Culture & Traditions
Experience a living culture where nomadic traditions thrive in the modern world
Kyrgyzstan is one of the few places on Earth where nomadic culture remains a living tradition rather than a museum exhibit. From the felt yurts dotting alpine pastures to the ancient art of eagle hunting, the Kyrgyz people maintain customs that have endured for thousands of years while embracing the modern world.
Nomadic Traditions
Ancient practices that continue to define Kyrgyz identity
Yurt Living
The boz üy (grey house) has been home to Kyrgyz nomads for millennia. These portable felt tents represent ingenious adaptation to mountain life and remain central to Kyrgyz identity.
The yurt is featured on the Kyrgyz flag, symbolizing the nation's nomadic heritage.
Eagle Hunting (Berkutchi)
The ancient art of hunting with golden eagles has been practiced in Kyrgyzstan for over 4,000 years. Eagle hunters train their birds from a young age, forming deep bonds that last decades.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Best seen at Salbuurun Festival.
Horse Culture
Kyrgyz people have deep connections to horses, with traditional games like Kok-Boru (polo with a goat carcass), At-Chabysh (horse racing), and Kyz-Kuumai (bride chasing).
Horses remain essential for nomadic life and national identity.
Epic of Manas
The world's longest epic poem, 20 times longer than the Iliad and Odyssey combined, tells the story of the hero Manas and Kyrgyz history.
UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral Heritage. Performed by Manaschis (storytellers).
Traditional Food
Taste the flavors of nomadic hospitality
Beshbarmak
The national dish - boiled meat (usually lamb or horse) with flat noodles, served with onion sauce. Name means "five fingers" as it's traditionally eaten by hand.
When to try: Celebrations, honored guests, winter
Kumys
Fermented mare's milk, slightly alcoholic and tangy. A traditional nomadic drink believed to have health benefits.
When to try: Summer months when mares are milking
Plov (Osh)
Central Asian rice pilaf with meat, carrots, and spices. Each region has its own variation.
When to try: Celebrations, Friday gatherings
Lagman
Hand-pulled noodles in meat and vegetable soup or fried. A Dungan influence that's become a staple.
When to try: Year-round, especially lunch
Samsa
Baked pastries filled with meat and onion, similar to samosas. Sold fresh from tandoor ovens.
When to try: Street food, any time
Dining Etiquette
- •Always accept tea when offered - it's a sign of hospitality
- •The eldest person at the table is served first
- •Bread should never be placed upside down
- •Finishing all food shows appreciation for the host
Festivals & Celebrations
Experience Kyrgyzstan's vibrant cultural events
World Nomad Games
September (every two years)International festival featuring traditional nomadic sports from across Central Asia. Kok-Boru, eagle hunting, wrestling, horse games.
📍 Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul
Salbuurun Festival
August-SeptemberTraditional hunting festival showcasing berkutchi (eagle hunters), taigan (hunting dogs), and archery.
📍 Various locations
Nooruz
March 21Persian New Year celebration marking spring equinox. Traditional foods, games, and festivities.
📍 Nationwide
Independence Day
August 31National celebrations with parades, concerts, and cultural events in the capital.
📍 Bishkek
World Nomad Games
The world's largest celebration of nomadic culture, featuring traditional sports and games from across Central Asia. Witness Kok-Boru (horse polo with a goat), eagle hunting demonstrations, wrestling, archery, and much more.
When
September (every 2 years)
Where
Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul
Traditional Crafts
Handmade treasures to bring home
Shyrdak
Traditional felt carpets with geometric patterns made by pressing colored wool into designs. Each region has distinct patterns.
Where to buy: Naryn, Kochkor, At-Bashy
Ala-Kiyiz
Pressed felt carpets with swirling designs, created by rolling colored wool together.
Where to buy: Throughout Kyrgyzstan
Kalpak
Traditional men's felt hat, white with black trim. A symbol of Kyrgyz identity.
Where to buy: Markets in Bishkek, Osh
Cultural Etiquette
Tips for respectful travel in Kyrgyzstan
Greetings
Shake hands with men. With women, wait for them to extend their hand first.
Shoes
Always remove shoes when entering a home or yurt.
Photography
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas.
Gifts
Bringing small gifts when visiting homes is appreciated but not required.