Stay like a Nomad on the ancient Silk Route
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Stay like a Nomad on the ancient Silk Route
Jyrgalan Valley, a natural wonder nestled near the Issy Kul Lake is a must-visit destination on your next trip to Kyrgystan. For centuries nomadic shepherds have grazed cattle on the high summer pastures, called the jailoo, throughout the warm summer months. Experience the unique traditions, foods, and way of life of the herders on the ancient Silk route with your hosts Nazira Makenova.
Nazira Makenova believes that family is the heart of the Kyrgyz culture. She is really passionate about hosting guests and extending Kyrgyz hospitality to the world. Once a slowly dying Soviet-era mining town, tourism has brought new life to the residents of Jyrgalan. Know more about the local traditions and culture from Nazira and hear more about the stories of Jyrgalan.
The food in Jyrgalan is inspired by several cultures brought down by the Nomadic herders from various parts of the Silk Route. The local foods include the tastes from Uighur, Dungan, Uzbek, Turkic, and Russian to name a few. Do inform your host about any special dietary requirements including any allergens or vegetarian food.
Jyrgalan is a hub of many cultural and natural wonders. Surrounded by the Tian Shan mountains, there are various treks and trails which originate from the Jyrgalan. Eki Chat valley is especially known for the Yurts and nomadic shepherds. Explore the folklore, traditions, and natural beauty of the Jyrgalan valley and stay. The local folklore experience is a must-do on your trip to Jyrgalan.
Overnight stay
Breakfast, Dinner
First aid facility
Any personal expenses
Transportation to village
Additional Meals – Lunch
Local guide
Visa/Travel insurance
Are you choosing this homestay because you need some time away from your urban life? Does living in the countryside close to the farms excite you? If your answer is yes, start packing your bags now! You might not get uninterrupted internet here, but you’ll be far too busy exploring the most breathtaking and hidden jewels of Kyrgystan near the town of Karakol.
Guests like to eat our Ladakhi food. They say it is delicious, even when it is prepared by an elderly ama (mother) like me. I always make sure I serve them the cleanest and healthiest food. My husband is a copper artist. When guests leave us, they say ‘Julley’, and hug us. It makes us feel happy.
I became a Mountain Homestay Host in 2018, and I have hosted many travellers since then. Running a homestay has helped me and my family a lot. Not only is the solar set up in our house useful for us, but even travellers prefer to stay in our homestay because of it.
The training we got in astronomy turned out to be a life-changing experience for our village. I felt happy and proud while mapping the position of the planets and sharing the secrets of the universe with the tourists. Tourists told me that even they didn’t know so much about the dark skies!