The transhumance of At-Bashy Kol Suu with a Kyrgyz herdsman

Looking for an adventure? At Nomad's Land we love to organise unique trips, in the closest possible collaboration with local families.

From late April to early June, Kyrgyz shepherds leave their villages for the Jailoo (pasture), with their families, livestock, yurt, furniture and basically everything. It's a festive time for families and villages come back to life after the cold winter months. This year, we propose that you join this event and participate in moving to the Jailoo with a family from At-Bashy village to their Jailoo in Kok Kyia, by Kel Suu Lake.   Programme (most likely to be modified due to the 'shepherd factor'): Day 1: Bishkek - At Bashy, We leave Bishkek by public transport to reach the village of At-Bashy, in the Naryn region. Once there, we meet Meder and his family at their home, where we stay for the night. Day 2 - Day 5: We pack the last of our gear, saddle the horses and leave the village with the cattle. During these 5 days, we ride about 120 km and pass through wonderful landscapes, pine forests, high mountain passes and desolate steppes, together with the livestock consisting of about 200 sheep, horses and cows. Every night we set up camp, light a fire, have dinner and sleep in tents. At the end of the transhumance, we arrive at Jailoo by Kel Suu Lake. Day 6: Today you can rest or walk to Kel Suu Lake (2hrs), one of the most impressive landscapes you will see in Kyrgyzstan. Day 7: Return to At Bashi village by truck (limited comfort). Overnight in At Bashy village. Day 8: Return to Bishkek by public transport after this unique and incredible journey in the heart of the nomadic Kyrgyz culture.

8 DaysUntainted toursKyrgyzstan

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Program

I found within Nomad's Land exactly the values I was looking for: An association on a human scale where the organizers (among others Fabien Selosse and AJ Johnson) get involved personally to meet the needs, requests and desires of the participants. An association whose goal is to discover - and even more: to promote - the populations and local traditions. They take us out of our European comfort with skill and control so that we can get closer to the reality of the nomadic populations of Kyrgyzstan. The local guides who accompanied us were professional, genuine and trustworthy. The landscapes are breathtaking. I was able to practice my passion for two weeks in a magical context and in all serenity. A unique experience, an exceptional trip! I only want to go back! You will understand, Nomad's Land is an association that I recommend 100%.

Valentine Melly

I went on a great winter trip to Son Kol with Nomad's Land. It was well organized, guides were great, and left enough freedom for a real sense of adventure that group tours aren't always able to offer. I'd happily recommend them to others for trips around KG.

Stephen Lioy

Info

What is included

  • All transportation in a private vehicle

  • All airport transfers

  • Accommodation as described in the program

  • Meals (3 per day)

  • Bottled water (when possible) & tea

  • English-speaking trekking guide

  • Horses with local saddles

  • Pack horses with saddle bags & horsemen

  • Camping & cooking equipment (tents, mats, gas, stove, etc)

  • All the activities listed in the program

  • Entry fees at national parks and/or border zones listed in the program

  • Entry fees at museums and historical sites listed in the program

  • Domestic flights mentioned in the program

  • A contribution to our sustainable development projects

  • Organisation of the trip & local taxes

  • What is not included

  • International flights

  • International banking fees (PayPal, ...)

  • Travel & repatriation insurance

  • Visas / LOI (if applicable)

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

  • Personal expenses

  • Personal equipment (sleeping bag, headlight, personal medication, etc)

  • Additional costs due to unexpected personal events (health, loss of luggage, ...)

  • Tips for guide & driver (always optional, always appreciated)

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    Postal address

    Nezhinsky lane 27


    Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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    Ecotourism projects

    Through various ecotourism projects and initiatives, Nomad's Land aims to increase awareness of ecotourism and responsible travel, for a sustainable development of the tourism sector.
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    Trainings for tourist facilities of Zheti Oguz district 2023

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    The main objective was to increase the potential of the district's tourist facilities in order to ensure the criteria of sustainable tourism and promotion of the region. 

  • Ayana Zholdoshbek

  • 29 May 2023 Eco Projects

    Teskei Geopark in Issyk Kul region

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  • Author picture

    Samuel Maret

    Office

  • 3 March 2023 Eco Projects

    Destination Jeti Oguz

    The new Jeti Oguz District Tourism Association was created on 2nd of March 2023 with the support of Nomad's Land Ecotourism Development Company and the Mountain Cluster Association of Kyrgyzstan.

  • Author picture

    Samuel Maret

    Office