In Search of Kyrgyzstan’s Colors: A Photo Tour of Southern Kyrgyzstan

Duration

10 days

Group Size

12 people

Tour Season

May - September

Difficulty

Medium


About this tour

This journey was designed specifically for photographers. During the trip, you will embark on a unique adventure through some of the most scenic and little-known regions of Kyrgyzstan. Our 10-day photo tour is created for nature lovers, wildlife and flora enthusiasts, as well as photographers seeking breathtaking landscapes, unusual geological formations, and rare animals. The journey is also open to admirers of phenomenal nature and explorers.

Why Choose This Kyrgyzstan Photo Tour:

  • Exclusive locations for landscape and wildlife photography.
  • Opportunities to spot rare animals and birds: Bearded Vultures, bats, patterned snakes, and steppe rodents.
  • Visit unique geoparks and little-known natural monuments.
  • Comfortable accommodation in tents, private gardens, and hotels, with meals and chef support included.
  • Combine photography with cultural experiences, local cuisine, and hands-on workshops
  • Best season: Spring / Autumn – the best time for vivid colors
  • Duration: 10 days
  • Group size: from 6 participants
  • Region: Southern Kyrgyzstan

Program

Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Check-in, currency exchange, and SIM card purchase.

Optional: Excursion to Sulayman Mountain and a walk around the city.

Dinner at the ethnic restaurant Navat.

Program briefing and introduction to your guide in the hotel conference room or restaurant.

7:30 – Breakfast at the hotel.

8:00 – Departure to Madygen Geopark.

Scenic drive through the agricultural landscapes of the Fergana Valley and the foothills of the Alay Range.

Lunch en route at a local café (optional).

Stop in Batken for provisions before leaving civilization for the legendary Madygen Geopark, a site of global geological and biological significance. Witness its paleontological wonders, colorful landscapes, and semi-desert spring scenery. Rare wildlife: snakes, lizards, rodents, desert birds, turtles, etc.

Location scouting for photography along the way.

Accommodation in tents in a unique oasis with majestic poplars.

Evening photography at selected locations.

Dinner prepared by a chef.

Night photography at planned locations.

Early morning photography; walking or driving to photo points. Transportation provided to various locations.

Breakfast prepared by the chef.

Full day exploring Madygen, scouting different valleys and geological formations: Sary-Too Valley, Sphinx Valley, Ancient Ovens Valley, Unkur-Sai Valley, Mollusk Valley, old poplars by the Dinosaur Valley spring, and more.

Field lunch boxes with hot tea/coffee included.

Evening photography; transport to photo locations provided.

Dinner in camp by the chef, or packed if visiting distant locations.

Campfire and night photography.

Wildlife highlights: snakes, birds, lizards, monitor lizards, turtles, rodents.

Early morning photography at pre-selected points.

Breakfast in camp.

Scouting trip to Zhaylooochu Panorama, with a stop at Tenge-Sai Canyon (northern part of the park).

Visit the “Easter Island” rock formations – wind-eroded pillars.

Return to camp; lunch prepared by chef.

Trip to ancient Kani-Gut Cave Mine: bats, large entrance, desert landscapes.

Evening photography and transport to points selected during scouting.

Dinner in camp.

Night photography at planned locations.

Early morning photography and coffee with Madygen’s landscapes.

Breakfast prepared by chef.

Pack camp and drive to Samarkandek Village to visit a local home where women make traditional felt rugs by hand.

Travel to legendary Tuya-Muyun. Photograph the Dangi Canyon, Bearded Vultures, other birds, and rodents. Explore Barit Cave with Red List bats. Local mountains showcase poppy patterns. Tuya-Muyun is a key ornithological area.

Lunch en route at a café.

Arrival in Kara-Koktu Village, accommodation in a private riverside garden.

Night on traditional wooden beds (topchans) or tents.

Dinner prepared by chef, including a pilaf cooking masterclass.

Evening photography: Barit Cave, water gallery, canyon, surrounding landscapes.

Early morning photography.

Breakfast prepared by chef; take-away lunch boxes for early shoot if desired.

Drive to Osh (45 km / 1 hour); lunch at Navat Teahouse (optional).

Continue to Tash-Kumyr (230 km / 5 hours).

Check-in at hotel; dinner at café (optional).

Evening photography in the savanna; return after sunset.

Light late dinner, evening tea, and rest.

Early photography trip to the savanna (~20 km from hotel).

Breakfast to-go from café.

Evening photography in springtime savanna – blooming ephemeral flowers, vibrant aromas, and awakening wildlife. Fistula trees (“tree of life”) create striking compositions; Char-Tash colorful strata provide unique photo opportunities.

Return for lunch in Tash-Kumyr.

Optional rest or trip to Kara-Suu River Valley for exotic bird photography.

Dinner at café (optional).

Evening photography; optional repeat café visit after shoot.

Overnight at hotel.

Wildlife highlights: patterned snakes, whipsnakes, turtles, rodents, steppe birds, predators.

Early morning photography in the surrounding landscapes. Savanna and favorite viewpoints.

Field breakfast in the savanna: hot coffee/tea included.

Travel to the mountains and Baba-Ustun Gorge, a dominant cultural and natural landmark of Fergana. Waterfalls, unique flora and fauna. Field lunch by the waterfall.

Visit Kerben town for local samosa tasting.

Scenic drive around Buzbu-Too Mountain, return to Tash-Kumyr.

Dinner at café (optional), overnight at hotel.

Wildlife highlights: whipsnakes, patterned snakes, lizards, other reptiles.

Optional early morning photography in the savanna.

Breakfast at a café (optional).

Drive to Osh; lunch en route in Jalal-Abad (optional).

Stop at historical and architectural complex in Uzgen.

Check-in at hotel in Osh.

Farewell dinner at Navat Ethno-Restaurant.

Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer to the airport for departure.


Price

1/2 DBL price
On request

Included / Excluded

  • 4WD off-road transportation throughout the tour
  • Professional guide and tour organizer
  • Accommodation in hotels
  • Accommodation in tents
  • Three meals per day
  • Entrance fees to all sites according to the program
  • Cultural and culinary masterclasses
  • Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
  • Services of a professional chef
  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages and bar menu
  • Tips and gratuities

Similar tours

WhatsApp - Asia Nomd Travel – Kyrgyzstan Telegram - Asia Nomd Travel – Kyrgyzstan