A photo diary of Kyrgyzstan
Even though it’s been months since I came back home from my trip with Visit Karakol, I still cannot fully grasp my experience in Kyrgyzstan. It was one of those experiences you can’t really put in to words. Things are not supposed to go entirely like you want it while traveling. It’s just not possible. Kyrgyzstan certainly didn’t. Mostly regarding weather. But that’s what happens. Kyrgyzstan was absolutely incredible. It is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. Without a doubt. It is unlike any other place I have visited.
In this post I’m taking you through a photo diary of Kyrgyzstan.
A photo diary of Kyrgyzstan
The last valley. I had seen photos of this place online, but getting to experience it myself was otherworldly. I have never experienced this kind of landscapes anywhere else in the world. The way the red sand rock cliffs create the perfect leading line towards the mountains in the background is phenomenal. Had I not seen it myself, I would have difficulties believing this place was real.
A bit later on the trip we were fortunate enough to be able to meet one of the last remaining eagle hunters. We spent the entire morning with him, photographing and talking about his life as an eagle hunter and his dreams for the future. Going in we felt a bit unsure of what to expect, but he was the real thing.
In Sary Jaz I went through all kinds of feelings. I went from excitement, to disappointment to being ecstatic within a few hours. It’s safe to say that this was the place I was the most excited about, and when the mountains finally showed, they didn’t dissapoint. I’m Absolutely certain that I will be going back to this incredible region again, and I can barely wait.
A photo diary of Kyrgyzstan
As we visited Peak Yeltsin it only showed it’s beauty for a few minutes before disappearing behind a set of clouds, not to show itself again while we were there. We were supposed to stay overnight, in order to photograph the sunrise but decided against it. It turned out to be a great decision, as shortly after we departed, a huge lightning storm hit, lasting the entire night.
Peak Karakol. Wow. It is absolutely magic. In order to get there we had quite a strenuous drive followed by a short hike. Nothing could have prepared me for the sight I was witnessing the following morning during sunrise, as I flew my drone. It felt like magic. Flying my drone throughout Kyrgyzstan is some of the best flights I have ever had.
One of the first nights of the trip we stayed by Son Kul Lake, and experienced what was undoubtedly the best sunset of the trip. For a short time the sky turned all kinds of colors, until the clouds opened and it started pouring rain. I managed to catch a few photos I’m really happy with before that happened though.
A photo diary of Kyrgyzstan
Back in Karakol we went to a huge animal market. It was rather different to anything I have ever experienced on my travels beforehand, and though my focus was mainly on photographing the locals, I’m really happy with how this photo turned out.
Kyrgyzstan is one of those places that just doesn’t get enough attention. It is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited, and I hope that more and more people will start to realise how much it has to offer.