Our Team Meet with Samuel

Dear traveler! My name is Samuel and I arrived in Kyrgyzstan in 2000 to practice snowboarding, my favorite sport.

Samuel

Office

Spoken languages
English, French, Kyrgyz, Russian, Spanish
Specialities
Nationality
Swiss

Immediately, I participated in the training of local guides during trekking programs on summers of 2001 and 2002. Then, I became the director of a French-speaking tourism agency with the aim of organizing locally the world final of Adventures Races "The Raid"which took place in Kyrgyzstan in June 2003.

In 2004, I created the Nomad's Land ecotourism agency to offer travelers originals programs, to discover local traditions in an authentic way, and by developing new local partners in all regions of Kyrgyzstan.

My love for the neighboring countries of Kyrgyzstan, led me to develop new multi-country circuits, mixing the cultural with recreational activities or sports. I wish you all a great trip to Central Asia in the expert hands of our team.

Samuel

My blog posts

20 November 2025

Pamiri's mazar

Pamiri mazars are small sacred sites found throughout the valleys of the Tajik and Afghan Pamirs, especially in the Wakhan. Often whitewashed and decorated with ibex or Marco-Polo sheep horns, they reflect a unique blend of spiritual traditions. While today most Pamiris follow Ismaili Islam, these shrines preserve much older, pre-Islamic and Zoroastrian elements, symbolized by animal horns, sacred stones, and offerings linked to ancient mountain cults.

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Samuel Maret

31 July 2025

Inside a Traditional Pamiri House

Tucked high in the mountains of eastern Tajikistan, along the rugged spine of the Pamir range, lies one of Central Asia’s most isolated and fascinating cultural landscapes. Often called "the Roof of the World," the Pamir Mountains are home to a unique people with ancient roots, distinct languages, and enduring traditions: the Pamiris. Among the most symbolic elements of their heritage is the Pamiri house, or chid—a structure that is far more than a shelter. It is a living reflection of the Pamiris' spiritual beliefs, social values, and harmonious relationship with their environment.

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Samuel Maret

25 May 2024

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.

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Samuel Maret

17 May 2024

The Mongolian Altai Eagle Festival

Nestled in the village of Altai, within the Bayan-Ölgii Province of Mongolia, the Altai Eagle Festival is a unique and captivating annual event in early September. This festival offers a rare glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of the region.

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Samuel Maret

16 December 2023

Our sustainability through Travelife

Embarking on a journey towards sustainability is not just a commitment at Nomad's Land; it's a fundamental ethos that shapes our every action. 

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Samuel Maret

29 May 2023

Teskei Geopark in Issyk Kul region

By working together, Nomad's Land and Geopark Teskei can create a synergistic relationship that promotes sustainable tourism, conserves natural and cultural heritage, and benefits both the local communities and visitors. This collaboration allows for a responsible and enriching tourism experience while supporting the long-term preservation of the Geopark's unique features.

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Samuel Maret

15 March 2023

Turkmenistan reopens its borders

We are pleased to announce that the borders of Turkmenistan are open to tourists. The State Migration Authority of Turkmenistan has started accepting applications from us for invitations for our guests. The procedure for obtaining a visa remains practically the same, except for some innovations.

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Samuel Maret

3 March 2023

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.

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Samuel Maret

24 January 2023

Village Monde / Vaolo

Launched by the Village Monde Foundation, Vaolo is a collaborative platform for impact-minded travellers that aims to build a worldwide library of positive travel experiences evaluated by its community of explorers and partners according to its evaluation criteria. Already in 71 countries, in 2023 the young company is energizing more than 2,500 accommodations and offers more than 6,500 thematic experiences in 2-night + 1 activity format.

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Samuel Maret

11 January 2023

Snow Report Kyrgyzstan - www.snowreport.kg

As part of winter tourism development projects, we have implemented a new presentation tool for ski resorts in Kyrgyzstan and avalanche risk prevention.

Stay informed and safe with real-time snow reports and updated information on ski resorts, accommodations, opening hours, prices, ski lift facilities and avalanche risks in Kyrgyzstan.

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Samuel Maret

15 November 2022

The Juku valley

The Juku Gorge (Jukku, Zhuuku or Zaouka) is the longest gorge in the Terskei AlaToo range, famous for its varied nature, its beautiful views and its vast expanse. It is located on the southern coast of Lake Issyk-Kul where the waters flow, 40 kilometers from the city of Karakol. The three main tributaries are the rivers Ashu Kashka Suu, Dongouromé and Jukutchak, known for its hot springs.

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Samuel Maret

14 October 2022

1000 km of Unknown

Discover Kyrgyzstan in traveler mode from 1900. Alexis Lopez goes on the trail of Ella Maillart and tells us the first part of his adventure.

 

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Samuel Maret

31 August 2022

Chaïkhana Kori Navruz Palace, the world's biggest tea house

Still little known outside Tajikistan, the new Chaikhana of Dushanbe is a huge luxurious complex 120 meters wide and long. "chaikhana" translates from Persian to "tea house". It is possible that this new "tea house" was built in order to replace the popular Chaïkhana Rohat on Rudaki Avenue, much more visited by tourists and which would not ultimately be destroyed.

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Samuel Maret

17 June 2022

Nuts from Arslanbob

Arslanbob (Kyrgyz: Арстанбап; Russian: Арсланбоб; Uzbek: Arslanbob) is a village, valley, mountain range, and a large wild walnut forest in the Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan's first known export to Europe was the Arslanbob walnut. Two waterfalls are located in the area which attract tourists, expats and pilgrims, skiers and other whole year round.

The population of Arslanbob is from 15 to 25 thousand of people (depending on source). Most of the population are Uzbek, and less than 5% is Kyrgyz, Russian, Tatar, Tajik, Chechen etc… 

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Samuel Maret

2 November 2021

Safe travels with Nomad's Land

For the safety of our customers, we are pleased to announce that we have received the Safe Travels stamp by the Association of Kyrgyz Tour Operators.

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Samuel Maret

29 August 2020

Beyond the Glacier, a short film over the water in Central Asia

Conflicts over water in Central Asia are at the heart of the short film Beyond the Glacier, directed by David Rodríguez Muñiz in 2019. An interesting documentary that takes the form of a journey, from the glaciers of Kyrgyzstan to the sea of Kyrgyzstan. Aral.

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Samuel Maret

30 July 2020

Petroglyphs, mirror of the peoples of Central Asia

Long neglected by scientists, the study of rock art represents a direct gateway to the imagination of peoples who have lived across the vast natural expanses of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

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Samuel Maret

29 July 2020

Silk Road Yurt Camp

Another yurt camp that Nomad's Land is supporting so that shepherds of Song Kul Lake can get extra income from tourists. With the family of Sagyn and Jumabek, we have prepared this camp in order to keep all the nomadic authenticity. You can participate in the daily activities of nomads. Not far from the camp, you can access the shores of the lake but also the petroglyphs hidden in the nearby mountains.

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Samuel Maret

8 December 2014

Snowy winter on Teskei range

Nestled within the heart of Central Asia, the Tien Shan Range stands as a majestic testament to nature's grandeur. As winter casts its icy spell upon these rugged peaks, a magical transformation ensues, offering adventurers a playground of snow-dusted splendor.

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Samuel Maret

From my photos album