Overall I really liked Kyrgyzstan. Definitely a simpler kind of place but just well enough developed to feel comfortable. Amazing opportunities for hiking if you're comfortable just making up you own route with no trail to follow.
That said, experiences can vary, especially for visitors. In the capital, Bishkek, tourists might unfortunately encounter opportunistic behavior. There have been instances where police officers have been known to stop foreigners and effectively extort money. This is a serious issue and something visitors should be aware of.
On the other hand, the country offers incredibly unique and positive experiences, especially when you get out into nature. I have vivid memories of hiking in places like Ala Archa National Park. You can be trekking through a valley, thinking you're completely alone, and then stumble upon a traditional nomadic family spending their summer there. These encounters feel worlds away from anything I've experienced in Western countries. I recall one time offering to buy kumis (a traditional fermented mare's milk drink) from a nomad, and he genuinely refused to take any money for it, simply offering it as a gesture of hospitality. These moments highlight a different, very memorable side of Kyrgyzstan."
I guess no one has ever bought you a round?
lukan•5h ago
For example I did not learn, what they actually hunt. I initialy assumed by the title they hunt eagles, but they hunt with eagles, but no word of their prey or anything of how they hunt or where the eagle helps with the hunt.
I assume by letting the eagle fly to go look for bigger prey and then circeling around that area so the hunter goes there with his rifle.
But nothing about that.
And one of the titles broke the long word of outdoorsmen into
"outdoorsm
en"
Not sure if anyone think that is cool(I assume a bug, on desktop it is not broken), but I literally cannot read like this.
AlotOfReading•4h ago
Here's a video about a Texas falconer demonstrating the general process. https://youtu.be/tWp7XcPc1gg
novosel•4h ago
" They had spent the past two decades hunting jackals and foxes together, often traveling in Talgar’s run-down Volkswagen Golf, a modern replacement for a horse."
And then a picture caption adds:
"The Taigan is a breed of sight hound native to Kyrgyzstan. They are used to flush prey, such as foxes, on a hunt."