Coming back with more than 5000 photos, it is not easy to select my favorites... Kyrgyzstan was really splendid, and although I really like some of my pictures, I must admit that they do not do justice to those magnificent landscapes. But I still hope that this little selection will inspire you to go visit the country!
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Photos from Song Kul
I was really inspired by Song Kul,a high altitude lake. I took sooooooooooo many pictures! I was trying to capture the peacefulness of the place as well as what is life there for the nomad. I just wish I had had more time to do just that. Here is a selection of my favorites:
Several nomad families settle around the lake for summer:
There animals roam freely enjoying the fresh grass:
But sometimes that need to be gathered. And all generations participate:
Song Kul is even more magical at sunset!
Kyrgyz people
Kyrgyz people live simple lives in sync with the beautiful nature around them. They are very hospitable and still very curious of foreigners!
This music teacher started singing Kalinka for us at the Burana Tower (see video). Her passion was contagious!
Nomadism
I was lucky to travel during the transhumance and cross path with many nomads and their herds:
And here we were at a mountain pass with walls of snow on each side (more photos on the post Kazarman to Arslanbob). Quite an amazing moment!
Ancient history
The region has been inhabited for a very long time and it is possible to admire some of the evidence. Here at the Cholpon-Ata petroglyph field and the Burana Tower
Food
Food was soooo delicious! A mix of russian, Asian and Turkish. Discover more on my Kyrgyz food and drink post.
I have only selected one picture here of some spices sold at the Bishkek Osh Bazaar
Unbelievable landscape
Driving around the country is a feast of the eyes. The layers of mountains with different colors create unbelievable landscapes:
This is the famous Sary Chelek Nature Reserve and its high altitude lake:
Altyn Arashan is one of the top valleys around Issyk-Kul. They even have hot sources!
Watching sunrise around Issuy-Kul lake is a peaceful experience:
And in June there was still some snow as we were climbing through the mountains!
Crazy shapes and colors
But what I loved the most in those landscapes were the crazy shapes and colors of some of the rock formations and mountains.
This is Dragon gorge, in the continuity of the famous Jeti Oguz Seven Bulls. The rock was so red!
Skazka is my second favorite location in Kyrgyzstan. This is just one of the many photos of the striking shapes of this Fairy Tale Canyon.
The next 2 pictures are from the shores of the Toktogul reservoir:
And those incredible viewswere everywhere on the mountainous roads of Kyrgyzstan:
If you love being inspired to discover new countries with photos, check out my other posts:
Want to see more of Kyrgyzstan's beauty?
And if you want even more, check out all my articles about Kyrgyzstan or check the work of another photographer such as Sophie Ibboston
Inspired to discover Kyrgyzstan?
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Wow these pics are crazy! I mean in a good way 🙂 I have always been thinking of going to Central Asia for a change but I have never more inspired than today.
Are those mountainous regions require you to rent your own car or can you do it by public transpo? TIA!
Thanks Christine
It is a beautiful country, so it is very difficult to have bad photos 🙂
If you want to go in the mountains you should rent a car. There is not much public transportation there. You can take a bus to Issyk-Kul but then you have to find another way. I crossed path with a couple who visited the magnificent Song-Kul via horse trek…
Hey, awesome photos!
What camera/lens do you use? I’m planning a road-trip along the Silk Road and am in need of updating my camera before I set off for shots like these!
Thanks Dessie
I use a Canon 7D with only one lens for travel practicality (a Canon EFS 18-200mm).
Happy travels!
Claire