Kyrgyz culture grew out of centuries of nomadic life on the high pastures of the Tian Shan. Its traditions are still alive: the yurt with its felt walls and wooden crown (tunduk), colourful shyrdak carpets, hunting with golden eagles, horse games, and hospitality that starts with fresh bread and tea on the dastorkon.
Our culture tours take you to the people who keep these traditions going – eagle hunters on the south shore of Issyk-Kul, felt-making artisans, herding families at Son-Kul – as well as to historical sites such as the Burana Tower, a reminder of the Silk Road city of Balasagun, and the wooden cathedral and Dungan mosque of Karakol.
Cultural experiences can be booked as short activities, combined into day trips, or added to any multi-day tour. They are available most of the year, though some village activities depend on the season – we will confirm the details when you send a request.
Ala-Archa National Park and the Karakol valleys (Ala-Kul, Altyn-Arashan)
A compact but demanding mountain trip: acclimatisation in Ala-Archa, then the classic trek over the Ala-Kul pass to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs.
Karakol and the Karakol ski resort, eastern Issyk-Kul
Two days on the slopes of the Karakol ski resort, a soak in hot springs and the winter shores of Issyk-Kul – transport, guide and guesthouse included.
Almaty region, south-east Kazakhstan
Six days of the best nature in south-east Kazakhstan: Big Almaty Lake, Charyn Canyon, the sunken forest of Kaindy and the Kolsai lakes.
Astana, Turkistan, Shymkent and Almaty
From the futuristic capital Astana to the medieval caravan cities of the south – Turkistan, Otrar and Sauran – and on to Almaty.
Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara
The essential Silk Road in five days: Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, linked comfortably by high-speed train.
Japanese Alps: Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa
Seven days through the mountainous heart of Japan: a samurai castle, alpine valleys, old merchant towns, a night in a thatched farmhouse and the gardens of Kanazawa.
Seoul, the DMZ, Gyeongju and Busan
Seven days across the peninsula: royal palaces and hanok alleys in Seoul, a visit to the DMZ, the temples of Gyeongju and the colourful seaside city of Busan – with a KTX high-speed train ride.
Central Mongolia: Terelj, Khustai, Kharkhorin and the Orkhon Valley
Six days through central Mongolia: granite peaks of Terelj, wild Przewalski's horses, the ancient capital Karakorum and a night with a nomadic family in the Orkhon Valley.
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Kyrgyzstan
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