Experience authentic nomadic
lifestyle stay in the Taukum desert
Throughout history, the nomadic dwelling called ‘yurt’ proved to be perfect for withstanding nature’s tests and living comfortably in the Central Asian steppes’ harsh conditions. We believe a yurt camp is an excellent opportunity to get in touch with nature while still enjoying homey comfort. This type of lodging is ideal for spending several nights under the stars with a bit of a homelike atmosphere. Therefore, in Kazakhstan’s remote areas, we have erected traditional yurt camps to be as close as possible to difficult-to-find species like Caspian Plover, Marbled Polecat, Macqueen’s Bustard, and Grey Wolves.
Camping in a yurt has become a significant trend in the last decade worldwide, widely referred to as “glamping” or “glamorous camping”. The number of travelers or newly introduced “glampers” is rising rapidly all over the globe. Unsurprisingly, because of the overall amusing nature and convenience of the experience, it is easy to spend a great time outdoors.
Rubythroat Birding Tours prides itself on being one of the first eco-tour operators to provide this unique opportunity of glamping in Central Asia. Since first established in 2007, our yurt camp became one of the Central Asia tour journeys’ most notable highlights. For more than a decade, we organize fully managed enjoyable stays in the yurt camp, which successfully combines traditional housing customs with modern standards’ comfort levels.
Despite the harsh local weather, this is an excellent area for sighting intriguing creatures that populate this region. Therefore, occasionally you will witness a pack of wolves from a distance or a couple of dancing Demoiselle Cranes in the field, and the list goes on.
ALL ALONE ON THE STEPPE….
GREAT JERBOA NEAR OUR CAMP
DEMOISELLE CRANES AND OUR CAMP
Our campsite consists of seven spacious yurts located in the Taukum desert. The yurt camp includes a fully equipped kitchen and a separate, traditionally designed dining yurt. Our guest’s banquet on delicious and convenient dishes. You will be served tasteful meals on the campsite and introduced to Central Asian cuisine delicacies cooked by a professional chef. The kitchen provides European-style food, as well as vegetarian or a prescribed meal plan.
According to Kazakh traditions, guests are invited to a low table and seated on comfortable pillows in the farthest part of the yurt, opposite to the entrance. For those wishing for a seat, we are providing small convenient chairs. There are five settlements with extra amenities, where guests can have a relaxing night after a fruitful trip day. The yurts are decorated with pieces of traditional Kazakh handiwork from the roof to the floor.
It is proven that sustainable energy sources have a tremendous impact on achieving a sustainable future and wildlife preservation. Therefore, we only use eco-friendly solar panels to provide electricity to the camp territory throughout your stay, excellent for charging batteries or an ice-cold beer during a checklist session. The camp is supplied with fresh water weekly to make your stay as comfortable as possible. There is nothing better than a refreshing shower after a long, satisfying day in nature.
What is
a yurt?
The yurt can be seen as one of the best invention of the Central Asian nations, a unique piece of masterwork in early global civilization history. A yurt is a common type of housing for Turkic countries and is known as a Ger in Mongolia. They are perfectly structured to satisfy nomadic dwellers’ requirements: transportable, easily disassembled, and quickly set up in a new area, warm in winter and cool in summer.
There are two types of yurts: “Kazakh” and “Kalmyk” yurts distinguished by their form. Kazakh yurts are round compared to Kalmyk type yurts that are narrower at the top. In Kazakh, yurts are named “kyyz uy” which translates to “felt house.” Every utility or tool installed in the yurt serves in the household and has acquired a specific philosophical meaning and became a quintessence of ancient Kazakh culture.
Central
Asian Cuisine
Rubythroat Birding Tours offers not only fixed departure tours but also organizes individual tours. Those wanting to experience flora and fauna of Asia on their own or with a private group are more than welcome to contact us for a customized tour. We can arrange a trip based on one of the available trips, or we can also design an itinerary at your request. Let us know your wishes, and we will be happy to accommodate you and your companions!