Kyrgyzstan 2026 Photography Workshop
A Remote Journey Through One of Central Asia’s Last Untouched Landscapes
Towering mountains, vast alpine meadows, pristine glaciers, and a rich nomadic culture—Kyrgyzstan is a country of staggering beauty and wild, unfiltered adventure.
Now, in our sixth year of running workshops in Kyrgyzstan, we’re introducing a brand-new route, a path that has never been offered before. This exclusive itinerary has been curated to take you deeper into the backcountry, capturing moments few travellers will ever witness.
Led By
Jack Harding, Jack Anstey, Rami Ravasio
In collaboration with Visit Karakol, our long-time ground partner in Kyrgyzstan
Together, we’ve spent years exploring this region, building deep connections and uncovering hidden gems to deliver an unmatched photographic experience.
Workshop Details
2026 Dates: 24 August – 4 September
Price: £4,750 GBP
Deposit due now – Balance payable 180 days before departure
What’s included
All Ground Transport (Arrival to Departure)
From the moment you arrive, all travel is taken care of. No self-driving is required; sit back and enjoy the ride through Kyrgyzstan’s wild landscapes.
Expert Packing & Preparation Support
Receive a detailed kit list and personal guidance to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
In-Field Shooting Support
Get hands-on guidance while shooting, whether it’s mastering composition, light, or storytelling in remote locations.
Post-Production Training
Evening sessions covering Adobe Lightroom, Bridge, and Photoshop workflows. Dedicated spaces will be booked for these group sessions. (Software not included)
All Accommodation
Comfortable and authentic stays throughout the journey—from hotels and traditional yurts to occasional tented nights deep in the mountains. You’ll never be expected to carry or set up your tent.
4x4 Transport with Local Drivers
Travel in rugged 4x4s or minibuses, depending on terrain. Most routes involve off-road travel into remote, elevated regions.
All Meals & Snacks
Three meals a day and plenty of snacks throughout the trip—so you can focus on the photography, not your next meal.
Meet the Team
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Rami Ravasio
Adventure Filmmaker & Photographer
Rami is a filmmaker and photographer with a deep focus on remote regions, human stories, and immersive visual storytelling. His work spans the mountains of Switzerland to the deserts of Peru, capturing both epic landscapes and quiet, powerful moments, with clients including Sony, Visit Peru, Atomic, and Nokian Tyres.
Rami’s cinematic style brings a grounded, emotional layer to every project. Having explored Kyrgyzstan for several years, he offers both creative direction and on-the-ground expertise that elevate the entire workshop experience.
In his spare time Rami likes to paradglide, hike close to home in Switzerland or ski.
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Jack Harding
Photographer & Workshop Leader
Jack is a commercial photographer specialising in high-impact imagery for global brand campaigns. With a focus on automotive, lifestyle, and adventure, his work is defined by its cinematic style, strong visual narrative, and attention to detail.
He has worked with leading brands such as Bentley, Lamborghini, Montblanc, Pirelli, and KW Automotive, delivering full-scale productions across Europe and beyond.
Having led workshops in Kyrgyzstan since 2018, Jack combines deep regional knowledge with a practical, hands-on teaching approach, ensuring every trip is immersive, well-organised, and creatively inspiring.
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Jack Anstey
Commercial Photographer
Jack Anstey is a landscape and travel photographer known for his bold, immersive style and striking use of natural light. His work captures the raw beauty of remote environments while telling deeper stories of place and atmosphere.
With a background in design and a passion for exploration, Jack has built a global portfolio spanning the Scottish Highlands, the fjords of Iceland, and the mountains of Central Asia. He’s worked with brands like Arc’teryx, Berghaus, Garmin, Sony, and BMW, creating content that inspires people to venture into the wild.
A long-time explorer and master of the outdoors. Jack brings creative insight and logistical know-how to every workshop. Whether you’re refining your composition or building a visual narrative, his guidance will push your work further.
Kyrgyzstan 2026 Photography Workshop Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Bishkek
Guests arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Some may arrive earlier depending on flight schedules.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome session and orientation, covering kit prep, itinerary overview, and introductions.
Evening: Group welcome dinner.
Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek.
Day 2 – Mars Canyon & Eagle Hunters
A relaxed morning before we begin our journey south. Our first major stop is the dramatic and colourful Mars Canyon.
Evening shoot: We’ll meet and photograph local eagle hunters, capturing powerful portraits and action shots in this striking landscape. Sunset over the Forgotten Rivers Canyon.
Overnight: After sunset, we’ll drive to the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers and stay at the yurt camp on the edge of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Day 3 – Canyon of Forgotten Rivers Sunrise & Karakol
We’ll rise early for sunrise in the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers for a short hike, then head east toward Karakol, the last urban stop before heading into the backcountry.
Evening shoot: An optional gentle sunset shoot near the ski lodge to acclimate to the elevation.
Overnight: Green Yard Hotel, Karakol.
Day 4 – Into Sary Jaz Wilderness
An early start as we head into the vast wilderness of Sary Jaz—a remote region of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and endless space. Keep your camera close to you, as this area is known for wildlife and surprises.
This magical area
Evening shoot: Iconic Sary Jaz sunset location with huge 6500m mountain views.
Overnight: Camp under the stars in a tent and enjoy dinner in our group dining space. There’s a chance of astro photography if the conditions align!
Day 5 – Journey to Issyk-Kul
Experience a magical sunrise and morning tea/ coffee at Sary Jaz. We wake up to 6500m mountains on our doorstep.
We break camp and begin the journey north toward Issyk-Kul Lake, a stunning alpine lake and one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Evening shoot: Around the stunning camp area.
Overnight: Hotel on the north shore of Issyk-Kul.
Day 6 – Kok Kiya Valley & Sunset Ridge Hike
We travel into the wild Kok Kiya Valley and settle into a beautiful yurt camp surrounded by rugged peaks.
In the evening, we’ll hike a nearby ridge for an elevated sunset shoot above the valley. We’ll scout our hiking route for the next days from higher ground.
Evening shoot: Sunset Ridge. Together we’ll hike up above the valley to shoot panoramic views of the area.
Overnight: Yurt camp in Kok Kiya.
Day 7 – Kel Suu Lake Trek
A full-day radial trek to the surreal Kel Suu Lake, a narrow alpine lake flanked by towering cliffs and turquoise waters.
Afternoon/evening shoot: Capture the mid-afternoon light before hiking back to camp.
Overnight: Yurt camp.
Day 8 – Kyzyl Asker & Peak Dankova Base Camp
We continue deeper into the high mountains, heading toward our remote tented base camp below the colossal faces of Kyzyl Asker and Peak Dankova. As these are very rural areas, our journey will depend on the condition of the off-road terrain. We will adjust accordingly!
Sunrise shoot: Shooting the camp and surrounding areas.
Evening shoot: Short hike with a view of the glacier-fed giants.
Overnight: Tent camp in front of the peaks and a chance of astro photography.
Day 9 – Glacier Viewpoint Trek
An early morning sunrise, followed by a scenic trek to a high-altitude viewpoint offering commanding views over Kyzyl Asker and surrounding glaciers. We will ascend to approximately 4000m during this hike. There's no need to worry; one host can stay behind if the group splits.
Evening shoot: Sunset in the surrounding areas of the camp.
Overnight: Tent camp in front of the peaks and a chance of astro photography.
Day 10 – Return to Bishkek
We begin the journey back to Bishkek, taking time to stop for refreshments and to soak in the last of the landscapes.
Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek.
Day 11 – Post-Production & Workshop Day
A day dedicated to reviewing images, learning editing techniques, and discussing storytelling and post-production workflows in Adobe Lightroom, Bridge, and Photoshop.
Group workspaces will be set up for hands-on sessions. (Software not included - please download before the event)
Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek.
Day 12 – Departure Day
Airport transfers and goodbyes.
Until next time.
Make your booking
Ready to lock in or have a question? Please use the form provided or email info@jackharding.com
We’re here to help.
FAQs
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This workshop is open to photographers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, all we ask is that you bring enthusiasm, curiosity, and the drive to be out shooting every day.
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International travel to and from Bishkek
Flights are not included, but we’re happy to advise on the best routes and arrival times.
Travel insurance, visas, and personal expenses
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance, as well as any applicable visa fees, taxes, levies, or immigration duties.
Personal tech and storage equipmentPlease bring your own laptop, hard drives, and SD cards. These are essential for backing up and editing your work during the trip.
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Accommodation includes a mix of:
Hotels
Yurt camps
Occasional tented nights in the mountains (don’t worry—you won’t need to carry your own tent).Each stay is carefully selected for its comfort, location, and cultural significance.
Single occupancy is available for £450 and excludes the cost of two yurt nights.
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Absolutely! A compact drone (like the DJI Mavic series) is ideal for travel. Just avoid flying near cities or airports, and please familiarise yourself with local drone regulations in Kyrgyzstan before arriving.
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August is generally one of the best months to visit—expect clear skies, warm days, and golden hours. That said, mountain weather can be unpredictable. Don’t be surprised if we encounter everything from sun to snow in a single day.
Temperatures in the mountains can drop to near zero degrees Celsius, and our packing list will ensure you’re prepared for all types of weather.
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You’ll be well fed throughout the trip.
On trekking days, porters and a dedicated mountain chef will provide freshly prepared meals.
On travel and rest days, we’ll eat at a selection of local restaurants, hotels, and cafés.
Snacks and hot drinks are always available. You will not go hungry on this adventure.
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Not at all. Over 90 countries are either visa-exempt or permit visa applications to be made upon arrival. We recommend checking your individual country’s status via the official visa portal ahead of time.
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We’ll send out a detailed clothing and gear list closer to the departure date. Outdoor kit is essential and camera kit is optional depending on your experience and goals.
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Absolutely. While the trip is designed for photographers, partners or friends who enjoy nature, culture, and adventure are welcome. The pace and itinerary still make for an incredible experience—even without a camera in hand.
We’d had guests visit in the past with an iPhone only and they loved every minute of it.
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The majority of guests fly through Doha/ Dubai or Istanbul. In recent years, we would recommend avoiding Pegasus Airlines if you’re travelling with large amounts of camera kit. Otherwise, no issues to report!
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A moderate level of fitness is recommended. We’ll be hiking with camera gear, sometimes at high altitude. While we won’t be summiting peaks, participants should be comfortable walking 3 to 6 hours a day on uneven terrain. We keep a steady, flexible pace and take plenty of breaks for shooting.
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Yes, but access will vary.
In hotels and yurts, power is available for charging daily.
During tented overnights, we recommend bringing power banks for camera batteries and essentials.
We’ll help you plan for this with a guide.
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We maintain a small and intimate group, with a maximum of 10 participants. This ensures plenty of one-on-one time, space to shoot, and a strong group dynamic.
We have three hosts plus the VisitKarakol team to ensure guests are safe and get the support needed.
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Yes, we offer flexible payment options. Invoices can be split into instalments as long as the full balance is paid no later than 180 days before the workshop start date. If you’d like to arrange a payment plan, just let us know when booking and we’ll be happy to set it up.
