Kyrgyzstan – This Spring or Summer

I’m planning a trip (3-4 weeks – very flexible) to Kyrgyzstan this Spring or Summer, on a budget. I intend to do lots of hiking (camping too if required) however very little with guides (though splitting the cost for a guide in remote or rarely trekked areas could be considered).

I’m a mature, but fit guy (relatively slow where steep inclines are concerned but tons of stamina and determination), with some experience over the past 3 years : 2 weeks Nepal to Gokyo Lakes, 4 weeks Iceland full circuit – camping, 12 days hiking the Tibetan Plateau – China, 8 days hiking in Lofoten Norway, 8 days photographing owls in Inner Mongolia (tundra & targa) in temperatures down to -50C (wind-chilled) but never higher than -35C.

I’ll be focused on photography (travel, people, and primarily landscapes), both with stills and a drone so that means photography at sunrise, sunset and night. Hiking during the day but maybe late starts or early finishes due to the above.

Plan is to hitch over the border from China into Kyrgyzstan. Areas of interest to investigate/research include: Jyrgalan (Keskenkija Loop Trail), Karakol (Altyn-Arashan trek), Ala-Kul (), Issyk Kul (Bokonbayevo), Kochkor and Arslanbob. I’ll avoid any (or much) time in Bishkek if at all possible.

If anyone is interested in partnering up for a trek (maybe for 3-7 days for example) in some of those regions, for safety and to reduce costs, then let’s chat ! Not looking for a partner for the whole month 🙂

Cheers
Kevin