We'd like to go trekking in Kyrgyzstan but not with tent camping – which treks can be done with homestays or yurt camps?

Traditionally, the Kyrgyz people were nomads who didn't build houses in the mountains but spent the summers there with their flocks in yurts. It is possible to spend a night in these traditional yurts, but it's very rustic and informal and will depend on the contacts of your guide or trekking operator.

To meet growing interest, there are now fixed yurt camps that cater especially for tourists – this is more like a simple safari camp experience, with a meal tent, separate bathrooms, hot water, and other facilities to make it a bit more comfortable.

There are a few point to point treks that can be done with homestays, guesthouses or yurt camps. There is a network of yurt camps on the Ak Su Transverse trek and the short Ala Kol trek can be done with yurt camps rather than tents, as can the horseback treks in the Pamir Alay Mountains.

If you really don't want to camp, you should try staying in a few different yurt or homestays and doing day hikes from there. Popular spots are around Karakol, Son-Kul and Sary Chalek, others are quieter and not yet so well known. These places you still find on the south side of Lake Issyk-Kul and hiking in the Chon Kemin valley are a good option.