Less than a week ago we returned from a trip full of unprecedented landscapes and wildlife. Over a year ago we were approached by a local organization if we had ever considered organizing a photography trip here. We got informed and inspired and finally we landed at the airport in Almaty at 03:30 last week. Ready for a journey of discovery through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

The adventure could begin!

Both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were completely unknown to us, so we decided to be surprised (apart from some pictures from Google) by what both countries have to offer. After a long trip and a short night in the hotel it was time to explore the south of Kazakhstan. A large 4x4 car was waiting with Machiel the guide who knows the region like the back of his hand. We were impressed by the large car and it did not take long to understand why such a large car is indispensable. The roads to the most beautiful areas are very rough to say the least. Hold on tight! The trip began in Almaty, located in Kazakhstan. Most of it is located in Central Asia and a very small part still belongs to Eastern Europe. Did you know that Kazakhstan borders a lot of countries? It borders Russia to the north, China to the east and Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the south. Its highest point is Mount Khan Tengri which is also the tri-border point of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and China. Enough facts, time to go on an adventure!

Landscape photography in Kazakhstan

We leave Almaty and travel north a bit first. On the map this seems like a small stretch but you are soon 2 hours on the road. This is partly due to the roads that are generally not very good, especially when you enter a naturalpark. Still, the bumping is somewhat part of the adventure. From a far distance you look up against several mountains but the road towards them seems long, endless and flat. Out of nowhere, a very high sand dune suddenly appears or, like the next morning, a beautiful pallet of colorful hills. The lines and light/shadow play the sunlight creates on the dunes makes it a perfect place for abstract images. For the fit among us, it is definitely worth clambering up to the top as the view is stunning! That evening we stayed with locals in their home. They offer some rooms, cook for you and you get an insight into their lives. A great start to the trip to experience how grateful these people are and how hard they work. While enjoying a delicious meal, the cows slowly trudge through the streets and we have nice conversations at the table with other travelers. We are ready for many more beautiful days like this one! Also fun: while photographing in the morning, we found crystals on the ground. It is forbidden to take them but it is very cool to see.

Photos taken by Jos Pannekoek and Charly van den Braak

Wildlife in a nutshell

In the early mornings we encountered a lot of animals that we don't know or rarely see in our little country. During one drive we came across crop gazelles, horses and a kulen (wild donkey). As a landscape lover, this was a nice added bonus to have such beautiful animals in your composition. At times it felt like we were on safari in Kazakhstan! Armed with the Sigma 60-600mm for Sony, Charly was in the car and as soon as an animal was spotted she seized the opportunity to capture it on camera. Guide Machiel is a true bird lover and spotted one bird after another. Where we were still looking for the crop gazelle he already saw 5 species of birds flying by. Even as a bird lover it is a big playground! These species passed by during the trip (the birds with * are on the photos)

Photos taken by Charly van den Braak

All the continents in one trip

Sometimes you come to a place and think "this looks like..... We had those moments several times. So we ended up in the Grand Canyon, the Tuscan hills and mountain passes like in the Alps. Yet everything in these countries is so unprecedentedly unique and beautiful that it is definitely not the same but the comparisons do come to mind for a moment. In terms of photography, it is paradise! Whether you like the vast landscapes, telephoto lens images or wildlife, you can really indulge yourself here. Even with a drone, you can make unique images in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and see the landscapes from a surprising perspective. Let's not even talk about the fact that Jos parked his drone next to the 4x4 which the car then ran over when we had to move aside slightly for a tractor....

Landscape photography in Kyrgyzstan

After a lot of beautiful days in Kazakhstan, it was time to move to the neighboring country, Kyrgyzstan. In recent years you see more and more pictures popping up of this phenomenal country and if you are there you immediately understand why people go here. Dutch photographer Albert Dros has teamed up with local entrepreneurs to create a nice ground that will only enhance the popularity of this country. Some of the names of the photo locations owe their name to him! When you go by car into the mountains you see more and more how the locals live. Every now and then a yurt pops up where farmers/herders often live. In the early morning they heat up these typical dwellings and the sheep, goats and dogs wake up quietly. As an animal lover, your heart melts here from all the loveliness that walks around but beware, the dogs guard well!

The temperature differences between the city and a valley in the mountain were far apart. Downstairs it was around 30 degrees and in the valley it was no warmer than 2 degrees early in the morning. Once the sun rises this changes quickly, so does the light! The first mountain peaks catch the golden light while the rest are still in shadow. In Kyrgyzstan, you don't even have to go into the nature parks for the most beautiful pictures because even from the roads you keep being amazed by the views. The high snow-capped peaks rise above the rolling hills while below are fields full of flowers. Still, we recommend that you do seek out the parks because oh oh oh, we have no words for the splendor. Red rocks, sharp peaks, patterns and endless compositions, just try to keep focus here with so many possibilities! As landscape photographers, we often strive for the best light of the day but believe me when I say it offers a lot of possibilities during the day too. A drone can add that little extra to this (if you don't let a car run it over!).

Time to work it out so you can come along!

We were quickly convinced that these countries are unprecedentedly beautiful and extremely suitable for a photo trip. Still virtually unknown and therefore more unique than many other countries. The landscapes, the jurts, the horses, the valleys and the lovely people make this trip unique. Next year we are planning a photo trip from May 30 to June 7, 2025. Full details will follow very soon. If you are already very interested and almost sure you want to come along, please register and you will be the first to get the opportunity to reserve a spot.