TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is over 90% mountains, so if you enjoy nature and hiking, this is the perfect destination. It is a landlocked country and relatively poor. Agriculture is what makes the country thrive with some of the most popular products being cotton, wool, fruit, potatoes, vegetables, sheep, and goats. The locals are some of the friendliest (and curious) individuals you may ever encounter and they will no doubt be eager to teach you how to live like a nomad in the Kyrgyz mountains.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Spend the Night
in a Yurt
No trip to Kyrgyzstan is complete until you have slept in a traditional yurt. A yurt is a felt-covered portable house which is easy to build and easy for nomads to move from place to place. The outside is typically grey in colour, however once inside, it becomes a colourful, warm environment with felts rugs hung on the walls and decorative tassels to ensure things are secure.
Issyk-Kul Lake
In Kyrgyz, the meaning of Issyk-Kul is “warm lake” or “hot lake”. Even though it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lake never freezes. It is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and the second largest salt lake in the world (after the Caspian Sea).
Visit an Eagle Hunter
Hunting with eagles is an age-old tradition among the Central Asia nomadic people. The hunter and the eagle remain together for almost 20 years and they build a very strong connection. The eagle becomes family and is not just just the hunting partner. Take some time to visit these incredible hunters and you may even be able to witness an eagle hunt right in front of your eyes!
Learn to Make Felt
Made from lambs wool, felt was primarily used to cover (and decorate) yurts. It was also used to make carpets, clothes, bags, and toys. Felt making has been an important part of Kyrgyz life and the technique has been handed down for generations.
Song Kul Lake
Song Kul Lake is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan (after Issyk Kul Lake), and the largest fresh water lake in the country. It is simply stunning and the ideal place to truly experience the Kyrgyz culture. Book a yurt for the night along this pristine lake and soak in the mountain views, roaming horses, clucking chickens, and gently lapping water. It is the perfect spot to relax.
Learn to
Build a Yurt
Yurts in Kyrgyzstan have existed for thousands of years.The pattern of the tunduk, the circular crown on top of the yurt, is a national symbol of Kyrgyzstan and can be seen on the Kyrgyz flag.
