Nomad's Land

12/07/2025

Though rarely visited, region of the Zorkul lake is a breathtaking destination for adventurous travelers, trekkers, and cyclists looking to explore the high Pamirs far from the main routes. In summer, Kyrgyz nomads bring their yurts and yak herds to graze on the lush alpine pastures near the lake, preserving centuries-old traditions.

However, due to its remote location and military presence, travel requires planning, local guides, and official permissions—but for those who make it, Zorkul offers one of the most pristine and hauntingly beautiful landscapes in Central Asia.

11/07/2025

High in the Tian Shan mountains of eastern Kyrgyzstan lies one of Central Asia’s most remote and dramatic landscapes — the Arabel-Suu Plateau. At nearly 3,800 meters above sea level, this windswept highland stretches across a vast expanse of tundra and permafrost, framed by the jagged peaks of the Teskey Alatoo range and the shimmering glaciers that feed the headwaters of the Naryn River.

Few travelers make it this far. Reached by a steep, winding road through the Barskoon Valley — a former Silk Road route now maintained by the nearby Kumtor gold mine — the plateau remains largely untouched. But for those who venture up, Arabel-Suu offers an extraordinary glimpse into Kyrgyzstan’s wild, high-altitude heart.

In summer, the plateau comes to life. Nomadic herders pitch their yurts near alpine lakes and scatter their flocks of sheep, yaks, and horses across the wide grassy pastures. The silence is broken only by the wind, the calls of eagles, or the distant sound of hooves. For centuries, these jailoos — high mountain pastures — have been part of Kyrgyz nomadic tradition, and that rhythm of life continues today.

Geologically, Arabel-Suu is shaped by ice. Dozens of small glaciers hug the north-facing slopes, while to the south, wide glacial tongues sprawl beneath snow-capped peaks. In late summer, meltwater carves its way across the plateau, feeding turquoise lakes and icy streams that flow into the greater Syr Darya river system.
Photographer: Pierre Armand

10/07/2025

Nestled in the Fergana Valley, Khujand stands as one of

07/07/2025

The Këktoo Massif – Eastern Sentinel of Kel-Suu Lake

To the east of Kel-Suu Lake rises the impressive Këktoo Massif, a dramatic wall of cliffs that reaches 4,613 meters above sea level, according to topographic maps. The contrast in elevation is striking: the yurt camps, nestled at 3,350 meters, seem dwarfed by the towering cliffs, giving the impression that the peaks soar even higher.

Located less than 20 kilometers from the Chinese border, this mountain range marks the edge of a wild and little-explored frontier.

This remote and rugged region serves as a natural refuge for rare wildlife, including ibex, Marco Polo sheep, wolves, and even bears, all thriving in an untouched and secluded habitat.

Photographer:

06/07/2025

On this page you can find all the environmental projects in

05/07/2025

Svetlaya Polyana: Kyrgyz Craftsmanship and Alpine Charm in the Heart of Issyk-Kul

Nestled at the gateway of the Siuttu Bulak valley and just 20 minutes from the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, the small village of Svetlaya Polyana—meaning Bright Glade—offers visitors a quiet yet culturally rich escape. With a population of around 2,200, this alpine hamlet is gaining recognition not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for preserving one of Kyrgyzstan’s most emblematic musical traditions.

Here, the ancient craft of the komuz—a traditional three-stringed instrument carved from wild apricot wood—is alive and well. Artisans welcome travelers into their workshops, sharing techniques passed down through generations.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore. A gentle climb leads to the so-called Valley of Flowers, where wild blooms and mountain views stretch toward the red cliffs of nearby Jeti Oguz. The walk also reveals a small waterfall, ideal for a summer pause. The surrounding Siuttu Bulak valley, whose name translates to “Milky Spring,” is a serene setting for botanical walks, horseback rides, or backcountry skiing in winter.

Back in the village, tidy gardens surround traditional homes, and a peaceful pond mirrors the surrounding peaks. A night in one of Svetlaya Polyana’s family-run guesthouses offers a warm introduction to Kyrgyz hospitality, with home-cooked meals and stories around the table.

Whether you come for a day or linger longer, Svetlaya Polyana is a place where music, landscape, and tradition blend in harmony.
visit the information center of the Jeti Oguz district www.jetioguz.travel

04/07/2025

Drive from Song Kul to Tash Rabat through Baybichetay range

03/07/2025

A team of scientists from Russia, Ukraine, Slovakia, and India visited in 2018 the Shorbulak astronomical station in Eastern Tajikistan at the invitation of their Tajik colleagues. Originally established in the 1970s by astronomers from the Pulkovo Observatory, the station had been abandoned for nearly 20 years. One of the expedition members, Kirill Maslennikov, a senior astronomer who once directed the station in the 1980s, described its current condition and scientific potential.

The search for good astronomical conditions (astroclimate) in the USSR began seriously in the 1960s. By the early 1970s, astronomers identified the Eastern Pamirs as an ideal location due to its high-altitude plateau—a cold, dry desert at around 4,000 meters elevation, perfect for infrared and millimeter-wave observations because of the extremely low humidity and minimal atmospheric water v***r.

Shorbulak was built in this environment as a branch of the Pulkovo Observatory. It lies about 20 km off the main Pamir Highway, near the village of Murghab, accessible only via an unmarked, rough track. When scientists first arrived, there was no infrastructure—no water, electricity, fuel, or food—making the conditions comparable to Antarctica, though with milder temperatures.

Despite decades of abandonment, the site still holds promise for future astronomical research due to its exceptional astroclimatic conditions.

Photographer : R. Kuonen

10/06/2025

🧭 Issyk Kul: A Timeless Crossroads of the Silk Road 🏺🌊

Long before it became a beloved destination for nature lovers and adventurers, the Issyk Kul region was a vital hub on the legendary Silk Road. Traders, pilgrims, and explorers passed through these valleys and shores, linking East and West across a network of cultures and empires.

Archaeological discoveries around the lake reveal Bronze Age settlements, stone petroglyphs, and mysterious burial mounds (kurgans) that whisper of ancient civilizations. Beneath the lake’s surface lie the remains of long-lost towns and temples—some believe sunken cities rest below the waves, preserving traces of forgotten lives.

From Zoroastrians to Buddhists and early Christians, this region welcomed a mosaic of beliefs and ideas. It wasn’t just a stop on the road—it was a meeting point of worlds.

📸 Take a closer look at these timeless landscapes and imagine the caravans that once moved through the same paths. The spirit of the Silk Road is still alive here, written in stone, water, and memory.

29/05/2025

Air Astana has launched regular flights on Almaty — Osh — Almaty route

Starting today, May 28, Air Astana has launched regular flights on Almaty — Osh — Almaty route. The press service of Airports of Kyrgyzstan JSC reported.

22/05/2025

“The Kyrgyz Nomad Trail allows visitors to reach a much wider range of locations and communities around Kyrgyzstan and alleviate some of the pressure from the few and very popular places being visited today”

By summer's end, more than 600 miles will be added to the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail, granting hikers access to lesser-known parts of the country.

15/05/2025

The majestic Gissar Mountains near the Khoja Obi Garm sanatorium in Tajikistan, perched at about 1960 meters. This Soviet-era and Sarob spa is nestled in a stunning river gorge, offering breathtaking views and unique radon-infused hot springs known for their healing properties. The rugged peaks and serene natural surroundings make it a perfect retreat for relaxation and adventure alike.