A Nomadic Escape Inspired by the Silk Road

Umai Yurt — An Authentic Silk Road Escape
Enjoy the sound of the Mississippi River rapids and the quiet of open skies when you stay at Umai Yurt — a unique off-grid escape in an authentic Central Asian yurt. Built by craftsmen in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, this spacious high-dome yurt is inspired by the traditional dwellings used for centuries by nomadic peoples of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz steppes.

Inside, you’ll find a space filled with authentic décor, handmade textiles, and traditional details that create the feeling of being transported thousands of miles away — from rural Ontario to the mountains and grasslands of Central Asia. Umai Yurt is more than a place to sleep; it is a cultural stay, a quiet retreat, and a chance to experience the spirit of nomadic life for a night or two.

The yurt can accommodate up to 4 guests. It includes a comfortable double bed with fresh bed linens, along with traditional floor cushions and sleeping bags for up to 2 additional guests. The interior is spacious, warm, and inviting, making it ideal for couples, small families, or friends looking for a stay that is different from a typical cabin or glamping tent.

While Umai Yurt offers privacy and comfort, it remains an off-grid glamping experience. A 10-amp power supply is available for charging phones, laptops, and small devices, as well as for lighting. The yurt is set approximately 100 metres from our house, giving guests a sense of seclusion while still being close enough if needed.
Outside, you’ll have access to a fire pit and a peaceful natural setting perfect for campfires, stargazing, and slowing down. A waterless composting toilet with a handwashing station is located about 50 metres from the yurt, with soap, paper towels, and toilet paper provided.
Please note that this is a rustic, off-grid stay rather than a fully serviced cottage.
Guests should come prepared much as they would for a comfortable camping trip, while enjoying the added atmosphere, shelter, and cultural richness of a traditional yurt.

If you’re looking for an ordinary weekend rental, this may not be it. But if you want to sleep beneath the curve of a real nomadic dwelling, listen to the river at night, and wake up surrounded by the feeling of the Silk Road, Umai Yurt offers an experience you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.