Kyrgyzstan has a reputation for offering homestays and lodgings in small guesthouses, or bed-and-breakfast-style accommodation. Mike East went to experience the community-based tourism in Kyrgyzstan and was impressed.
Experiencing community-based tourism in Kyrgyzstan
During my recent trip to Kyrgyzstan, I organised two stays through the Rural Tourism Alliance Kyrgyzstan. The first was in the city of Karakol, located in the mountains at the eastern end of Lake Issyk-Köl, and the second was near the shores of the lake itself in the small village of Tamchy.
As well as staying with families affiliated with the organisation, I also interviewed its founder, Asylbek Rajiev, an ex-engineer who is fluent in English, towards the end of my time in the country.
The organisation offers a range of homestays with families, as well as guesthouses and bed-and-breakfast-style accommodation. At the time of writing, there are no host families in Bishkek, the capital. The lodgings that are literally homestays tend to be in more remote areas. I thought the two places I was booking were family homes, but they were both small guesthouses; my error, rather than that of the Rural Tourism Alliance.
Both stays were excellent.
In addition, I organised a driver through the alliance who met me punctually on the day I arrived in Bishkek and took me to the guesthouse in Karakol. The car was modern and well maintained and the driver, though he spoke no English, was pleasant and professional, taking me all the way to the guesthouse.
In both cases, I booked bed and breakfast, so I could eat out and try local food in Central Asia. In Karakol, I booked a shared bathroom, while in Tamchy I had an en-suite. All the bookings and payments were organised in advance with the Rural Tourism Alliance by email with Asylbek and his assistant, Darina.
Staying in Karakol
Arriving by car in Karakol, it took the driver a while to find the Jamilya Guest House, as the road was temporarily closed at one end.
The Jamilya Guest House is at 34B Shopokov Street, near River Park, about half a mile south of the city centre. It is set in a lovely garden. The room was very clean and comfortable, and there was never a problem accessing the bathrooms.
Breakfast was buffet-style and a tasty mix of local and international food. The staff were friendly and helpful.
A guesthouse beside Lake Issyk-Köl
The Baktygul Guesthouse in Tamchy is set back from the main highway that bisects the village. It is a five- to 10-minute walk from the beach on the shore of Lake Issyk-Köl.
Here, I had my own bathroom and, although the room was equally clean, it was rather sparser. For me, the highlight of Baktygul was the dining room. It was a yurt, the large, round felt tent found throughout Central Asia.
Breakfast consisted of a range of breads, eggs and fruit.
How community-based tourism works in Kyrgyzstan
In my interview with Asylbek, I remarked that I had been expecting to stay in a family home. He replied that both participating families had once offered accommodation in their homes, but over time they had extended their properties, turning them into small tourism-oriented businesses.
Asylbek added that in 2003, the Swiss development agency, Helvetas, had helped start Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association and that he had worked for them for many years, including 15 as Executive Director. The Rural Tourism Alliance began in 2025 as an independent, non-profit organization that owns the Visit Kyrgyzstan website packed with useful information on the country. The Rural Tourism Alliance began with six people from a community tourism background, though it is not just about homestays, there are a variety of tours, for example, (the travel agency is a LLC for-profit partner, guided by the organization).
Finding accommodation in Bishkek
Another possibility for those looking for accommodation in Bishkek is Homestay.com, which lists three participating families in the centre of the city. The prices are listed at $28, $19 and $10 a night.
I did not book with them – I stayed in a medium-sized hotel while in Bishkek – so I cannot comment on the services they offer.
A personal approach to rural tourism
I found the Rural Tourism Alliance Kyrgyzstan to be a highly professional organisation with a personal touch. It maintains good communication and looks after you well. I recommend it highly.
Further information on Community-Based Tourism in Kyrgyzstan
Rural Tourism Alliance Kyrgyzstan
https://www.visitkyrgyzstan.org/homestays/
Homestay.com
https://www.homestay.com/kyrgyzstan