Ernis Yurt Camp

The yurt itself was so lovely and comfortable. You have the most amazing views that just can’t be beat.

We organised a horse ride through Ernis when we first arrived, which ended up being a horrible experience. They gave us two horses and a child for our “guide”. This child repeatedly yelled at us, trying to force us to cross a gushing river, whipping and hitting the horses. My partner has only ridden a horse once before and this child kept trying to force the horses to gallop. I had to repeatedly tell him to stop and he would just laugh at us. Halfway through the ride his friend joined us, and the two would often gallop away, laughing at us. At the end we paid them, and we just wanted them to leave, but they stood in front of our yurt, counting our money over and over again, while looking and laughing at us. I felt as though we had been ripped off or taken advantage of. The way they treated these horses and us was abysmal. Later around 6:30 we asked what time dinner was as we hadn’t been told, and we were very rudely told we were meant to be eating now. However this information wasn’t relayed to us, and no one came to our yurt to let us know. There was also construction going on late into the night right next to our yurt.

If you are heading to Altyn Arashan, you absolutely must stay with Ernis Yurt Camp! Ernis and Qundus are a young couple they completely took care of me and treated me like a brother. We bonded heart-to-heart, and they shared fascinating stories about Kyrgyzstan that I couldn't have learned anywhere else. Qundus also prepared some of the most delicious, authentic local cuisine I’ve ever tasted.The location is easily the best part of the stay. It sits slightly higher up and away from the busier, noisier homestays, meaning it is incredibly quiet, peaceful, and boasts jaw-dropping views of the Altyn Arashan valley away from the crowds. It’s an excellent, rewarding base for trekking and photography.The yurt itself was very spacious and comfortable, and Ernis thoughtfully arranged a heater every single evening to keep it warm. Another huge highlight was connecting with a diverse group of global travellers over dinner on my second night. We stayed up chatting until 11 PM sharing travel stories, which added a wonderful social dynamic to the trip. I had a phenomenal, heartwarming experience and will absolutely stay here again!

I want to mention two things, although the second point is not the fault of Ernis: 1) There was no WiFi available in Ernis Yurt Camp during my stay because the summer season was just beginning. Ernis mentioned WiFi is always available normally. 2) I want to share a warning about a nearby property. Ernis kindly tried to help me book a shared seat for 2,500 KGS in a Soviet vehicle back to Karakol. He made an agreement with Asqath, the owner of the nearby famous Hotel Arashan. Asqath agreed with Ernis and asked him to send me to his hotel at 9 AM next morning. Next morning, Ernis even prepared an early breakfast for me so I would not be late. However, when I arrived at Hotel Arashan, the owner Asqath was very rude and didn't help. When I reminded him that Ernis had spoken with him the previous evening and that he had agreed to the 2,500 KGS shared transport, Asqath just ignored my words, said "No" rudely, and walked away. He lied saying there is no shared vehicle going out and expected me to pay 10,000 KGS to book a private vehicle. He left me completely helpless with no transport. Fortunately, I saw another truck on the property waiting to board the guests from Hotel Arashan. I requested the driver if I can join them and he kindly obliged to take me for 2,500 KGS. Please avoid staying in Hotel Arashan. The owner Asqath is very rude, money minded and a liar. Stay with Ernis Yurt Camp instead.

Breakfast was good , Location is good and view is amazing

In the cold, there was no hot water in the bathroom, and the bathrooms were not clean

Erinis treats you like family and the location is definitely the best in the valley. You wake up to beautiful views. It is so peaceful!