About us |

NOVINOMAD was set up in 1999 and specialises in eco-tourism, trekking and horse-riding. We are able to offer you the benefits of our Western training. As a result, you get to feel that you are part of the lives of the local people rather then just ‘looking in’ and you gain a real sense of achievement and a truly unique experience. We have a fully equipped modern office in the centre of the capital Bishkek with links to other parts of the country and can thus react quickly and efficiently to our guests’ wishes. Our staff members have all been professionally trained and have a wealth of experience in the field of tourism.

All our tours conform to our 'Golden Rules':

Highest quality tours at competitive prices

Group tourism where everybody is treated as an individual

Direct access to development projects throughout Kyrgyzstan as a window on the social and economical development of the country

Green Office Policy

Reducing paper consumption

We have mainly switched to electronic documents; We print only when necessary and when required by partners or legislation

Our printing machines are configured for duplex printing.

We have developed electronic tour catalogs and have limited the printing of brochures and catalogs as much as possible

We present the catalogs of our tours to our partners on flash drives.

We completely refuse to use disposable plastic in the office

We drink water in the office from 19 liter bottles with a pump. The bottles are reusable.

Each employee has their own dishes, each employee brings lunch with him in his lunchbox (not disposable)

We actively reduce the use of disposable goods and goods in disposable packaging

We buy cleaning products in reusable packaging, which we fill again

We reduce energy consumption

All lamps in our office are energy efficient.

We do not leave chargers plugged into an outlet without a rechargeable device.

Our office is insulated with modern double-glazed windows on the windows.

We turn off the equipment when not in use and put the equipment in power saving mode by default.

We turn off the lights when no one is in the room, and the last employee who leaves the office is responsible for ensuring that everything is turned off.

We reduce energy consumption

All lamps in our office are energy efficient.

We do not leave chargers plugged into an outlet without a rechargeable device.

Our office is insulated with modern double-glazed windows on the windows.

We turn off the equipment when not in use and put the equipment in power saving mode by default.

We turn off the lights when no one is in the room, and the last employee who leaves the office is responsible for ensuring that everything is turned off.

We reducing water consumption

We regularly monitor the serviceability of taps and plumbing.

We use a water-saving dishwasher.

We sort waste and send it for recycling

We introduced a separate collection of waste in the office, setting up sites for temporary storage of recyclable materials and signed a contract with a company that will receive it.

We separate all recyclable waste and arrange collection and proper disposal, including plastic, paper.

We handle hazardous substances responsibly

We use cleaning materials that are not hazardous and have an environmental label (Leaf of Life or EU Ecolabel)

When renovating an office, we use lead-free water-based paints

We reduce the use of ink and toner cartridges for printing and copying

We comply with national wastewater treatment legislation (our wastewater is collected by government agencies)

Our new office is built using sustainable building materials to minimize negative impact on the environment.

When choosing office equipment and other electrical appliances, we focus on the environmental rating of electronics manufacturers

We dispose of batteries properly

We buy responsibly

We buy locally produced products and services, including food, drinks, office supplies. Whenever possible, we support small and family-owned local businesses.

When buying new products, we choose equipment with low energy consumption, taking into account the cost and quality

When buying, we take into account the social responsibility and reputation of the company.

Our corporate gifts for our partners, employees and even guests are made by a local social enterprise and young local artists.

We buy products in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging materials

We buy only the necessary goods

We do not purchase products containing GMOs

We choose environmentally friendly modes of transport

We allow our employees to work twice a week from home to limit travel time.

We reduced the number of business trips and organize online conferences when there is no need for in-person meetings.

We are for nature conservation

We comply with all national and local laws related to environment and nature conservation, land use and protected areas

We provide guidance, training and information for all employees about their roles and responsibilities in relation to internal environmental practices, the importance of protecting the environment and the responsible use of natural resources

Transport

Transport is an important part of providing logistics in tourism. The overall impression of the tourist about the tour operator depends on the quality of transport. The safety of the group depends on the professional skills of the driver and those of the transport. Transport is also an important aspect of sustainable tourism, so we do our best to reduce the average level of pollution.

We optimize routes so that the time in transport does not take longer than necessary

We track the time of drivers while driving

We check the competence, experience and feedback of the driver’s.

We monitor the comfort and cleanliness of transport

We drive only during the daytime

We check the availability of a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher and other necessary means

We follow the obligations of safe driving and observance of traffic rules.

We check the availability of permits for border areas.

We choose the size and type of vehicle depending on the size of the group

We comply with all the requirements of the law of the Kyrgyz Republic (insurance, patents, etc.)

We try to ensure that vehicles used on tours do not cause more than average pollution

We train our drivers in the principles of economical driving, which helps not only to reduce fuel consumption, operating costs, but also to make the environment safer and cleaner

We monitor the safety and technical health of transport (the presence of seat belts and car seats for children and the availability of conditions for PWDs - there is one car that is adapted for PWDs)

Objects of accommodation

We are trying to create a fully sustainable tourism supply chain. Accommodations for partners play an important role in achieving this, they stimulate and motivate to adapt sustainable working methods.

Accommodation facilities are selected in accordance with the standards of the company, the specifics of the tour, the budget and the specifics of the tourist

We check that the accommodation facilities are officially legally registered and comply with the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic (including that the employees of the facility have employment contracts, decent working conditions, and there are no forced or child labor)

All accommodation facilities we cooperate with are owned by local residents and 680 of their employees are representatives of the local community

All our facilities are in good technical condition and comply with health and safety standards, for example, they all have a first-aid kit, fire-fighting equipment

We check the technical condition of the building and the environmental friendliness of building materials

The offered food is always of high quality, fresh and, if possible, grown and produced in Kyrgyzstan; we buy meat, vegetables and dairy products from farmers who live near the property

We have a clear preference for dwellings that have sustainability certification, such as Travelife or at least a published sustainability policy, and take concrete action in this direction

We train all our partners in the principles of sustainable tourism, protection of human rights, protection of children's rights, ethics in business and environmental management

When choosing accommodation facilities, we try to choose those who care about the environment (sort waste, abandon disposable plastic, have water and energy meters installed and try to reduce their consumption, have purification facilities for the safe disposal of wastewater, use chemicals with a low content of toxic substances, use energy-saving lamps and equipment)

Meals and drinks

Food is a very important element of the trip, which greatly influences the overall impression of the visited region. We make sure that the food and drinks on our tours are tasty, fresh, safe, ecological and represent our local area and culinary traditions as much as possible, as well as that the amount of waste in the process of preparing and serving food is minimized.

We check that the cafes and restaurants we cooperate with are officially legally registered and comply with the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic (including that employees have employment contracts, decent working conditions, and there are no forced or child labor)

Encouraging tourists about local food and how food and certain foods relate to our culture; we try to include the maximum number of national and regional dishes in the menu during the tours, but at the same time we warn tourists about the specific ingredients and flavors of our dishes.

We respect the preferences of tourists in food (upon prior request, we will prepare meals taking into account dietary preferences and allergies, for example, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.)

We minimize food waste, for example, we optimize the portion size.

We do not offer water in individual disposable bottles - instead, upon arrival, we give each tourist a reusable bottle, and we offer water from a large 19 liter bottle, a plastic bottle, but it is reusable.

When serving food in establishments, as well as during hikes, we do not use disposable tableware; we have reusable glasses, mugs, plates and cutlery.

We inform guests about behavior during excursions and activities with an emphasis on respect for local people and communities, local culture, nature and the environment

Our tours

During our tours, we protect the authenticity of communities and the environment, and we are totally against harming wildlife and polluting the environment. We strive to maximize the positive impact and minimize the negative impact on the destination in order to ensure the sustainable development of the places in which we operate.

We do not offer excursions that harm people, animals, plants, natural resources, or that are socially and culturally unacceptable;

We take into account aspects of sustainability in the process of choosing new directions and offer alternative, non-main directions

We comply with the legal norms of spatial planning, protected areas and natural and cultural heritage

Whenever possible, we refuse, or at least minimize travel to destinations in which nature suffers greatly from the negative impact of tourism and monitor the total load of natural places

We support the conservation of biodiversity, including protected areas and areas of high biodiversity in our routes

When traveling to natural areas, we refuse from disposable plastic, and also do not leave garbage (we collect it and safely dispose of it at designated points)

We do not promote souvenirs containing endangered species of flora and fauna, as specified in the CITES Treaty and the IUCN Red List; or historical and archaeological artifacts (except as permitted by law)

We cooperate with the local administration and other industry representatives to encourage and promote sustainable tourism development in the areas in which we operate

We inform guests about behavior during excursions and activities with an emphasis on respect for local people and communities, local culture, nature and the environment

Excursions with participation of animals

We love our animals, wild and domestic, and therefore always take care of their rights and welfare. If you come across animals such as horses or golden eagles on our tours, you can be sure that they are well fed, healthy and living a happy life.

We do not offer any excursions involving wild animals in captivity, except for properly regulated activities in accordance with local, national and international legislation;

We instruct tourists on how properly behave themselves with animals in order to avoid any risks; drunk tourists or tourist having drugs are not allowed to approach the animals

We select experienced suppliers who comply with the norms and laws of the Kyrgyz Republic, and treat their animals with care and responsibility

We think twice when organizing tours with animals

All guides are trained in safety principles and will react quickly if something happens

We monitor the safety of both tourists and animals.

Animals meet veterinary requirements.

All animals that take part in tours or shows are fed, live in good conditions, treat them with care (owners do not beat the animal)

When planning tours, we take into account the climate, the terrain of the tours, the load and the maximum time of use

We have nothing common with companies that harvest, consume, exhibit, sell or trade species of wild animals, unless it is part of a regulated activity that ensures that their use is sustainable and in accordance with local, national and international laws;

Special rules for horse riding tours

Distance on horseback riding tours is a maximum of 25-30 km per day, usage of horse - 6 hours in mountain conditions, on a straight track - 8 hours

Our company has a sufficient number of helmets and gaiters with which we provide every tourist.

We check the carrying capacity of the horse (person - up to 100-110 kg)

Equipment - we do not use a Kyrgyz saddle,

We carry out safety briefings for tourists

We train horse guides - they are all over 18 years old

We work with professionals, with service providers with whom we have been working for many years. Our service provider selects experienced horse guides, horses for us, depending on the experience of the tourist and the nature of the animal, checks the availability of appropriate equipment (the presence of a horseshoe, etc.)

Special Rules for Birds of Prey Shows

We do not take the services of the show that use birds from the Red Book (falcons)

We check the availability of appropriate equipment (presence of a cap, etc.)

We do not export birds from their usual habitat

We do not use live animals for prey in demonstrations

We observe the appropriate clothes of tourists (no hanging elements in clothes)

We suggest the tourists not to use a drone when filming

Upon reaching the mating age, birds of prey are released into the wild for breeding.

Guides and tour leaders

When hiring guides, we comply with legal regulations, decent wages and working conditions

All our guides and staff have a written employment contract and understand the working conditions

We give our guides the entire specific instructions regarding the professional and ethical service of guests.

All our guides know the rules of health and safety, know how to provide first aid and what to do in case of emergency

We hire only qualified guides to accompany our guests, precisely when visiting sensitive cultural sites, heritage sites or environmentally sensitive places

The company provides some of the guides with out-of-season jobs.

We inform all our guides and contract employees about the company's sustainability policy, and teach the principles of environmental behavior and care for the environment, as well as human rights and the protection of children's rights

Clients

We provide high-quality and truthful information about our products and services

We protect private data and confidentiality of clients - we sign agreements with partners on non-disclosure of personal data.

We care about the health and safety of our guests, therefore we regularly train our staff on how to act in emergencies

We inform clients even before arrival about how to prepare oneslef for a visit to our country and a specific tour

We advise our clients on how to travel responsibly and environmentally in our country, how to maintain the local population and culture

We motivate customers to visit local restaurants and shops and buy local souvenirs, but also warn about illegal souvenirs

We systematically assess the level of satisfaction of our customers and take measures to improve services and products, and in case of complaints, we consider them and respond quickly.

For questions and remarks related to our sustainability/CSR policies, please contact us by novinomad@elcat.kg

Testimonials

Being largely mountainous and uninhabited it is the kind of wilderness you think of only in your dreams.
…Kyrgyzstan has rightly earned itself the reputation of being the Jewel of Central Asia.

Jacueline Houdret England

Kyrgyzstan as a country is of breathtaking beauty in many regions.

…and when the sun shone bright over its hills and mountains — it was a picture that sank deep into our souls.

Thomas Seebeck Switzerland

Kyrgyzstan is breathtakingly beautiful, especially the Karkara Valley and the Sary Jaz Range of mountains to the south and east of Karakol. The experience of staying with a nomad family in their summer pastures is something that will live with us forever

W. Bradford Davis USA

About us

All our tours conform to our 'Golden Rules':

Our Team

Our mission

NoviNomad Travel Company Sustainability Policy