The Journey of a Lifetime: Felt, Friendship & the Spirit of Kyrgyzstan

Have you ever dreamed of travelling not just to a place, but into it — heart first?

Join us on an extraordinary adventure to Kyrgyzstan, a land of sweeping mountains, ancient stories, and textile traditions as deep and rich as its alpine lakes. This isn’t a holiday you take to relax. This is a journey that stirs your soul, awakens your hands, and fills your heart with wonder.

Curated by three passionate textile artists — Asel, Kamala, and Nadia — this tour is a handcrafted invitation into the very fabric of Central Asia. Asel and Kamala, two gifted sisters from Kyrgyzstan, open the doors to their homeland and heritage. Nadia, a fellow textile artist born in neighbouring Kazakhstan and now based in the UK, will guide and interpret — not just languages, but the nuances of craft, connection, and culture.

Every day of this journey is a vibrant thread:

• Eight hands-on workshops with master artisans in felting, natural dyeing, embroidery, and traditional stitching

• Shared meals in artists’ homes, where laughter blends with the aroma of home-cooked Kyrgyz dishes

• Visits to small studios, bustling bazaars, and serene museums, where ancient designs whisper their meaning

• Deep dives into the language of pattern — learning how Central Asian motifs carry stories across generations

• Encounters with people whose lives are woven with creativity, resilience, and warmth

• The ever-present embrace of nature — from sun-drenched valleys to the clear blue expanse of Lake Issyk Kul

This is not a tour. This is a tapestry of experiences. Each participant becomes a stitch in a shared creation — a story of friendship across cultures, of inspiration rekindled, of slowing down to truly feel.

You don’t need to be an expert felter or experienced traveller. You just need curiosity, openness, and a love for textiles that tell stories.

And from the moment you land at Bishkek airport, Nadia will be there — your guide, translator, and companion through every twist and turn of this creative pilgrimage. You will not just see Kyrgyzstan. You will taste it, breathe it, and carry it with you forever.

As your flight descends into the quiet night sky above Bishkek, you’ll land at Manas Airport, where the crisp mountain air greets you with a whisper of mystery and promise. All international flights arrive at night, giving your first impression of Kyrgyzstan a dreamlike stillness.

You'll be met at the airport by a friendly face and escorted straight to your hotel—your cozy haven to unwind, recover from travel, and drift into sleep, ready to embrace the journey ahead.

🌍 Want to get a head start on jet lag or simply ease into the rhythm of your adventure? Consider arriving a few days early in Istanbul—a city of domes, minarets, and magic—or Dubai, where futuristic skylines meet golden deserts. These dynamic cities make perfect preludes to your Kyrgyz journey. You can also arrive earlier in Bishkek, but be aware that English is less commonly spoken here, which makes every encounter more authentic—and a little more adventurous.

🍽 Day One | 1:00 PM — A Taste of Kyrgyz Hospitality

The adventure truly begins when you meet your gracious host, Nadia, for a welcoming lunch filled with traditional flavors and warm conversation. Her passion for Kyrgyz culture will make you feel instantly at home.

After lunch, we’ll explore the charming capital of Bishkek—a city nestled between Soviet-era architecture and the timeless beauty of the Tien Shan mountains. We’ll visit key landmarks and a thoughtfully curated art museum, offering a powerful introduction to felt-making and other traditional Kyrgyz arts that whisper centuries of nomadic heritage.

As the sun dips behind the mountains, we’ll share a delightful welcome dinner together—an evening of stories, smiles, and anticipation.

The night is yours. Rest deeply, dream freely. Tomorrow, your hands will begin to bring felt to life—woven with history, guided by creativity, and grounded in the spirit of this land.

Our second day begins with a deep dive into felting.

After a breakfast we begin our creative immersion with the first session of a textured felt-making workshop, led by renowned artist Asel Abdykadyrova. In this hands-on experience, Asel introduces us to her unique approach to felt—from the layering of wool to the initial shaping techniques that give the material life. This is the beginning of a two-part workshop that will continue on Day Three.

We close the day with a relaxing dinner, reflecting on Bishkek’s rich flavors, vibrant energy, and the creative journey that lies ahead.

This day is devoted entirely to creativity, colour, and cultural exchange. We retrn to the studio for a full-day workshop with master felt artist Asel Abdykadyrova, delving deeper into the rich traditions and contemporary techniques of Kyrgyz textile art.

We begin by completing our felted bags, before moving into the fascinating world of dyeing. Asel will demonstrate her methods using natural dyes, guiding us as we add vibrant, personalised touches to our finished work. She will also share how she prepares and dyes silk fabrics, offering an insight into the materials and processes that will be used in tomorrow’s creative session.

In the afternoon, Asel introduces her signature workshop on nuno-felt scarves, inspired by the delicate forms and colours of flowers. These elegant, lightweight scarves – recognised by UNESCO for their exceptional quality and design – are a testament to Asel’s talent for blending traditional craftsmanship with refined aesthetic sensibility. Participants will begin creating their own flower-inspired scarves under her expert guidance.

In the evening, we gather for a special dinner celebrating plov, one of Central Asia’s most beloved dishes. Before we enjoy this fragrant and hearty meal, we’ll learn about its regional varieties and the significance of rice in Kyrgyz cuisine.

To round off the evening, we hold an Intercultural Night, where participants are warmly encouraged to share stories, songs, customs, or traditions from their own cultures. It’s a meaningful opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate diversity, and build connections that go beyond borders.

Day Four invites us to explore the deeper meaning of textiles in Kyrgyz culture, blending hands-on creativity with artistic discovery.

We begin by continuing the nuno-felted scarf workshop started the previous day with Asel Abdykadyrova. With the foundations already laid, today is all about refining and completing your flower-inspired scarf—a delicate fusion of felt and silk, guided by Asel’s expert techniques and artistic vision. Each participant will finish their unique piece, ready to wear or gift.

In the afternoon, we visit the Kyrgyz State Museum of Fine Arts, where we take a closer look at the textile traditions of Kyrgyzstan. This is a wonderful opportunity to wear your newly made scarf, if you wish, as we explore how felt and fabric have long served as both functional items and powerful symbols of identity, creativity, and cultural heritage.

Through the museum’s rich collection, we discover how Kyrgyz artists—past and present—have used textiles not just for decoration, but as a means of storytelling and self-expression. From traditional patterns to contemporary interpretations, the visit offers a deeper appreciation of felt’s role in Kyrgyz visual culture.

In the evening, we enjoy a dinner in the city—a chance to share stories and celebrate the creative journey we've experienced in Bishkek.

After dinner, there will be time to pack and prepare for the next chapter of the tour. Tomorrow, we head east into the majestic mountain landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, as our adventure continues towards the serene shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Time to add more colours to the mix. Asel Essenalieva will introduce to us two of the most popular flowers of Kyrgyyzstan and will share her secret at creating dynamic and vibrant floral wool art in her full day workshop.

After dinner we will give you time to pack your suitcases and small packs for the four day trip to the high altitude lake Issyk-Kul

An amazing embroidery artist Gulmira invites you to her half day workshop where she will explore the meanings of some Kyrgyz patterns and will teach you several stitches to embellish a felted object of your choice.

After a lunch we will drive to the mountains to have a view of Bishkek from above and visit some local artist on the way back to the hotel.

In your last full day workshop you will create a 'postcard' from Kyrgyzstan. Asan will lead the workshop with her wife Sonya and you will learn another take on a traditional technique of wool painting.

In the evening we will have visit to a workshop of a local artist.

Mostly all international flights operate in early hours of the morning. You can book a packed breakfast and wake up call.

Airport transfer will take you from the hotel to the Manas airport.

You Retreat Package INCLUDES:

• Transfer from and to Bishkek Airport on arrival days (4th July 2026) and departure (16th July 2026).

• 13* nights’ accommodation: 12 in twin or single occupancy (depending on your choice and our confirmation of a place) and 1 night stay in a yurt – shared accommodation. *first night is when your arrive, as normally check in is from 2pm)

• 13 breakfasts

• 12 lunches

• 11 dinners

• Teas and water during workshops

• Transportation in Kyrgyzstan to places on the program in a comfortable air conditioned mini bus

• Tour around Lake Issyk-Kul – located 1607 m above the sea, which includes private mini bus

• 8 felting workshops (all materials and tools will be supplied)

• Tickets to museums and activities of the program

• Experienced English speaking tour leader who will also be an interpreter for the duration of the retreat.

• Pre-tour preparation and support – travel tips, fact sheets, Whatsapp group chat, and Zoom call one month before the tour. You will also have Nadia’s number should you have personal questions to ask.

Your Retreat Package DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Travel to and from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

• Travel and medical insurance

• Any medical expenses

• Transport for your personal activities (free time)

• One dinner during the tour and meals outside of the dates of the tour

• Snacks, bottle water, soft and alcohol drinks

• Accommodation beyond the dates of the tour

• Surcharges for the luggage

• Sun protection (glasses, hat, cream)

• Walking boots. Trainers. Swimming suits

• Medication (even pain killers, please bring your supply)

• Magnifying glasses or lances if required for embroidery.

***We can help with arrangements for you to stay longer in Kyrgyzstan on request at an extra cost.

**** contact email - info@nadiareindesign.com