Our photo-tour in Kyrgyzstan
My terrific 10-day tour throughout the Kyrgyzstan unfortunately had come to an end and I went back to Moscow, but just a day before I woke up in my sleeping bag inside of a cold yurt, which was placed right on the cold ground, and outside temperature was below zero and it snow was everywhere. Closest civilization outpost was at least hundred kilometers away.
There was no connection with the outside world, it’s just you and wild nature. Last days we’ve lived in one of the most incredible hotels of all at the height of 3000 meters. Almost every day I took shower in water, that bites you harder than dog’s teeth, climbed atop hills and mountains, and shot gigabytes of amazing photos. And here is my report about it.
Photo tour was organized by Vladimir Trofimov and Ivan Dementievskiy. Ten days ago we just met, and now I had to say goodbye to my best friends, leaving them at the airport lounge. Our trip went across north-eastern part of Kyrgyzstan – around Issuk Kyl and Son-Kyl lakes.
We went around in five buses Mitsubishi Delica, incredibly durable and powerful vehicles. Four of them were filled up by photographers, and fifth was staffed by chefs and products.
Every day we stood up a little bit earlier than before, and definitely than I used to get around – first at 5 AM, then at 3 AM or even at 1:30 AM. Still sleepy, we crawled into our buses and drove to different places, canyons and valleys. During the all expedition we enjoyed the view of Celestial Mountains, which are called Tien Shan in Chinese.
Grigoriev Gorge, Chon Aksu river valley.
Jeti-Oguz red mountains
We’ve seen horses for five years in advance…
And horse riders as well.
We’ve been around Karakol authentic bazaar, where you can buy totally useless things or assemble Moskvitch 412 (extremely old car).
I almost fell for these spring chickens, they are so cute.
Same place. Ivan took a risk of having a haircut (after he took a glass of local alcohol beverage, bozo). It costs 43 rubles.
By the way, sheep are also having a haircut, but only once in a year. We got lucky to attend such memorable (for sheep) event.
Kid is playing with a stick, timber log and split brick in summer shelter of chabans (shepherd).
One of the waterfalls with a lovely view over Barskoon valley. Gosh, I had a rough time walking across these mountains…
Road to Son-Kul. Herd of camels are feeding on the shore of a lake, outside temperature is around +30*C.
That’s just an hour later, herd of yaks, minus temperature, snowing.
Barskoon, 3800 meters high. Here I finally got a chance to try gradient optical filters for my camera.
Serpentine.
Joyful shepherds.
Son-Kul countryside and Tien Shan mountain chain. Breathtaking view.
Kyrgyzstan is a wonderful place for meditation…
Special thanks to every member of that photo tour and our guides, who took care and guided us all the way.
Author: Dmitiry Chistoprudov
http://chistoprudov.livejournal.com/
