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.
Chuy valley: Burana Tower near Tokmok and the Konorchek canyons near the Boom Gorge
Silk Road history and red-rock scenery in one day: the 11th-century Burana Tower with its balbal stones, then a hike through the Konorchek canyons.
Bokonbaevo area, south shore of Issyk-Kul
A half-day cultural experience on the south shore of Issyk-Kul: meet an eagle hunter and his golden eagle, try traditional felt-making and cook a Kyrgyz meal with a local family.
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Kyrgyzstan