Discover Kyrgyzstan’s unique nomadic culture, traditions, cuisine, and historical sites by taking one of our cultural tours which offer highlights of some of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan.
Created by and delivered by locals, our cultural tours provide travelers an immersive experience that showcase the cultural richness of the region and its local nomadic traditions. Our tours are also active and adventurous, as we introduce travelers to some of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful mountain landscapes and nature in the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay mountain ranges through experiences like guided hikes and horseback riding.
Highlights from our most popular Kyrgyzstan cultural tours include:
- Song Kul and Issyk-Kul Lakes: sleeping in a traditional yurt amidst local shepherds by the lake and watching a beautiful sunset over the mountains.
- Historical sites of Burana Tower (11th century), Silk Road-era city of Osh and Karakol as a prominent Russian Empire outpost: step back in time and learn about the fascinating and diverse history of the region.
- Experience Kyrgyz nomadic culture: staying at authentic yurt camps, experiencing the life of Kyrgyz nomad’s tending their livestock, participating in local festivals and celebrations, and experiencing traditional activities like hunting with golden eagles are just some of the ways our cultural tours immerse you in our traditions.
- Stunning natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains: hiking, trekking and horseback treks immerse you in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay Mountains with incredible mountain vistas of snow-covered peaks, turquoise alpine lakes and lush green valleys.
- Community tourism approach: we work directly with local communities so that our cultural tours offer many opportunities to meet and engage with local families, artisans, chefs and entrepreneurs along the way.
About our Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Cultural Tours
On all of our cultural tours, an expert local guide will be with you to provide insights into the nomadic way of life, as well as guide you on some of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful trekking and hiking routes. This is what makes our Highlights of Kyrgyzstan itineraries and cultural tours among the best ways to deeply experience our fascinating culture, nature and life.
You can find below a selection of our most popular cultural tours and Highlights of Kyrgyzstan itineraries — in differing lengths and styles. We have also added answers to the the most frequently asked and practical questions you might have about taking a cultural tour. You can also find more detailed information about traveling to Kyrgyzstan here.
To arrange any of these Highlights of Kyrgyzstan itineraries or cultural tours, get in touch with us. We can also help you arrange transport and transfers around Kyrgyzstan.
Beautiful Kyrgyzstan: Our Most Popular Kyrgyzstan Cultural Tours
FAQ About Cultural Tours in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan packs a lot of beauty and hospitality into a small country. Among the most popular things to do in beautiful Kyrgyzstan: hiking in and around both the Tian Shan and Pamir mountains, horseback riding and horse trekking, experiencing the nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz people, attending a festival or two (in summer), and digging into Kyrgyz and ethnic cuisine.
The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is from May to September, when the weather is warm and the mountains are accessible. July and August are the busiest months, so if you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in May, June, or September.
Kyrgyzstan is best known for its combination of natural beauty and nomadic culture, which is still alive and well in many parts of the country. However, Kyrgyzstan was also along Silk Road trading routes as the city of Osh and other historical sites like Tash Rabat caravansarai can attest.
Staying in a yurt is essential. Other cultural experiences include: attending local festivals and celebrations, eating local Kyrgyz food, having a taste of kymyz / kumis (fermented mare’s milk), horseback riding, traditional hunting with eagles, visiting Kyrgyz felt and carpet workshops, witnessing a yurt-building contest, and watching kok boru (the local nomadic version of polo). Historical sites like Tash Rabat and Burana Tower are worth a visit, too.
Many Kyrgyz people still live a semi-nomadic lifestyle, herding livestock and moving between different pastures throughout the year as the seasons change. Visitors can easily witness this way of life along hikes and treks throughout the country. To experience this unique way of life firsthand, you can also stay in a yurt, go on a horseback riding trek, or seek out cultural experiences like hunting with eagles.
Kyrgyz cuisine is hearty and filling, with an emphasis on meat, dairy products, and grains. Some popular dishes include laghman (noodle soup with more East Asian origins), plov (rice pilaf), and manti (dumplings). Visitors should also try kymyz (or kumis), a fermented mare’s milk that is considered a national drink.
Kyrgyzstan is a hiker’s paradise, with the most popular trails and routes running through the Tian Shan Mountains (in the north) and Pamir Alay Mountains (in the south). For a complete list of experiences involving hiking in Kyrgyzstan see our Kyrgyzstan Trekking Tours page.
Generally speaking, lightweight clothing is recommended, as the weather can be hot in the summer. However, it’s also a good idea to bring some warm clothing for the cooler mountain regions, and layers when trekking or hiking. Kyrgyzstan is a Muslim country, and visitors should dress modestly to respect local customs.
Kyrgyzstan has a rich cultural heritage and is predominantly a Muslim country. It’s important to generally be respectful. This includes familiar gestures of respect: dressing modestly, removing your shoes before entering a home, and greeting people with a handshake or a hand over your heart.
Most visitors to Kyrgyzstan can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or border crossing. The visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. Kyrgyzstan now offers e-visas for those nationalities that do need a tourist visa. Visitors should check the latest visa requirements and regulations before traveling.
Accommodation options in Kyrgyzstan range from budget guesthouses and yurt camps to luxury hotels. You can book accommodations through Visit Alay or in many cases, directly with the hotel via Booking.com.
All Visit Alay tours include local accommodation arrangements so you don’t have to worry about arranging this separately.
The official language of Kyrgyzstan is Kyrgyz, but Russian is also widely spoken. English is not as common, especially outside of major cities, but many young people are learning it today. It’s helpful to learn some basic Kyrgyz or Russian phrases, or to bring a phrasebook or translation app to communicate with locals. For in-depth communication, a local guide can help.
All Visit Alay tour guides speak English and can act as translators for you when speaking to local people.