KYRGYZSTAN

KYRGYZSTAN : BETWEEN NOMAD'S TRADITIONS & CELESTIALS MOUNTAINS

If Central Asia were a jewel box, Kyrgyzstan would undoubtedly be its gem. This small country (three times smaller than France), nestled in the heart of this fascinating region of the world, is a treasure trove of astonishing diversity. Here, the land stretches towards the sky and nature expresses itself in contrasts: crossed from east to west by the Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains) and Pamir mountain ranges, 90% of the country is above 1,500 metres in altitude, and 40% above 3,000 metres! This remarkable geography makes Kyrgyzstan a small wonderland, where giants over 7,000 metres high rub shoulders with gentle, green valleys, while immense azure lakes border sharp red canyons... All with a view of the glaciers.

In Kyrgyzstan, the terrain shapes both the landscape and the lives of the inhabitants. Unlike other Central Asian countries, nomadism is still widespread in Kyrgyzstan (more than 40% of the population). Every year, as soon as the harsh winter recedes, thousands of nomadic families return to the mountains with their herds. Their felt yurts dot the landscape, giving the impression that time has had no hold on these ancient traditions.

Arrived in July 2024, we explored Kyrgyzstan in all seasons, on foot, on horseback or with our 4×4. A country that has captivated us from the first moment, where we have had the chance to weave very strong bonds, so that today it has in our hearts the place of a second « Home »...!

Kyrgyzstan
3 anecdotes

1 | Kyrgyzstan is one of the countries with the highest average altitude in the world! 90% of its territory rises above 1,500m above sea level. The highest peak in the country is the Pic Pobeda, with an altitude of 7.439m. 2 | Fermented mare milk called "Kumis" is the national beverage. Slightly alcoholic, the Kyrgyz love it and assimilate many virtues, including the strength to endure the harshness of winter! 3 | The poem narrating the epic of Manas, which would be the founder of Kyrgyzstan, is the longest in the world: it consists of 500,000 verses and takes several days to be recited entirely.

Identity card

Area: 199,000 km2, 3 times less than France
Population density: 29 inhabitants/km2, 1 in 7 live in the capital Bishkek.
Currency: The Som
The beer is at: 2€ 1.5L bottle, here we don't joke about quantity!
You have to taste: Lagmans (fresh homemade pasta with meat + vegetables), hot borsoks (beignets) with a hint of kaymak (fresh homemade cream), buru mantis (sheep rape), katamas (the Kyrgyz "croissant"), fresh kumis (fermented mare milk) from Son Kul.
An experience to live: Sleep under a traditional yurt, experience the cold (spicy) of winter.

Why would we
go back there ?

✔️ To go back to Song Kul Lake during a moving with our Kyrgyz family ✔️ To take care of our horse : Tengri, that they offered us and that they care for in our absence (the most beautiful gift we have received) ✔️ To bite in hot borsoks accompanied by milk tea ✔️ To climb up and explore new valleys ✔️ To climb even higher than our last trek ✔️ To see all our friends again ✔️ To discover this incredible country to our loved ones ✔️ To regain the comfort and quietness of yurts

YOUR AVENTURE IN KYRGYZSTAN WITH CONFIDENCE:

Want to experience a trek on horseback or on foot? To immerse yourself in the daily life of a nomadic family? To let you be carried by those who know their country best?
After 8 months Passed to Kyrgyzstan, you will enjoy our best contacts (and friends!) so that you can design your custom adventure with them.

OUR GUIDELINES TO PREPARE YOUR TRAVEL IN KIRGHIZISTAN

World Nomad Games 2026, full guide: everything to know and attend « Olympic Games » Nomads in Kyrgyzstan.

World Nomad Games, or the "Olympic Games" of nomadic peoples: the largest sporting and cultural event in Central Asia. Every two years at the beginning of September there is a major event: the World Nomad Games, a major competition dedicated to traditional sports and nomadic culture. If they happen every time...

OUR ADVENTURE TOUR IN KIRGHIZISTAN

8 DAYS | 100% World Nomad Games 2026

A stay for those who want to attend the entire Nomadic Games. From transport, to accommodation a few minutes from the village, everything is organized to enjoy 100% of the event... And more!

9 DAYS | WORLD NOMAD GAMES & KIRGHIZISTAN

A tailor-made stay for those who besides attending the World Nomad Games dream of exploring the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan.

Explore KIRGHIZISTAN in video

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