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

This unique expedition stands apart from any other
trip in Kyrgyzstan, offering the chance to truly
explore the country by collaborating with the locals
toward a shared goal.

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

Starting from

USD
or customize it

Program

We had the opportunity to travel to Kyrgyzstan thanks to Nomad's Land. The immersion was complete, the choice of addresses and places to visit perfect, with a guide and tour designer (Fabien) very caring! Do not hesitate to visit this beautiful country with Nomad's Land!

Julijan5944

We booked a 8 day tour with Nomad's Land, with the main part of the trip a six-day trek in the mountains near Issyk-Kul lake. From the first contact with Nomad's Land they were really responsive, taking time to understand our needs and suggesting a trip that would work for us. As we were travelling quite early in the trekking season (mid-late May), the team made sure that our itinerary would be possible, making adjustments as required. Bakyt organised our trip and was really helpful all the way through the process. On arrival at the airport in Bishkek we were met by our guide Mikel and assistant guide Ivan, and were driven down to the lake by our excellent driver Shakir. The whole team were really welcoming. We spent the first night at Bel Tam Yurt camp which was lovely. Really relaxing and the food was amazing. The next day we started our trek which was incredible! We met our horseman, Ermek, and the two horses that carried all our equipment. This was really helpful so we didn't have too much to carry each day! On the first day the weather was lovely but the next morning we were greeted by a lot of snow! Because of this Mikel took the decision to change our route, which was definitely the right decision as going high in the snow might have been dangerous (and certainly very cold). The whole of the rest of the trip Mikel, Ivan and Ermek took the time to make sure what we were doing was the right thing for the weather conditions, and when we had to change plans they made sure we were consulted and agreed. The food Mikel prepared was really good, and the tents were comfortable, warm and waterproof. We had a great time in the mountains. After our trek ended we spent a day exploring the lake region, including visiting an eagle hunter and a yurt-making business, and on the final day we got to see a little of Bishkek. It was the perfect end to a great trip. Overall I would highly recommend Nomad's Land and the great service from all the team. Thank you!

Juliet Walton

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)

Ready to go?
Book your tour today.

May we help you?

Our trip designers are at your disposal for building your dream! Feel free to contact us.

Postal address

Nezhinsky lane 27


Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Phone number

Looking for a tailor-made experience? Check our trip planner.

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.

Towards Nomadic Land: A Documentary by Lucas Garceau Bédard

In 2018, Nomad's Land had the pleasure of supporting a group of young Canadian an extraordinary adventure captured in the film "Towards Nomadic Land." This cinematic journey takes us deep into the heart of Kyrgyzstan, where five young adventurers in their twenties embark on a tumultuous expedition of backcountry skiing and cultural exploration.

Author picture

Samuel Maret

29 November 2023 Eco Projects

Trainings for tourist facilities of Zheti Oguz district 2023

On November 25-26, 2023 trainings were held in Kyzyl Suu for our owners of homestays and yurt camp from whole district Jeti Oguz

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