Kyrgyzstan: Nomad ride

The Kyrgyz proverb “He who has no horse has no feet” speaks volumes about the lifestyle of these mountain shepherds. A former crossroads for Silk Road caravans, Kyrgyzstan remains home to a resilient nomadic culture that moves with the rhythm of the seasons.

Accompanied by their herds, Kyrgyz horsemen ride through vast Central Asian steppes and rugged mountains in search of the best high-altitude pastures. Here is a selection of snapshots captured during a journey through the land of the “Celestial Horses.”

Kyrgyz horseman in the vast steppe

Herd of wild horses in Kyrgyzstan

Portrait of a Kyrgyz nomad

Horseman leading a herd through the mountains

Traditional yurt and horses in the valley

Daily life of nomads in Central Asia

Crossing a river on horseback

Kyrgyz riders in high altitude

Pastoral life in Kyrgyzstan

Shepherd watching over the flock

Young Kyrgyz rider

Horses in front of snowy peaks

Yurt camp in the mountains

Kyrgyz horse portrait

Preparing the mount

Horseman galloping

Kyrgyz equestrian traditions

Children riding horses

Mountain horizon in Kyrgyzstan

 Kyrgyz nomad departing


— Continue the journey —

More images from Kyrgyzstan


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