This 2 day festival on the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul in the town of Cholpon-Ata draws the regions best hunting dogs, eagle hunters, and falcon handlers in all of Kyrgyzstan. Festivities range from eagle hunting of pheasants; Taigen also known as Kyrgyz hunting dog racing; to wolf baiting.These long standing traditions have an important place within Kyrgyz culture and reflect their nomadic past.
Berkutchi or eagle hunters are highly respected and since independence Kyrgyzstan has seen a resurgence in this practice. These amazing animals compete for a small cash prize and year-long bragging rights.
The following section is a segment of a 3 part series concluding with a video highlighting the entire event.
