In Kyrgyzstan, staying in a yurt—known locally as a “boz ui”—is far more than a novelty – it is a deeply cultural experience that connects travellers to the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people, who for centuries have traversed the vast steppes and mountain ranges of Central Asia. A yurt is a circular, portable tent made from a wooden lattice frame covered with felt or canvas, ingeniously designed to withstand the harsh winters of the Tien Shan and Pamir ranges while remaining easy to dismantle and transport.
Despite their simplicity, modern yurt stays often include comfortable beds allowing visitors to enjoy the authenticity of nomadic living without sacrificing comfort.
Guests are typically greeted with “kurak”, a warm welcome of tea, bread, and sometimes homemade dairy treats such as “kymyz” (fermented mare’s milk) or “ayran” (salted yogurt). They are expected to remove their shoes before entering and to accept any offered refreshment with gratitude, as hospitality is central to Kyrgyz culture.
Our yurt stay will be comfortable but may include sharing a yurt with more than two people as is customary. All yurts will have comfortable beds, private facilities and hot water.
