Best places to stay in Kyrgyzstan

A lovely yurt camp from the local ecotourism association CBT on the South shore of the Issyk Kul lake. The yurt camp is open all the year around. 

Bel Tam is a really nice place to stay on the beach of Issyk Kul lake. The lake is within walking distance from the camp. Backpackers are authorized to put their tent next on the territory of the camp and use the commodities of the camp, for 3 dollars per day. Some yurts are equipped with standard single beds, some yurts are equipped with toshoks, the traditionnal kyrgyz bedding, made out of several layers of stuffed carpets.

Children discount : free till 6 years old; 6 to 12 years old 50% discount.

Meals are taken in the big yurt-canteen. The food is really nice, and diverse. Vegetarian-friendly!

The outside canteen is also really delightful, next to the bar. Beer, vodka, cognac and sodas are usually available for sale. Hot shower and western toilets available. Possible to do laundry (charged). Electricity available to reload electronic equipments. No WIFI but a play ground for kids.

Bel Tam camp is really busy during summertime, make sure to book your yurt beforehand!

Additional services:

• taxi to Bokonbaevo and other cities around
• excursion to Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon and other touristic curiosities around
• trekking trips
• eagle hunting shows
• folkloric music concerts
• fireplace

Access to the camp:

From the village of Bokonbaevo, follow the road going north-east towards the village of Ton. Before the entrance of Ton village, turn left (there is only one asphalted road available). Follow this road UNTIL THE END, even if you think that there is no road anymore. The yurt camp is on the beach.      

Kyzyl Tash Agritourism Farm is located on the foothills of the mountains overlooking the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul, at the village level of Jarkynbaevo. This old farmhouse converted into a guest house offers pleasant comfort and allows you to familiarize yourself with life on the Kyrgyz pastures. You will be accommodated in a private or collective room (depending on availability). The recently renovated house is equipped with showers and toilets, a shared kitchen and dining room and a pleasant outdoor terrace. We fell in love with the double attic room which offers a beautiful view of Lake Issyk Koul!

In addition to the pastoral and farm activities that you can participate in, do not miss a visit to the Shepherd Museum attached to the farm, which will allow you to get to know the pastoral way of life of the Kyrgyz nomads. This modern museum is the result of many years of collecting everyday objects from the nomads' past that the owner has found, saving them from destruction and oblivion. It is also possible to go on horseback to discover the surroundings with a guide.

The guest house " Bilim" is located in the village of Tamchy, on the north shore of Lake Issyk Kul. With its orchard overlooking the high snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan and the beach in the immediate vicinity of the house, passing travelers will find what they are looking for at Bilim. The mistress of guest house Bilim will welcome you in double rooms or collective rooms. She will also know how to prepare you the best dishes of Kyrgyz family cooking and will be able to teach you the secrets! For the comfort of guests, there is a friendly terrace, shared shower and toilet, as well as free Wi-Fi.

At Bilim, you can live to the rhythm of the Kyrgyz villages and enjoy the various activities offered on site such as craft workshops, cultural activities or hiking or horseback riding to discover the magnificent surrounding sites, whether for the day or in trek of several days.

Bilim and his family are members of the CBT network, and therefore contribute to the economic life of the village whether by purchasing from local producers, employing local staff or renting horses from local owners.

Situated at the foot of the Kol Tor Gorge, at the starting point of the hiking trail leading to the lake of the same name, the Kegety guest house stands in an enchanting mountain landscape. From the windows of the guest house you can admire the surrounding mountains. The guest house offers its guests comfortable rooms, with shower and toilet inside the room, a small terrace where you can relax in the evening and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. It is an ideal place where you can admire nature, go horseback riding or on foot to the waterfall and Kol-Tor lake, see the Tien Shan pine forest and climb to the glaciers.

The "Kegety" guest house can accommodate 30 people and has 9 bedrooms, including one bedroom with 6 and 4 beds, 4 bedrooms with 2 beds and 2 superior bedrooms with 2 beds. Being the only hotel establishment in the valley, and given its isolation, the guest house therefore contributes to the economic life of the neighborhood whether it is by supplying itself from local producers, by employing local staff or by renting horses from the local owners.

The guesthouse " Jekshen" is located in the village of Karol Dobo, in the territory of Chon Kemin National Park, 120km east of Bishkek. It is a unique natural region with diverse flora and fauna and many beautiful landscapes, from lush forest valleys to snow-capped mountain tops.

The guest house " Jekshen" will welcome you in double rooms or collective rooms. For the convenience of the guests, there is a large garden, a shared kitchen, a dining room as well as free Wi-Fi. For lovers of authenticity, there are also yurts in the courtyard!

Jekshen and his family always extend a warm welcome to their customers with full respect for the tradition of Kyrgyz hospitality.

At Jekshen, you can live to the rhythm of Kyrgyz villages and enjoy the various activities offered on site such as craft workshops, cultural activities or hiking or horseback riding to discover the magnificent natural sites, whether for the day or in trek of several days.

Jeskhen and his family are members of the CBT network, and therefore contribute to the economic life of the village whether by sourcing from local producers, employing local staff or renting horses from local owners.

The guest house " Kanyshaï" is located in the multi-thousand-year-old city of Osh, the capital of southern Kyrgyzstan. Ideally located in the Fergana Valley, a few kilometers from the Uzbek border, the city of Osh shows its diversity and a rich history. The city, served by an international airport, is a good base for exploring the Alai and Pamir mountains, especially the Lenin Peak region. The city is marked by Uzbek culture and is located at the end of the famous Pamir Highway allowing to reach Dushanbe in Tajikistan by crossing the highlands of the Pamirs.

Located near the city center, Kanyshaï's house is a shady haven of peace in the heat and bustle of the city. It is a beautiful renovated house with an interior courtyard decorated with fruit trees. The house has 4 bedrooms with 2 or 3 single beds, with shared western-style bathrooms and toilets. The rooms are simple but functional and the bedding is good. Wi-Fi available. Meals can be taken on the terrace. Your host Kanyshaï is a member of the CBT network in Osh and will be able to help you in the realization of your trip by organizing transport and excursions.

Located in the village of Rotftont, 65km from Bishkek, The Farm Guesthouse is a lovely guesthouse with a social vocation. Staying there will allow you to immerse yourself in Kyrgyz rural life and discover this village rich in history. From Rotfront there are many interesting activities on offer, such as a visit to the nearby Kegeti Valley, a bath in the hot springs of Issyk Ata, or a hike to Kol Tor Lake. But the main activity will be participation in the life of the farm. You will be able to help the local community with the harvest of fruits and vegetables and to work with the various farm animals. The rooms are collective or private (depending on availability), and are equipped with the minimum, no frills. No television and other gadgets, but the minimum to live comfortably on the farm and enjoy the tranquility of the place. Meal times on the terrace are friendly and you can enjoy all the farm products!
The Farm Guesthouse was born from the initiative of a Canadian couple who have been living in Kyrgyzstan for several years. In addition to producing and supplying the village with fresh fruit and vegetables, Julie and John have taken in many orphans over the years, who now as adults, live in community in the village and have gained their independence by working on the farm.