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THE GASTRONOMIC CULTURE OF NOMADIC KYRGYZ.
Hello. During our five-day gastronomic-cultural trip I prepared, hospitality of a Kyrgyz family. According to Kyrgyz tradition and customs, In Kyrgyzstan, the slaughter of a lamb or sheep is traditionally performed when guests are important and valuable. This slaughter of sheep is an important custom in Kyrgyz culture and is often celebrated at weddings, holidays and special occasions. This tradition is closely related to the nomadic past of the Kyrgyz people. So, lets go!!!
Meeting Point
At your hotel (in Bishkek)
Day-1: Bishkek-Cholopn Ata
After breakfast, early in the morning, our journey will be long, about 280 km. But it will be interesting and fun. Our journey will start by getting into our transport and driving from Bishkek to Tokmok-Burana.During our visit to Tokmok, we explore the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret, and the Balbans open-air museum, which features stone warriors. After Burana Tower we will drive to Balykchy city.Balykchy in Soviet times was industrial city. We stop for sightseeing and have coffee break. Our next destination is Cholpon Ata City.The north shore of Issyk Kul lake. We will drive approximately 70 km along the northern shore of Issyk Kul lake to reach there. Upon arrival, we will take a one-hour coffee break before going on an excursion to the Petroglyphs. This open-air museum displays various depictions of animals such as wolves, long-horned ibex, goats, snow leopards, as well as scenes of sacrifices and hunting, which date back to 500 BC-100 AD. After the excursion, we will have lunch at the local cafe. Later, we will visit the unique cultural center and museum called "Ruh Ordo," which means "Spiritual Center". This center, was built in 2002, aims to enhance guests' spiritual growth while providing knowledge about various cultural and religious aspects of the region. After the visit, you will have some free time to spend as you please. Finally, we will have dinner and spend the night in a cozy yurt.
Day-2: Cholpon-Ata
On the morning of the second day, we will have breakfast at Issyk Kol, which is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. During the day, we will have the opportunity to meet and spend time with local family, who will show us their nomadic way of life. We will also enjoy horse riding, have lunch with a local family, and witness some horse-related shows. Later,in the afternoon, we will realize a part of our food culture, which is an important milestone:Our important point is the sheep shearing section,and I would like to share some details below.
Meticulous preparations are usually made before slaughtering the sheep. A healthy and well-fed sheep is selected and the necessary tools are cleaned and sharpened. Family members and neighbors come together to participate in sheep shearing. This preparatory process takes place through community solidarity and cooperation.
Great respect and reverence is shown to the animal during the slaughter of the sheep.
Kyrgyz people value sheep as a source of food and appreciate its sacrifice with deep gratitude,the slaughter is typically performed by a skilled individual within the community who understands the proper techniques and ensures a swift and humane process.
Kyrgyz people have a long history of utilizing every part of the animal to minimize waste. This may include using the meat for traditional dishes, utilizing the skin for clothing or rugs, and utilizing the bones and horns for various purposes.
After the sheep is slaughtered, each piece of it has its owners. According to our custom, pieces from oldest to youngest are given to their owners. The softest and greasy pieces are given to our guests.
The social aspect of slaughtering sheep, where meat is often shared with family, neighbors and those in need. The importance of hospitality and generosity in Kyrgyz culture, where serving food to others is a symbol of respect and unity.
It is important for us to preserve and understand our cultural heritage, social value and respect for this tradition, to appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of Kyrgyzstan.
In the evening, we will spend a beautiful night at dinner, accompanied by live music, and experience the Kyrgyz hospitality in the middle of the beautiful natural environment.Overnight at the guesthose.
Day-3: Cholpon Ata-Karakol
After breakfast, we will visit the museums in our free time until noon and we will have a chance to swim. We can also do a yacht tour upon request. Then after we have our lunch, we continue towards the city of Karakol 145 km. When we arrive to Karakol in the evening we will have dinner with the Dungan family. We will taste popular Ashlyamfu local Dungan cuisine. This small group of nation came from China to Kyrgyzstan after the conflict in China and has been living in Karakol and Kyrgyzstan since the 19th century. Spend the night at hotel.
Day-4: Karakol-Tamga
In the morning, following breakfast in Karakol city. We proceed with a sightseeing tour, beginning with a visit to the museum of M.V. Prejevasky, a renowned explorer known for crossing the great Taklamakan desert and discovering over 4000 animals. Following this, we will visit a Dungan Mosque, notable for its Chinese-style architecture built without a single metal nail, as well as an old Orthodox Church. After city tour we will have lunch in local restaurant.After continue drive to Tamga Village, which is situated on the southern part of the Issyk-Kul lake, we will visit Tamga Gorge which is located on the southern shorn of IssyKul lake. In the gorge there are 3 stones,placed at 1 km each other with Tibetan rock inscription, The closest stone is two kilometers away from the village of Tamga, it is called "Tamga-Tash" (stone with letter). Stone is on a high level ground, in the old trail, which runs along the river Tamga. The stone closed with plants and you can notice it in close distance ,it has a Buddhist mantra engraved on it-OM MANI PADME HUM-it is a kind of pray, used for any case. The inscription on the stone is dated Dzungarian (Kalmyk) period (XV-XVII centuries).The interpretation of the mantra: "Oh! The Pearl in the lotus ", but it is rarely understood in this sense. Very characteristic is that this stone was used for ritual purposes long before the emergence of Buddhism. Tamga-Tash most famous three stones is not only a historical monument. Therefore, visit these stones requires a conscious relationship.Once there, we will go on a hike in the Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairy Tale Canyon due to the incredible fantasy-like shapes carved into the red sandstone over centuries by wind and water erosion. In this canyon, visitors can see the shapes of dragons, snakes, castles, and more, limited only by their imagination. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided in a guest house or yurt.
Day-5: Tamga-Bokonbaevo-Bishkek.
Early in the morning after breakfast from Tamga we will drive to Bokonbaevo.(But if we have enough time before to visit Boknbaevo I will try to show Waterfall Barskoon). Bokonbayevo is a picturesque village on the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Located in the middle between the Teskey Ala-Too Mountains and the shore of Issyk-Kul, Bokonbayevo interesting for visitors with its combination of natural beauty and traditional Kyrgyz mentality. Bokonbayevo become a center of eco-culture-tourism. Bokonbayevo is also well known with some shows like Eagle hunting hosts, carpet weavers, felt artisans, master chefs talented performers and expert riders. See how handicrafts are made, buy souvenirs, taste the best of local dishes, enjoy dance and music, and cheer on horse games and races. Bokonbayevo is also well known for its yurt camps and guest houses, some of them are right on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Lunch at the local café and we will then resume our journey towards the city of Bishkek (200km), making a stop for coffee brake and passing through the breathtaking Boom gorge. Then we drive to Bishkek , where we will have a dinner in national cuisine.
Ending Point
At your hotel (in Bishkek)
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Comfortable transportation
Lodging in hotels with twin or double beds, yurt camps, and guest houses
Itinerary for sightseeing tours
Admission charges for the ecological and national parks
An English-speaking guide to assist you throughout the journey
Fuel for the vehicles
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Supply of mineral water
International flights (although we can provide them upon request)
Meeting at the airport (although we can provide them upon request)
Visas or visa support (although we can provide them upon request)
Hotel and Meals in Bishkek- 1st day and last day (although we can provide them upon request)
Charges for extra services in hotels
Alcohol and soft drinks
Souvenirs
Anything not mentioned above
.
Tour Important Information
This is a wonderful tour plan focused on experiencing the local cuisine, nomadic lifestyle, and immersing yourself in the culture and traditions of the Kyrgyz people. Kyrgyzstan is known for its rich culinary heritage and hospitality, so you're in for a treat. The important thing in this tour is, to taste the local cuisine which is natural, homemade, handmade, spend days and nights with local families. Participate in a cooking class or join a local family for a meal to learn traditional recipes and cooking techniques. Also visiting cultural and historical places. Feel the hospitality and traditions of Kyrgyz people.
==The necessary items==
Waterproof clothing, trekking boots, hiking shoes, warm clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, slipper, swimsuit ,towel , personal hygiene (toothbrush, shampoo, soap) and power bank
Important message from the guide
Hi.I am Bishkek based guide.I am flexible and ready to assist you at the North of Kyrgyzstan. And I can prepare for you Customized, Selected ,Private VIP -tour program all inclusive. Just let me know-what you interest.You will feel Kyrgyz hospitality,folk,tradition,nature ,which you never forget.Thanks
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
