OUR VISION

What to do in Kyrgyzstan? Ecotour offers:

Whatever your interest, we have a tour suitable for you and your family, enjoy the nomadic traditions – come soon.

WELCOME
TOURS
NEW TOURS
TOUR PLANNER
UMAI-HOTEL
KYRGYZSTAN
HERITAGE
NOMADS TODAY
CONCEPT
ABOUT US
Feedback
CONTACTS

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WELCOME

Welcome

Since 1998 Ecotour has been designing and providing holidays in Kyrgyzstan
to people from all over the world, giving them the opportunity to discover
and fall in love with our country, our culture and our people

Let us show you our country –
on horseback, bicycle or foot through a variety of tours.
Each of our tours is of a specific nature and yet,
except in one or two instances,
has the flexibility to be adapted to our guests’ individual requirements

Elmira Kalmakova

Elmira left university with a degree in Mathematics and then went on to do a degree in Economics. She has travelled extensively in Europe, and also further afield (Africa, America and India). Elmira is passionate about Kyrgyzstan. Fluent in Kyrgyz and Russian, Elmira also has excellent English.

Samira Kalmakova

Samira, the younger sister by six years, is a qualified Geographer, and her training included a year at Humboldt University in Berlin. Samira is also very passionate about Kyrgyzstan. Fluent in Kyrgyz and Russian, Samira’s German is almost native and she has a good smattering of other languages.

Back in 1998 we, Elmira and Samira (two Kyrgyz sisters), conceived and created Ecotour.
When we created Ecotour there were three over-riding principles that we adopted,
and these principles are still paramount today.

 
Firstly we are proud of our country and heritage, and we wish for people everywhere to get to know our country and our people.
Secondly we also feel that it is important to follow good ecological principles, for our benefit and the world as a whole.
Finally we want to see many people benefitting from our efforts and so community-based tourism prevails in all our activities.

We offer active holidays that require a good level physical fitness, relaxed tours with more comfort and thematic tours, like textile and botanical tours.

Overnight stays will be in hotels, B&B’s, guesthouses, with local families, tents and, of course, in boz ui (yurts), the nomadic dwellings made out of felt.

Guests who have specific dietary requirements (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc.),
can also take part in most of our programmes.

If you have the time, forget the plane and come by train.
Less CO2 and more fun (more information on request).

NOMADS TODAY

Nomads Today

The Kyrgyz are very hospitable people who have a different concept of time

In an oasis of Central Asia…

Deserts and steppes are characteristic of Central Asia. The mountain chains of the Tien-Shan have Lake Issyk-Kul at their heart, an oasis in the middle of this arid region. Lake Issyk-Kul (180 km long and 60 km wide, max. depth 668 m) is the second largest high mountain lake in the world. The lake is 1,600 m above sea level and is surrounded by mountain ranges with altitudes up to 7,439 m. A combination of extreme depth, thermal activity and mild salinity means the lake never freezes. Within a short car journey of the lakeshore you can see many different landscapes; semi-deserts, steppes, mountain meadows and forests, sub-alpine and alpine meadows, snowdrifts and glaciers. They are inhabited by many species, some of which are threatened by extinction, such as the snow leopard, the Marco Polo sheep and the Ibisbill being the best known.

…an old nomadic culture has survived

The traditional culture of the Kyrgyz people has survived throughout time. In summer some of them go into the mountains with their yurts and their livestock in order to take advantage of the lush summer pastures, where they live in harmony with nature – secluded from “civilization” – as they did thousands of years ago. The Kyrgyz are very hospitable people to whom time is not important.

Experience old nomadic traditions in the 21st century

Our Tours

Our Tours

Our tours in the “Heavenly Mountains” of Kyrgyzstan, part of the old Silk Road route, are always special.  The options for the adventurous and sporty traveler, including those with families and small children, or for the single traveler, are many.  Whether you want to cycle, walk, horse ride, or even enjoy a cultural tour, we can prepare a tailor-made tour to match your wishes.

We look forward to meeting you

TOUR PLANNER

Tour planner

Here you can see the calendar of our scheduled tours and a list of tours on request

You can find a full list of our planned tours with dates, prices and payment terms

What you want, when you want

Umai Hotel

Umai Hotel

Close to the centre of Bishkek we have our own hotel, the UMAI.
Here we offer warm, friendly and comfortable accommodation, 9 rooms with a/c, satellite TV, free Wifi and private toilet facilities along with good meals.

True Kyrgyz Hospitality

The Umai Hotel is a small family-run operation to the north of Bishkek city centre – 15 minutes walk from Ala-Too Square. Situated in its own private, but quite extensive grounds, the Umai is a haven of tranquility within the hustle and bustle of Bishkek.

There are 9 rooms, each with private toilet and shower facilities.  Heating, air-conditioning and cable TV are available in every room. Breakfast and lunch are served in the dining room.  Supper is normally served outside in our open-air yurt, situated next to our summer bar that sells mainly local products.

A small conference room capable of seating up to 20 people is also available for rent.

At the Umai the emphasis is on providing a friendly and homely atmosphere with every member of staff happy to assist you whatever your needs.  The staff speak an assortment of languages  – Kyrgyz, Russian, German, English, Dutch and French – some with more proficiency that others. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and the grounds.

Arrival and departure transfers can be arranged along with longer journeys and short tours if required.

Our prices are very democratic

Price per room, B&B
Single€ 40
Twin / double€ 50
Triple€ 60
Extras, p.p.
Lunch€ 8
Supper€ 12

True Kyrgyz hospitality

KYRGYZSTAN

Kyrgyzstan

Natural beauty, historical monuments and landmarks of our country

Kyrgyz Republic

A mountainous country with ancient history and magnificent nature

Bishkek

The biggest city and the capital of Kyrgyz Republic

Lake Issyk-Kul

Alpine, deep-sea, salty lake, the Blue Pearl of Kyrgyzstan

Burana Tower

A majestic monument of bygone times, a legendary minaret

Lake Son-Kul

The last lake for Silk Road caravans on their way to China

Tash-Rabat

Ancient hotel-fortress for the protection of travelers on the Silk Road

San-Tash

Mound covered with stones, a monument of bygone times

Jeti Oguz

A monument to nature, bare rocks dark red in colour

Cholpon-Ata

Resort town with an open-air museum of petroglyphs

The jewel of Central Asia

HERITAGE

Heritage

The cultural and historical heritage of the Kyrgyz nomadic tribes

Manas

Kyrgyz hero and epic poem

Boz Ui

Traditional nomadic felt house

Balbals

Burial headstones from centuries past

Petroglyphs

Images carved on stone from 2,000 years ago

Elechek

Traditional headdress for married Kyrgyz women

Komuz

Fretless 3-stringed instrument learnt by almost all

Ak Kalpak

Man's hat symbolizing the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Shyrdak

Thick felt carpets found in every house and BozUi

A unique heritage

ABOUT US

About us

A few words about us and our company

We, Elmira and Samira Kalmakova, two Kyrgyz sisters, started our travel company, Ecotour, in 1998, shortly after our country became independent.  It was a time in which very few tourists visited Kyrgyzstan and there were hardly any facilities to offer.

We were the first who developed the concept of the yurt camps as a place to stay.

The idea behind this was that, in this way, we could involve the local people in new activities, help them to earn an additional income and transfer knowledge about the protection of nature, recycling of used goods and the use of raw materials in a responsible way.

We started a number of yurt camps where guests could stay and made agreements with the people in different villages about the reception and care of the guests and the way the yurt camps should operate.

In the meantime, more than 22 years have gone by and tourism in Kyrgyzstan is growing every year. A number of idea’s and initiatives with which we started in 1998 have now become rather common. Yurt camps are no longer new and unexpected and, in many places, the local people have become active in tourism.

Our company has also developed and we now offer a wide variety of tours and programmes, both active tours as well as programmes where our guests learn more about our culture and heritage. Also for families we have developed special programmes. Each year we offer new tours and programmes.

Close to the centre of Bishkek we have built our own comfortable and friendly small hotel, the Umai Hotel, where we can look after our guests. However, at heart we are still a family run company and proud of our Kyrgyz roots. Hospitality and an interest in our guests are still paramount for us.

The main goals of the “Ecotour family” are to show to our guests our beautiful mountains, our culture, our traditions and habits. And because of the international character of our group tours, we try to contribute to worldwide understanding between people with different backgrounds.

But our original philosophies, not to damage to nature, to involve local people in what we do and to avoid large groups, are still our credo.

We hope to meet you in our beautiful country

OUR VISION

OUR VISION

We believe in a ‘green’, sustainable tourism for Kyrgyzstan
that highlights the natural beauty of the country, has minimal impact on the environment and helps improve the lives of its citizens.

This is why we are against mass tourism. In our yurt camps, only small groups, with a maximum of ten people, enjoy their holiday. We find small groups stimulate communication between the locals and the visitors, and it often happens that new friendships emerge.

This is why we are against mass tourism. In our yurt camps, only small groups, with a maximum of ten people, enjoy their holiday. We find small groups stimulate communication between the locals and the visitors, and it often happens that new friendships emerge.

As well as yurt camps, we also stay in B&B’s, small local hotels and guesthouses. We always try to involve the local entrepreneurs as much as possible so the revenues will benefit the whole community.

Beside the environment, we have our people at heart

To us it is important to prevent socio-cultural changes that are often observed in places where tourism is exploited.

FEEDBACK

Feedback

Our customers leave their feedback every year

This is what they say about us, about Kyrgyzstan and about their rest:

Just wanted to let you know (in case no one else has) we had a fantastic trip. Your organization was great, Nurzat and Ruslan (guide and driver) were fantastic. The food was good throughout, all the accommodation places were neat, clean and tidy, and always... Read More

Just wanted to let you know (in case no one else has) we had a fantastic trip.
Your organization was great, Nurzat and Ruslan (guide and driver) were fantastic. The food was good throughout, all the accommodation places were neat, clean and tidy, and always lovely hosts.
The route was good.
And we were lucky with the weather, no major rainstorms!
All the best
Gwyn Tavener Smith
Australia / August 2024

Wij kunnen Ecotour van harte aanbevelen als reisorganisatie om daarmee Kirgizië/Kirgistan te verkennen. In een goed overleg is op een prettige manier een op onze wensen en mogelijkheden afgestemde reis van 3,5 week ontstaan. Heel prettig was dat onze communicatie op een vlotte manier per... Read More

Wij kunnen Ecotour van harte aanbevelen als reisorganisatie om daarmee Kirgizië/Kirgistan te verkennen. In een goed overleg is op een prettige manier een op onze wensen en mogelijkheden afgestemde reis van 3,5 week ontstaan. Heel prettig was dat onze communicatie op een vlotte manier per mail plaatsvond. Ons gezelschap bestond uit onze zoon, schoondochter en ons, variërend in leeftijd van midden 30 jaar tot iets over de 70 jaar. Het is aan te bevelen om gebruik te maken van een gids/tolk, die van ons was heel kundig, prettig en attent. Daardoor werd wat we zagen van betekenis voorzien, begrepen we de cultuur beter en konden we contact hebben met bijvoorbeeld onze gastvrouwen. Ook onze chauffeur leidde ons bekwaam over de niet altijd comfortabele wegen, daarnaast was hij heel behulpzaam. Kirgistan is een uniek en indrukwekkend land, niet te vergelijken met de Alpen. Je moet wel rekening houden met het bij het land passende gegeven dat je vrij snel op behoorlijke hoogten bent, maar dat maakt de reis ook extra bijzonder. De afwisseling van overnachtingsplaatsen zoals guesthoues, yurts en tenten was plezierig en goed geregeld. De maaltijden waren overvloedig en smakelijk, de gastvrouwen (de mannen waren vaak op het land aan het werk) toverden steeds een zeer volle tafel te voorschijn. Hotel Umai in Bishkek is uniek wat sfeer, tuin en kamers betreft, en ook daar zijn de maaltijden zeer smakelijk. Deze reis zullen we niet snel vergeten, maar dat uitsluitend in positieve betekenis.

Anja en Sierd
the Netherlands / August 2022

Just a quick note to say that we had a fantastic trip.  Enjoyed it immensely.  Much of interest to see, especially the last unexpected festival, and the food and hospitality were first rate.   Met some very kind Kyrgyz people along the way.  Having Aidai with... Read More

Just a quick note to say that we had a fantastic trip.  Enjoyed it immensely.  Much of interest to see, especially the last unexpected festival, and the food and hospitality were first rate.   Met some very kind Kyrgyz people along the way.

 Having Aidai with us was a great asset.  Always smiling and helpful even when we asked her to spend long days hiking.  I believe Chris has specifically asked for her services for the bike trip he is planning.

 At some point in the future, I hope to return  to visit the resettled Pamir Kyrgyz.  Whether that will be 2023 or later is as of now uncertain.  Will be in contact when I have firm plans.

Nicholas
UK / August 2022

Alles was prima georganiseerd en verliep voorspoedig. Wat betreft Temir Kanat, dat we hier niet zouden verblijven was vooraf aangekondigd door Elmira en we begrijpen dat dit kan gebeuren. Het dorpje in de buurt waar we verbleven is echter niet zo mooi gelegen als Temir... Read More

Alles was prima georganiseerd en verliep voorspoedig. Wat betreft Temir Kanat, dat we hier niet zouden verblijven was vooraf aangekondigd door Elmira en we begrijpen dat dit kan gebeuren. Het dorpje in de buurt waar we verbleven is echter niet zo mooi gelegen als Temir Kanat en bij aankomst werd ons verteld dat we de chauffeur de volgende dag niet zouden zien – dus dan zouden we (met ook nog eens relatief slecht weer) een hele dag vast zitten in dit dorpje. Voor Temir Kanat zouden er volgens de reisbeschrijving ook opties zijn om bijvoorbeeld paard te rijden maar in het dorp waar wij verbleven had onze gids geen idee van de opties. Na wat aandringen van onzer zijde zou Eric de chauffeur de volgende dag toch komen zodat hij ons naar Temir Kanat kon brengen waar we tussen de buien door een wandeling de bergen in gemaakt hebben.

Jaco Luijendijk
Belgium / July 2023

We just finished our bike tour and we absolutely loved it. Everything was organized perfectly and Ruslan did an amazing job guiding us and helping us out with some language barrières. He even fixed my bike when it was broken. He was a bit nervous... Read More

We just finished our bike tour and we absolutely loved it. Everything was organized perfectly and Ruslan did an amazing job guiding us and helping us out with some language barrières. He even fixed my bike when it was broken. He was a bit nervous because it was his first time without a guide but there was no reason to. The first two days we had some gravel roads that are really bad. For us that was okay because the views were amazing a we are young. But i’m not sure if it will be good for everyone. After the first two days there were great roads, some of them were challenging which we really liked. The fifth day was our favourite day. The lunch and dinner was extremely good. The food was tasty, the people were so welcoming and we really felt like we got to see the ‘real Kirgystan’. Also the valley was so beautiful and road was such a great gravel road to take. For us, the last day could have been longer. But we spend the afternoon at the beach and hiking the canyons near the campsite. Those were great and I would recommend everyone to go there.
We were presently surprised we got electricity everywhere and hot showers almost everywhere.
We will recommend this tour to all our friend that are cyclist for sure.

We gave Ruslan a tip for your end of the season party.

Wouter Geurts and Lara de Bruijn
The Netherlands / May 2024

Eind mei vertrokken we, Rob 82 en Ellen 73, naar Kirgizstan. Wij zijn beiden geïnteresseerd in overblijfselen van de Sovjet architectuur. De vormgeving interesseert ons omdat het kenmerken heeft van ( Europees) modernisme en brutalisme. De combinatie van ruwe minimalistische, vaak kleurige vormgeving met bv... Read More

Eind mei vertrokken we, Rob 82 en Ellen 73, naar Kirgizstan. Wij zijn beiden geïnteresseerd in overblijfselen van de Sovjet architectuur. De vormgeving interesseert ons omdat het kenmerken heeft van ( Europees) modernisme en brutalisme. De combinatie van ruwe minimalistische, vaak kleurige vormgeving met bv de tedere mozaïeken in bushokjes fascineert ons. Bruut en misschien toch ook wel mooi.

In de maanden voor onze reis hadden we al uitvoerig op internet gezocht en ook met diverse fotografen en andere reizigers gecorrespondeerd. Informatie over Bishkek was gemakkelijk te vinden , maar daarbuiten viel het niet mee. We waren dus zeer verrast dat we onderweg zoveel objecten zagen;  bushokjes, toegangspoorten naar dorpen, monumenten overal, oude fabrieken, rode sterren op huizen etc. Omdat we een auto met chauffeur hadden konden we overal stoppen, vaak tot verrassing van onze chauffeur. Kortom een geweldige reis.

Rob Topman & Ellen van der Brugghen
The Netherlands / June 2024

The trip was absolutely fantastic! 🙂 Noorzat & Azamat looked us after us very well and both did a brilliant job. Indeed, we thoroughly enjoyed Kyrgyzstan and will both highly recommend the country to our friends/family as well as endeavor to do a second visit... Read More

The trip was absolutely fantastic! 🙂
Noorzat & Azamat looked us after us very well and both did a brilliant job.
Indeed, we thoroughly enjoyed Kyrgyzstan and will both highly recommend the country to our friends/family as well as endeavor to do a second visit to discover more of the country.

1. Communication with that team – Ecoutour specially Adri were very responsive, answered all our questions and provided detailed information
2. Bespoke tour based on our requests and requirements. This was very important for us as we didn’t want to just follow the other tours / tourists
3. Tour guide and driver – were both great and did a brilliant job
4. True homestay and Yurts experience – we appreciated that we were given the opportunity to experience staying with local families rather than just places made up for tourists

 

Rupon Leili
The UK / September 2023

In May 2024 we have made a week tour through Kyrgyzstan organised by Ecotour. The trip as amazing and excellent -we can just recommend to everybody. Our tour guide Evira and driver Ruslan were fantastic and made the the tour fantastic experience. All the organisation... Read More

In May 2024 we have made a week tour through Kyrgyzstan organised by Ecotour. The trip as amazing and excellent -we can just recommend to everybody. Our tour guide Evira and driver Ruslan were fantastic and made the the tour fantastic experience. All the organisation was perfect. Thanks to Ecotour !
Petr Havlik
Czech Republic / May 2024

We are sitting in Istanbul on the way home from the very memorable trip you arranged for us over the last 10 days. All three of us had the most wonderful time and cant praise your company enough. The fabulous team have reached a very... Read More

We are sitting in Istanbul on the way home from the very memorable trip you arranged for us over the last 10 days. All three of us had the most wonderful time and cant praise your company enough. The fabulous team have reached a very high standard of service in a developing country, which is a real achievement. Thank you all so much, and to Nuraiyim and Mahrat especially for a wonderful time in the field.

Lesley, David and Debby
UK / Jule 2017

Just to thank you both, once again, for a wonderful tour in Kyrgyzstan. From our first very comfortable night in Hotel Umai, the whole tour went according to plan, thanks to Kenji, Ermek and Azamat. They really are the most fantastic team. They were well... Read More

Just to thank you both, once again, for a wonderful tour in Kyrgyzstan. From our first very comfortable night in Hotel Umai, the whole tour went according to plan, thanks to Kenji, Ermek and Azamat. They really are the most fantastic team. They were well organised and great fun to be with. Everyone on the tour enjoyed their company and were extremely complimentary about the arrangements you and the team made on our behalf. Several participants commented that Kyrgyzstan exceeded their expectations. It is a very beautiful and interesting cycling destination.

Pat and John
UK / June 2017

It’s been a long time now since I so much enjoyed my trip to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in July last year. In any case it’s not too late to say how much I enjoyed the whole trip and really got to appreciate both countries. We... Read More

It’s been a long time now since I so much enjoyed my trip to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in July last year.

In any case it’s not too late to say how much I enjoyed the whole trip and really got to appreciate both countries. We had more time in Kyrgyzstan so got to know there a little bit better – obviously just touching the many surfaces of the country and the landscape and history and the people. Son-kul is close to heaven!!  I need to spend a whole lot longer!

So, just to send my thanks and appreciation for all the organization and the events and the places that EcoTours took us to.  Nurzat was a great guide, always helpful and communicative and considerate, and we had many interesting conversations during the trip, she taught us a lot.  Emil was an excellent driver and companion, if mostly by sign language!  Ecotours gave us an ideal itinerary with interesting and varied locations for the ten plus days that we had, and I also enjoyed staying at the Umai Guesthouse and meeting Elmira.

However, to repeat, I otherwise totally enjoyed my time in Kyrgyzstan, I wish that I had the time and another opportunity to learn a bit more about the history and the people and the place.

Thanks again for this visit.

Michael McCall
Morelia, Mexico / July 2022

Your excellent capacity to understand my needs and wishes made me to choose Ecotour. Nurayim was truly an amazing guide – I found her very professional, attentive to all my wishes and able to answer all my questions. She made the whole trip very pleasant... Read More

Your excellent capacity to understand my needs and wishes made me to choose Ecotour. Nurayim was truly an amazing guide – I found her very professional, attentive to all my wishes and able to answer all my questions. She made the whole trip very pleasant by finding the right balance between information sharing, resting period and exploration phases. I like as well very much her quick capacity to understand what was important to me even though they might not be “classical” area of interests. I would like to thank Kalys our driver as well who was very professional throughout the trip. Unfortunately since I am not speaking Russian or Kirghiz our interactions were limited but very pleasant though. Thank you for making this happen despite short deadlines.

Guillaume Lehallier
France / April 2017

I truly enjoyed the tour in Kyrgyzstan. It was such a memorable experience. So many beautiful places. Your company really put a lot of thought into all the details of the tour. So thanks again to you and your team (especially Nargul).

Cornelia Kropp
Germany / May 2016

Dear Ecotour: I had a wonderful experience during my recent tour around Issyk-Kul. The tour was a balanced combination of outdoor activities and cultural exchanges. In particular, I would like to highlight the efforts of Nargul Dyushebaeva, who was a particularly welcoming and capable guide.... Read More

Dear Ecotour:
I had a wonderful experience during my recent tour around Issyk-Kul. The tour was a balanced combination of outdoor activities and cultural exchanges. In particular, I would like to highlight the efforts of Nargul Dyushebaeva, who was a particularly welcoming and capable guide. She did an excellent job managing the daily activities of the tour; everything ran on schedule, and we spent an appropriate amount of time at each stop on the itinerary. She also did a great job of translating our many conversations with Kyrgyz people and providing information about Kyrgyzstan, including its history, geography, and culture. I am very glad that I decided to book with Ecotour, and I feel particularly lucky that I had Nargul as a guide. Please pass along my highest praise to Nargul. Thank you.

Davis Woodruff
USA / May 2016

It was a wonderful trip! Thank you so much for all the organization! We enjoyed it so much! All the guides (including horse guides) were incredible nice! The hospitality of the families was super nice too! And the variety of food (meals) was stunning and... Read More

It was a wonderful trip! Thank you so much for all the organization! We enjoyed it so much! All the guides (including horse guides) were incredible nice! The hospitality of the families was super nice too! And the variety of food (meals) was stunning and it tasted so good!
We really wished to stay longer! What a beautiful land with its warm and funny people!
Hopefully we can come back one day!
Thanks a lot & kind regards,

Claudia and Johanna
Switzerland / September 2015

We wanted to thank you again for the easy and wonderful preparation to our trip to Kirgisia. We had an amazing wonderful awesome great voyage. Kirgisia and the People we met are really wonderful. What a proud and beautiful country. We where so well receveided... Read More

We wanted to thank you again for the easy and wonderful preparation to our trip to Kirgisia. We had an amazing wonderful awesome great voyage. Kirgisia and the People we met are really wonderful. What a proud and beautiful country. We where so well receveided everywhere we went. What an hospitality. Really, we are so impressed! Even beeing a tourist and intruser in the country, nobody did I give this feeling. In every yurt we were a guest, the hosts did give us the feeling to be unique and welcome. This is a Tradition that has become so rare in our country. Our Guide was a little Fee! Nuraiym is a wonderful, kind Person, very helpful and an agreable Person to travel with. She is very well-educated and rafined and told us so much about Kirgisia. For us it was much easier to gain a little insight view and to help us for a better understanding. Michael and Lisbeth of our Group were also wonderful Persons to travel with. We really had so much Luck to have the opportunity to travel in this constellation.

Ann, Kay, Alma and Ernest
Germany / August 2015

I just wanted to express thanks again to you both and the whole team (Michael, the wonderful girls - especially Nuraiym - and Marat) for organising such a splendid trip. The whole experience was great and as well as the stupendous landscapes and marvellous plants... Read More

I just wanted to express thanks again to you both and the whole team (Michael, the wonderful girls – especially Nuraiym – and Marat) for organising such a splendid trip. The whole experience was great and as well as the stupendous landscapes and marvellous plants I was struck by the friendliness and welcome of the Kyrgyz people. I’ve been signed up to speak to a number of horticultural societies/clubs in the coming months and will have no hesitation in promoting and recommending Ecotour.

Frazer Henderson
Scotland / April 2015

Sorry it has taken me so long to provide feedback from my private tour of Kyrgyzstan in November 2014. I had a fantastic time and Nuraiym was the perfect guide. She was very professional, organised, caring, punctual and her English is excellent. The driver was... Read More

Sorry it has taken me so long to provide feedback from my private tour of Kyrgyzstan in November 2014. I had a fantastic time and Nuraiym was the perfect guide. She was very professional, organised, caring, punctual and her English is excellent. The driver was also very professional, punctual and caring. My itinerary was great-a good mixture of culture and scenery. The snow covered mountains were stunning. I enjoyed meeting Nuraiym’s relatives and was spoiled by their very generous hospitality. All my accommodation was very good. I experienced a local homestay through to a 4 star hotel. All were very different to each other but each had their strong points.

Ecotour was very easy to work with. You organised an itinerary that met all my requirements and made many appropriate suggestions. I was pleased with everything you organised. I would definitely recommend Ecotour to anyone considering a tour of Kyrgyzstan.
Thanks

Alison Fleming
Australia / November 2014

Thank you so much for organising such a wonderful last minute tour. Every part of it, from the itinerary to the food, accommodation, guide and driver and beautiful scenery far exceeded our expectations. We loved krgyzstan and hope to return some day soon!

Heather Bishop
October 2014

It has been a little over two weeks since we returned from Kyrgyzstan. We had an absolutely amazing experience -- one that neither of us will soon forget. The beauty of Kyryzstan is rivaled only by the warmth of her people. From the day we... Read More

It has been a little over two weeks since we returned from Kyrgyzstan. We had an absolutely amazing experience — one that neither of us will soon forget. The beauty of Kyryzstan is rivaled only by the warmth of her people. From the day we arrived, Nuraiym introduced us to both as would a dear friend inviting us into her home. Indeed, some of my fondest memories of our visit were not tourist activities at all; rather they were the random experiences and conversations with Nuraiym, your dear aunt and uncle, and our fellow travellers. Kyrgyzstan and Ecotour are jewels that we are torn between wanting everyone to experience and keeping secreted away as our own private treasure — a sentiment, I think, that all who pass through Umai House must share. We are by no means professional photographers but surrounded by such beauty, it was impossible not to capture a few nice pictures during our journey. I also wanted to thank everyone for going out of the way to accommodate my multiple food allergies. I never expected to be so well fed and admittedly packed meal replacement bars just in case alternatives weren’t easily available. I happily brought them all back home! I wish I could have recipes for all the delicious food we were treated to. Thank you, sincerely, for your commitment and vision for Ecotour. It was one of the best, most stress-free vacations I’ve ever had, and I hope we’ll be able to visit again soon!
Kind regards,

Jennifer and Chris
USA-Bahrein / August-September 2014

Hello Elmira and everybody at the Umai-hotel! We had a perfect trip back to the Netherlands and are still dealing with our extreme positive experiences and feelings about Kyrgyzstan; this has been a vacation of which we will always remember so many details: all those... Read More

Hello Elmira and everybody at the Umai-hotel! We had a perfect trip back to the Netherlands and are still dealing with our extreme positive experiences and feelings about Kyrgyzstan; this has been a vacation of which we will always remember so many details: all those wonderful people we’ve met and the beautiful landscapes… Scrolling through our photo’s we keep thinking of all of you and your beautiful country!!! Thank you again for having made this trip one of the highlights in our life!

Johan and Nicole van Gans
Hilversum, Netherlands / August 2014

We would like to thank you for our GREAT holiday in Kyrgyzstan. We enjoyed very much the spectaculair landscape, the hospitality of the Kyrgyz people and the nice yurtcamps and evan more the campsites. Our stays at the local families in Kyzyl Oi and Kara... Read More

We would like to thank you for our GREAT holiday in Kyrgyzstan. We enjoyed very much the spectaculair landscape, the hospitality of the Kyrgyz people and the nice yurtcamps and evan more the campsites. Our stays at the local families in Kyzyl Oi and Kara Talaa were great. A very special way to travel by bicycle through this land. Especially the first two weeks, in which we saw no other tourist, is something which is hard to find anywhere in the world, but makes a journey so special. The way Indira and Urmat/Tima guided us was awsome. They gave our trip an extra dimension! We learned a lot about the habits and traditions of your country.
Thanks for everything and all the best to you, Ecotour and KYRGYZSTAN!

Caroline Timmermans
Netherlands / 2012

My mother and I made the textile trip to Kyrgystan which we enjoyed very much! All the people we met from Ecotour were very polite, hospitable, professional and very friendly. What impressed us most is that I have a food allergy and, although it is... Read More

My mother and I made the textile trip to Kyrgystan which we enjoyed very much! All the people we met from Ecotour were very polite, hospitable, professional and very friendly. What impressed us most is that I have a food allergy and, although it is difficult, that all the people where we stayed were well informed about this and took very much care of the preparation of the food! We learned a lot about wool, felting and embroidery and full of inspiration we went back home. We even bought felt to create a few more shirdaks back home, as the one we made during this trip couldn’t still our hunger to work with the felt… Besides that we very much enjoyed being in this beautiful country, we also had the idea that we could help the local people. Ecotour specifically searches for local people where you can stay so the money gets to the Kyrgyz people themselves and doesn’t stick to a western organisation. If you want to experience a real local visit to Kyrgystan, we can definitely recommend Ecotour!
All the best,

Paula and Caroline
Netherlands / June 2010

Greetings from New Zealand !! It was a long, complicated journey from Down Under to Kyrgyzstan but more than worth every bit of effort - I had the trip of a lifetime. I did the Long Horse ride with Ecotour in summer 2009 and cannot... Read More

Greetings from New Zealand !!
It was a long, complicated journey from Down Under to Kyrgyzstan but more than worth every bit of effort – I had the trip of a lifetime. I did the Long Horse ride with Ecotour in summer 2009 and cannot fault the way the trip went, I had an utterly brilliant time, the horses were fabulous, my guide and horsemen deserve a huge amount of praise – thank you Meerim, Talant and Marat. The communication in the run up to the trip was fast and informative, Ecotour were very willing to answer all questions etc.
As for horse riding in Kyrgyzstan – it rocks !, seriously this trip gives you a range of scenery in a 3 week period I don’t think you could experience anywhere else – and plenty of excitement and adventure along the way. If you like to be challenged, like to have the opportunity to meet the people of the country and love to be awestruck by nature then this is definitely the trip.
The Kyrgyz people are more than generous and hospitable, they are genuinely interested in you and where you’re from and they have a brilliant sense of fun and humour. As yet the people and country don’t exhibit traits of being over touristy which is so refreshing.
I was a female solo traveller and after my Ecotour trek they helped me sort further travel with CBT and I explored more of the country by myself, I never encountered any problems along the way only friendly, generous people.
As for me the highlight would have to be galloping at huge speed across the hills to the glaciers above Temir Kanat…..the memory of that ride on a gorgeous horse still thrills me to bits !!….not many places in the world you can do that….wow !
Thanks Ecotour I loved every single moment of my trip.
Cheers,

Barbara Tily
New Zealand / 2009

We can give our warm recommendations to anyone considering going to Kyrgyzstan in general, and with Ecotour in particular! In June 2008 we spent two weeks in some of Ecotour's yurt camps, and it was a highly memorable experience. Ecotour was very flexible and had... Read More

We can give our warm recommendations to anyone considering going to Kyrgyzstan in general, and with Ecotour in particular! In June 2008 we spent two weeks in some of Ecotour’s yurt camps, and it was a highly memorable experience. Ecotour was very flexible and had arranged a programme that suited our wishes perfectly. We got horse riding, camel riding, hot springs, hiking in the mountains, varied landscapes (from semidesert to green, lush vallies and high, dramatic mountains) and delicious and very varied food. Our guide/interpreter was also excellent and felt more like a friend than a guide.
All in all it was an unforgettable journey for us. The landscapes were more beautiful and breathtaking than any photos can convey, and the people we met were all so friendly. The whole country was very exotic for us in a way, but still we felt very much at home.
We realize that this might sound overly positive, like something that the Ecotour staff has made up to put on their homepage, but the fact is that we were so happy with everything that we have to say it anyway.

Tom & Karin Airaksinen
Stockholm, Sweden / June 2008

I enjoyed the trekking a lot. The views on Son Kul lake changed every hour and were breath-taking, the silence in the mountains was delicious and soothing and the valley of Temir Kanat was one of the most beautiful I have seen. When you manage... Read More

I enjoyed the trekking a lot. The views on Son Kul lake changed every hour and were breath-taking, the silence in the mountains was delicious and soothing and the valley of Temir Kanat was one of the most beautiful I have seen.
When you manage to route the first part of the trekking a bit more in the direct neighborhood of the Tien Shan mountains (the views on these huge white peaks I liked the most), then you have the perfect trip, I think.
The guides did take very good care of us. Talant – you don’t hear him much, but we could see he felt very responsible and took notice of everything. And Nurzat, she is top class! Cheerful, very social, intelligent – really a good one.

Well, I wish you all the best,
I hope a lot of tourists will find their way to Kyrgyzstan,

with all regards,

Sietse Brouwer
Utrecht, Netherlands / September 2008

Today it is already more than a month ago that we left Kyrgyzstan, but it is still every day that we think about our wonderful time we spent there. One of the things mostly staying in our mind is that from the very beginning we... Read More

Today it is already more than a month ago that we left Kyrgyzstan, but it is still every day that we think about our wonderful time we spent there. One of the things mostly staying in our mind is that from the very beginning we felt we were your personal guests where ever we are staying. That kind of hospitality is unique.
And of course we had a lot of extraordinary experiences; the overwhelming nature, the flowers, the meals, the kymyz…
We hope we will see you back soon!

Arnoud van Grieken en Marion van den Ende
Netherlands

One week ago I came back from my vacation in Kyrgyzstan and I am still full of it. What a fabulous country! The moment we arrived at our first camp our hasty, stress full lives were forgotten. We were absolutely spoiled by our Kyrgyz hosts... Read More

One week ago I came back from my vacation in Kyrgyzstan and I am still full of it. What a fabulous country! The moment we arrived at our first camp our hasty, stress full lives were forgotten. We were absolutely spoiled by our Kyrgyz hosts (great food!) and were made to feel very welcome. We had a lot of fun together, such open, good-natured people! And compliments to Ecotour for the excellent organisation and care. They make an important contribution to preserving the authenticity of this country (that is unspoilt by mass-tourism!) while supporting the local economy.

I will definitely come back!

Simone vd Zande
Netherlands

In Holland we e-mailed a lot with Ecotour and they made a lovely trip for us. We have enjoyed every part of it. At all yurt camps the food was different and very tasty. The people were so friendly and hospitable that I cannot describe... Read More

In Holland we e-mailed a lot with Ecotour and they made a lovely trip for us. We have enjoyed every part of it. At all yurt camps the food was different and very tasty. The people were so friendly and hospitable that I cannot describe my feelings. It was just wonderful.

Marian Groenewould
Netherlands

I had wonderful time in Kyrgyzstan. Some places look like the paradise in the earth. The people are very friendly and want to know a lot of us. With the interpreter we could speak with them and had very nice conversation. With Ecotour you know... Read More

I had wonderful time in Kyrgyzstan. Some places look like the paradise in the earth. The people are very friendly and want to know a lot of us. With the interpreter we could speak with them and had very nice conversation. With Ecotour you know a lot of the country. The organization is more than perfect. I am thankful that I have found you.

Willem
Netherlands

After 18 months we finally went to your country. I had read something about it and we had some e-mails together. The last three weeks I enjoyed very much. I liked the camps, the people and the country. It was a wonderful time now I... Read More

After 18 months we finally went to your country. I had read something about it and we had some e-mails together. The last three weeks I enjoyed very much. I liked the camps, the people and the country. It was a wonderful time now I am going home with a lot of good memories.

Theo van Miltenburg
Netherlands

One week in Bishkek and two weeks in the yurt camps were a wonderful experience. We think that Ecotour does not only give a good time for the tourists but also it has a lot of importance to the Kyrgyz people.

Herman & Nel
Netherlands

I thank you for your very kind and warm welcome. It was like being with friends. I had never that kind of vacations before. My young friend added a lot to the pleasure of discovering your country and horse riding. Maybe I will come back.

Madeleine
France

So why go there now? For one reason: the mountains. After the Himalayas, Kyrgyzstan's Tien Shan peaks are the world's Big Daddies. I had a dream: I wanted to ride off on horseback into these mountains and sleep in a nomad yurt. Thanks to a... Read More

So why go there now? For one reason: the mountains. After the Himalayas, Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan peaks are the world’s Big Daddies. I had a dream: I wanted to ride off on horseback into these mountains and sleep in a nomad yurt. Thanks to a local travel company called Ecotour, that dream came true. It was at Temir-Kanat that my equestrian fantasies were realised. Up here, Edelweiss, which European botanists can search ten years to find, grows like a weed, its tiny star-shaped flowers lending a silvery sheen to the pastures.

Lucinda Labes
London, UK

In May 2007, I guided a two-week trip for Ecotour in Kyrgyzstan. As I will write an article about birding in this country for Dutch Birding magazine, probably published sometime in 2008, this report is shorter than usual. After publication, I will post the article... Read More

In May 2007, I guided a two-week trip for Ecotour in Kyrgyzstan. As I will write an article about birding in this country for Dutch Birding magazine, probably published sometime in 2008, this report is shorter than usual. After publication, I will post the article on my website as well. The itinerary and the bird list of this trip, as well as some photos are presented there. We made a circuit around Issyk Kul at 1600 m, the second largest high altitude lake in world after Lago de Titicaca, Peru. In this time of year, the pass to Son Kul was still closed due to snow. As this site e.g. holds breeding Demoiselle Cranes, Lesser Sand Plovers and Hill Pigeons, future trips will probably be later in the year, so it can be included in the itinerary as well. Ornithologically, Kyrgyzstan is still somewhat of a mystery, and that’s just what makes this country interesting for the more adventurous birder. Birding while you don’t exactly know what to expect, in truly breathtaking landscapes: it made this country one of the most interesting places I ever visited.

Vincent van der Spek
Netherlands / May 2007

Wij hebben genoten van onze reis in Kyrgystan. Adembenemend landschap en mensen zijn zo warm, lief en vriendelijk. Dennis heeft nog andere foto's doorgestuurd naar Elmira. Het is een zeer fotogeniek land, maar eerlijk gezegd is Kyrgystan in werkelijkheid nog mooier. Blij dat wij Kyrgystan... Read More

Wij hebben genoten van onze reis in Kyrgystan. Adembenemend landschap en mensen zijn zo warm, lief en vriendelijk.
Dennis heeft nog andere foto’s doorgestuurd naar Elmira. Het is een zeer fotogeniek land, maar eerlijk gezegd is Kyrgystan in werkelijkheid nog mooier.
Blij dat wij Kyrgystan op deze manier mogen ervaren.
Ja jammer dat we geen afscheid hebben kunnen nemen van Elmira en Mike. Wij hadden ook een vervelend tijdstip voor de terugreis (midden in de nacht).
Komt Elmira of Samira dit jaar nog naar Nederland? Wij hadden namelijk nog wat contant geld over en bij vertrek in haast vergeten om dit in de fooienpot te doen. Als Elmira of Samira dit jaar nog komt dan sturen wij het geld (is niet heel veel) wel naar jou toe. Zo niet dan sturen wij het wel direct naar hun adres in Bishkek.
Voor wat betreft feedback:
De route geeft een mooi weergave wat Kyrgyzstan te bieden heeft. Ecotour heeft rekening gehouden met diversiteit van landschap, reistempo en wisseling van accommodaties.
Wij hebben van een divers landschap mogen genieten en mooi beeld gekregen van Kyrgyzstan en haar mensen.
Ook vonden wij Kyrgyzstan en de accommodaties erg schoon.
De afwisseling van yurtkampen en guesthouses is voor ons erg fijn geweest. Wij zijn geen echte kampeerders. Dus 2 dagen yurtverblijf vonden wij prima omdat wij daarna weer in een guesthouse gebruik konden maken van privé faciliteiten.
Ons eigen reistempo is normaliter iets hoger, maar gezien de lange reistijden vonden wij van deze vakantie wel fijn om op 1 bestemming even uit te rusten en dan tijd om omgeving op de tweede dag te verkennen.
Dankzij Ecotour zijn wij op locaties gekomen die wij zelf niet hebben kunnen vinden. Ook zouden wij zelf niet gauw vilt workshop doen, eagle hunter bezoeken of workshop yurt bouwen opnemen als activiteiten. Maar deze workshops waren verrassend leuk en geeft extra dimensie aan onze reis. Onze dochter vond deze activiteiten ook erg leuk.
Hele goede tip om google translaten te downloaden. Wij hebben daar zeker gebruik van kunnen maken richting de gastfamilies en chauffeur.
Zij waren ook zeer ervaren met het gebruik van google translaten dus dat is erg fijn.
Omdat wij zonder gids de rondreis hebben gemaakt hebben wij zelf wel het e.e.a. ingelezen en heeft Elmira meer details gegeven over onze reis toen wij daar waren. Het zou wel fijn zijn denk ik voor reizigers zonder gids een iets uitgebreidere/ gedetailleerde programma op te stellen. Wij wisten nu dus niet precies waar wij zaten qua accommodaties dus konden van tevoren ook niet echt inschatten wat wij konden verwachten. Er staat in ons reisschema wel suggesties maar die zijn iets te algemeen voor toeristen zonder gids.
Ook vonden wij de reis vanaf Son Kul naar Kyzyl Oi erg lang. Son Kul yurtkamp is heel erg basis en je kan wel wandeling maken rondom de yurtkamp maar verder niet veel te doen. 2 dagen was voor ons te lang. Wel heel bijzonder om leven van nomadenfamilie te zien. Denk in ons geval gezien de route zou Son Kul 1 nacht yurt noord en 1 nacht yurt zuid beter geweest zijn. De reis naar Kyzyl Oi is dan minder lang en dan zie je ook een andere kant van Son Kul.
Voor ons zijn de highlights: Altyn Arashan(inclusief reis met auto was een avontuur), Son Kul (zonsopgang en -ondergang, sterrenhemel en nomadenleven op afstand meekijken) en Kyzyl Oi (mooi zicht op het dorp na een wandeling en de locatie van dorp). Qua accomodaties: Chon Kemin, Kyzyl Oi, Sonun Yurt
Voor onze dochter hightlights: reis met jeep naar Altyn Arashan, kennismaken met mensen, yurtbouwen, vilt workshop, sonun yurtkamp
Bijzondere ervaring voor ons: de mensen. In het bijzonder de yurtkamp in Boz Salkin was heel bijzonder voor ons geweest. Vallei vonden wij vergelijkbaar met Chon Kemin en de yurtkamp was okee, maar hier hebben kennis gemaakt met hele lieve mensen.
Al met al topvakantie. Dank voor het meedenken Adri en Elmira. Samen hebben jullie een hele mooie reis opgezet.

Ik hoop dat Kyrgyzstan meer bekendheid krijgt als reisbestemming, want Kyrgyzstan heeft zoveel te bieden.

Family tour – enjoy the nature in Kyrgyzstan
Jiok Leng, Dennis & Milla
The Netherlands / July 2024

Thank you for your visit to our country

CONTACTS

Contacts

If you have not found the information you need on our website, we will be happy to answer any question about tours, dates, price, accommodation and special conditions

Elmira Kalmakova

info@ecotour.kg

+996 557 802805 (English)
+996 772 802805 (English)

46-A, Donskoy Per., 720040 Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

Samira Kalmakova

info@ecotour.kg 

+996 555 913245 (German)
+996 700 584245 (English)

46-A, Donskoy Per., 720040 Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

Adri de Koning

info@ecotour.kg 

+31 (030) 6567010
 

Prins Bernhardstraat 22, 3981 BN Bunnik, Netherlands

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