Nomads

Kyrgyzstan has a fascinating history of more than 2000 years.

For centuries Kyrgyz people lived like nomads. Their way of life was conditioned by the geographical position they mainly lived in the mountains. They had to roam around in order to find better pastures in order to let them graze. Only in the beginning of the 20^th century they got to settle down.  Some of them live in the mountains; following the traditions of their ancestors ... 

Yurts are the homes of nomads. For more than 2000 years since Kyrgyz people had been living in yurts. It has a very unique construction of wooden base inside covered with felt and can be built without using a single nail. The best artist can construct a yurt within 20 - 25 days. But it can last for about 40 years. People can erect the yurt within one hour. Nomads could carry it from one place to place loaded by only 3 horses. 

The yurt has two parts right and left. The right side belongs to men and the left side belongs to women. They usually keep their weapons, horse trappings, whips. The women keep diverse types of home accessories, kitchen pottery, tableware, as well as their jewels and ornaments on the right side. Here you can see a straw mat, which serves as a partition between the kitchen and the rest of the yurt. There is a special place inside of the yurt which is located opposite to the door and it is called tor. This is the most respected part of the yurt précised for the most respected people (elderly people or guests). Women keep here covers and rugs which they made themselves. All of them are stacked on each other in a neat order. Nobody is allowed to use them, because it is a sign of wealth. 

Typical nomadic village  had 80 and 100 families. Stories from  Chinese sources on the wars the Chinese came to the land of nomads decided to attack them early in the morning. But it didn't work.  Within one night the whole village just disappeared! The whole village left the area that fast without leaving any tracks that the Chinese could only guess which direction they had moved.

Kyrgyz shepherds most of the times chose moorlands that helped keep track of their livestock, as well as to have a beautiful landscape around.

With our tours you will be able to experience a real nomadic life meeting locals and learning culture and traditions from them.