A family stopover in Kochkor, on the way to Son Kul

At Guljamal's is a family-run guest house located in Kochkor, a small town in central Kirghizistan that serves as a logistical hub for travelers heading toward the high plateaus. Guljamal and her family welcome visitors for one or two nights, time enough for a comfortable break before an adventure at Son Kul lake or a departure toward Kok Ulok lake.

The place is appreciated for its simplicity, its family atmosphere, and the daily presence of Guljamal, who shares her artisanal know-how with those who take an interest in it.

Why choose At Guljamal's

• Lodging with a local family run by Guljamal and her relatives, English-speaking hosts welcoming passing travelers
• Strategic stopover between Bishkek and Son Kul lake, or departure point toward Kok Ulok lake
• Interior decoration entirely made of Kyrgyz felt, with possible demonstrations of its making
• Home cooking and meals shared around the family table

Atmosphere: Guljamal's home

The house's character rests on its distinctly Kyrgyz décor. Floors and walls are covered in chyrdaks, these traditional felt tapestries with colorful patterns found in nomadic yurts. Guljamal makes them herself, by hand, using a technique passed down through generations. She offers interested travelers a demonstration of felt and tapestry making: shearing, washing, fulling, dyeing, and assembly. A concrete immersion in a living craft still practiced in Kochkor, a town renowned for its felt makers' association.

In the evening, the table fills with national breads, fresh fruits, dried fruits, salads, and delicacies. Meals are an opportunity to connect with the family and other travelers, sharing simple dishes that reflect everyday Kyrgyz cuisine.

The rooms

Rooms can accommodate two to three travelers on comfortable beds, making them equally suited to couples, small groups, or families. The house has a hot shower and a modern bathroom, welcome comforts between trekking stages in the surrounding valleys.

Services and experiences offered

• Dinner and breakfast prepared by the family
• Demonstration of felt and chyrdak making by Guljamal
• Logistical advice for reaching Son Kul or Kok Ulok (drivers, road conditions, jailoo)
• Parking available in front of the house

Location

Kochkor is located approximately three to four hours' drive south of Bishkek, in the Naryn region. The town is a key crossroads for reaching high-altitude pastures (jailoo) in the country's center, particularly Son Kul lake, situated above 3,000 meters. Guljamal's house is situated in a quiet residential area, accessible by car and easily identifiable from the town center.

Nearby

Kochkor is known for its artisans' market and its felt makers' association, which naturally extend the experience offered by Guljamal. Hiking enthusiasts can reach the valleys of Kok Ulok and Kol Tor, or venture to the yurts at Son Kul lake. Other stopovers round out an itinerary well: At Uzur's in Chon Kemin on the route from Bishkek, or At Gulia's in Karakol heading toward Issyk Kul lake. In Kochkor itself, At Fatima's offers a comparable family alternative.

Planning your stay at Guljamal's

This guest house fits naturally into an itinerary combining Bishkek, Kochkor, Son Kul, and Issyk Kul. To build a bespoke journey including this stopover and a meeting with Guljamal, consult our trips to Kirghizistan.