Welcome to Kyrgyzstan

16/11/2017

It is time to discover the most beautiful country in Central Asia!

Nomadic people who keep their customs culture for centuries.

Clean and incredible nature.

Delicious Kyrgyz food.

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan!

14/11/2017

The Eagle Hunter: In the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

This is a very interesting article about falconry from the blogger Jill. In Central Asia, this type of hunting has been practiced for a long time and even became a symbol of Kyrgyz life.

https://readingthebooktravel.com/eagle-hunter/

An encounter with an eagle hunter in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. Eagle hunting has a long history in this region, and I was lucky enough to catch a display of this ancient tradition.

13/11/2017

Jeti-Oguz Gorge Issyk Kul Region

Picturesque Jeti-Oguz gorge is located 28 kilometers to the south-west of the town of Karakol. Its name is translated from Kyrgyz language means “Seven bulls”. The name is symbolic, because there is a 35 km long wall of seven huge red-brown cliffs resembling ranked furious bulls standing together.

In front of the cliffs there are flat mountain slopes, thickly overgrown with grass and pine trees. Especially romantic look has the rock "Broken Heart" located at the entrance to the gorge. Jeti-Oguz is also famous for its hot springs with water enriched with radon and hydrogen sulfide. In the place they hit out of the ground, at the altitude of 2200 m, there is a resort.

The water in springs is useful for the treatment of rheumatism, gastric and nervous diseases. Rising higher, you can reach the pan of Kok-Dzhayyk with wonderful views of the gorge, or the Valley of Flowers strewn with poppies. At the upper part of Jets-Oguz there are also mountain lakes and roaring waterfalls.

11/11/2017

Arslanbob is a small village with population of about 15000 people located at the altitude of 1700 m, in the valley of the same name with the unique walnut and fruit forests.

For many years in the village there has been a tourist base, where travelers can stay. In the center of the village you can see the statue of a lion and a mosque. Arslanbob village is considered as a starting point for hiking and horseback trips along the valley to the walnut and fruit forests.

In winter cross-country and backcountry skiing is extremely popular here.

10/11/2017

Music
Since ancient time music played an important role in the life of Kyrgyz people. Any holiday in the village did not do without music, and young and old people gathered to listen to wonderful tunes of master musicians.

Kyrgyz people, like any nation, have their traditional musical instruments, reflecting the unique national character.

The most widely used instrument is komuz. It is made by skilled craftsmen from a single piece of wood (usually juniper, apricot or walnut). Its length does not exceed 80-90 cm.

Komuz has three strings. It is usually played while sitting: A musician is keeping the instrument in a horizontal position, the left hand is holding the strings on the neck, and fingers of the right hand are running over them. Komuz can be tuned up in different ways.

Musicians can play cheerful and sonorous melodies and lyrical motives, taking the soul as well.

09/11/2017

Kel-Suu is a brilliant turquoise lake trapped between sheer rock cliffs in the Sary-Beles Mountains close to the Chinese border. It’s high (3514m), remote and hard to reach, accessible only from July to August. Due to its extreme isolation and the various caves that appear out of nowhere in the face of the cliffs, mystery hangs so thick in the air, you feel like you can almost touch it. Photos by Stephan Lioy

08/11/2017

Altyn Arashan (Golden Spa) is a valley and mountain resort near Karakol and Issyk Kul Lake, northeastern Kyrgyzstan.

It lies along a trekking route from Teploklyuchenka (Ak-Suu). It is a hot spring development set in an alpine valley, containing the 5020 metre P*k Palatka in its southern part. It is said to "include three groups of nitric thermals springs on the right side of the Arashan River, 20 km southeast of Karakol mountain, situated in a picturesque forest landscape at an altitude of 2350-2435 metres.

The resort has numerous wooden sheds which contain hot sulfurous pools to cure various ailments. Taking hot bath is very good for muscles after trekking or climbing.

The resort is set in a botanical research area called the Arashan State Nature Reserve which has about 20 snow leopards and a several bears.

03/11/2017

Lands of Nomads

The culture of Kyrgyz people has evolved over the centuries and up to the present time has kept its uniqueness and clearly expressed elements of the nomadic way of life.

Hospitality, kindness and openness are the main qualities of the nation.

02/11/2017

Jailoo-is the Kyrgyz word for the summer pasture land where farmers take their animals for the summer months. Many Kyrgyz families spend the summer there as well, or go for weekend trips.

“Going to Jailoo” means you will see breathtaking scenery and drink kumuz.

31/10/2017

Lenin Peak is the highest summit of Zailiysky Range. Its height is 7134 meters above sea level.

There are 3 seven thousand meters peaks on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, and Lenin Peak is the most accessible and popular among the mountain climbers of the world.

As a rule, Lenin Peak is a starting summit for “Snow Leopard” program. Lenin Peak is a success with experienced climbers and down hill skiers. The mount itinerary isn’t of particular technical difficulty. And, the descent from the seven thousand meters peak makes an indelible impression even upon the supporter of the most extreme sports.

Weather conditions are propitious enough in the region of Lenin Peak. However, you shouldn’t forget that Lenin Peak is seven thousand meters summit that is why a principal difficulty of the expedition to theLenin Peak is an altitude. Low temperatures, the periods of foul weather, as well as avalanches must be taken into account.

The “Achik Tash” Base Camp, which is the starting point for the expedition to Lenin Peak, is situated on a verdant glade at an altitude of 3000 meters a. s. l. The 1st camp is located on a moraine at an altitude of 4400 meters above sea level. The both camps offer a comfortable accommodation and give a perfect possibility to have a good rest during the expedition.

30/10/2017

Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon

On the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, about 4 km from the village of Tosor there is an unusual place - Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon.

The canyon was named due to its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into fabulous sculptures and formations. Some formations in "Skazka" have been named for their similarity to well-known objects. For example, one set of ridges in the canyon is named "The Chinese Wall" due to its similarity to the Great Wall of China. You can also find what appear to be statues of a hippopotamus, snake, dragon, sleeping giant and even whole castles. Because the different rocks have amazing colors, the rocky statues not only have unusual shapes, but also magical colors.
photos by Vlad Ushakov

28/10/2017

Sputnik Кыргызстан: Новости и события дня

This clip is about our traditional clothes for woman, how is correct to wear the ''Eechek'' traditional headdress of a married girl.

В Москве прошел флешмоб под названием "Элечек идет по миру" #видео

27/10/2017

How foreigners try Kyrgyz food :)

Traditional Kyrgyz food revolves around mutton, beef and horse meat, as well as various dairy products. The preparation techniques and major ingredients have been strongly influenced by the nation's historically nomadic way of life. Thus, many cooking techniques are conducive to the long-term preservation of food.

27/10/2017

Kyrgyz FOOD and COST

Kyrgyzstan have their own traditional cuisine. However, influenced by the nomadic past of the people, their menu is not so diverse as the ones of the peoples with sedentary heritage. There are no Kyrgyz chicken recipes, for instance, for growing poultry would have required sedentariness, but there are many traditional Kyrgyz cattle meat dishes cooked to preserve them for a long time.

Among the traditional Kyrgyz recipes stand out various horsemeat sausages. Chuchuk is probably the most outstanding of them. It is a high-fat horsemeat smoked sausage with a piquant taste. They use horsemeat for cooking a variety of other dishes, such as karyn, which is cold horse stomach slices. Very popular is beshbarmak (also spelled as beshbarmaq) - boiled and shredded meat with noodles in broth.

The Kyrgyz have long been cooking Uzbek, Tajik, Uighur and other neighboring peoples’ signature dishes, such as pilaf, laghman noodles (in gravy with meat pieces and vegetables), manti and chuchpara (chuchvara) dumplings. Since the times of the Great Silk Road Central Asian nomadic and sedentary cultures, including cuisines, have always been mixing up, complementing each other.

The local people very much love and often eat honey. Honey with local flatbreads is a common morning meal in the country.

There are a lot of most delicious fruits in Kyrgyzstan in summer and autumn. The apples from Issyk-Kul Lake orchards, for instance, rank among of the world’s best. When it comes to vegetables, the Kyrgyz like pumpkin very much.

What Kyrgyz cuisine is also notable for is a wide variety of fizzy fermented milk and cereal beverages. First, it is kymyz, fermented mare’s milk, slightly alcoholic - the signature drink of Eurasian nomads. Very popular in the country is maksym - grounded grains, water or milk, flour, all fermented. Ayran - a mixture of fermented milk, salt and water - is also very common in Kyrgyzstan. Jarma, like maksym, is made from ground grains and mixed with ayran. Chalap is similar to ayran, and is known as Tan in the market. All these beverages are made almost everywhere in Kyrgyzstan. You can buy them from the local bazaars, stores and even at the roadsides.

Traditionally, Kyrgyz families have their meals at a dasturkhan - a large cloth spread on the floor. If you visit a Kyrgyz home, invited to dinner, you must take the food with the right hand and put your legs away from the dasturkhan. Try not to sneeze, if you can. They do not think doing so while having meals is appropriate either.

Cost of Food in Kyrgyzstan

Generally, the menus in Kyrgyzstan’s cafes and restaurants are never expensive. A lunch and a dinner, for instance, will cost around 10 USD and 20 USD respectively. However, in the capital, there is a number of luxury restaurants where you will have to pay over 10 USD for a cup of coffee. Most cafes and restaurants in Kyrgyzstan have traditional Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Uighur and Russian menus.

25/10/2017

Kyrgyzstan's Events & Festivals 2017/2018 | Kyrgyzstan...

All Events and Festivals in Kyrgyzstan in 2017/2018
This is the complete list of holidays, events and festivals in Kyrgyzstan. Let's complete it together.

source from: Indy Guide [email protected] guide

https://indy-guide.com/en/articles/kyrgyzstans-events-and-festivals-in-2017

Events and Festivals in Kyrgyzstan in 2017/2018 This is the complete list of holidays, events and festivals in Kyrgyzstan. Let's...

25/10/2017

Ecotourism
Kyrgyzstan is a rare country in that most of the country is covered in pristine, untarnished wilderness expanses. Elevated above other Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful haven preserved in the Tien Shan Mountains boasting countless gorges, valleys, meadows, waterfalls, mountains, and alpine lakes not to mention numerous state reserves, national parks, and biospheres.

Learn more about these kind of places: National Parks and Reserves

Travelers desiring to experience nature in its purest form can easily take tours of the country either by foot, bicycle, or horseback. In fact, most Kyrgyz still use horses as a regular means of transportation around the mountainsides, so horseback tours are very popular.

As far as plant and wildlife, Kyrgyzstan is home to several rare species of plants and animals that travelers can see in their natural habitat. For example, the endangered snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, and Siberian Ibex still make their homes in the high altitude mountains of the Tien Shan. Kyrgyzstan also contains a large number of plants and flowers that have yet to even be named. Traveling in the mountains in spring will give you a rare glimpse into the rare and varied variety of flowers and plants they may never even have heard of or seen.

Since the history of the Kyrgyz people is a nomadic one, many people still live in yurts (round felt tents), making a living off the land and livestock. People traveling across the country can enjoy accommodation in yurt camps if desired, or spend nights camping in tents underneath the stars. It’s a great place to relax and reconnect with the simplicity and beauty of nature and get acquainted with the rich, nomadic heritage of the Kyrgyz people along the way.

24/10/2017

Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts of Kyrgyz people has evolved over the centuries. It was formed based on the needs of people’s everyday life, and the nomadic way of life influenced it much. Among the major forms of arts and crafts felt art, weaving, patterned embroidery, making of mat, leather products, jewelry, and wood carving.

The art of making felt products is closely related to the dwelling of the nomads, the yurt. Carpets of felt, decorated with ornaments, are called “shyrdaks”. Shyrdak is a very important element in the decoration of a yurt. It is usually located on the floor. Felts for shyrdaks are made from sheep wool, which is tightly rolled and painted in bright colors. Felt is made from pieces of ornament, then they are sewn together to form a beautiful carpet. Shyrdak’s length is usually four meters. width is about two meters.

The great meaning in the applied arts has the carpet “ala kiyiz” (kyrg. "motley felt"). It differs from shyrdak that felt pices are not sewn, but they are rolled to each other.
The art of making mats is also popular among craftsmen. Mats are made from woven straw called “chiy” and threads of colored wool. The mats are widely used in everyday life. They are important components of the yurt, and they are layed under felt carpets to protect them from moisture.

Embroidery also can be noted as significant craft of Kyrgyz people. Often only women involved in it. They skillfully embroider patterns and ornaments on fabrics, leather and felt. Kyrgyz masters magnificently embroider wall pictures “tush-kiyiz”. Such pictures’ center is usually plain, without patterns, while the sides are framed by the wonderful color ornaments. Pattern embroidery is also common for traditional bags “ayak-kap” and hanging shelves “tekche”.

Leather products made by local artisans can be noted as unique items. They are not just clothes and shoes, but also vessels (“sabaa”, “chanach”, “kookor”), framing for chests, cases and horse equipment.

Wooden products are made of different tupes, for example, elm, juniper, poplar and cherry trees. These products are dinnerware, chests and boxes, racks and cases, special chess and backgammon, musical instruments.

The skills of goldsmiths called “zerger-usta” are highly appreciated. For Kyrgyz people silver metal is sacred, it is not only a decoration, but also a ward off for evil spirits. Silver rings (“shakek”), bracelets (“bilerik”), pectorals (“soyko”, “jel-byurooch”), silver decoration for braids (“chach ushtuk”) are extremely popular among Kyrgyz women.

You can get acquainted with Kyrgyz arts and crafts and even purchase some of the items in many towns and villages by visiting handicraft centers, workshops, exhibitions or special shops.

23/10/2017

People may see many common features in Kyrgyz beauties appearance of to examine their photos more carefully.

Probably, the matter is in brown, slim, gentle skin, kind eyes, a round face shape associated with the nature of the climate of the region. All those traits can be seen in each girl.

All beautiful Kyrgyz women have their own peculiarities in the appearance, associated with the character and temper.

These girls cannot help attracting attention for they just sparkle with vivid emotions, sensuality, and femininity. The beautiful hair, looking like black silk as many representatives of the Asian peoples have, enriches faces loveliness. Regardless of the type of hairdressing, they decorate the girls and tune with dark skin and eyes.

23/10/2017

Autumn in Kyrgyzstan

Those who haven't time to go on vocation for the summer should not be sad, Autumn in Central Asia is famous for its mild temper and warm weather. The mountains lake Son-Kol , Kel-Suu or Sary-Chelek are waiting for the brave travelers who decide to go to them by car , on foot or by horse. Mountain passes and rivers still store summer heat and are available for fans of water rafting and tracking.

20/10/2017

Dear friends let me share with important information for you

Kyrgyzstan Visa

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most open countries in Central Asia for tourists. The citizens of 60 nationalities do not need visa to enter the country. Visa free period varies between 30 and 90 days.
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Armenia
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brunei Darussalam
Canada
Cuba
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Great Britain
Germany
Georgia
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
North Korea
South Korea
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Lithuania
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Sweden
Tajikistan
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
USA
Uzbekistan
Vatican
Vietnam

Where to obtain Kyrgyzstan Visa?
If you haven’t found your nationality in the list above, you will need to obtain visa at the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic. If there is no Kyrgyz embassy in your country, visa may be received at Russian or Kazakh embassies. Another option is getting on arrival at the airport in Bishkek. In any case, you will need a Letter of Invitation (a.k.a Visa support) from Kyrgyz travel company, unless you are a holder of passport issued by the following countries:
Albania
Andorra
Argentina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
Cyprus
Indonesia
Israel
Macedonia
Mexico
Montenegro
Oman
Philippines
Romania
San Marino
South Africa
Serbia
Thailand
Venezuela

Electronic Visa to Kyrgyzstan
Since September 1, 2017, visitors who need Kyrgyzstan visa can apply online for an electronic visa on www.evisa.e-gov.kg. Visa fees are paid through VISA and MasterCard payment systems. It takes 3 working days and costs from 40 up to 65 US dollars depending on duration (30 or 90 days) and number of entries.

It is important to note that Kyrgyzstan electronic visa is valid only for arrivals and departures at three checkpoints: Manas Airport (Bishkek), airport in Osh and the checkpoint Ak-Zhol (Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border).
For Kyrgyzstan visa support the following information is required:
- Passport data
- Exact terms of stay in Kyrgyz Republic
- Flight number (in case of getting visa at the airport of Bishkek upon arrival)
The information necessary for visa support should be sent nor later than 15 days prior to arrival.

Note:
• Every foreign citizen must apply for a registration at a local Police Department (OVIR/OVD) within 5 days upon arrival (weekends and arrival day are counted). A traveler can apply him/herself or leave it to a company that has provided visa support. We provide rarely needed registration as a separate service.

Citizens of 92 countries are exempted from registration procedures for specified period of stay in Kyrgyzstan. Please check out here whether your nationality is in the exemption list and how long one can stay in Kyrgyzstan without registration.
• Along with Kyrgyzstan visa, it is recommended to obtain medical insurance that includes alpinism, as some zones of Kyrgyzstan are allowed to be visited by foreign nationals only with a presence of documents, confirming the insurance and guarantee of payment for the rescue work.
• Kyrgyzstan visa is valid for visiting almost all the territory of the country. However, for passing through or/and visiting some of the zones of the territory of Kyrgyzstan additional permission is required. These zones are in the following areas of Kyrgyzstan: border with China, Engelchek, Northern part of Terskey Ala-Tau, from Ak-Say at the East till Djuuku in the West, Chatkal valley and Ak-Say glacier in Ala-Archa gorge. Permits documents for visiting/passing through those zones we will arrange in the short term.

20/10/2017

Lake Kol-Tor is most beautiful mountain lakes in the Northern Tien Shan, is located in the gorge with the same name, bordering the Kegety gorge, at an altitude of about 2700 m.

The view of the lake is simply fabulous: a watery turquoise surface, and around the majestic mountain landscape .

On the western shore of Lake Kohl-Tor there are spruce forests, the eastern shore is occupied by tall grasses. At the lake there is an unusual mountain peak with a height of more than 4200 m, called "Sugar Loaf".

19/10/2017

The most beautiful places on earth are not always popular. One of such places is the lake Kul Tor. Today we will tell about this magical place ...

The pearl of Terskey Ala-Too, hidden high in the mountains, is the glacial lake Ala-Kul (in translation from Kyrgyz - "a motley lake"). It is located at an altitude of 3532 m behind the pass of the same name.

The lake is small: its area is less than 1.5 sq.km, but the depth can reach more than 70 m. Ala-Kul Lake is as if in a motley bowl of rocky ridges with snow-white peaks.

You can reach the lake in two ways: through the pass or from below, traveling from the Altyn-Arashan valley. High mountain cold, brightly shining sun and rocky shores of Lake Ala-Kul allow the traveler to feel himself somewhere on the edge of the world, in a realm of silence and tranquility.

19/10/2017

"Save snow leopard"

The international forum was held in Kyrgyzstan to preserve the snow leopard and its ecosystems. Today in the world there are about 3,5 thousand leopards, about 500 of them live in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.

In support of the campaign to protect the snow leopards, the stars of the Kyrgyzstan took part in the video "Save snow leopard", which encourages people to preserve endangered species of animals
The shooting was attended by famous bloggers and pop stars.

18/10/2017

TOP 6 REASONS TO OWN A YURT
What is a Yurt? Before we look at all these yurts, let’s define what exactly we’re talking about.

Yurt is “a circular domed tent of skins or felt stretched over a collapsible lattice framework and used by pastoral peoples of inner Asia”. To you and me: a round building with a domed roof. The walls are made of felt, hides or, more commonly, canvas.

Above all, yurts are really cool. They are easy to heat. They handle all sorts of weather with ease. They are cheap. They can be moved and yet make comfortable permanent homes. They are the ideal shelter for a survivalist who wants to be prepared for anything.

1. PRICE
Compared to the cost of a traditional home in many areas, there is no doubt that you will be saving money by living in a yurt in most parts of the country.

2. COMFORT.
With proper insulation and a good wood stove you will be comfortable in even the coldest weather and by opening the windows and dome, you can get enough ventilation to keep the yurt from getting too overheated in the summer.

3. DURABILITY.
Even when faced with the toughest elements, the yurt is durable. Some of the fir frames used to build our yurts last 50-70 years and the canvas for 15 years, longer than the average shingled roof.

4. ONE WITH NATURE.
In a White Mountain Yurt, you can enjoy the sounds of the rain and the wind but stay safe and dry. You can hear nearby animals and see the stars at night, but you’re afforded adequate protection and comfort.

5. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
The materials of a traditional yurt are all recyclable and because no permanent foundation is used, there’s no lasting impact to the ground when a yurt is moved.

6. SAFETY.

The structure is also safe. You can get doors that lock and even if someone pulls up the canvas sheeting, it would be hard to get through the latticed wood. That also keeps the wild animals out, should you be sharing space with them. Yurts are also fairly inconspicuous in that there size and shape allows you to place the structure within tall shrubs and/or trees for privacy.

18/10/2017

Logos Dyscovery

Dear friends, I would like to share my YouTube channel and instagram page with you and say that you will find there the latest video blogs about Kyrgyzstan and you can see and learn more about this beautiful country.

Most welcome to our country Kyrgyzstan !

YouTube Logos Discovery: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBRmd2q11VOwByq-xl3yZYg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logosdiscovery/

All about Kyrgyzstan ! Travel VLOG , trip, advanture, trekking, nomand culture

17/10/2017

Kyrgyz leader elected in landmark vote

On October 15, 2017 the seventh presidential election was held in Kyrgyzstan. This was a significant event for Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is a very democratic country and the elections were also the most democratic. Many foreign experts noted that the elections were transparent and fair. Kyrgyzstan is a very democratic country.

11 candidates fought for the main post of the camp. According to preliminary data, the candidate Sooronbai Jeenbekov received the largest number of votes.

Such a significant political event was covered not only by local mass media, but also by foreign ones. And that's what some of them wrote about the last elections:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41625540

For the first time in the country, an elected president is due to peacefully hand over power.

16/10/2017

The World Nomad Games In Kyrgyzstan

Alesha and Jarryd, travel writers, photographers and media personalities who have been exploring the world together since 2008. They tell you about these famous nomad games and share their impressions.

https://www.nomadasaurus.com/ultimate-guide-world-nomad-games-in-kyrgyzstan/

16/10/2017

The World Nomad Games In Kyrgyzstan

What Exactly Are the World Nomad Games?

The official mission of the World Nomad Games is to: revive and preserve revival the historical cultural heritage of the nomadic people’s civilization of the world.
The games have four different themes: martial arts and wrestling, horse racing and events, cultural events and intellectual games.

Are the World Nomad Games Similar to the Olympics?

The sporting results appear to be similar to the Olympics on the surface. Athletes come from across the world to compete for their countries. In 2016, a whooping 1200 participants came from 40 different countries. Not bad, considering that this was only the second time the event was held!
But a quick look at the event schedule and you quickly realize that unlike the Olympics, you’ll hardly recognize any of the events. Mas-wrestling? Kok-boru? Yurt judging? And that’s exactly what makes the World Nomadic Games so special.

Which Countries Participate in the World Nomad Games?
Participants are mainly from Kyrgyzstan and other former Soviet Republics. But they also come from Mongolia, Turkey, China. Even less obvious countries like Germany and Benin in West Africa take part. Athletes welcome the chance to compete in their sport of which there are few opportunities on the global scale. I spoke to two German participants who were competing in the archery competition. They spoke most about the camaraderie between competitors.

Where and When are the World Nomad Games Held?
The games are held on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kuk in Kyrgyzstan. They’re held every two years in September. The next one will take place in 2018.

I had so many highlights of the World Nomad Games. As a result, I’ve broken them down into the following categories: Opening Ceremonies, Cultural Highlights and Sporting Highlights. It will really give you a feel for why I think the World Nomad Games are truly one of the coolest events on the planet.

The Opening Ceremony was a spectacular show featuring dancing, singing, horsemanship like I’ve never seen before anywhere and the participants coming on stage. Wrapping it up was a dramatic fireworks display. It was similar to an Opening Ceremony at the Olympics but with its own cultural relevant twists.
If Genghis Khan were alive, he’d want to be here, proclaimed the announcer at the Opening Games. The crowd went wild. Khan was the Founder and Emperor of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. He united many of the nomadic tribes that conquered most of Eurasia. He’s a legend in Kyrgyzstan.

It was one of the first differences I realized about the games – nomadic cultures of course have their own heroes. That’s why I was shocked when they introduced the guest of honour, Steven Seagal dressed in Kyrgyz khan armour. In the west it’s thought that his best days are behind him. Here he’s revered, judging from the crowd’s thunderous applause. Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.

The Opening Ceremonies were a feast for the senses. I especially loved the performances by the horsemen.

The Opening Ceremony ended in a dramatic fireworks display.
There were multiple cultural performances. These involved the participants wearing traditional clothing, singing, dancing and stunts on horses. There was so much going on, it was hard to know where to look. It is captivating.

16/10/2017

#10 Places in Kyrguzstan, what you should to see.
Kyrgyzstan is one of the most beautiful countries in Central Asia. Top ten places to travel in Kyrgyzstan include gorgeous wild mountain pastures inhabited by modern semi-nomads living in summer yurts, as well as large alpine lakes dotting a landscape characterized by charming villages. The cities are Soviet planned with some modern buildings and diverse population. It’s these contrasts that make the country such a rewarding one to travel within.

Tourism is a community affair and you can often sleep in the homes of local people and share the delicious local cuisine with them. Souvenirs are mostly handmade from ecologically sound, homemade materials such as felt, wood and leather. You can buy local products safe in the knowledge that you are contributing to the local economy.

Here are our picks for what should go to the top of your Kyrgyzstan bucket list.

#1 ISSYK KUL LAKE
Issyk-Kul means “hot lake” translated from Kyrgyz. It is a salty and mineral rich lake that does not freeze even in the coldest of winters. More than a hundred rivers flow into lake yet not one of them flows out. It is the second largest mountain lake in the world, located at an altitude of 1607 meters and at its maximum, a depth of 668 meters. To give you an idea of the scale of the lake, it takes about nine hours to circumnavigate by car. If you take a tour of Issyk Kul, why not stop at Balykchy, Bokonbaevo, Barskon, or Cholpon Ata? Wherever you stop, you can’t fail to notice the stunning backdrop. Issyk Kul is surrounded by the Ala -Too Mountains, part of the Tian Shan range. There are several local legends about how the lake appeared, but we won’t spoil the surprise.

#2 BISHKEK
Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan. It has a variety of eating places with everything from traditional Central Asian dishes to international cuisine and fast food. A Bishkek city tour will reveal the nomad, Soviet and modern influences on the development of the country. You can stroll around in many green alleys of the city, shop in bazaars for local produce and explore its many statues as you make your way around the city.

# 3 ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK
Just around half an hour away from Bishkek’s suburbs is a magnificent alpine national park. You can get closer to the mountains that form the backdrop to the city. The highest peak in the national park reaches 4895 meters and the Ala Archa range has more than fifty peaks. It is a favorite local haunt for picnics as well as being popular with tourists looking to do short hikes.

#4 BURANA TOWER
Built in the 11th century, the Burana Tower was once part of a flourishing Silk Road city called Balasaghun. Originally the tower was a minaret reaching over 40 meters in height and the earliest of such towers in the whole of Central Asia. Sadly, an earthquake in the 15th century destroyed the top half of the tower. Today it stands just over 20 meters high and you can even climb up it! Near the tower, you can also take a look at the small museum and have a look at some ancient stone carvings known as balbals.

#5 SONG KUL
Song Kol Lake is a vast summer pasture, accessible only from June to September. Nomads graze their animals there as they have been for millennia. It is located at an altitude of 3016 meters, but don’t expect rugged peaks – it actually looks pretty flat. Song Kul is a fresh water lake that stretches for 29 km in length and about 18 km in breadth. Its maximum depth is only about 13 meters. If you head up there, you’ll enjoy sleeping in real yurts and feeling free just like your nomad hosts.

# 6 TASH RABAT
Tash Rabat is a historic stone caravanserai. These were places used by merchants and their caravans on the ancient Silk Road. It is one of the best preserved of such places in Central Asia. You can sleep in yurts nearby or go horse riding. It was originally built as a Nestorian monastery and then turned into a caravanserai.

#7 OSH
Osh is the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan, celebrating its 3000th anniversary in 2000. It lies in the heart of the fertile Ferghana Valley. The center of the city is occupied by Sulaiman-Too. This is a sacred mountain that has been continuously worshiped for millennia. You will see women sliding down stones in the belief that this practice will increase their chance of giving birth to healthy children. This is one of those perfect examples of longstanding traditions of the Silk Road, that combine prehistoric, pre-Islamic, Islamic and local beliefs into one holy site. Sulaiman is the local pronunciation of Solomon. It is thought that the throne of Solomon was once located on this mountain; some legends go so far as to say that he was buried there. Another important site in Osh is the 16th-century mosque of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire.

#9 KARAKOL
Karakol is the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region. However although it isn’t located right on the shores of the lake, it’s easy to make day trips to the lake or to the nearby mountains. In the 19th century, it became a strategic point separating Russian Empire from China and an important Russian military settlement was established there in 1869. It also attracted Chinese Muslims fleeing oppression in China. These two important events of history can be seen in Dungan Mosque and Karakol’s Orthodox Church.

# 10 DJETI OGUZ & ALTYN ARASHAN
From Karakol, there are numerous opportunities to go for a hike or go horse riding. Our favorite places to do so are the Djety Oguz valley with its red cliff formations and Altyn Arashan that reminds us of Swiss mountain valleys. Djety Oguz means seven bulls. The colorful cliffs are the setting for beautiful and tragic local legends that you can hear during our Kyrgyzstan tour or other Central Asia adventures.