’m still not quite sure – to lend advice and to suggest his idea of the best way of doing things.
The country, tour and set-up is incredible. If you want to see somewhere different, fit in all of the above within 10 days and have the time of your life, I wouldn’t look past this tour. It will change the way you look at photography, central Asia and – quite possibly – the world, and leave you with an insatiable hunger for more. Do it.
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I had wanted to get to know Kyrgyzstan for a long time and when I saw the opportunity to do so with Richard, I didn't hesitate to jump in.
The experience has exceeded my expectations in every way: the organization has been perfect, combining hotel nights and camping nights; Transportation vehicles, including horses, have always been ideal for each occasion; The stars have come together to form a group of people, each with a different uniqueness that has brought to the whole a bond that we will not forget; The local Visit Karakol staff who have guided us, helped us transport our excess weight, fed us and protected us have also been exquisite and always cordial.
In short, a 5-star tour that we will hardly forget because together we will all be able to create some images to share among ourselves and show those we love proudly! Richard is loving and a great professional who teaches you everything he knows without keeping any hidden secrets to himself and with him I think we have all learned something more to make our photos better.
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Visiting Kyrgyzstan with Richard was truly an amazing adventure. His love and passion for this beautiful country and their people is contagious. It’s much more than a photo tour. It’s a once in a lifetime life trip filled with so many memories like staying in yurts amongst the mountains, horse riding through beautiful trails and rivers and meeting local nomadic shepherds and families who are truly welcoming.
We were very well looked after, from all transportation, hotel breaks and awesome food. Richard was great with sharing all his photography knowledge and personally helping me with composition ideas and even after the trip is there to share editing tips/tricks and review your images.
Thanks Richard and look forward to the next adventure. Jonny
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"Life-Altering Experience"
If I had to sum up my recent journey to Kyrgyzstan in a few words, I'd go with "life-altering." Before this trip, Kyrgyzstan was just a name I'd never heard before, let alone locate on a map. Yet, I can't express how thrilled I am that I embarked on this adventure with Richard. Planning a trip to a place halfway around the world can be incredibly nerve-wracking, but Richard made it a breeze. All I had to do was get there.
Right from day one, Richard's deep knowledge of the country became evident, and it stayed with us throughout the entire ten-day journey. He had a knack for taking us to the most remote and breathtaking corners of Kyrgyzstan, something that would have been quite challenging to pull off on our own. No need to fret about travel logistics, finding camp spots, or even worrying about our next meal; Richard and the expert guides he had picked had it all covered.
As a professional photographer who usually shies away from photo tours, I can confidently say that I'd jump at the chance to book this tour again without a second thought. It truly was an unforgettable experience that left an indelible mark on my photography journey.
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I’d highly recommend Richard’s Kyrgyzstan tour. The country itself is epic. White peaks glitter off in the distance as soon as you arrive off the plane. Just emerging onto the Western radar there isn’t really the infrastructure here to facilitate independent travel to remote and spectacular areas.
With his knowledge of Kyrgyzstan Richard’s put together a tour that visits some exceptional locations. The organisation of the tour, facilities and food provided when in civilisation and when camping was fantastic. Richard is also great at offering his experience and skills to help participants with composure, conditions, settings etc. I’ll treasure my memory of the sun rising over the mighty Karakol Peak forever.
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It was an incredibly beautiful and exciting trip through Kyrgyzstan. I will always remember it fondly. I can take fantastic images home with me and am already looking forward to the edited photos.
Richard supports each participant individually to achieve the best possible photographic results. The schedule is tightly organized and the available time is used optimally. The vehicles and staff were always on time, the logistics worked perfectly. The tour was very well coordinated so that you could also relax after the 2 strenuous days in the mountains.
There were also several opportunities to experience Kyrgyz traditions and the great people in the country. It was simply wonderful......
D A N K E ❤️
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The trip of a lifetime I almost missed due to a bird strike causing a flight delay, but thanks to Richard's calm assistance and my friend's quick arrangement of another flight, I made it just in time.
Joining the photography tour with Richard and Visit Karakol turned out to be an incredible experience. Every logistical detail, from airport transfers to food, and accommodations was flawlessly handled, allowing us to focus entirely on photography.
Richard's personalized approach to teaching was impressive. I gained new insights and photography techniques. He made an effort to connect with each participant, tailoring lessons to our individual styles and encouraging creative experimentation.
The tour featured breathtaking locations and a wonderful group of travellers from various backgrounds. The dynamic among the group was fantastic, making the experience even more enjoyable. The entire trip was well organized, and I loved every moment of it.
I highly recommend visiting Kyrgyzstan and joining one of Richard and Visit Karakol's photo tours. It's an adventure you won't want to miss!