Stephen Lioy - Photography and Travel Media

04/09/2026

Always a good time up on Kyrchyn at the - wandering the yurt camps, taking lots of portraits, plenty of song and dance, and suddenly the whole day has flown by.

02/09/2026

This is my 4th in , and Kyrchyn Jailoo continues to be my favorite place to wander around and take photos. So much color, and such a showcase of Kyrgyz traditions, that a day at the yurt village never fails to impress.

31/08/2026

Golden eagles are arguably the most famous aspect of Western for foreign travelers, and a day with the eagle hunters certainly does not disappoint, even in summer when it's just a quick demo of the real thing.

27/08/2026

Of course, while at Tavan Bogd Base Camp, a touch of to see what the views are like a little higher.

26/08/2026

From Tavan Bogd base camp, before any serious even starts, the views are decidedly Not Terrible.

25/08/2026

Sometimes the popular bits are indeed the best bits. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is properly stunning - even just the short up from the White River Valley features crazy views in every direction.

22/08/2026

It's here, in the Tsagaan Gol (White River Valley), where my favorite parts of in Western begin.

20/08/2026

I never tire of proclaiming how amazing Saimaluu-Tash is to anyone who will listen, so when CNN Travel came asking for pitches this was the first thing that came to mind. One of the best historic spots in Kyrgyzstan, though the timing can be a bit tricky.

Hidden high in the Tian Shan mountains, the sacred open-air site of Saimaluu Tash preserves 90,000 ancient petroglyphs, offering a rare, pristine glimpse into thousands of years of nomadic spirituality.

18/08/2026

Among foreign travelers, Western is arguably most famous for its eagle hunting traditions, and meet the eagles and hunters are a nearly-mandatory itinerary addition. Out here, beneath the slopes of Tsambagarav, around a dozen or more eagle hunters welcome guests to their gers in the summer pastures.

04/08/2026

Almost time for the next World Nomad Games - Всемирные Игры Кочевников! Here's some (but crucially, not all) of what you need to know to get ready via Lonely Planet.

The World Nomad Games kick off in Kyrgyzstan on August 31. Here’s everything you need to know.