Summer in the High Pastures

A small-group journey into modern Kyrgyz nomadic life

Every summer, Kyrgyz families leave their villages and move their herds up to the high pastures, the jailoo (jai-LOH). They spend the warm months in yurts, the way their grandparents did, and their grandparents before them.

In the summer of 2027, I’m planning to bring a small group up there with me. As a seasoned guide for National Geographic Expeditions in Central Asia, I have over a decade of experience photographing across various regions of Central Asia. We will live real time alongside nomadic families. That means riding horses across the summer pastures, cooking traditional dishes, learning to felt, and helping put up the yurt you’ll sleep in.

In the evenings, I as well as other special guest speakers will talk about what we’ve seen and experienced that day... the history, both old and new, and where this corner of Central Asia sits in the wider world today. I’ll also be teaching a photography workshop, covering the basics and diving deep on how to approach people and build real relationships with them.

A trip like this is intimate, and while there will be plenty to do, but the days won’t run by the hour. To live like a nomad is to experience time like a nomad.

Summer 2027 · About 7 days · A small group of no more than 8

Join the list and tell me what you’d want most from a trip like this. I’d like to shape this with the people who want to come. You’ll be the first to hear when plans are solid, and I’ll send the occasional story from Kyrgyzstan along the way.

Form

  • Name

  • Email

  • What would you want most from a trip like this? (short text, optional)

  • How would you describe your photography? (Just starting out / Comfortable with my camera / Working professional)

  • How comfortable are you on a horse? (Never ridden / A little / Very comfortable)

Button: Keep me posted

Below the form, in small text:
Signing up doesn’t commit you to anything. I’ll only write to you about this trip, and I’ll never share your email.

After someone signs up:
Thank you. You’re on the list. I’ll be in touch as plans come together.