Route: Bokonbaevo (meeting point) → eagle hunter's village → felt workshop → family home → Bokonbaevo
Hunting with golden eagles is one of the oldest traditions of the Central Asian nomads, and the villages around Bokonbaevo on the south shore of Issyk-Kul are among the places where it is still practised. A local berkutchi (eagle hunter) introduces you to his bird, explains how eagles are raised and trained, and shows the eagle in flight over the steppe.
Afterwards you visit village women who make shyrdak and ala-kiyiz, the colourful felt carpets that decorate every yurt, and try the craft yourself. The experience ends at the family table: you help prepare a traditional dish – for example boorsok (fried bread) or plov, depending on the season – and share it over tea. This experience is ideal for travellers staying on the south shore or as a stop on a tour around the lake.
Meet your guide in Bokonbaevo (or at your guesthouse) around 10:00. Drive to the eagle hunter's village for an introduction to the tradition and the eagle demonstration. Continue to a felt workshop to learn about shyrdak patterns and make a small piece of felt. Finish with a cooking session and a meal with a local family; back at about 15:00.
Prices per person in USD. The final price is confirmed with your booking. Child (2–11 years): −30%.
The cancellation terms for this tour are confirmed in writing together with your booking, before you pay anything.
Read our cancellation & refund policyYes, but Bokonbaevo is about 4–5 hours from Bishkek, so we recommend an overnight stay on the south shore or combining it with our Issyk-Kul tours. Ask for a transfer in your request.
Yes, children usually love the eagles and the felt workshop. They should stay at a safe distance from the bird as instructed by the eagle hunter.
Usually yes – many workshops sell carpets, slippers and small souvenirs directly. Prices are set by the artisans; please bring cash.
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