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.
Issyk-Kul, Karakol, Kochkor and Son-Kul
Eight days around Issyk-Kul and up to the high-altitude lake Song-Kul – with nights in yurts, an eagle hunter show and genuine nomadic hospitality.
Issyk-Kul region: Cholpon-Ata, Karakol, Jeti-Oguz and the south shore
A compact loop around Issyk-Kul: petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata, the wooden cathedral and Dungan mosque of Karakol, the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz and Skazka canyon.
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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