Kyrgyzstan boasts a unique and authentic nomadic culture, preserved to this day. This is one of the compelling reasons to visit Kyrgyzstan, alongside its breathtaking natural landscapes.

One of the nomadic activities to discover during your journey is eagle hunting. The Kyrgyz people have always shared a close bond with eagles, which have traditionally been used for hunting. Eagles are trained from a young age and develop a deep friendship with their masters. Conventionally, eagles are released after 15 years of service.

The most skilled eagles enable nomads to hunt large mammals, such as ibex or wolves. Eagles are remarkably fast and precise hunters. Released from a height, the eagle scans the valley for prey before neutralizing it by gripping its talons around the animal's chest.

During an eagle hunting demonstration, the eagle hunts small prey, typically a rabbit. You can also request that the eagle chase a fur pelt, or refrain from killing its prey, depending on your preferences. At the beginning, the falconer will share the history of this tradition, training methods, and the bonds between master and eagle.

The finest location to witness an eagle hunting demonstration is the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, particularly in the village of Bokonbayevo.