Festivals and cultural events Kyrgyzstan

Every August, the Bokonbaevo eagle hunting festival is in full swing, organized by local CBT coordinator Baklit Choytonbaev. A dozen or so trainers perpetuate eagle hunting traditions in and around Bokonbaevo. Unfortunately, their numbers are dwindling over the years, but the festival remains a colorful, not-to-be-missed opportunity to admire one of Central Asia's most elegant hunting traditions, and to see at close quarters golden eagles and falcons, the preferred species for training.

A few kilometers from Bokonbaevo, numerous cultural events are organized over 3 days, on the penultimate weekend of July. The aim is to promote Kyrgyz and Central Asian culture in all its forms: contemporary music groups and DJs perform 24/7 on the festival site, while crafts, cuisine and traditional sports are promoted in the adjoining areas... And there's an extraordinary backdrop, with Lake Issyk Kul and the mountains in the background. Possibility of camping on site, or sleeping in a yurt.