I just returned from 3 weeks in Kyrgyzstan. As a landscape photographer I have travelled lots countries in the world so I guess I can say I am ‘used’ to beautiful landscapes. Until recently Central Asia was unknown territory for me. I always love to explore countries that are not really on the radar of photographers and travellers in general. It inspires and pushes my creativity. The most important reason for visiting Kyrgyzstan was to meet my girlfriend’s family. But other than that I was triggered by the beauty of its nature. As a photographer and nature lover, you know that feeling when you see that untouched beauty? Crazy mountains with open valleys? It triggers you somehow. That was what Kyrgyzstan did to me.
Kyrgyzstan doesn’t require a visa to access. It’s fairly easy to travel to if you’re willing to transfer somewhere. It doesn’t really offer direct flights from most places. You’ll be flying into the capital Bishkek which is already surrounded by crazy mountains. It starts right there. Upon entering the city you already see high snowcapped peaks around you. Basically, this whole country has immense heights and mountains. It’s on another level than what we’re used to in Europe, especially for me living in the Netherlands below sea level. Being on an altitude around 3000m is fairly common here with peaks over 7000m and occasional hikes to 4000m+. I had a bit of trouble with the altitudes in the beginning of my visit but this disappeared after a while.
#21 Aa

36points
#22 Twilight Before The Sun Comes Up

Standing at one of the crazy canyons in Kyrgyzstan that look like they’re coming straight from the moon.
35points
#23

35points
#24 Standing In Front Of Peak Karakol

A very scenic peak popular among mountain climbers. It has an altitude of 5200m.
34points
#25 A Shepherd Walking Down A Mountain With His Horse And Dog

I shot this with a 400mm lens from a neighbouring mountain. A storm was coming in fast so he had to move his cattle down the mountain.
33points
#26 Sunrise At Skazka Canyon

Does this remind you of Mars?
33points
#27 A Top Down View From The Patterns Of Skazka Canyon

32points
#28 The Night Sky Of Kyrgyzstan Is Unpolluted

We stayed at this yurt at 3000m. Looking at the beautiful night sky was a joy.
31points
#29

31points


