Overview
Kazakh nomadic culture survived Soviet settlement campaigns and is now experiencing revival: functional yurts are produced by master craftsmen, eagle hunting (berkutchi) is practiced by several dozen active hunters in the region, horse games (kokpar, baiga, kyz-kuu) draw thousands at Nauryz festivals, and the dombra (two-stringed lute) remains the national instrument played at every gathering. This isn't museum culture - it's living tradition adapted to modern life.
The theme covers nomadic heritage you can experience firsthand: yurt stays, eagle hunting demonstrations, horse games, traditional crafts, and music.
Who This Is For
For cultural travelers who prefer participatory experiences over glass-case museums. For photographers seeking dramatic subjects (berkutchi with golden eagle, horse games at full gallop). For families wanting immersive cultural exposure. For travelers who combine nature trips with cultural stops (yurt camps are located in scenic areas by design).
Season: Year-round, but events cluster around Nauryz (March 21-23, biggest festival), summer jailau (highland pastures, July-August), and autumn hunting season (October-November for berkutchi demonstrations). Yurt stays available May-September at tourist camps. Dombra music - any time (restaurants, cultural events, private performances).
Locations, Tours & Routes
Experiences: Yurt stay (traditional construction, felt-making process visible at workshops). Berkutchi (eagle hunting demonstration, best near Nura village, 1.5 hours from Almaty). Horse games (Kokpar - goat-carcass polo; Baiga - long-distance racing; Kyz-kuu - bride-chase game). Dombra/kobyz performance. Craft workshops: felt-rolling, leatherwork, bone carving.
Routes: Half day - Eagle hunter visit + demonstration (from Almaty). Full day - Yurt camp experience with horseback riding and traditional lunch. 2 days - Nomadic immersion: yurt overnight, evening dombra performance, morning horse games. Festival timing: Nauryz (March) in Almaty for maximum variety. Summer: combine with Kolsai/Kaindy trip (yurt camps in Saty area).
Plan Your Trip
We connect you with active practitioners of nomadic culture - not actors in costume, but real berkutchi who hunt with their eagles, yurt-makers who build for commissions, horsemen who train year-round. Demonstrations, participatory workshops, overnight stays in authentic yurts with home-cooked food. Available year-round with seasonal highlights.
