Kyrgyzstan's Top Photography Spots

The mountains of Kyrgyzstan are an otherworldly spectacle, a rollercoaster of reds, oranges, and golds, unfolding in a panorama of contrast and color. Travelling through a region that feels like it was torn right out of an ancient fairy tale, the photographer jordlg posted to Instagram, the landscapes of Kyrgyzstan would easily satisfy “any amateur or professional photographer’s dream."

What it is: five sites, each a different type of adventure

The journey, captured by jordlg, showcases landscapes that are diverse, picturesque, and completely otherworldly. The five sites highlighted in the post span a range of accessibility, from easy day trips to multi-day expeditions: the Red Hills, Kol-Suu Lake, Fairy Tale Canyon, Sary-Jaz, and Red Canyon. Each offers a unique experience, from picturesque hills to rugged canyons and alpin lakes. “The variety of terrains and colors makes every location feel like a new world,” wrote the photographer, who noted that the stark contrast between the fiery colors of the hills and the turquoise lakes made the scenes some of the most arresting they'd ever shot. What makes the sites distinctively Kyrgyz is their remoteness and wildness, enhanced by the photographic technique, which often uses a high vantage point for perspective.

This is the epoch of the Kyrgyzstan adventure

The most interesting part of Kyrgyzstan isn't its mountains, though they are epic by any measure, nor is it the people, who are inspired by a certain wild and free attitude. The most breathtaking and important aspect of Kyrgyzstan is the age of adventure it has entered. The sites that jordlg chose — from easy-access hills to multi-day mountainous treks, are also distinctively free and remote. Each offers a unique combination of adventure and access. Kyrgyzstan is a traveler’s dream: a wild frontier of mountains, lakes, and canyons, the land is unbroken and untamed, a rare find in a world of custodians. Westerners find it a coveted destination that is both free and remote. It is a testament to the country's independence, and for travelers, the adventure begins as soon as the car leaves the paved roads. Kol-Suu Lake requires a day-long journey through military checkpoints, and Sary-Jaz is an exhausting two-day trek, wild camping and the risk of mudslides included, to reach areas so remote that jordlg describes them as “completely devoid of humankind.” This is a Kyrgyzstan that the government only recently made accessible.

The Red Hills: accessible and mesmerizing

The Red Hills, located just outside of Naryn, are *jordlg'*s first stop, as well as the first on the list of sites in the caption. This landscape is one of the easiest to access, offering a “smooth, rolling terrain perfect for a quick stop or a relaxing picnic.” It’s a sunbather’s paradise, a perfect stop for travelers looking to spend a little time “relaxing in the warm, soft sunlight,” and enjoy the captivating contrast between the vivid red of the hills and the clear blue sky. The evening light here is especially breathtaking, transforming the landscape into a kaleidoscope of orange and red. The hills have an almost Martian quality, defined by a yellow and red palette that is unique and compelling, making it one of the most striking sites in Kyrgyzstan. Many people might not associate the vibrant colors of Utah and Arizona with Kyrgyzstan, but for the photographer, the similarities were immediately apparent, as Kyrgyzstan's mountains are "balmy yellows and warm reds." The Martian landscape is a tranquil and beautiful stop, defined by a warm and dry climate, the perfect place for a quick vacation.

Fairy Tale Canyon: the iconic landscape

Fairy Tale Canyon, located near Karakol, offers a glimpse into a fairytale landscape. “It's easy to be transported to another world,” says the caption, where “towering red rock formations rival landscapes you might find in Utah.” The canyon is, arguably, the most iconic of the sites and is definitely worth the quick drive. A distinctive feature of the site's rock formations are the striations, which form as the wind and water erode the rock. The effect is similar to the layers of sediment that one might find in a canyon, but the sedimentary rock formations in Kyrgyzstan are distinctive, made up of a softer limestone. Fairytale Canyon is a great place to wander, and a perfect destination for any traveler looking for a bit of exercise. But any visitor will find themselves sufficiently satisfied to devote a day to wandering the hills and following the trails. The canyon is comparatively small, and the ascent is easy, but the views are expansive, and it's easy to feel like you've stepped onto another planet. The colors are warm and earthy, and the overall effect is one of warmth and light, even as the landscape is unexpectedly otherworldly.

Kol-Suu Lake: the alpine adventure

Kol-Suu Lake is the most difficult to access, requiring a lengthy journey and a permit, and it offers a different experience from the other sites. The lake is situated in the Tian Shan mountains, at a high elevation that makes the air thin and chilly. The landscape is characterized by its crystal-clear water, snow-capped peaks, and starry night skies, and the lake itself is an oasis of blue, surrounded by the stark white of the snow and the vivid greens of the pines in the spring and summer. The journey here is exhausting, but the outcome is worth it. The lake is a stunning sight, and the surrounding landscape is equally breathtaking. But it is also the most remote of the sites, and there is largely no infrastructure. “The journey is long and requires a permit, but the crystal-clear waters and snow-capped peaks are worth the effort,” wrote jordlg in the caption, who described the site as an “adventure.” Travelers should be prepared to trek through high altitudes and rocky terrain to get to Kol-Suu, which offers high rewards in a few days.

Red Canyon: a visit to the first planet

Red Canyon offers a Martian experience. Stunning rock formations and a vast red and orange landscape make the site uniquely otherworldly. It’s easy to feel as though you’ve been transported to another planet. The most striking feature of the landscape is its red hue, which is the result of the iron oxide in the soil. This gives the landscape a Martian appearance, and the red canyon is stunning, a soothing contrast to the hustle of nearby Bishkek. “Expect dramatic rock formations and a sense of otherworldly beauty,” writes the caption. The surreal aspect of the canyon is enhanced by the high vantage point, which creates a sense of isolation. The combination of the red landscape and the vast open skies creates a surreal landscape. The Red Canyon, located, is near Bishkek. For those looking to experience the red canyon in all its glory, the best time of year to visit is during the morning, which allows the viewer to appreciate the landscape in its natural light, the shadows stretching out over the red landscape.

How to visit Kyrgyzstan’s otherworldly sites

Kyrgyzstan is much like a road trip across the United States, where some of the sites are world famous for their natural wonders, and others are much quieter. But for travelers, what makes Kyrgyzstan unique is the juxtaposition of remoteness and accessibility. Most of the sites are relatively easy to visit, and can be as authentic travel experiences as any country on the planet. The road network is relatively sparse, there are long stretches of nothing, and the countryside is wild. But for any traveler looking to have an ultra- rural, authentic experience, the journey offers a wide range of sites and experiences.

• Accessibility: Most of the sites, including the Red Hills, Fairy Tale Canyon, and Red Canyon, are relatively easy to access and can be reached by car in a few hours. Kol-Suu and the Sary-Jaz sites are more remote and require extensive travel, so travelers will need to plan accordingly.
• Gather supplies: Depending on the site, some locations will require extensive equipment, such as camping gear and permits, while others will require travel through military checkpoints. These are generally backpacking excursions, though the most breath-taking folk finding their way around the Kyrgyz countryside. The weather in the country is very unpredictable, with mild days and freezing nights, so travelers should expect to be prepared for anything.
• Event planning: The sites are all best viewed at sunset, so travelers should time their visits accordingly. Red Hill and Fairy Tale Canyon are excellent choices for a day trip, while Kol-Suu and Sary-Jaz are best for multi-day treks.
• Respect the environment: These sites are relatively isolated, but for travelers, the experience is all the more rewarding for their untouched beauty. Travelers should be sure to respect the otherworldly landscapes as they navigate through the Kyrgyz countryside. There are some areas that are sacred to the Karakol community, so travelers should be respectful of the area.
• Plan for the scenic route: Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country, and it's a major draw for travelers looking for the sceneric route. The country is known for its rugged landscape and unforgiving terrain. Travelers should take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the country.

Kyrgyzstan’s Martian landscape is yours to explore

The most amazing aspect of Kyrgyzstan is its sense of remoteness and distance, independent and still wild. jordlg’s photographs give us a taste of adventure, the chance to step into a world that is full of beauty and wonder. This is the Kyrgyzstan that we all dream of visiting. It’s a place that is unique and unspoiled, a place that is completely devoid of people, and a place that is completely untouched. The most striking aspect of the country is the desert landscape of the canyons and the high rock formations, places that are as wild and untouched as the day they were formed.