Kok Boru is one of the most powerful and spectacular traditional games of Kyrgyzstan, and it can be included in a tour program as a vibrant cultural highlight. It is not merely a competition, but a living demonstration of courage, strength, and exceptional horsemanship, with roots stretching deep into the ancient nomadic civilization.

During the program, guests witness an authentic match where skilled horsemen gallop at full speed, battling for the carcass, striving not only to seize it but also to defend it from their rivals. In the modern спортивная version, the objective is to score by throwing the trophy into the opposing team’s “kazan” (goal). In traditional folk variations, the aim may be to deliver the carcass to a predetermined location, such as one’s own aul (village). Particularly impressive is alaman ulak — a large-scale version of the game in which dozens or even hundreds of riders can participate simultaneously.

Before or during the match, experienced participants and organizers share insights into the history of Kok Boru, its rules, and its significance in nomadic life. Guests learn why the game was an essential part of military training, how it fostered endurance and team spirit, and how the rules have gradually become safer and more regulated over time. Today, order on the field is supervised by an equestrian refereeing team composed of experienced riders.

Traditionally, Kok Boru is held during national celebrations and important life events — weddings, anniversaries, and the birth of an heir. The game unfolds in a festive atmosphere: spectators, traditional music, refreshments, and vivid emotions create a deep sense of cultural immersion.

By adding Kok Boru to your travel program in Kyrgyzstan, you gain more than a spectacular show — you receive a rare opportunity to feel the spirit of the nomadic people: free, strong, and inseparably connected to the horse and the steppe.

Shyrdak is not just a felt carpet, but an entire story told through patterns and wool. Including a Shyrdak master class in your tour program gives you a rare opportunity to touch the ancient craft of the Kyrgyz nomads and witness the creation of one of Kyrgyzstan’s most significant folk art pieces.

In cozy workshops, experienced artisans with years of practice guide you step by step through the Shyrdak-making process: from working with sheep’s wool to forming intricate patterns. Guests learn how a strong and expressive carpet is created from two layers of felt — a thin colored top layer and a dense dark bottom layer. The design is drawn with chalk and carefully cut by hand, then stitched together using a special “shyryk” technique, which gives the Shyrdak its durability and distinctive pattern.

During the master class, you can not only watch but also participate: cut pattern elements, try stitching, or work with felt with your own hands. Traditional motifs — deer antlers, animal figures, and symbolic signs — carry wishes for well-being, protection, and harmony, and the artisans are happy to explain their meaning.

Guests can also purchase unique handmade souvenirs — small Shyrdaks, panels, or felt accessories made with traditional techniques. These are not just souvenirs, but items full of soul and history.

Shyrdak is one of Kyrgyzstan’s rare carpet arts, with roots tracing back to the Bronze Age. In 2012, Kyrgyz felt carpets ala-kiyiz and shyrdak were included in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. By adding this craft to your travel itinerary, you gain not only an expanded tour program but also a deep cultural experience and genuine insight into nomadic civilization.

A performance by a folklore ensemble in traditional national attire provides a vibrant and emotional introduction to Kyrgyzstan’s musical culture, perfect for including in your tour program. Such an event transforms an ordinary evening into a journey through time, where the soul of the nomadic people is revealed through sound, rhythm, and imagery.

Musicians perform on traditional Kyrgyz instruments — komuz, kyyl-kyak, choor, temir-komuz, and others. During the performance, guests learn about the history of each instrument, their symbolic meanings, and their role in nomadic life: how music accompanied migrations, celebrations, epic tales, and important events in the community. Special attention is given to excerpts from the epic Manas and folk kyuus, which convey the sounds of nature, galloping horses, and the vastness of mountain valleys.

The ensemble performs in authentic costumes adorned with traditional embroidery and patterns, enhancing the visual experience and providing deeper insight into the culture. Musicians often engage guests interactively — showing instruments up close, allowing them to hold and play them, and answering questions.

This performance can be seamlessly included in a tour program — during dinner, in a yurt camp, outdoors, or at an ethno-complex. It is more than just a concert; it is a living cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression and allows guests to feel the rhythm and spirit of Kyrgyzstan.

Making kymyz is one of the most authentic and vibrant traditions of the Kyrgyz people, and it can be included in a tour as a true ethnographic experience. It’s a rare opportunity not just to taste this national drink, but to witness the entire journey of its creation — from the steppe to the cup.

As part of the program, visitors get acquainted with the full process of making kymyz: from milking the mare to transforming the fresh mare’s milk into the famous fermented drink. Hosts explain in detail why mare’s milk is used, how it is fermented, churned, and aged in special leather or wooden containers. Guests will see the traditional vessels and tools that nomads have used for centuries, and learn why the drink requires constant stirring and careful attention.

Historically, kymyz was considered a source of strength and endurance for nomadic herders who accompanied their herds on long journeys. It helped sustain energy, quenched thirst, and, according to folk beliefs, improved digestion and overall well-being. That’s why kymyz held a special place in the nomadic diet and was valued as highly as meat and other dairy products.

After learning about the preparation process, guests can taste kymyz — usually served chilled, in traditional bowls or wooden cups. It is enjoyed as a refreshing drink during the hot summer months and is also served alongside meals. In Kyrgyz culture, kymyz is always offered to guests as a sign of respect and hospitality, and it is served at weddings, celebrations, and folk festivals.

Including this program in your travel itinerary offers more than just a gastronomic experience — it’s a deep immersion into the nomadic way of life, where every sip of kymyz carries the history, traditions, and rhythm of the Kyrgyz steppe.

Making boorsoks is a heartfelt, truly homey tradition that can be included in a tour program to experience Kyrgyzstan’s culinary culture through hands-on participation and lively interaction. Boorsoks are small fried pieces of dough, similar to donuts or fritters, that are an essential part of the Kyrgyz dastorkon — the traditional table spread.

During the program, guests learn what boorsoks are made of and how they are prepared, but most importantly, they take part in the entire process: from kneading the dough to frying it in a kazan. Hosts explain the differences between sweet and salty varieties, how to achieve the perfect fluffiness and golden crust, and why boorsoks are traditionally served hot, often with kaymak — thick, creamy clotted cream.

Boorsoks hold a special place in Kyrgyz culture and have deep ritual significance. They were traditionally prepared for special occasions in specific quantities, and their shape could convey important messages about family events. For example, diamond-shaped boorsoks were served at celebratory toys (festive gatherings), with their elongated shape symbolizing a long and strong family lineage.

In the past, boorsoks were also used in rituals — offered in honor of ancestors or shared with neighbors to spread happiness, unity, and good wishes. The preparation was almost always a communal activity: families, neighbors, and guests gathered together, turning the kitchen or courtyard into a space of connection and joy.

Today, participating in boorsok-making is not just a culinary masterclass, but a warm immersion into the traditions of the nomadic people. This experience can easily be included in a tour program, offering guests a sense of coziness, hospitality, and a true Kyrgyz blessing for good fortune and prosperity.

Eagle hunting is one of the most spectacular and respected arts of Kyrgyz nomadic culture, and it can be included in a tour program as a unique and rare experience. It is not just hunting, but a deep-rooted tradition built on trust, patience, and the close bond between human and raptor.

Berkutchi — the masters of eagle hunting — learn their craft from older generations from a young age. Training an eagle takes years and requires exceptional skill: the bird is raised, tamed, trained, and taught to return to its owner. During the experience, guests learn how eagles are selected, cared for, fed, and trained to become true hunting partners.

As part of the program, tourists can watch a live berkutchi demonstration, where the eagle displays its strength, speed, and precision in flight. Masters explain the traditional equipment — leather gloves, hoods, leashes, and special saddles — and the role the eagle played in nomadic life, helping to hunt foxes, hares, and other animals in the harsh mountain environment.

Special emphasis is placed on the philosophy of this art. For a berkutchi, the eagle is not just an assistant, but a true partner. A unique bond of respect and understanding develops between human and bird. Guests have the chance to see the eagle up close, take photos, and even hold the bird on their hand under the master’s supervision.

Including eagle hunting in your travel itinerary allows you to experience one of Central Asia’s oldest traditions, passed down through generations. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with the living heritage of the nomads and feel the strength, freedom, and spirit of the Kyrgyz mountains.

The yurt is a symbol of nomadic life and one of the most iconic images of Kyrgyzstan, while yurt makers are skilled artisans who have preserved and passed down the art of yurt construction for centuries. Including a visit to yurt makers in your tour program gives guests a rare opportunity to see how a traditional nomadic dwelling is created — functional, harmonious, and full of deep meaning.

In the workshops, tourists learn all the stages of yurt making: from working with wood to assembling the frame and covering it with felt. Masters demonstrate how the kerege (lattice walls), uuk (curved roof poles), and tunduk — the central crown of the yurt symbolizing home, the sun, and family continuity — are made. Each element has its purpose and symbolism, which the yurt makers gladly explain.

Special attention is given to the practicality of the yurt. Visitors learn why it can be quickly assembled and disassembled, how it keeps warmth in winter and coolness in summer, and why this design is perfectly suited to nomadic life in the mountains and steppes. During the demonstration, guests can participate in building the yurt, helping to set up the frame or cover it with felt.

Yurt makers collaborate closely with other artisans — felt makers, shyrdak (decorative carpets) creators, and textile craftsmen — turning the yurt into more than a dwelling, but a complete representation of nomadic culture. The interior reflects Kyrgyz traditions, family values, and aesthetic sensibilities.

Visiting yurt makers is not a museum-style lecture but a living experience of a craft still used in daily life and on special occasions. This experience seamlessly complements a travel itinerary and allows visitors to deeply understand the philosophy of the nomads, for whom a home is not just walls, but a space of harmony with nature.

Horseback trekking in Kyrgyzstan is one of the most authentic and memorable ways to travel, and it can be included in a tour program for a full immersion into the country’s nomadic culture and natural landscapes. Here, the horse is not just an attraction, but a loyal companion, just as it was centuries ago.

Routes range from short rides lasting a few hours to multi-day treks through mountain passes, alpine meadows, and highland jailoo. Along the way, travelers encounter breathtaking panoramas of the Tian Shan, crystal-clear rivers, pastures with herds of horses, and yurt camps of shepherds, where life flows in its natural rhythm.

During the treks, tourists are accompanied by experienced guides and riders who select horses based on participants’ skill levels. Before the route begins, guests receive instruction and learn the basics of horseback riding, making these treks suitable for both beginners and confident riders. Along the way, travelers can learn to ride like nomads, feeling the terrain and the pace of the mountain trails.

Multi-day horse tours include overnight stays in yurts or tents, campfire dinners, traditional cuisine, and evenings under the starry sky. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from modern life, experience the freedom of open spaces, and see Kyrgyzstan as the nomads see it — unhurried and in harmony with nature.

Adding horseback trekking to your travel program offers guests not just an active holiday, but a deep, immersive experience, where the trail, the horse, and the mountains become part of one great adventure.

We offer trekking and hiking in the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay mountains as one of the most impressive activities to include in a travel itinerary through Kyrgyzstan. Our trails pass through some of Central Asia’s most scenic and unspoiled landscapes, where majestic peaks, glaciers, and highland valleys create a sense of wilderness and freedom.

Routes are tailored to different skill levels — from easy mountain walks through trails and gorges to multi-day treks across passes with overnight stays at high altitudes. Along the way, guests traverse alpine meadows, coniferous forests, canyons, and high plateaus, encounter nomadic camps, herds of horses and yaks, and enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks on clear days.

All treks are guided by our experienced mountain guides, ensuring safety while sharing knowledge about the region’s nature, climate, and culture. Guests learn about medicinal herbs, local flora and fauna, and how nomads have navigated these mountains and utilized natural resources for centuries.

Multi-day treks may include overnight stays in tents or traditional yurts, hot meals, campfire evenings, and stargazing. This type of journey allows travelers to slow down, feel the scale of the mountains, and reconnect with nature.

Including trekking and hiking in the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay in our tours offers more than an active holiday — it provides a deep and mindful experience of the mountains, raw, beautiful, and truly inspiring.

We offer the option to include stays in yurt camps on highland jailoo — summer pastures where pristine nature, silence, and vast mountain landscapes create a unique atmosphere of solitude and tranquility. This is one of the most memorable ways to experience Kyrgyzstan.

Our yurt camps are located far from cities, amid alpine meadows and mountain ranges, in areas with the cleanest air and panoramic views. Guests stay in traditional yurts, fully equipped for comfortable accommodation, with warm felt carpets, national textiles, and everything needed for a night in the mountains. Even cool evenings are cozy and warm.

During their stay on the jailoo, guests can learn about the everyday life of highland pastures, taste traditional Kyrgyz dishes, participate in their preparation, enjoy tea or kymyz, spend evenings around the campfire, and simply savor the silence.

The nights in the mountains leave a special impression. Far from artificial light, the sky is filled with stars, and the fresh air and complete absence of rush create a rare sense of calm and inner harmony.

Including yurt camps with overnight stays under the stars in our tours offers more than accommodation — it provides a deep natural and emotional experience that stays in memory for a long time.

We suggest including a visit to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs in your travel program — one of Kyrgyzstan’s most picturesque and famous natural spots. Situated high in the mountains, this area combines untamed nature, alpine landscapes, and natural thermal waters, creating perfect conditions for relaxation and recovery after active excursions.

The Altyn-Arashan hot springs are surrounded by coniferous forests, mountain rivers, and snow-capped peaks. The water is naturally heated underground and flows into open-air pools, where visitors can unwind while enjoying the serene mountain views. The temperature of the springs is comfortable year-round, making them especially inviting after trekking or horseback riding.

During the visit, guests learn about the natural origin of the thermal waters and their traditional uses. According to local beliefs, bathing in the hot springs helps relax muscles, restore energy, and promotes an overall sense of lightness and vitality.

Bathing can be arranged as a short stop or as a full part of the day’s itinerary. Depending on the route, visitors may reach the springs on foot or by mountain road transfer, which in itself becomes part of the adventure.

By including the Altyn-Arashan hot springs in our tours, we offer a rare combination of active outdoor experiences and natural spa relaxation — a moment of calm and comfort that perfectly complements a journey through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.