The Way of Nomad – a unique immersive tour by Ak-Sai Travel
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The Way of Nomad

A tour with a deep dive into the traditions, rituals and lifestyle of the nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan.

Description

“The Way of Nomad” is a unique opportunity to explore Kyrgyzstan and experience ancient nomadic culture. During this extraordinary journey, you will follow the path of the nomads — from ancient campsites to modern yurt camps. You will not only witness, but actively take part in sacred ceremonies and centuries-old rituals that reflect the core of the Kyrgyz nomad lifestyle.

Highlights of the tour:

  • Experience authentic nomad lifestyle: stay in traditional Kyrgyz yurts, learn to build yurts, cook traditional dishes, and ride horses.
  • Discover traditional crafts: felt-making, shyrdak production.
  • Join cultural performances: eagle hunting, archery, Kyrgyz wedding traditions.

By the end of this cultural adventure, each traveler will gain a profound understanding of the full cycle of a nomad’s life — from birth and coming of age to family life and farewell rituals. This is not just a tour — it is a journey into the nomadic consciousness. Join us to feel, live, and understand the spirit of the nomad!

Program

Day 1. Bishkek city – Naryn (350 km / 6 hours / 2040 m)

Meeting in Bishkek and start our journey to the Naryn region – one of the most high-altitude and authentic areas of the land of nomads.

In just 1.5 hours, we will reach our first landmark of the Great Silk Road — the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower. Here you will visit a small museum with exhibits found at excavations and its fascinating collection of ancient stone balbals.

Crossing the Boom Gorge, we arrive at a yurt camp in Naryn. Here, we will learn why the Kyrgyz revered water as sacred and how nomadic traditions were born high in the mountains.

After dinner, we will explore the philosophy of Kyrgyz nomad lifestyle, the traditions of birth and coming of age, family values, and the rituals of seeing a nomad off on his final journey.

Overnight at a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp.

Day 2. Naryn – Song-Kol lake (160 km / 3-4 hours / 3000 m)

After breakfast, we gather our strength for a true high-mountain summer nomadic experience. Upon arrival at the traditional yurt camp on Song-Kol lake, a delicious lunch awaits us.

Later, we take part in building a real nomadic dwelling — a yurt. Today, we will acquire our first nomadic skills.

Dinner and overnight at a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp..

Day 3. Song-Kol lake – Tash-Rabat caravanserai (250 km / 6 hours / 3100 m)

After breakfast at the yurt camp, we will master the art of horseback riding.

After a horseback ride to the lake, we will embark on an important mission — to deliver a valuable cargo, a symbol of trust and a part of a ritual for prosperity.

We continue toward Tash-Rabat, a 15th-century caravanserai nestled high in the mountains. After an engaging tour and a meal, we continue to a traditional yurt camp, where dinner and an introduction to the traditions of the nomadic people await us.

Overnight at a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp.

Day 4. Tash-Rabat caravanserai – South shore of lake Issyk-Kul (350 km / 5 hours / 1800 m)

After breakfast, we take a walk to explore Tash-Rabat caravanserai, the ancient refuge of travelers and merchants. Later, we head towards the south shore of Lake Issyk Kul.

Here, we will take part in Salburun, a traditional hunting practice that includes golden eagle hunting, archery, and the Kyrgyz Taigan hunting dog.

Upon arrival at the yurt camp/guesthouse, we will take a walk along the lakeshore, followed by dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp/guesthouse.

Day 5. South shore of lake Issyk-Kul – Karkyra valley (215 km / 4 hours / 2200 m)

After breakfast, our journey leads us to the Karkyra valley, home of the Cranes Migration. On the way, we visit masters of felt carpet-making, explore Karakol’s diverse culture with a visit to the Dungan Mosque, built without a single nail, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where a miraculous Greek icon is preserved, and stop by the Old Mill Museum, which houses artifacts dating back to the 5th century BCE.

In the evening, we arrive in the Karkyra valley, where a cozy yurt camp and a delicious dinner await us.

Day 6. Karkyra valley

After breakfast, we will set off on a hike to the Char-Kuduk Gorge.

Upon our return, lunch will be served. Later, we participate in a boorsok (Kyrgyz bread) cooking masterclass and there will be an opportunity to try on traditional wedding outfits.

Dinner and overnight at a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp.

Day 7. Karkyra valley – Bishkek city (440 km / 7 hours / 800 m)

After breakfast our journey is coming to an end. On the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, in the village of Ornok, the guardians of the Museum of Nomadic Civilizations will welcome us and present the final symbol of the nomad. Over a farewell lunch, we will take photos to remember our expedition. Return to Bishkek.

Tour price per person

Based on twin/double occupancy in yurt 1250 USD
Based on single occupancy in yurt 1315 USD

Extra night in hotel in Bishkek:

  • 3* – SGL – 70 USD, DBL/TWN – 90 USD
  • 4* – SGL – 90 USD, DBL/TWN – 100 USD
  • 5* – SGL – 230 USD, DBL/TWN – 270 USD

Extra transfer from/to the airport:

  • 1-3 people – 40 USD
  • 4-9 people – 70 USD

Transport for transfer: 

  • 1-3 people – Jeep or minivan
  • 4 or more people – Mercedes Sprinter (17 seats)

 

Included in the tour price:

✅ Accommodation in yurt camps – 6 nights

✅ English speaking / Russian speaking guide

✅ Meals – as per program (Breakfast – 6, Lunch – 3, Dinner – 6)

✅ Transportation as per the itinerary

✅ Eagle hunting

✅ Boorsok show

✅ Yurt assembling show and traditional yurt-making

✅ Shyrdak show

✅ Mineral water (1 liter/day/person)

✅ Entrance tickets and ecological fees according to the program

 

Not included in the tour price:

❌ Single supplement

❌ Airfare

❌ Photo/video fees at museums

❌ Alcohol

❌ Tips for guide and driver

❌ All personal expenses

Dates for 2026

  • 29 May 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 5 June 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 12 June 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 19 June 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 26 June 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 3 July 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 10 July 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 17 July 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 24 July 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 31 July 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 7 August 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 14 August 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 21 August 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 28 August 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 4 September 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 11 September 2026

    available

    $1250

  • 18 September 2026

    available

    $1250

Weather conditions

You can take all necessary things. Please take into consideration that in summertime the temperature in Bishkek city reaches up to 40 C° and in the mountains the temperature decreases to 10 C°.  In spring and autumn, the temperature in Bishkek city reaches up to 30 °C, while in the mountains, the temperature can drop to 0°C in bad weather. Be prepared for unexpected changes of  weather.

Recommended clothes and equipment

  • Rain-coat
  • Sweater/fleece
  • Wind-stopper
  • Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking something with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)
  • Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)
  • Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)
  • Insect repellent (skin + clothes)
  • Good trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains
  • Walking shoes (no need for heavy ones) for the city walks
  • Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions)
  • Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper
  • A small towel
  • Swimming suit (for Issyk-Kul)
  • Sunglasses
  • Photo camera
  • A smaller backpack (in addition of your normal suitcase)
  • Flash light (torch)
  • Walking poles if needed

Currency exchange

If you plan to exchange USD/EUR to KGS, we recommend to take notes of 50, 100 without stamps, inscriptions or any other damage. Damaged banknotes will not be accepted by banks and exchange offices.

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The Way of Nomad

A tour with a deep dive into the traditions, rituals and lifestyle of the nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan.

Cultural tours

Cultural tours

May–September

Difficulty level

7 days, 6 nights
from $1,250
  • In local currency: 109 311 KGS

Our managers will definitely reach out to you as soon as possible during working hours — from 09:00 to 21:00 Bishkek time.

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