A country of high alpine meadows, snow-capped Tian Shan peaks, and traditional nomadic yurt camps where you can wake up in the mountains.
Kyrgyzstan is the kind of place that rewards travelers who want something a little wilder. More than ninety percent of the country is mountains, and the traditional way of life — horses, felt crafts, and summer pastures called jailoo — is still very much alive.
One of the best ways to experience it is to stay in a yurt. At Barbulak Yurt Lodge near Issyk-Kul, the yurts are furnished with comfortable beds, warm bedding, and shyrdak felt carpets handmade by Kyrgyz craftswomen. Shared washrooms are nearby, and the mornings come with mountain air and views of the lake and peaks.
We can build a Kyrgyzstan trip around yurt stays, horse treks, eagle hunting demonstrations, and drives through dramatic high passes. It pairs beautifully with a longer Central Asia itinerary or as an off-the-beaten-path adventure on its own.
Trip highlights
- Sleeping in a traditional nomadic yurt in the mountains
- Horse trekking across alpine jailoo meadows
- Views of Issyk-Kul and the Tian Shan range
- Shyrdak felt carpets and Kyrgyz craft traditions
- Remote mountain passes and summer pasture life
Where to stay
- Barbulak Yurt Lodge — Near Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Comfortable yurts for two or three guests, with traditional shyrdak carpets, warm bedding, and shared washrooms nearby. A genuine nomadic experience with mountain and lake views.