At Bakyt's, a family yurt camp on the shores of Issyk Kul

On the south shore of Lake Issyk Kul, near the village of Bokonbayevo, Bakyt has established his yurt camp known as Sayakat. Run as a family venture, it welcomes travelers in a setting focused on simplicity, lake views, and the foothills of the Terskey Mountains. Far from large tourist operations, this place prioritizes direct exchange with hosts and immersion in daily Kyrgyz nomadic life.

Why choose this camp

• A family-run operation on a human scale, managed directly by Bakyt and his relatives
• Located on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul, in a still largely undeveloped area
• A multilingual host: Bakyt speaks English and Japanese, facilitating communication
• Home-cooked meals prepared by Bakyt's mother, rooted in Kyrgyz tradition
• Opportunities to attend cultural demonstrations (eagle hunting, traditional music)

The camp atmosphere

The camp embraces a natural style, stripped of excess. The outdoor kitchen is entirely built from wood, opening onto the landscape. A traditional Kyrgyz swing, installed in the middle of the grounds, appeals to both children and adults—it's one of the emblematic objects of the country's pastoral culture.

Bakyt embodies local hospitality in its most genuine form. He sits down at the table with his guests, serves tea, keeps the conversation flowing late into the evening, and brings out a deck of cards. This presence gives the stay a character closer to lodging with a local family than a standard hotel.

The yurts

The camp features only a small number of traditional yurts, assembled using nomadic techniques. Sleeping is done directly on the ground, on thick mattresses and blankets (tochok), just as in high-altitude jailoos. The yurts can accommodate both families and small groups. Given the limited capacity, it is advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak season.

Meals and amenities

Meals are prepared by Bakyt's mother and served in the wooden kitchen or around the communal table. Traditional Kyrgyz cuisine takes center stage: stewed dishes, dairy products, fresh bread. As for amenities, the camp has a hot outdoor shower and toilet facilities, which is welcome in such a rustic setting.

Upon request, Bakyt can arrange two memorable cultural experiences:

• An eagle hunting demonstration, an ancestral practice still very much alive in the region
• An outdoor concert of traditional Kyrgyz music, featuring local instruments such as the komuz

Location and access

The camp is located immediately next to Lake Issyk Kul, on the south shore, in the Bokonbayevo area. This part of the lake is less developed than the north shore and retains largely undeveloped beaches. Plan for roughly half a day's travel from Bishkek to reach the region. To better prepare your arrival, consult our page on Bokonbayevo.

Nearby attractions

The south shore of Issyk Kul offers several natural extensions to your stay:

• Skazka Canyon (the "tale canyon"), east of Bokonbayevo, with its striking red rock formations
• High-altitude jailoos where shepherds stay in summer
• Villages along the south shore, ideal for meeting felt artisans

To combine this stay with other yurt camps or family homestays, you might consider Kirchin yurt camp at Aigul's, the Golden Yurt at Jety-Oguz, or Uzur's guest house in Chon Kemin.

Planning your journey

At Bakyt's fits naturally into an itinerary combining high-altitude lakes, nomadic valleys, and cultural stops. To build your complete circuit, visit our Kirghizistan travel page.