From February 13 to 16, at the invitation of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Naryn Region, we took part in the "Naryn – Kysh Keremeti" familiarization press tour, which took place in the Naryn Region. This initiative aims to promote the region's tourism potential, strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties, and develop international cooperation.Day One: Kysh Keremeti in the Naryn Region — The Bozo Festival and a Bright Beginning
The first day of the event began with a warm start welcome for the delegation at Turdakun Usubaliyev Square in Bishkek. The organizers demonstrated a high level of preparation and genuine hospitality, creating an atmosphere of open dialogue and mutual respect.
The press tour participants arrived from Russia, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and China. The Kyrgyz SIM cards and medical insurance kindly provided to the guests proved especially useful.
The group then set off for the Naryn Region aboard a tour bus. The journey from the capital became a true introduction to the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan: the road wound through the picturesque Boom Gorge and the vast expanses of the Kochkor Valley, where panoramic views of mountain ranges and endless winter landscapes created an inspiring and unforgettable impression.
A stop was made in Boom Gorge for lunch at the Boz Salkyn café. At the entrance, guests were greeted by an impressive sculpture of a snow leopard — a symbol of the strength and beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous nature. Beneath it was an inscription calling on visitors to protect wildlife and remain devoted to their homeland.
Refreshed and energized, the delegation continued to the Salkyn-Tor Nature Park in the Naryn District.
Here, guests received a ceremonial welcome at the Bai-Tor café. Young women in traditional attire greeted the delegation to the sounds of Kyrgyz national music, offering trays filled with fragrant boorsoks and honey. The ritual created a festive atmosphere and marked the beginning of the Bozo Festival — the cultural highlight of the day.
The Bozo Festival is dedicated to one of the oldest traditional beverages of the Kyrgyz people — bozo, a thick drink made from sprouted grain. The festival promotes national traditions, supports local producers, and contributes to the development of ethno- and gastronomic tourism. Bozo has long symbolized winter warmth and hospitality, making the seasonal celebration especially meaningful.
The program featured tastings of various types of bozo, exhibitions of traditional crafts, performances by folk ensembles, national games, and theatrical presentations. Tasting bozo for the first time was a memorable experience: its thick, velvety texture and mild flavor with a slight tang created a comforting sense of warmth. It was not only the taste of grain, but also the taste of sincere Kyrgyz hospitality.
At the Bai-Tor café, Nurbek Beishenalievich Satarov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Naryn Region, delivered a welcoming address. He emphasized the region’s unique natural potential, rich cultural traditions, pristine environment, and favorable conditions for the development of ecotourism, winter recreation, and international cooperation.
The evening continued with vibrant performances featuring energetic dances, masterful komuz playing, and colorful folk numbers.
Later, the group visited the Uson-Bak Nature Park, where participants enjoyed riding down an ice slide on inflatable tubes. The crisp winter air, laughter, and shared excitement created unforgettable emotions. In those joyful moments, everyone set aside seriousness, rediscovered childhood freedom, and simply embraced the magic of winter — a true Kysh Keremeti.
Day Two: The Magic of Salt, Nomadic Spirit, and a Gastronomic Triumph in Kochkor
The second day brought the delegation to Kochkor District — a land where the healing power of nature meets ancient traditions of hospitality.
The morning began with a visit to the Tuz Salt Mine in the Cholpon aiyl aimak. Descending into underground galleries carved from ancient salt deposits, participants immediately noticed the remarkable purity and lightness of the air. The dry, mineral-rich microclimate, naturally saturated with salt particles, is known to have beneficial effects on the respiratory system.
Erdenet Zhyrgalbekovich Kasymov, Director of the Tourism Department under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, spoke about the site’s potential for eco- and health tourism development.
The group also visited the Kuygon-Suu springs, whose mineral waters are known for their therapeutic properties, particularly in treating skin conditions.
Later, guests attended a match of Kok Boru — the traditional equestrian game symbolizing strength, endurance, and the nomadic spirit. The intensity of the competition and the horsemanship of the riders kept spectators captivated.
The highlight of the day was the Sogum Festival at the Ormon Khan Ethno-Complex. Sogum is not merely the preparation of meat for winter but a sacred ritual symbolizing unity and gratitude.
Guests were invited to sit on soft toshoks laid over traditional shyrdaks around a white dastarkhan. Before the meal, attendants offered water from a kumgan for handwashing — a gesture of deep respect.
The feast featured beshbarmak, manti, kuurdak, fresh flatbread, boorsoks, kumis, bozo, ayran, and traditional sweets. The regional specialty Naryn — finely chopped meat with thin strips of dough — served as the culinary centerpiece. The meal was accompanied by theatrical performances depicting Kyrgyz history and daily life, allowing guests not only to taste but to experience living culture.
The day also included a visit to the panoramic viewpoint of Ak-Kya, where breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks highlighted the region’s natural grandeur.
In Naryn city, the delegation toured the campus of the University of Central Asia, exploring its international academic standards and modern infrastructure. The visit concluded with an elegant dinner marked by intellectual dialogue and academic hospitality.
The evening ended at the Muratbek Ryskulov Naryn Regional Academic Theater with a performance based on Chingiz Aitmatov’s novel The Scaffold. The powerful acting and emotional depth of the production demonstrated that theater in Kyrgyzstan remains a sacred space for preserving memory and timeless values.
Day Three: Kysh Keremeti in At-Bashy — Traditions and Strategic Partnership
The third day was marked by the official signing of memoranda of cooperation, strengthening international ties and expanding tourism and cultural collaboration.
The delegation then visited the historic caravanserai of Tash Rabat, set majestically among mountain landscapes and once a key stop along the Great Silk Road. The festival held there showcased Kyrgyz heritage through the epic recitation of Manas, the Kara-Jorgo dance, and Salbuurun — traditional hunting with golden eagles, taigan hounds, and archery.
A generous dastarkhan featured beshbarmak, manti, kuurdak, flatbread, boorsoks, kumis, bozo, ayran, and homemade delicacies — each element reflecting respect and heartfelt hospitality.
The delegation also explored Naryn’s social and educational institutions, including the Ataturk Kindergarten, a vocational education institution, and the Zhumamudun Sheraliev Children’s School of Arts.
At the Gazprom Sports Complex, a football match between Naryn and Toyota ended in a 5–2 victory for Naryn.
The evening concluded with open skating at the ice arena, strengthening camaraderie and shared experience among participants.
Day Four: Conclusion — Results and Future Prospects
The final meeting at the Korona venue symbolized both the high status of the press tour and the warmth of the host region.
In his closing remarks, Nurbek Beishenalievich Satarov emphasized:
“Your reports are the windows through which the world will see Naryn. We are building long-term partnerships founded on trust.”
Erdenet Zhyrgalbekovich Kasymov highlighted the importance of such initiatives in shaping Kyrgyzstan’s image as a country open to innovation, investment, and cultural exchange.
Special recognition was given to the Consulate General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Almaty and Consul General Zhenishbek Asankulovich Asankulov for their support in facilitating participation by Kazakh entrepreneurs and journalists.
Results: Naryn — A Growing Destination for Tourism
The press tour Naryn — Kysh Keremeti 2026 demonstrated the region’s strong potential for eco- and ethno-tourism. Direct engagement with tourism stakeholders opened pathways for future cooperation.
Naryn Region is a place where visitors can experience the true magic of winter and become part of the greater family of the Pearl of the Tien Shan.
Participant in the 2026 Naryn-Kysh Keremeti press tour.
Aigul Kozhbanova
