The Ak Ilbirs winter festival in Jeti-Oguz, Kyrgyzstan functions as a tourist attraction that has successfully attracted about four-thousand visitors since its opening on January 31, 2026. The Ak-Tash gorge located in the Orgochor rural district served as the event venue which brought together local residents and international guests to honor the area’s cultural heritage and its natural scenic beauty.
The festival’s success marks an important step in promoting Jeti-Oguz as a top tourist destination, one that aims to attract both winter sports enthusiasts and those keen to explore Kyrgyzstan’s unique landscapes and traditions. The event’s organisers are already planning further enhancements to the area, making it a significant part of the country’s evolving tourism landscape.
A Glimpse into Kyrgyzstan’s Emerging Tourism Potential
Nurdin Jusupov, the head of the Orgochor rural district, shared that the Ak Ilbirs festival is just the beginning of an ambitious tourism project in the region. He spoke about future plans to transform the Ak-Tash gorge, which has become famous due to the discovery of a jade stone weighing 182 tons. A major highlight of the future Sart Ake Recreation Area will be the establishment of modern capsule houses and A-frame cabins, tailored to both winter and summer sports activities. Visitors will be able to view the jade stone from a unique glass observation platform, further enhancing the area’s allure as a tourist hotspot.
Jusupov emphasized the broader vision of the project, which aims to adapt 20 hectares of land to develop tourism infrastructure that will support various recreational activities. The project, which will include luxury accommodations and various sports facilities, is expected to be a major economic driver for the region, attracting tourists year-round.
Festival Highlights: Culture, Sports, and Fun
The Ak Ilbirs festival offered a vibrant mix of cultural exhibitions, sporting events, and entertainment, creating a lively atmosphere that resonated with visitors. A prominent feature of the event was the crafts exhibition and food fair, where local artisans showcased traditional Kyrgyz goods, and food stalls offered an array of authentic regional dishes.
One of the festival’s most unique elements was the special competition for local schools and kindergartens, where participants crafted Ak Ilbirs (a mythical snow leopard) in various forms. This competition not only highlighted the artistic talents of the local children but also served as a reminder of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The festival also provided plenty of action-packed activities, from sledding and tug-of-war to traditional Kyrgyz games such as ordo, salbuuurun (a form of hunting with trained birds), and archery. For those seeking a more serene experience, there was the opportunity to take in breathtaking views from a hot air balloon ride or enjoy a scenic journey in horse-drawn sleds.
These events provided a perfect blend of entertainment and cultural immersion, making the festival an exciting and educational experience for both locals and tourists alike.
The Festival’s Role in Promoting Jeti-Oguz and Kyrgyzstan’s Tourism
According to Ermek Bakhaudinov, the district akim (mayor), the primary goal of the Ak Ilbirs festival is to raise awareness about the tourism potential of Jeti-Oguz. The district has long been known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, with the seven wonders of the region gaining recognition among nature lovers and adventure tourists. The festival provided an excellent platform to showcase Jeti-Oguz’s tourism offerings and bring attention to the region’s incredible natural beauty, including the famed Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding mountains.
The festival’s organisers hope that events like Ak Ilbirs will encourage both local and international tourists to explore Kyrgyzstan’s lesser-known but equally stunning destinations. By promoting the cultural richness of Jeti-Oguz and its surrounding areas, the festival aims to put the region on the map as an emerging tourism hub in Central Asia.
Looking Ahead: Jeti-Oguz’s Bright Tourism Future
The successful launch of the Ak Ilbirs festival serves as a key milestone in Jeti-Oguz’s broader tourism development plans. With the area poised to undergo significant infrastructure improvements, it is clear that the Kyrgyz government is committed to diversifying the country’s tourism offering.
As tourism continues to grow in Kyrgyzstan, the Sart Ake Recreation Area and its surrounding projects are expected to draw international attention. The combination of winter and summer sports facilities, coupled with luxurious accommodations and unrivalled natural beauty, will likely make Jeti-Oguz a prime destination for adventure tourists and nature lovers alike.
Furthermore, the festival is expected to spark further investment in local tourism infrastructure, creating jobs and contributing to the region’s economic growth. With its strategic focus on sustainable tourism development, the Jeti-Oguz district is well on its way to becoming a key player in Kyrgyzstan’s booming tourism industry.
A Step Toward Tourism Excellence in Kyrgyzstan
The Ak Ilbirs festival in Jeti-Oguz has demonstrated the immense tourism potential of Kyrgyzstan’s lesser-known tourist attractions. The festival not only celebrated the region’s cultural heritage but also provided a glimpse into the future of tourism development in the country. Jeti-Oguz will become one of Kyrgyzstan’s top travel destinations because the area will receive new projects that attract both winter and summer visitors. The festival’s legacy will create a major impact on local tourism development while it drives sustainable progress throughout the entire country.
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