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.

  • Dates

    TBC - 2022 

  • 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

Amazing photo opportunities and possibilities to learn!

I really enjoyed taking this trip with Tom!
The places were fantastic with incredible photo opportunities. Tom is kindly always available to help and support anyone with their photography. I got so many tips and learned so much! I loved staying with families in traditional accommodations and getting a glance into their lives. It was fascinating.
I highly recommend photo tours with Tom!

Guilia V, Participant in 2021

Kyrgyzstan Photo Tour

This was the trip of a lifetime for me! I learned so much about photography as well as the geography and culture of Kyrgyzstan. Tom did an excellent job of coordinating our activities each day, teaching us how to take better photos no matter what our skill level was and making sure everyone was safe, well-fed, and had comfortable sleeping quarters each night :) The sites were incredible and the local people that we met on our journey were also incredible. Tom went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great learning experience.

Debbie W, Participant in 2021

Full Itinerary, Coming very soon

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS

Just a handful of the highlights you can expect on this photo tour to Kyrgyzstan

  • 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.

Exceeded Expectations

Tom and his team organized a world-class photography expedition, jammed pack with opportunities for pro photographers, or beginners, with a passion for exploring the road less traveled. Tom is a true professional and a pleasure to travel with. He worked very hard to make sure you get the photos you're trying to achieve. This trip really raised the bar for photography adventures, I highly recommend Tom Bourdon Photography Tours.

Ron C, Kyrgyzstan 2021 participant

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

    • Air fares to and from Kyrgyzstan
    • Visa application fee (if required)
    • Medical or travel insurance - mandatory to join our trip, we use and recommend World Nomads 
    • Personal expenses
    • Food & drink not specified in the program
    • Tips

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 $3195

-- 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.

Tom Bourdon Your tour leader

Having spent over 4 months traveling in Kyrgyzstan, including running 2 photo tours in 2021, Tom would love you to join him for his next visit.

 

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 7 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.

POLICIES

Booking & Cancellation Policy​

Privacy Policy​ & Cookies

Get In Touch


  • tom@tombourdon.co.uk

  • facebook.com/tombourdonphotographer

  • instagram.com/tom.bourdon

  • +996 707 812485 (Whatsapp only)