Kyzyl-Tuu is a small village with roughly 1,800 inhabitants, situated 230 km from Bishkek on the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. This understated settlement proves a captivating destination for travellers drawn to Kyrgyz nomadic culture.

Kyzyl-Tuu Today

Kyzyl-Tuu is an inviting village ideally positioned along the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. It works equally well as a day stop or an overnight stay. The locals, masters of yurt construction, welcome visitors generously and invite you to uncover the craft's secrets through tours of their workshops.

You can spend a comfortable night in a guesthouse or even a yurt itself, waking to a stunning landscape. Venture a little further into the quieter surroundings and take in the beauty of Lake Issyk-Kul itself. Settle along its shores and surrender to the serene silence that pervades the place. Should the location captivate you, you can easily pitch camp for the night and linger a while longer in solitude.

While tranquil year-round, the village springs to life during the annual Kiiz Duino festival, a celebration of Kyrgyz traditions. Each year, thousands converge on the village to experience the festivities and participate in diverse events. Horse races, yurt construction competitions, falcon displays, tastings of local produce—all the hallmarks of Kyrgyz culture are represented, promising memorable moments of shared heritage.

Long-distance buses operate from Bishkek to Kyzyl-Tuu. During your tour, you'll reach Kyzyl-Tuu by vehicle with your guide.