10 exciting questions to our guide Timur from Kyrgyzstan

For almost 20 years Timur the most diverse guests from all over the world through his home country. Together with his team, consisting of curious and passionate travelers, he always goes on exciting tours through one of the most untouched places in the world. Today we would like to give you some exciting insights into the life of a tour guide and have prepared ten questions for Timur.

Hello Timur, you are our partner and tour guide for Kyrgyzstan. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Timur, I come from Kyrgyzstan and live with my family in the mountain town of Karakol. I was born in the middle of Eurasia, in a country that is 93 % covered by the Tian Shan Mountains, which naturally provides many opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying the untouched nature. Climbing, trekking and ski touring are among my favorite activities, which I can do in any part of my mountainous country.

What three words would you choose to describe Kyrgyzstan and what do they mean to you?

1. Untouched - unspoiled nature and genuine hospitality that you can see and feel when visiting our country. Most of the sights are located in remote areas, which makes them less crowded and more unique.
2. The intersection of civilizations - Kyrgyzstan is located on the Great Silk Road and was once under the rule of various empires (Arabs, Persians, Chinese, Mongols, Soviets, etc.). Each of these empires has significantly influenced the cuisine, traditions, religion, language and culture. Here you can see how all this overlaps and gets along in peace. 
3. Nomadic culture - in our country many people still live in a semi-nomadic way of life, and this uniqueness attracts people who want to learn about the traditional lifestyle of nomads.   

What is your favorite season in Kyrgyzstan and why?

I have two favorite seasons in Kyrgyzstan - summer and winter.

Summer is the best time to explore the country and enjoy the beauty of nature. All mountain passes are open and you can see a large number of high peaks, glaciers, lakes, rivers, cattle on summer pastures with semi-nomads and many other great things.

The winter season is a good time for skiing, ski touring, freeriding and to experience the different facets of mountainous Kyrgyzstan.

What's your favorite local tradition?

"Tusho Toi" - this is a rite of cutting the umbilical cord. It is performed when the child turns one year old. One ties the legs together with a rope made of black and white yarn. The child is held by the grandmother while children and adults race according to their physical abilities. The one who arrives first gets to cut the child's string with a prepared knife and leads the baby by the hand. The one who arrives first receives this knife as a gift and the main prize of the feast, which may be a ram, a certain amount of money or some other important award. The other participants also receive gifts, children get toys. The meaning of the ceremony is that after the umbilical cord is cut, the child is opened the way to the big world.

There are several languages spoken in Kyrgyzstan. What is your mother tongue, and can you tell us a tongue twister?

Kyrgyz is my mother tongue 

Kok chainekte ak kalpak,

Ak chainekte kok kalpak

Ashkarak kashkyrdan baskarak

Sheshe, keshe neshe syndy kese

What manners and behavior should I display in Kyrgyzstan to avoid being rude?

• Do not be too loud and be friendly 

• Do not wear too short clothes 

• Be polite to adults and women

• Respect the traditional way of life and culture 

Anything else you'd like to share about Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is a secular country inhabited primarily by Muslims (82 %), most of whom are Kyrgyz, but also by many other nationalities who have migrated from China, Persia, and post-Soviet countries. Each of these nationalities shapes and influences the common culture, as is readily apparent.

What do you love most about traveling?

I love to discover new places, especially where I can observe the natural way of life without seeing the modern culture at the same time. At the same time, it is a great pleasure to show the same things to people who want to know the traditional way of life and nature of Kyrgyzstan.

What was the strangest experience you had during your time as a tour guide?

Nowadays it is difficult to surprise me because I have seen a lot in my life as a tour guide. However, I was shocked when I saw a group of Dutch trekkers who took a goat for trekking and had nothing to eat because they drank only goat milk. The milk gave them enough energy to overcome long distances and high passes. Unfortunately, the goat was lost on the 4th day and they had to descend to Karakol to buy food or a new goat. 

What do you like about working with TripLegend?

I like the way TripLegend works. They take into account the needs of all people and at the same time act as a bridge between the western world and other countries. They have a lot of experience and carefully selected tour guides who will do everything to make your trip the best experience of your life.

We thank Timur for the great and exciting interview and of course for the unique cooperation. If you also want to get to know the untouched nature and diverse culture of Kyrgyzstan, then feel free to check out our Kyrgyzstan trip and our Kyrgyzstan winter trip on!
We would love to have you join us.