I am a Dutch citizen and have been visiting Kyrgyzstan for over 25 years. For my work as consultant for a Dutch engineering company, I drafted a strategy for sustainable development for the Issyk-Kul region and the village of Grigorievka. After that, I decided to execute a part of the strategy myself, in partnership with local NGOs and local people. We focus on sustainable tourism and fruit processing. Both can add substantial value to the present level of income. I like to support the villagers in developing their livelihood in a sustainable way, using environmental friendly materials and technologies and doing community based business.

Bel-Zhan offers the adventurer and nature lover a unique experience. Stay overnight in a comfortable, furnished yurt, a tower with a view of the Tien Shan mountains or a log cabin which is situated in the stylish area of the lodge. The lodge has showers and toilets and a large lounge area with outdoor kitchen, where guests can enjoy local products, fresh bread, herb tea or fruit juice .Bel-Zhan is a social enterprise and contributes to local economy. We offer work and an income to the villagers and buy their local products. We want to overcome poverty and at the same time keep the unique nature reserve Issyk-Kul for future generations. The profit made from this enterprise will be invested in education. Bel-Zhan was designed by two Dutch landscape architects, who brought 30 volunteers to build the first part of the lodge. The territory and facilities - outdoor kitchen, shower- and toilet building, Gidus Tower and Dirks Cottage - are designed to fit in the landscape and built with natural materials like Chon-Aksu riverstone and Tien-Shan wood. The lodge is designed to have private space, but also lots of options to meet other guests.

Our yurt lodge is situated in the middle of Grigorievka village. We offer breakfast and dinner at the neighbours, if you like. This way you get acquainted with the local culture. Near Grigorievka you can make one, two, three or four day hikes in the mountains, go on a mushroom-picking excursion, visit silent beaches of the Issyk-Kul Lake, buy trout at the local fish farmer (and roast it at our fire place), visit the hot springs or take a day trip to the market, petroglyphes or historical museum in Cholpon-Ata. Bel-Zhan is a perfect base to explore the north coast of the Issyk-Kul mountain lake. But you can also just relax in a hammock in the garden between the apple trees. In summer you are free to pick any fruits that grow in the garden: cherries, apricots, raspberries, and prunes.