Legend says, that living a nomadic life Kyrgyz people reached to Mother Nature at last when she was distributing places and resources to humans. She realised that there was nothing left behind for this small nomadic community of Kyrgyz and later she decided to give a piece of heaven to them. To understand this folklore, one must travel to this landlocked country in Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan, officially the Kyrgyz Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Asia, was a former Soviet Russia and gained independence in 1991. If one has to describe this country, it is really hard to find words to describe its beauty, warmhearted people and nomadic culture. I have been travelling to this beautiful country since 2017 and last year I was lucky enough to spend almost 4 months exploring some of the remote areas which are hardly visited by outsiders.
Kyrgyzstan is lying in the Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges bordering Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south, and China to the east and southeast.
Exploration extended beyond driving on offbeat roads; it encompassed hiking, climbing, and one of the most cherished horseback riding. If have to explain my travel in a few lines I must say it was all about trekking through pristine alpine meadows and traversing narrow mountain trails, each step unveiled a new vista more awe-inspiring than the last. Camping under the stars, surrounded by towering peaks and the serene melody of nature, offered moments of profound tranquillity and reflection.
My journey through the remote and less-explored areas of Kyrgyzstan unveiled a realm of captivating natural beauty and cultural richness. Venturing beyond the beaten path, I found myself immersed in landscapes of unparalleled grandeur, where rugged mountains pierced the sky and vast valleys stretched into the horizon. Traversing the untamed wilderness, I encountered nomadic communities preserving ancient traditions amidst breathtaking surroundings. Their warm hospitality and genuine curiosity painted a vivid picture of Kyrgyzstan's rich cultural tapestry.
Kyrgyz nomads, living in yurts, roam the vast steppes with their livestock, migrating seasonally for grazing. Their lifestyle emphasizes community, nature, and oral traditions, maintaining a rich culture amidst modernization. Their lifestyle revolves around herding sheep, horses, and yaks, with seasonal migrations to higher pastures in summer and lower valleys in winter. This nomadic existence fosters a strong sense of community and interconnectedness with nature.
If you ask me to write something about this country I must say
“The cradle of mountains, where peaks touch the sky, Lies a piece of land, where ancient whispers fly. A land of rugged beauty, untamed and wild, Where nature's hand paints landscapes, serene and mild. Kyrgyzstan's embrace, mountains soar, Whispers of legends, tales of yore. Azure lakes mirror skies so clear that nomads roam without fear. Nature's palette, colours bright, Paints the land with pure delight. Valleys deep and meadows wide, Where dreams and freedom coincide. Yurts stand proud beneath the sun, Symbols of a life well-spun. In Kyrgyzstan, the soul takes flight, In its wild, untamed might."
Kyrgyz eagle hunters, a tradition passed through generations, epitomize the nomadic culture of Central Asia. Mounted on horseback, they form a bond with majestic golden eagles, utilizing them for hunting prey like foxes and hares. This ancient art embodies a harmonious relationship between man, beast, and nature.
Kok Boru means blue wolf, a traditional game of Kyrgyz people played on horseback called Ulak Tartysh. The history of Ulak tartysh is as old as the Kyrgyz people’s history. Players mounted on horseback fiercely compete to grab a goat carcass and score by tossing it into a goal. Reflecting nomadic heritage, this exhilarating game showcases skill, bravery, and the spirit of camaraderie.
I am not a writer or a poet and it’s hard for me to write everything, being a photographer I will let you portray this country in your imagination from my photos.
