About Us

Who are we?

EcoNomad is a travel agency founded by Nuraly Turganbaev. He also works as a French professor at the Kyrgyz National University in Bishkek. Nuraly is co-author of the first French-Kyrgyz and Kyrgyz-French dictionary.

Before devoting himself entirely to developing the EcoNomad travel agency, Nuraly translated Ella Maillart’s book «Turkestan Solo» (Des Monts Célestes aux Sables Rouges) into Kyrgyz. He also contributed to the Russian subtitling of the Swiss film «The Extraordinary Journeys of Ella Maillart.»

His passion for the French language gradually led him toward the profession of tour guide.

His love for the environment and for his country has, since 1994, inspired him to travel across Kyrgyzstan alongside foreign tourists. Over time he enriched his experience as a tour leader by combining the teaching of French, interpreting, and the translation of books related to tourism. He also took part in writing travel guides.

His knowledge of the Kyrgyz, Russian, French, and English languages enabled him to work for various tourism agencies as a guide-interpreter.

Drawing on this experience, he founded the EcoNomad travel agency in 2006.

His mastery of the French language allowed Nuraly, in collaboration with his Swiss and French partners, to first develop the French-speaking EcoNomad travel agency.

EcoNomad strives to be an agency attentive to its clients’ needs, offering tailored itineraries in the fields of ecotourism and culture.

As part of the trips the agency offers, Nuraly may personally accompany his clients.

EcoNomad offers responsible travel and tailor-made stays focused on ecotourism in Kyrgyzstan. One of the agency’s strengths is enabling its clients to discover the traditional nomadic way of life by offering overnight stays with local families, in yurts.

EcoNomad also specializes in organizing cultural journeys. As a tribute to Ella Maillart, the agency has dedicated an itinerary to her: «In the Footsteps of Ella Maillart.»

Kyrgyzstan’s geographic location makes it possible to offer itineraries combined with Uzbekistan, northern China (particularly Kashgar), Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. On request, the agency can also organize stays in each of these countries.

EcoNomad owns two guesthouses in At-Bashy and a yurt camp in the southeast of the At-Bashy valley, at the Kamandy jailoo (summer pasture). From Kamandy, EcoNomad also offers authentic stays that allow visitors to discover the traditional nomadic way of life. Horseback, hiking, and/or cycling excursions to Lake Köl-Tör (3,100 m) and Lake Köl-Suu (3,500 m) are available. The proximity to China allows tourists to discover the superb Ak-Sai valley.

Discovering Kyrgyzstan with EcoNomad means doing so with respect for the protection of nature, local communities, and traditions. EcoNomad’s top priority is keeping nature pristine by removing every sign of pollution (paper, plastic, cigarette butts, and the like). This is done with the aim of offering guests an enchanting natural setting that can only foster contact between our guests and the local population.

EcoNomad redistributes part of its profits to the local population. It also plays a preventive role by raising community awareness of the harmful effects of pollution. The deterioration of nature observed in recent years, due in part to plastic waste, is becoming a genuine environmental problem not only in Kyrgyzstan but across Central Asia.

EcoNomad also informs the local population about the depletion of natural resources and the right practices to adopt. Its awareness-raising work also covers the preservation of biodiversity, which is increasingly under threat.

Continuing to protect the environment, so that we can share it with our guests from abroad, can only be achieved through the active participation and full contribution of local stakeholders and of our guests.

Kyrgyzstan has a great deal to offer foreign travelers journeying along the Silk Road:

• Enchanting, well-preserved nature
• The legends linked to the epic poem «Manas»
• A vast and rich cultural heritage
• A surprising nomadic way of life intimately bound to this legendary road

A hospitable people

Our company therefore holds significant potential for developing this tourist destination. We are ready to show you a legendary part of the Silk Road here in Kyrgyzstan.