Kyrgyzstan

At a Glance

Location

Kyrgyzstan

Tuition

$19,995

Dates

July 12 – 25, 2028

Fitness Level

Moderate

Availability

Limited to 8 Guests

Collections

Journey
Signature Collection

Kyrgyzstan Photography Workshop

Name: Kyrgyzstan
Start: 2028-07-12
End: 2028-07-25
Location: Kyrgyzstan

Adventure to the hidden gem of Central Asia, with untouched landscapes and warm cultural experiences

July 12 – 25, 2028

Fly your drone over rivers and mountains from your camp
Partake in the culture of Kyrgyzstan's eagle hunters
Amazing fully outfitted camp sites in the wilderness

Kyrgyzstan’s high-altitude landscapes and nomadic traditions create a remarkable setting for a photography workshop, where rugged mountains, wide alpine valleys, and glassy lakes unfold in every direction. In this part of Central Asia, the sunrise and sunset light sweeps across peaks and open steppes, offering opportunities for landscape photography that blend big views with quiet moments along remote lakeshores. With night skies that reveal the Milky Way above mountain ridges and stars reflected over still water, the region is equally suited to long-exposure work, astrophotography, and thoughtful studies of tone and scale. Combined with encounters with local culture and traditional eagle hunters, this workshop invites you to explore both the land and the people of Kyrgyzstan through intentional, story-driven photography.

Expect an immersive learning experience throughout, with targeted sessions on drone photography, long-lens landscapes, environmental portraits, focus stacking, night sky photography, near/far composition, and more. We guide you toward clearer intent and stronger execution, helping you with composition, camera settings, and post-processing so your photography keeps improving long after you return home.

This itinerary includes an unforgettable three nights in climber-designed yurts, up near the towering Lenin Peak covered in glaciers. Each evening, as the sun slips behind the peaks, the mountains to the south form a dramatic silhouette beneath the rising arc of the Milky Way. From one of several locations near camp, we will photograph the brilliant galactic core as it stretches above the horizon, with the immense 23,406-foot Lenin Peak standing watch in the distance.

During the day, explore the glacial terrain and lakes that surround us. Fly your drone over crystal-clear turquoise lakes nestled within ancient moraines, revealing patterns and colors shaped by ice and time. For those who want to venture farther, a nearby trail climbs above camp, offering elevated vantage points for astrophotography and sweeping night panoramas. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, remain near camp and photograph the stars from an open alpine field with unobstructed views of the sky.

We’ll travel to remote, photogenic locations with comfortable accommodations, including nights in fully outfitted camps. Traditional Kyrgyz meals will connect you to the culture, while small group sizes ensure personalized instruction and deeper interactions.

This workshop supports local communities by working with Kyrgyz families and small businesses, offering unique photographic opportunities. Guided by experts, you’ll have the support to focus on creativity and capture the essence of Kyrgyzstan.

Your Pros

Joseph Roybal

David Thompson

Itinerary

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

July 12, 2028: Arrival in Bishkek, Meeting

Arrival at Manas International Airport in Bishkek. We’ll pick you up at the airport and drive you to our hotel to meet the group. We’ll review our future trip plans and discuss logistics before enjoying a nice dinner.

July 13, 2028: Flight to Karakol, Drive to Sary Jaz Valley

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Karakol before continuing overland into the remote Sary Jaz Valley. As we travel deeper into the mountains, the landscape opens into broad steppe, deep river gorges, and enormous glaciated peaks along Kyrgyzstan’s border with China.

We’ll make photographic stops as conditions allow, beginning to explore one of the main themes of the workshop: using scale, layers, and longer focal lengths to simplify these immense landscapes.

July 14, 2028: Journey to Charlie’s Little Peak, Overnight in Sary Jaz Valley

Today, we drive 6 hours to Charlie’s Little Peak, passing through expansive steppe, rugged ridgelines, and glacial valleys. Keep an eye out for wildlife near the mountain rivers along the way. Once we reach the peak, you’ll have time to soak in the stunning surroundings before we make the final drive to reach the Sary Jaz Valley for an overnight stay. As the sun sets, the cliffs and river are bathed in golden light, creating a perfect end to the day.

July 15, 2028: Sunrise Photography Sary Jaz River, Return to Turgen

We start the day with a sunrise shoot over the Sary-Jaz River, capturing the mist rising from the valley and the first light hitting the glacial peaks. After breakfast, we head back to Turgen, taking our time to photograph the expansive, untouched landscapes along the way.

July 16, 2028: Travel to Jeti Oguz Gorge, Oguz Bashy Peak Viewpoint

Today we travel through the Issyk-Kul region toward Jeti Oguz Gorge, known for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs set against the surrounding mountains.

Rather than simply photographing the grand view, we’ll explore different ways of organizing the landscape through focal length, perspective, repetition, and the relationship between the red rock and distant alpine terrain. We’ll continue deeper into the gorge toward the Oguz Bashy Peak viewpoint before checking into our lodge.

July 17, 2028: Explore Skazka Canyon, Stay in Yurt Camp

We’ll spend much of today among the sculpted sandstone formations of Skazka Canyon, where ridges, gullies, textures, and layers of color create opportunities for both expansive landscapes and more abstract compositions.

This is an excellent place to slow down and work deliberately with shape, line, negative space, and changing light. Longer lenses can isolate patterns within the canyon, while wider compositions reveal the relationship between its formations and the surrounding landscape. We’ll stay through the warm evening light before continuing to our yurt camp.

July 18, 2028: Mars Canyon Exploration, Eagle Hunting Demonstration

Our morning is devoted to the red cliffs, winding washes, and eroded formations of Mars Canyon. We’ll photograph from the ground and, where appropriate, from the air, using drones to reveal patterns and relationships that are difficult to see from eye level.

Later, our focus shifts to one of Kyrgyzstan’s most distinctive cultural traditions as we photograph eagle hunters with their birds. We’ll work with both action and environmental portraiture, thinking carefully about clean backgrounds, shutter speed, and the relationship between the hunter, his eagle, and the surrounding landscape.

We’ll have many hours to capture images of the amazingly skilled hunters with their eagles.

July 19, 2028: Drive to Son Kul Lake, Sunset and Blue Hour Photography

We depart at 8:00 AM for our drive to Son-Kul Lake, passing through dramatic high-altitude landscapes. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to capture sweeping mountain vistas, winding roads, and horse herds and nomadic riders. Upon arrival, we’ll spend time photographing the sunset over the lake and surrounding pastures. We’ll spend the time it takes here to capture late light and continue into blue hour if the weather permits.

July 20, 2028: Experience Nomadic Life, Kok Boru Game at Son Kul Lake

Today gives us a very different kind of photography. We’ll spend time around Son-Kul photographing herders, horses, livestock, yurts, and the rhythms of daily life in this high-altitude landscape.

Your Pros will help you approach these situations thoughtfully, working with environmental portraiture, clean backgrounds, and gesture to create photographs that tell stories about the people and their connection to this landscape.

In the afternoon, we’ll photograph Kok Boru, a fast-moving traditional horseback game. Here the challenge shifts to action photography as we work with autofocus, shutter speed, anticipation, framing, and different approaches to conveying movement.

Later, we’ll spend time with a local nomadic family and share dinner together.

July 21, 2028: Morning Light Photography at Son Kul, Return to Bishkek

We begin the day with the soft morning light over Son-Kul Lake, ideal for capturing tranquil reflections, grazing horses, and the endless steppe. After breakfast, we drive back to Bishkek, soaking in spectacular views of the lake, mountains, and high-altitude valleys, with stops along the way to photograph the scenery.

In the evening, we come together for a wonderful dinner, celebrating the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and nomadic culture we’ve captured throughout the journey so far. We get a good night’s sleep for our final excursion out into the wilds of Kyrgyzstan, to Mt Lenin.

July 22, 2028: Flight to Osh

We will take a 50-minute flight from Bishkek to Osh, then load into our jeeps and drive about four hours to base camp “Achik-Tash.” Depending on conditions, we should have time to photograph the sunset and fly drones. The drive to base camp will be scenic, forcing us to stop on occasion. The altitude in base camp is 11,800 feet, making walking a bit difficult. But, we will have been somewhat acclimated from our previous 10 days touring the country.

July 23–24, 2028: Panorama Pass, Kol Lakes, and Lenin Peak with the Milky Way

You will be staying in the same yurt for all three nights, so tonight will be the second night. Today and tomorrow, you will have the option to hike up to Panorama Pass or walk over to the Kol lakes, or simply fly your drone from base camp. The hike up to Panorama Pass is 1,500 feet up and about 5.5 miles. The walk to Kol lakes is just over a mile with no elevation gain.

We will plan to photograph the stars over the mountains between sunset and the moonrise, which will be about one hour after sunset. If the sky is clear, the moon will light up the snow on the 23,000-foot Lenin Peak with the Milky Way above, and photograph amazingly well.

July 25, 2028: Travel and flights home

Today we travel back to Osh. We will leave camp just after breakfast and make our drive to the airport in Osh. Flights home can be made from here after 4:00 PM.

Testimonials

Kathy P.

Big Bend '26

Joseph presented thoughtful and helpful critiques. He sat with me through the process of capturing night sky images, even when I wasn't sure what a photo should look like.

Gene H.

Big Bend '26

Joseph is an outstanding instructor who makes sure the photo opportunities are plentiful.

Michelle C.

Bhutan Scout '26

Joseph was a phenomenal teacher. He constantly pushed me to think outside the box, challenge standard perspectives, and discover the fresh angles and compositions that elevate a photograph. His enthusiasm and positive energy are deeply inspiring and utterly contagious.

Martha W.

Iceland Northern Lights and Ice Caves '26

Joseph always provided an overview of where we were going and what to look for. He was available to assist us as we shot and provided great suggestions for improvements. The critiques were interactive and effective.

Barry O.

Iceland Northern Lights and Ice Caves '26

Fantastic workshop! Joseph is an outstanding guide, mentor, and just fun to spend the week with.

Jeff S.

Kyrgyzstan Scouting Trip '25

Kyrgyzstan was one of the most spectacular places I've visited.You're shootting hugely diverse landscapes - dramatic alpine mountainscapes and complex of sandstone formations. This workshop offers insider access to a largely unspoiled and untamed part of the world. To be immersed in Kyrgyz culture is to experience the raw authenticity of yurt and tent camping, and to gain a visceral appreciation for the quiet pride the locals exude, the traditions they embrace, and the sacred role of hospitality in their lives. The vibrance and beauty of Kyrgyzstan will touch your soul in ways you can't even begin to imagine!

Polly S.

Oregon Coast and Redwoods '26

DT is maybe my favorite instructor. He is very good at teaching composition, explains why you would want to do one thing over another, and expects you to show him compositions before he gives any instruction. His approach makes sure I'll learn at a fast pace on each workshop.

Michelle C.

Namibia: Landscapes of Light and Shadow '26

I can’t say enough good things about my experience learning from David Thompson (DT). Throughout the trip, he was not only an incredibly knowledgeable instructor but also genuinely invested in helping each of us grow.

Gallery

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Behind the Scenes

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muench workshops photo, kyrgyzstan, people, culture, portraits, person riding white horse, grassy field, mountain range, yurts, partly cloudy sky

muench workshops photo, kyrgyzstan, people, culture, mountains, green grassy slopes, rocky hillside, dirt road, herd of sheep, three horse riders, one dog, partly cloudy sky

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Camping

This itinerary includes multiple nights in a tent camp, in yurts with in-suite restrooms, and in western-style hotels.

The camps are fully outfitted wilderness camps. Each person will be in a large personal tent with a cot, a thick, comfortable pad, and a sleeping bag, and some lighting is provided inside the tents. A separate dining tent with tables will be available to everyone at all hours. Plenty of cool or hot water is available at all times, along with snacks, including fresh fruits. The outfitters are trained in wilderness cooking and wilderness first aid. Sanitary hand-washing stations are set up for use.

The yurts include beds with mattresses, heating, power and full restrooms. You will stay in one location with shared bathrooms outside your room.

Altitude

This photography workshop visits altitudes up to approximately 13,300 feet in elevation.

Please read this document, HIGH ALTITUDE.

This workshop is designed to prepare you for the higher altitudes by beginning the itinerary at much lower altitudes before ascending to 12,000 feet on the final days.

Fitness

Moderate: Be prepared for high-altitude conditions, reaching up to 13,300 feet, which may affect exertion and comfort. Expect hikes up to 5.5 miles with significant elevation gain, and some days include long drives. Terrain can be rugged and uneven, requiring careful footing. You’ll carry camera gear, and early starts or late finishes are possible for optimal photography.

Flights

Arrive at Manas International Airport (BSZ), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, anytime on July 12, 2028. Depart from Osh Airport (OSS), Osh, Kyrgyzstan, anytime on July 25, 2028. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

What to Bring

Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.

What’s Included

Double occupancy lodging. Single available for a $1,200 supplement.
All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
All permits and park fees.
All transportation during the workshop.
Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
Guided camping with custom meals and comfortable tents.
Camp bedding: cot, sheet and sleeping bag
Multiple image reviews and post-processing sessions.
English-speaking local guide throughout the workshop.
Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Not Included

Travel to Bishkek, Chuyskaya oblast’ and from Osh, Kyrgyzstan.
Unscheduled airport transfers.
Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
Items of a personal nature.
Alcoholic beverages.
Medical Evacuation Insurance including coverage from point of injury (required).
Travel Medical Insurance (required).
Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
Anything else specifically not listed as included.
Single rooming is available for a $1,200 supplement.

Payment Terms

Your deposit of $8,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
Further payment of $6,000 is due by November 1, 2027.
The balance is due not later than March 1, 2028.
All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply, including our cancellation and refund policy.
Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What photography techniques will I learn on this Kyrgyzstan workshop?

You'll practice drone photography, long-lens landscapes, environmental portraits, focus stacking, night sky photography, and near/far composition. The workshop also guides you in improving composition, camera settings, and post-processing skills.

Is this Kyrgyzstan workshop refundable?

Yes, this workshop follows our standard refundable policy. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150 and 91 days, you'll get a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90 and 61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are available within 60 days of the workshop, but if we fill your space, you'll receive a 100% refund of payments made. All refunds are issued by the same payment method and are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.

What kind of accommodations can I expect during the workshop?

You'll stay in a mix of accommodations, including fully outfitted wilderness camps with personal tents, yurts with in-suite restrooms, and western-style hotels. Each tent includes a cot, thick pad, and sleeping bag, while yurts offer beds with mattresses, heating, and power.

How physically demanding is the Kyrgyzstan photography workshop?

The workshop requires a moderate fitness level. You'll be traveling to remote locations and participating in activities like hiking and exploring rugged landscapes, which may involve some physical exertion.

What is the maximum group size for this workshop?

The workshop is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring personalized instruction and deeper interactions with the guides and fellow photographers.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the workshop?

Yes, you'll need to arrange your own travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and from Osh, Kyrgyazstan. The workshop includes all transportation during the event, but you'll be responsible for getting to the starting point at Manas International Airport.

Are travel insurance and medical coverage required for this trip?

Evacuation from point of injury and travel medical insurance are both required. Comprehensive travel insurance is optional, but recommended.