About Us

 

Our Story: From Local Roots to Global Reach

The story of the Rural Tourism Alliance (RTA) of Kyrgyzstan began with a simple belief: that the most beautiful parts of Kyrgyzstan aren’t just the mountains, but the people who live among them.

For over two decades, our founders witnessed the rise of tourism in Central Asia. However, they saw a gap— while travelers were visiting our peaks, the remote rural communities were often left behind. In response, we helped pioneer the Community Based Tourism (CBT) model in the Kyrgyz Republic.

What started as a small network of families opening their yurts to guests has evolved into a nationwide alliance. Today, Visit Kyrgyzstan serves as the professional bridge between the adventurous global traveler and the traditional nomadic lifestyle. We have grown from a local initiative into a leading force in sustainable tourism, ensuring that as the world discovers Kyrgyzstan, our villages flourish alongside them.

Our Mission: Tourism as a Force for Good

Our mission is to create a sustainable tourism ecosystem that balances adventure, ecology, and economy.

Community Empowerment: We aim to alleviate poverty in rural areas by providing professional training and marketing for local guesthouses, yurts, guides, and artisans.

  • Cultural Preservation: We view tourism as a “living museum.” By showcasing traditional nomadic skills—such as eagle hunting, yurt construction, and shyrdak (felt) weaving—we ensure these ancient arts remain viable for the next generation.
  • Eco-Responsibility: Our mission includes a strict commitment to the “Leave No Trace” principles. We work with our partners to implement green energy solutions and waste reduction in mountain camps to protect our glaciers and alpine lakes.
  • Quality Standards: We strive to elevate the quality of rural hospitality to international standards without losing the authentic Kyrgyz warmth that makes our country unique.

Our Team: The Guardians of the Nomadic Spirit

The Rural Tourism Alliance is powered by a diverse group of experts who share a deep love for the Kyrgyz Republic.

  • Our Tour Managers: Based in Bishkek, our operations team ensures that every trek, transfer, and yurt stay is seamless and safe, even in the most remote corners of the Tien Shan.
  • Our Field Network: Our “team” extends to over 100 rural home stays, yurt camps, artisans, and horsemen across the country. They are not just contractors; they are the heart of our organization.
  • The Guides: Multi-lingual and highly trained, our guides are historians, survivalists, and storytellers who bring the Silk Road to life for our guests.

 

Our Team

 

Asylbek Rajiev
Position: Founder
Asylbek Rajiev is the founder of the Rural Tourism Alliance Kyrgyzstan, a pioneering initiative dedicated to promoting tourism in rural areas of Kyrgyzstan. With over 20 years of experience in the tourism sector, Asylbek is a leading expert in community-based tourism development. His leadership has been instrumental in putting Kyrgyzstan on the map for sustainable travel. Asylbek has spent 14 years serving as CEO of Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association (CBT Kyrgyzstan), focusing on sustainable tourism development and ecotourism since 2004.

From a young age, Asylbek dreamed of traveling around the world, and travel remains his passion. He has visited more than 40 countries, enriching his understanding of global tourism trends and practices. His leadership skills and strategic vision are evident in his successful navigation of various tourism projects, including his former position as Executive Director of the Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association (KCBTA), where he focused on advancing tourism initiatives.

Throughout his career, Asylbek has led projects funded by different international organizations such as the European Union (EU), USAID, JICA, GIZ, ACTED, Helvetas, UNDP, and has actively collaborated with the Peace Corps US, contributing to the promotion of sustainable tourism practices and enhancing rural communities’ livelihoods. He works at an international level with foreign tour operators, establishing partnerships that further promote Kyrgyzstan as a travel destination.

Under his guidance, the Rural Tourism Alliance aims to create impactful opportunities for local communities while showcasing the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan. Fluent in Kyrgyz, English, German, and Russian, Asylbek is adept at engaging a diverse range of stakeholders in his mission to elevate rural tourism in the region.

Read one of the Asylbek’s interview at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/is-kyrgyzstan-the-next-adventure-travel-destination-180983753/

Ernist Zhumagulov
Position: CEO
Ernist was born in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, but moved to a small village by the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul at the age of 7. As a child, he spent his summers swimming and fishing in the lake, and later developed an interest in the travel industry. After gaining experience with agencies in Cyprus and Turkey, he organized study tour programs for students at Manas University in Bishkek, where he also worked for about 10 years as an associate professor.

Soon, Ernist realized his true vocation was as an outdoor guide. He earned an open water PADI dive certificate, rafted the Class IV–V rapids of Turkey’s Dalaman River, and trained in ice climbing. His dream? To climb the Lenin Peak (7,134 m). Ernist also enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding, but says his favorite thing is experiencing the outdoors with his tour groups – “it makes me happy when they enjoy their time here.”

Ermek Kozhakhmetov
Position: Technical director
Ermek graduated from the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, specializing in Preventive Medicine. From 2008 to 2019, he worked in his professional field at the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station. However, he has always had a passion for fishing and outdoor activities.
In 2019, Ermek began working at Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association as a project manager, where he implemented various initiatives, including the development of tourism in the Jalal-Abad region. From 2023 to 2025, he served as the director of CBT Travel, and since 2026, he has been working at Rural Tourism Alliance as the technical director, where he is responsible for organizational matters and logistics.

Darina Sarieva
Position: Tour manager
Darina was born and raised in Kyrgyzstan, where her love for travel, nature, and meeting new people began at an early age. Inspired by different cultures and international communication, she chose International Tourism as her major and successfully graduated. As part of her studies, Darina spent one semester in Spain, gaining valuable international experience and a broader global perspective.

After graduation, she started her career with Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association (KCBTA), where she gained strong practical experience working with travelers from all over the world. Her English skills helped her communicate easily with guests and create positive, meaningful travel experiences.

Since 2026, Darina has been a member of the Rural Tourism Alliance, opening an exciting new chapter in her professional journey. She is passionate about showcasing Kyrgyz culture, traditions, and warm hospitality, and she especially enjoys trekking and exploring the mountains, which inspires her work and helps her design authentic journeys for visitors.

Meerim Rakhmanova
Position: Tour manager
Meerim is a travel manager and a dedicated specialist in tour organization. A high-achieving graduate in International Tourism from KEU (Bishkek), her professional background is enriched by international projects across Sochi, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, as well as her participation in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Her experience with the Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association (CBT) involved working closely with local communities and homestays, respecting and supporting local traditions.

Today, Meerim designs and organizes tours across Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, focusing on high-quality service and authentic travel experiences. Her professional approach is rooted in a deep love for the mountains, nature, and the unique culture of the region.

Driven by her passion for horseback riding, trekking, and mountain climbing, Meerim personally explores every trail to create immersive, well-crafted journeys that reveal the hidden gems of Central Asia. Join a tour with Meerim to see the region through the eyes of someone truly in love with its beauty!

Aizhana Atanaeva
Position: Chief Tour Manager
Aizhana was born in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and has been working in the tourism industry for nearly 20 years. She began her career in 2007, specializing in outbound tourism and organizing international holidays for Kyrgyz citizens.

From 2011 to 2015, Aizhana lived and worked in Beijing, where she was involved in educational tourism, coordinating programs for students from CIS countries and supporting their admission to Chinese schools and universities. This experience strengthened her international perspective and cross-cultural communication skills.

Since 2016, Aizhana has been actively working in inbound tourism, focusing on introducing Kyrgyzstan to international travelers. With her extensive experience, deep knowledge of the region, and passion for cultural exchange, she creates meaningful and well-organized travel experiences that showcase the natural beauty, traditions, and hospitality of Kyrgyzstan.

Why Choose Us

  • Deep local expertise and professional team
  • Authentic, immersive travel experiences
  • Strong focus on sustainability and community impact
  • Flexible, fixed date, tailor-made itineraries
  • Trusted individual service since 2004

At Visit Kyrgyzstan, we don’t just organize trips – we create meaningful journeys that connect people, culture, and nature. Our goal is simple: to help you discover Kyrgyzstan in its most authentic and unforgettable way.

Sustainability Policy

Rural Tourism Alliance Kyrgyzstan (RTA) | visitkyrgyzstan.kg

Effective Date: April 2026

1. Core Principles

Our policy is built upon the four pillars of sustainable development:

A. Socio-Economic Community Support

  • Local First: We prioritize local service providers (guides, drivers, artisans) and family-run guesthouses.

  • Fair Trade & Wages: We support transparent pricing models that guarantee a dignified income for rural residents.

  • Capacity Building: We invest in the professional development of Alliance members, elevating hospitality standards and environmental literacy.

B. Cultural Heritage Preservation

  • Respect for Tradition: We promote authentic traditions, including nomadic games, crafts, and cuisine, while preventing their commercial degradation.

C. Environmental Responsibility

  • Leave No Trace: We implement strict waste minimization standards for trekking routes and yurt camps.

  • Resource Management: We encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and water conservation practices within our network of guesthouses.

  • Biodiversity Protection: Our itineraries are designed to minimize wildlife disturbance and prevent soil erosion in alpine ecosystems.

D. Sustainable Management

  • Digital Integration: We utilize the visitkyrgyzstan.kg platform to reduce paper waste and provide transparent, direct booking systems as WeTravel.com.

    2. A Call to Action for Our Guests

    We invite our visitors to join our sustainability journey:

    • Carry reusable water bottles and minimize waste.

    • Choose local guides and purchase souvenirs directly from the artisans.

    • Respect the silence and the sanctity of our mountain wilderness.

Responsible Traveler Code of Conduct

Tread Lightly, Travel Deeply with Rural Tourism Alliance Kyrgyzstan

Welcome to the land of celestial mountains and nomadic hospitality. To ensure your journey supports our communities and protects our fragile ecosystems, we ask you to follow these guidelines:

1. Respect the Nomadic Spirit (Cultural Etiquette)

  • Dress Modestly: When visiting sacred sites, please dress respectfully.

  • Ask Before You Snap: Always ask for permission before taking photos of local people, especially children and elderly residents.

  • Embrace “Chai” Culture: If invited into a yurt for tea, it is a sign of deep respect. Accept the hospitality, but feel free to leave a small token of appreciation or buy a local handicraft in return.

  • Learn a Few Words: A simple “Salam”  or “Salamatsyzby” (Hello) or “Rakhmat” (Thank you) goes a long way in building bridges.

2. Protect the Alpine Wilderness (Environmental Care)

  • Leave No Trace: Whatever you pack in, please pack out. This includes organic waste (like fruit peels), which decomposes slowly in high altitudes.

  • Stick to the Path: To prevent soil erosion and protect rare alpine flora, please stay on established trekking trails.

  • Water Wisdom: Use biodegradable soaps and detergents. Avoid washing directly in lakes or streams; instead, carry water 30 meters away from the source.

  • Say No to Plastic: Refill your reusable bottles from safe springs (your guide will advise) or use purification tablets/filters.

3. Support the Local Economy (Ethical Spending)

  • Buy Direct: Purchase honey, felt carpets, and mountain herbs directly from the families who produce them. This ensures 100% of the profit stays in the community.

  • Fair Bargaining: While some negotiation is common, please pay a price that reflects the hard work and craftsmanship involved.

  • Hire Local: By choosing RTA-affiliated local guides and porters, you are directly contributing to the preservation of rural livelihoods.

4. Safety and Wildlife

  • Keep Your Distance: Observe marmots, eagles, and ibex from a distance. Never feed wildlife, as it disrupts their natural behavior.

  • Altitude Awareness: Respect the mountains. Listen to your guide regarding weather changes and altitude sickness.