Welcome to... Kyrgyzstan
The photographic trip of a lifetime to a land of incredible natural beauty
Join me, Tom Bourdon, on an incredible journey through one of the most interesting countries I've every visited. Starting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's lively capital, and gateway to the rest of Kyrgyzstan, we will head south. Past rivers and stunning turquoise lakes, over mountains, stopping at street markets and dodging horses and herds of goats as we go. Kyrgyzstan truly is a photographers dream.
With over 90% of the country over 2000 metres above sea level and an economy based mainly on agriculture, it's not surprising that the country has some amazing locations. A proud nation that is keeping it's traditional nomadic past alive.
Kyrgyzstan may not be the most well known of photography hot spots, but that's a tiny part of what gives it its charm.
A NOTE FROM TOM
This Tour Now Has 2 Instructors!
I've managed to convince National Geographic Traveller Photographer Richard James Taylor to join us for no added cost.
Richard it a top travel photographer, just check out some of his achievements below.
and no, we're not increasing the number of students either!
Dates
9th July - 21st July 2021 - SOLD OUT
24th July - 5 August 2021 - 2 SPACES AVAILABLE
Accommodation
Accommodation will vary from a 4 star hotel in Bishkek to yurts and simple homestays (guesthouses).
Entrance Fees
The price includes all transport, guides and entrance fees specified in the program.
Physical Ability
Participants are expected to have a minimal level of fitness as we will be spending hours at a time on our feet with some short hikes.
Group Size
Participants are limited to 8 people. Allowing a more intimate experience and more 1-to-1 time.
Food & Drink
All meals are included. If you have any special dietary requirements just let us know.
Transportation
Ground transportation is provided and will mainly be Mercedes Sprinters or 4x4 when required.
Category
All-inclusive. That's accommodation, food, drink, ground transport, activities, tour guide & a few little treats along the way.
PHOTOGRAPHY SKILL LEVEL
Begginer/Novice
Intermediate
Advanced
A FEW HIGHLIGHTS
Bishkek a nation's capital
Shaded green parks and lively, colourful bazaars. With excellent accommodation and food.
Traditional Eagle Hunters
A photo shoot of one of the oldest traditions in Kyrgyzstan.
Traditional Horse Games
Our own private horse games with 10-15 horse men and boys competing.
Camping In Traditional Yurts
A fascinating way to sink yourself into the culture and traditions of Kyrgyzstan
Sunrise At Song-Kul Lake
The spectacular views and stunning light from this mountain lake have to be seen to be believed.
Incredible Natural Beauty
Mountain lakes, rivers, gorges, canyons and stunning views. A real treat for landscape photographers.
Day 1 & 2
Arrive in Bishkek & Song Kul
Starting in Bishkek, you will meet myself and our local guide who will be with us at every step of the way. We'll will explore the local markets and enjoy the city at a leisurely pace. Day 2 we'll pick up the pace and head for one of my favourite areas of Kyrgyzstan, the beautiful Son-Kul lake.
Day 3 & 4
Private Horse Games & Eagles
While staying at the yurts on the banks of Song-Kul we'll have the luxury of our own private horse games. Where local nomads compete in some bizarre horse related performances. The following day we'll head to Issy kul lake to meet and photograph the eagle hunters.
Day 5 & 6
Fairytale Canyon & Kyzyl Oy
A visit to Fairytale canyon is like walking through a labyrinth of rocks peering up to look at towering rocky columns, a truly fascinating sight. We'll then head to the small village of Kyzyl Oy.
Day 7 & 8
Sarychelek Lake
After a quick stop off at Chichkan gorge we'll head to Sarychelek Lake. This mountain lake is famed as one of the most impressive lakes in the whole of Kyrgyzstan. Accommodation here will be in traditional nomadic yurts.
Day 9 & 10
Arslanbob
The small village of Arslanbob is remarkable for its walnut forest (the worlds largest), it has a small but interesting bazaar and rather impressive waterfall. Here we will be staying in a homestay run by a local family.
Day 11, 12 & 13
The beautiful road home
As we head back towards Bishkek through the alpine pastures of the Suusamyr Valley, we'll be crossing mountain passes, seeing unimaginable turquoise lakes, shepherds, eagles, rivers... We'll also be stopping at the beautiful Chychkan Gorge.
This itinerary is subject to change
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Getting There
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, has international flight connections with many destinations.
Visas
Kyrgyzstan offers visa free entry to many countries including North America, Europe and Australia. We can help you investigate the process if you are not from one of the qualifying countries.
Accommodation During The Tour
During the tour we will stay in a variety of accommodation. From one of the best 4 star hotels in Bishkek to very simple guesthouses and traditional yurts. Accommodation will be warm and comfortable, however there will be occasions when we do not have access to some modern plumbing and electrical luxuries that many of us have become used to. Prices are based on shared rooms.
Weather
As can be expected in a country where the vast majority of attractions are rural and high altitude, the timing of your visit is crucial. We have chosen the best time of the year for this tour. Expect Bishkek to be very hot while up in the mountains it can be quite cool and it can rain (or even snow) at any moment. So bring suitable clothing, we can help with a packing list if required. Sunrise will be around 5:30 am and sunset soon after 8:30 pm.
Food & Drink
All meals are included on this tour. It is worth noting that Kyrgyzstan is not known for its culinary delights. Simple, but tasty, home cooked soups are served with almost every meal. Main courses are usually rice or noodle based meat dishes. Having said that if you have any dietary requirements please let us know and we will do our best to find suitable alternatives.
Electrical Supply
Electrical sockets are circular 2 pin type, as used throughout Europe (type c and f). Voltage output is 220v at 50Htz. Make sure you bring adaptors if required. We will be spending time in locations where there is no possibility to charge electrical devices, with this in mind it is recommended that you bring enough batteries to last for 3 days of shooting.
Internet Connection
On arrival every participant will be given a local SIM card with 30Gb of internet use (included in the package price). However, outside of the major towns coverage can be very limited or even non-existent. We will be travelling and sleeping in areas with no mobile coverage, this may be an inconvenience but something that is out of our control. Be prepared to be off line for a few days at a time.
Not Included
I would like to thank you again for the most wonderful weekend and especially for helping me yesterday morning.
Aside from being such a professional you are also all heart! ❤️
Limor Frumerman, Photography Enthusiast
BOOK YOUR PLACE
A $500 deposit is required to confirm your participation. Send me a message to arrange payment and reserve your spot.
You will be able to pay the deposit via
PayPal or credit card.
Payment plans are available on request
Tour Cost $2795
-- ALL INCLUSIVE --
Deposit $500
Payment plans available
Interested? Have a question you want to ask before you commit?
I totally understand, so lets have a quick one to one call
and sort out any issues. Send me a message below.
Your Tour Leader
Tom Bourdon
Tom is a multi award-winning documentary travel photographer specialising in recording cultural festivals & celebrations across the globe. He has won the Wanderlust/Nikon Professional Travel Photo of the Year Competition, the PDN World in Focus competition, selected as the Editor choice in the Travel Photographers Society awards and has been a finalist in the Travel Photographer of the Year competition for 5 times.
Tom's work has appeared in numerous international magazines, newspapers, guide books and publications such as the National Geographic Traveller, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Wanderlust, Hello magazine, P&O, Insight Guides and Microsoft. Tom is also the Top Guru at Gurushots.
Your Instructor
Richard James Taylor
For the last 15 years, Richard has been working as a full time travel photographer. His list of achievements range from being awarded the title of Landscape Photographer of the Year by Professional Photographer Magazine to shooting assignments for the likes of Belmond, P&O Cruises, Pernod-Ricard and various international tourist boards.
Richard has had almost 300 photos published by the National Geographic Traveller magazine as well as being featured on the covers of several Lonely Planet Guides and being printed in countless other publications. Richard is also an ambassador for LEE Filters and during the trip he will run a workshop on the advantages of using filters in your photography.
Supported by LEE Filters
POLICIES
BOOKINGS
CANCELLATIONS
In the unlikely event that we cancel the tour for any reason, your paid money will be refunded. Refunds will not be made for any other costs you may have incurred as a result of your booking.
Failure to meet payment schedule may result in cancellation and forfeit.
Travel insurance is mandatory for this trip. It is essential that all participants invest in a policy that protects against any unplanned cancellation.
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