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The Kyrgyz Nomads
In Kyrgyzstan we have developed truly special friendships with many of the semi-nomadic locals and through these relationships helped them gain a valuable foothold in the ever-expanding tourist market and the important resources that can be generated from it.
Way back in 1998, when tourism was in its nascent stage, both Wild Frontiers founder, Jonny Bealby, and his great mate Dom Mocchi – were riding horses through the region, meeting the locals and developing tourist plans.
Talking to the Kyrgyz in strategically important places – at Son Kul, Tash Rabat and Lake Izzyk Kul – Jonny and Dom encouraged them to hire extra yurts to provide groups with board and lodging, horses should they be needed, and entertainment through cultural events. They also pointed out that tourist would be delighted to buy special handcrafts, such as felt slippers, mats and cushions. In 2002 when Wild Frontiers ran their first trips to the region the plans started to bear fruit as both the groups and the locals gained hugely from the experience.
Since then business has flourished. Noorgul, a shepherdess from lake Son Kul in the centre of Kyrgyzstan, took to this new industry like a fish to water and has gone on to develop a successful and sustainable little business. Similarly Sogan Bai has built up a great reputation for demonstrating his eagle hunting skills on the shores of Lake Izzyk Kul. And Nasira, custodian of Tash Rabat, has our clients enraptured by her tails of life in the mountains.
These relationships not only benefit our clients as they meet the locals in a personal way, gaining a vicarious friendship from our relationships, but the locals gain as well, in a way that is sustainable and subtle.