What I love about Kyrgyzstan is that tourists here fully dive into genuine nomad life. Unlike other countries where yurt camping, horse riding and eagle hunting has become a tourism business some Kyrgyz people truly live their lives like 100 years ago enjoying nomadic fever even today.
I love discovering nomads in Kyrgyzstan and add them on Google Maps the most. Here’s my top 5 nomad activities one must try and visit once in Kyrgyzstan to feel truly nomad:
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Salbuurun or Eagle Hunting Shows. Nomadic hunting with the Golden Eagle, Taigan dog and a horse is not in history yet. There’re still Kyrgyz men who work as plumbers or teachers but raise Eagles and practice hunting. Some accompany hunting with archery. If you’re brave enough the hunter can offer to take you to a real hunt up in the mountains. If not you will still get a million likes photo with the Golden Eagle!
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Staying at Yurt Camps. Residing in yurts is a common practice in Kyrgyzstan especially among shepherds as livestock is still bred high in the mountains freely eating alpine grass. Once you’re in Kyrgyzstan I recommend experience staying at yurt camps. My favorites are on the south shore of the Issyk-Kul lake in Ton village. Waking up and sleeping by the shore listening to the waves and gazing at stars, what can be more tranquill? I love sharing reviews on yurt camps as it’s a unique experience available only in Central Asia.
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Buy or make “Shyrdak” (handmade felt carpet). A tradition to make felt carpets handmade by grannies or moms is still alive. Some make them for themselves or their relatives, some sell them in Craft Shops and some are eager to teach you techniques and conduct workshops. I love adding places of artisan shops and workshops, share photos and reviews because I want to help them, want their small business grow and keep them motivated, and truly believe that this type of souvenir from Kyrgyzstan handmade by tourists always takes a special place in their homes.
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**[Horse Treks](https://goo.gl/maps/3uZ9dtQgSR82).** More than 80% of Kyrgyzstan's territory are mountains. In summer time trekkers love discovering them but my favorite way to explore is up on a horse like nomads do. Horse treks are available at many destinations however well organized ones are rare. I share reviews, contacts of horse trek providers, give details on what to expect and be ready for, what to take with you etc. -
Yurt Building Workshop. Once stayed in a yurt why not learn how it’s built? Or observe how it’s built in 10 minutes! I share information on Google Map on this with pride as it’s something a visitor would never forget!
Sharing all of the above details have become my favorite things to post on Google Map for the following reasons:
- Details is something I look personally in reviews myself. It saves time when you exactly know where to go, what preferably get, how to be dressed, and what to expect;
- Several owners thanked me for improvement ideas, and I truly believe that they want to improve their service. Reviews help them understand what customers value and looking for;
- I share reviews in English with a focus to travelers and expats because I think they suffer more when information is insufficient, and I want them enjoy their stay in Kyrgyzstan!