National drinks in Kyrgyzstan
In Kyrgyzstan, various traditional drinks are important in culture and everyday life. These drinks not only quench thirst but also have deep roots in the history of the country. Some of them have unique taste qualities and specific properties that are especially appreciated by locals.
1. Maksym
One of the most popular drinks in Kyrgyzstan is Maksym, which is especially loved in the summer. During the season from April to October, Maksym can be found on the streets of cities, where it is sold in small barrels. This is a traditional drink that is poured into glasses directly from the barrels.
This drink is made from selected varieties of grain: barley, wheat and corn, and also contains melted butter, flour, salt and yeast. Maksym has a rich texture and a slightly salty taste, which makes it an excellent addition to dishes, as well as an excellent source of energy. This drink is especially popular among Kyrgyzstanis, who value it for its nutritional properties and ability to quench thirst in hot weather.
2. Kymyz
One of the most famous and unique drinks of Kyrgyzstan is Kymyz - fermented mare's milk. This white drink has a characteristic sour taste, which not everyone will like, but for many locals, kymyz is an integral part of their diet. Due to the fermentation process, it contains a small amount of alcohol, which gives the drink a special strength. Despite its uniqueness, kymyz is widely consumed in the mountainous regions of the country, where it is an important element of local culture. Kymyz is especially appreciated from April to July, when it is available in its best quality. In Kyrgyzstan, there are special sanatoriums where this drink is used for treatment, cleansing the body and improving the digestive system.
3. Saamal
An important drink for Kyrgyzstanis is Saamal - fresh mare's milk. This drink differs from kymyz in that it does not undergo the fermentation process, retaining all its nutritional properties and mild taste. Saamal is a source of useful substances such as vitamins and minerals. It is a drink that is often served in Kyrgyz homes, especially in mountainous regions.
4. Chalap
Chalap is a fermented milk drink made from cow's milk. The main ingredients for its preparation are sour ayran, water and salt. Chalap has a refreshing taste and is consumed both as a thirst quencher and as a supplement to food.
5. Bozo is a low-alcohol fermented drink that is made from various grains such as wheat, barley or corn. The taste of bozo may be unusual for foreign tourists, but it has many beneficial properties. It strengthens the immune system and helps normalize digestion. Bozo has a fairly low alcohol level, but its refreshing taste and beneficial properties make it a popular drink, especially in winter.
Traditions and recipes
All these drinks are an integral part of the traditional cuisine of Kyrgyzstan and are passed down from generation to generation. Each drink has its own history, recipe and preparation features. They reflect the culture of the country, its attitude to natural products and respect for ancient traditions. Despite globalization and the influence of modern trends, Kyrgyzstanis still proudly preserve and pass on these recipes so that new generations can continue to enjoy these unique and healthy drinks.
Thus, the drinks of Kyrgyzstan are not only diverse in taste and composition, but also play an important role in the cultural life of the country, being a link between the past and the present.
1. Maksym
One of the most popular drinks in Kyrgyzstan is Maksym, which is especially loved in the summer. During the season from April to October, Maksym can be found on the streets of cities, where it is sold in small barrels. This is a traditional drink that is poured into glasses directly from the barrels.
This drink is made from selected varieties of grain: barley, wheat and corn, and also contains melted butter, flour, salt and yeast. Maksym has a rich texture and a slightly salty taste, which makes it an excellent addition to dishes, as well as an excellent source of energy. This drink is especially popular among Kyrgyzstanis, who value it for its nutritional properties and ability to quench thirst in hot weather.
2. Kymyz
One of the most famous and unique drinks of Kyrgyzstan is Kymyz - fermented mare's milk. This white drink has a characteristic sour taste, which not everyone will like, but for many locals, kymyz is an integral part of their diet. Due to the fermentation process, it contains a small amount of alcohol, which gives the drink a special strength. Despite its uniqueness, kymyz is widely consumed in the mountainous regions of the country, where it is an important element of local culture. Kymyz is especially appreciated from April to July, when it is available in its best quality. In Kyrgyzstan, there are special sanatoriums where this drink is used for treatment, cleansing the body and improving the digestive system.
3. Saamal
An important drink for Kyrgyzstanis is Saamal - fresh mare's milk. This drink differs from kymyz in that it does not undergo the fermentation process, retaining all its nutritional properties and mild taste. Saamal is a source of useful substances such as vitamins and minerals. It is a drink that is often served in Kyrgyz homes, especially in mountainous regions.
4. Chalap
Chalap is a fermented milk drink made from cow's milk. The main ingredients for its preparation are sour ayran, water and salt. Chalap has a refreshing taste and is consumed both as a thirst quencher and as a supplement to food.
5. Bozo is a low-alcohol fermented drink that is made from various grains such as wheat, barley or corn. The taste of bozo may be unusual for foreign tourists, but it has many beneficial properties. It strengthens the immune system and helps normalize digestion. Bozo has a fairly low alcohol level, but its refreshing taste and beneficial properties make it a popular drink, especially in winter.
Traditions and recipes
All these drinks are an integral part of the traditional cuisine of Kyrgyzstan and are passed down from generation to generation. Each drink has its own history, recipe and preparation features. They reflect the culture of the country, its attitude to natural products and respect for ancient traditions. Despite globalization and the influence of modern trends, Kyrgyzstanis still proudly preserve and pass on these recipes so that new generations can continue to enjoy these unique and healthy drinks.
Thus, the drinks of Kyrgyzstan are not only diverse in taste and composition, but also play an important role in the cultural life of the country, being a link between the past and the present.
Places to visit in Kyrgyzstan
Kegety Gorge is a wonderful place near the capital of Kyrgyzstan at an altitude of 4000 m above sea level. Not a classic gorge is appreciated by tourists for its spaciousness - wide and long, about 27 km.
Within our republic's territory, there exist numerous architectural monuments, with one of the most renowned being the Burana Tower. The term "Burana" is derived from the word "monora," which means minaret. The minaret is a part of the ancient Burana settlement, situated 12 kilometers from the town of Tokmok and 80 kilometers from Bishkek. Burana Tower stands as one of the oldest structures within our republic. Its construction dates back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Originally, the minaret's height reached 40 meters, and according to some researchers, possibly 45 meters. Its upper section was crowned with a dome-shaped lantern, similar to other structures of its kind. However, due to the consequences of an earthquake that occurred around the 15th or 16th centuries, the upper portion was destroyed. As of today, the tower's height stands at 21.7 meters.
Sary Chelek is an enchanting place that captivates even the most discerning enthusiasts of flora and fauna. The most popular route leads to Lake Sary Chelek, located near the Chatkal Range at an altitude of 1940 m.
The national park Ala-Archa is a picturesque delight for the eyes, it is located nearby Bishkek, Ala-Too Kyrgyz ridges. The national park stretches at an altitude of 1600-4860m and is a favorite place of citizens and guests of the capital.
Lake Issyk-Kul - a mountain drainless lake (1610 m above sea level), included in the list of the deepest lakes in the world (698 m), located between the Tien Shan ranges. The astronauts call it the eye of the Earth for its color and shape, and the locals call it a pearl because of its framing with snowy peaks
Karakol (formerly known as Przhevalsk from 1889 to 1922 and from 1939 to 1992) is the fourth most populous city in Kyrgyzstan. It serves as the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region. The city is located near the eastern end of Lake Issyk-Kul, approximately 150 kilometers from the Kyrgyz-Chinese border and 380 kilometers from the capital, Bishkek. Geographically, it is situated at an elevation ranging from 1690 to 1850 meters above sea level.
Chunkurchak gorge is a remarkable location with stunning landscapes and a winding gorge at an altitude of over 2000 meters above sea level, stretching along the ridge for 30 kilometers.
Son-Kul Lake is a large freshwater lake located at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level in the northwestern part of the Naryn region. It is situated in a basin between the inner ranges of the Tian Shan Mountains.
Canyon "Fairy Tale" (Skazka) - the popular gorge with red clay rocks on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul attracts with its easy accessibility, uniqueness of contrasting landscapes and memorable colorful photos. Just imagine the combination of blue sky, bright sun, bizarre slopes of alternating colors from pale sand to deep brick.
Bishkek, the capital of mountainous Kyrgyzstan, spread out in a fertile valley, has long been famous for its green streets. The modern city maintains the tradition of renewing and expanding park areas, alleys, and boulevards.
Kel-Suu lake is a southeastern beauty of the country, located near the border with China at an altitude of 3,500 meters in the Kokshaal-Too mountains, in the Naryn region.
Grigorievskoe and Semenovskoe gorges - the coniferous kingdom with the sweet air aroma stretches on the Kungei Alatoo mountain range, just 60 km from the city of Cholpon-Ata - the resort center of Kyrgyzstan.
Alamedin gorge is one of the closest to the capital relax-locations with a magnificent mountain landscape, just 35 km from Bishkek.
Base camp is situated at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level, and serves expeditions when climbing peaks and tops. This location is a climber's paradise, because from here you can see the 7-thousanders’ tops
Barskoon gorge is a picturesque gorge on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, rich in high waterfalls, dense coniferous forests and hospitable slopes for vacationers.
Arslanbob is a protected area spread out in the valley of the same name and known for its largest walnut forest in the world. The forest is over 50 million years old, the area is over 700 thousand hectares. Many varieties of nut and fruit trees grow here.
Altyn Arashan gorge which translates to "Golden Source" respectively are a high-mountain gorge located in the eastern part of the Terskey Ala-Too Range, near the town of Karakol in Kyrgyzstan.
Tash-Rabat is an ancient structure located in the southern part of the At-Bashy Range, in the border area with China. It holds historical significance as one of the key parts of the ancient Great Silk Road.
Djeti-Oguz gorge and the Kok-Zhayyk Jailoo are located on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The name "Djeti-Oguz" translates to "Seven Bulls" in Kyrgyz and refers to a series of red sandstone cliffs that resemble giant bulls. The magnificent peak of Oguz Bashi, also known as "Bull's Head," with a height of 5170 meters, stands at the end of the gorge. Not far from there, a massive piece of rock with an impressive crack is known as the "Broken Heart."
Lake Kol-Ukok is a hidden mountainous cold lake located in the northeastern part of the Terskey-Ala-Too range in the Naryn region. Its icy waters are home to Sevan trout.
ount Kyzyl-Asker, a remote peak located at an altitude of 5842 meters, is a challenging destination accessible only to experienced hikers and prepared mountaineers. It is situated in the Central Tien Shan range, specifically in the Western Kokshaal-Too ridge.
The Canyon Konorchek is a creation of nature with an amazing aura. Along the eastern part of the Kyrgyz Tien-Shan range stretches a ridge of eolian reliefs.
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