Today ranks up with some of the most unique and incredible travel experiences we have had to date. Eagle hunting is among the nomadic traditions that are still practiced in rural Kyrgyzstan, and was among the things we really wanted to do here. We organized it from Bokonbayevo with an eagle hunter named Ishenbek from the neighbouring village. We set out early outside of town and arrived at a small family farm where we were greeted with a bowl of maksym or jarma, fermented barley made with yeast and yogurt, after getting it down we were set to go into the hills on horseback with our guide.
In the end, we saw two attempts for a kill without success but an incredible sight none the less. Although the eagle was the main focus, being on horseback out in the landscape we had been seeing from a far was a highlight.
After a full day we were greeted with more maksym and dinner with the family at the farm before arriving late back in town.
Chad... I bet your days of horse riding lessons paid off!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, seeing the eagle hunts on tv/reading about them I'm sure does not do it justice at all!!
Remember to go in to detail about this one when you see me!