GROUP TOURS IN KYRGYZSTAN

Kyrgyzstan, located in the heart of Central Asia, is a beautiful and fascinating country that offers visitors a unique travel experience. From its breath taking natural landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone in Kyrgyzstan.

One of the highlights of a visit to Kyrgyzstan is its stunning natural beauty. The country is home to the towering Tien Shan Mountains, which offer some of the best trekking and hiking opportunities in the region. Visitors can explore the mountain passes, glaciers, and alpine meadows that make up this spectacular landscape, and take in the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see. Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, is another must-see attraction in Kyrgyzstan. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports on the lake's crystal-clear waters, or explore the ancient petroglyphs and archaeological sites that line its shores.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kyrgyzstan also has a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring. The country's nomadic past is still very much alive, and visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people by staying in a yurt or joining a local family for a meal. The Kyrgyz are renowned for their hospitality, and visitors will be welcomed with open arms and treated to delicious local cuisine, including hearty soups, meat dishes, and fresh bread.

For those interested in history and culture, Kyrgyzstan has a wealth of fascinating sites and attractions. The capital city of Bishkek is home to several museums and galleries, as well as beautiful parks and gardens. 

Escorted Tours Kyrgyzstan

Small Group Escorted Tours and Tailormade Holidays

Explore Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on this 11 day tour. Visit magnificent historical places, see Great Mountains, learn about the culture of people and try the tastiest national dishes.

Kyrgyz culture is associated with yurts, from important rituals and ceremonies, to artisanship and traditional craftsmanship. On this 8 day tour live like a local in yurt camps!

Group Tours in Kyrgyzstan

Our Local Travel Experts in Kyrgyzstan

Our local partner in Kyrgyzstan specialises in eco-tourism, trekking and horse-riding. Their aim is for you to feel that you are part of the lives of the local people rather then just 'looking in' and for you to gain a real sense of achievement and a truly unique experience. They have a fully equipped modern office in the centre of the capital Bishkek with links to other parts of the country and can thus react quickly and efficiently to our guests' wishes. All of their staff members have all been professionally trained and have a wealth of experience in the field of tourism.

Historical and Cultural Tours of KYRGYZSTAN

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the southwest, and China to the southeast. The history and culture of Kyrgyzstan is rich and diverse, influenced by its geography and its interactions with various empires and civilizations throughout history. The Kyrgyz people are believed to have originated from the Siberian region of the Yenisey River Valley, migrating southwards to the Tian Shan mountains around the 10th century. The Kyrgyz were traditionally a nomadic people, moving with their herds of horses, sheep, and yaks in search of fresh pasture and water. This way of life was fundamental to their culture, shaping their social structure, customs, and traditions.

 

The Kyrgyz were largely isolated from outside influences until the 18th century when they came under the rule of the Qing Dynasty of China. In the late 19th century, Kyrgyzstan became part of the Russian Empire, which brought about significant changes in the country. The Russian authorities encouraged the sedentarization of the Kyrgyz and the development of agriculture, leading to the establishment of villages and towns. In 1917, the Russian Revolution resulted in the overthrow of the tsarist government and the establishment of the Soviet Union. Kyrgyzstan became a republic of the Soviet Union in 1936, and the country underwent significant social, economic, and political changes under Soviet rule. The Kyrgyz were forced to abandon their traditional way of life, and many were relocated to collective farms or urban areas.

Despite the Soviet government's attempts to eradicate traditional Kyrgyz culture, the Kyrgyz managed to preserve their unique identity. The Kyrgyz people have a rich tradition of oral literature, including epic poems, folk tales, and songs, which reflect their nomadic past and their relationship with the natural world. Kyrgyz music is characterized by the use of the komuz, a traditional stringed instrument, and features complex rhythms and harmonies. Kyrgyz cuisine is also heavily influenced by the country's nomadic heritage, featuring dishes such as beshbarmak (a meat and noodle dish) and kumys (fermented mare's milk). The Kyrgyz also have a tradition of horsemanship, which is celebrated in the annual World Nomad Games, a multi-sport event that showcases traditional sports such as kok-boru (a game similar to polo but played with a dead goat!).

Kyrgyzstan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since undergone significant political and economic reforms. The country is a parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. Despite political stability, Kyrgyzstan faces challenges such as corruption, poverty, and ethnic tensions.

The Kyrgyz people have a diverse ethnic and linguistic background, with the majority being Kyrgyz speakers. The country is also home to significant Uzbek and Russian-speaking populations, among others. Kyrgyzstan is a secular state, but Islam is the dominant religion, and the Kyrgyz practice a form of Sunni Islam that is heavily influenced by their pre-Islamic shamanistic beliefs.

The history and culture of Kyrgyzstan is rich and diverse, shaped by its geography and its interactions with various empires and civilizations throughout history. The Kyrgyz people have managed to preserve their unique identity, despite attempts by outside forces to erase their traditional way of life. Today, Kyrgyzstan is a modern country that is proud of its cultural heritage and traditions while striving to overcome the challenges of the 21st century. 

Kyrgyzstan and the Yurt


Yurts, also known as boz ui in Kyrgyz, are traditional nomadic dwellings that have been used by the Kyrgyz people for centuries. The yurt design is well-suited for the Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle, as it is easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport, and can withstand the harsh weather conditions of the Central Asian region.

The yurt consists of a circular wooden frame made of latticed poles, which are covered with layers of felt and canvas. The wooden frame is made of several sections that can be easily dismantled and transported on horseback or camelback. The felt layers are used as insulation and can keep the interior warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The canvas layer is used as a protective covering against rain and wind.

The structure of the yurt is designed to be stable and withstand strong winds. The lattice structure of the wooden frame distributes the weight of the yurt evenly, making it less likely to collapse. The yurt is also designed with a central wooden pillar, known as the toono, which supports the circular opening at the top of the yurt. This opening, known as the tunduk, allows for ventilation and the escape of smoke from the central hearth, which is used for cooking and heating.

The interior of the yurt is designed for practicality and comfort. The walls are covered with colorful felt and tapestries, and carpets are used for insulation and decoration. The central hearth is surrounded by cushions and serves as a gathering place for the family. The yurt is also designed to be modular, with different sections serving different purposes. For example, the section facing the door is used for storage and the section opposite the door is used for sleeping. The design of the yurt is not only practical but also symbolic. The circular shape of the yurt represents the cyclical nature of life and the importance of harmony and balance. The toono represents the connection between the sky and the earth, and the tunduk represents the link between the physical and spiritual worlds.
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