Hello everyone, this is Sugiura, the editor-in-chief of Ashu Travel, a travel agency specializing in Central Asia.
The yurt is the traditional dwelling of the nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan. If you think it’s just a tent, you’re wrong. It’s packed with experiences you can only have here: the wisdom and culture of the nomadic people, the stars in the sky, the heart-thumping embroidery, and even the finest cuisine.
For those of you who want to make your trip abroad special or experience the culture of the local area, we will show you the appeal of yurta!
What is a yurt? Kyrgyzstan’s mobile home
The yurt is a traditional mobile tent that has been used by Kyrgyz nomads for centuries. In Kyrgyz, it is called “Bozuy”, where “Boz” means gray and “uy” means house. The reason it is gray is because originally, black and gray wool felt was common. The “Ak Orgo” (white yurt), covered in pure white felt, was a status symbol that only khans and nobles could have.
These mobile dwellings are known by different names in different regions: in Mongolia they are called “ger”, in China “pao”, and in Kazakhstan “kyyz”. Despite the different names, they all contain the wisdom of nomadic people who live while moving around. They are homes that are steeped in culture and history, and are not just “just tents”.
The “Tunduk” depicted on the Kyrgyz flag
The yurt has a circular skylight called a “tunduk” in the ceiling, which looks like a secret peephole. In fact, this is the symbol of the Kyrgyz flag.
The sun shining on a red background, with the Tunduk in the center and 40 rays spreading out from it, represents the number of ancient tribes in Kyrgyzstan, and is imbued with the meanings of family, the universe and unity. It is as if the sun is shining on the pride and history of Kyrgyzstan.
Incidentally, the skylight also acts as a chimney, and when it rains or snows, it is quickly covered with felt.
How to assemble a yurt quickly!
The yurt in Kyrgyzstan is surprisingly large, with a diameter of about 5m and a height of 3-3.5m. However, don’t underestimate it as just a “huge tent”. It has a birch frame, bellows-shaped walls, and a tunduk set on the ceiling, and is finished off with a soft covering of wool felt… and voila, a magnificent house is complete.
What’s more, a skilled nomad can put it together in about an hour. Even the “DIY masters” will be surprised at how quickly it goes together!
Registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO!
The yurt of Kyrgyzstan has been registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO due to its functional beauty and high cultural value. If you stay in the “mobile traditional architecture” that Kyrgyzstan is proud of, you will definitely be able to feel the weight of history and culture with your own skin.
5 Unique Yurt Experiences That Let You Experience the Life of a Nomad
1. Living surrounded by cute embroidery and wool
Once you step inside the yurt, it’s like stepping into a fluffy paradise! You’ll be greeted by a felted wool rug called “Sirdak” and colorful embroidered wall hangings. They’re seriously cute.
The patterns of grasslands and animal motifs are so uplifting to look at. They’re so cute that you can’t help but want to take them home with you!
2. The sunset and starry sky as seen from the yurt
The sunset, which turns the sky a golden color, is a spectacular sight. Watching the sunset from the comfort of a yurt is somehow nostalgic. And when the sun goes to sleep, the stars come out to play.
The starry sky you see when you look up from your yurt at night is like a natural planetarium. The sparkling stars you see are only possible because of the Kyrgyz plateau, which has zero light pollution and a perfect 100-point air quality. You might even get the illusion that you’re in space. Take a moment to look at the stars before you go to sleep. Your worries in life will seem so small, I promise.
3. Tasting the nomadic cuisine in a yurt
If you can’t miss out on gourmet food when you travel, you should definitely try yurta food. As I mentioned in another column, the food in Kyrgyzstan is really delicious.
What comes out will differ from household to household, but they are all delicious. The shish-kebabs are juicy, the Kyrgyz version of meat and potatoes is fluffy, and the Central Asian version of udon is addictive with its chewy texture…
The food made by the nomadic mother will win your heart and stomach.
4. Recharge your mind with digital detox
If you’re leading a busy life in Japan, why not put your smartphone down for a while and enjoy the view in the Kyrgyz steppe? Many of the places where yurts are set up are scenic spots where it’s difficult to get a signal.
When your enforced offline life begins, you may feel a little restless at first, but you will soon find that your worries will start to fade away. Why not try enjoying the luxury of doing nothing, listening to the sound of the wind and birdsong, and watching sheep grazing on the grass?
5. Impressed by the warm hospitality of the nomads
In Kyrgyzstan, Japanese people are welcomed as “brothers and sisters”, and you may be greeted with a smile and a “welcome!”, and offered a cup of hot tea and homemade sweets.
Even on the first meeting, you will feel at ease as if you were visiting a relative’s house. By the time you leave, you will feel like staying a little longer.
Come and have an adventure of a lifetime in a yurt!
The yurt is not just a “mobile dwelling”. It is packed with the wisdom of generations of nomads, heart-warming hospitality, and breathtaking natural beauty.
If you want to have a special experience on your overseas trip, why not get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the “extraordinary” in a yurt? Here you will find an unforgettable adventure that is perfect for those of you who are not satisfied with ordinary trips. Stay in a yurt in Kyrgyzstan and meet a new you!
Ashu Travel’s recommended tours
If you want to stay in a yurt and fully enjoy the feeling of being a nomad, we recommend the “Tour of the Mysterious and Spectacular Lake Songkhla” from Ashu Travel. An adventure awaits you at the “Lake in the Sky”, Songkhla Lake, which spreads out at an altitude of 3000 meters!
- A special night spent in a yurt
- Ride a horse and gallop across the prairie
- Experience the life and culture of Kyrgyzstan
Experience the beauty of the cool Songkhla Lake in summer and the nomadic lifestyle that blends in with the great outdoors. If you’re looking for something more than the usual tourist experience, why not create memories that will last a lifetime here?
Click here for tour details.
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