Equestrian games, a piece of our heritage
Equestrian games are inseparable from the nomadic cultures of Kazakhstan (and Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan for that matter). A whole range of sports and activities revolve around the horse and have remained traditional in the region. The most famous form, which is best known from Afghanistan and Kessel's book Les Cavaliers, is buzkashi. This ancient sport originated in Persian armies, and was used to train elite cavalry: up to 100 horsemen could compete in these miniature battles.
A goat is beheaded, and the riders fight over its remains. The winner of the melee must then ride a course marked out by poles before returning to the center of the arena and throwing the carcass into a circle marked out on the ground, representing the "circle of justice". During his ride, his opponents will, of course, try to grab the booty in turn, and all blows are then allowed. The game can be very violent, both for the riders and their mounts. The Navrouz festivities are an opportunity to organize competitions to launch the buzkashi season (which is interrupted by the summer heat).
Another discipline,oodarich, is an equestrian version of wrestling. The aim of the game is to knock down the opposing rider. There are also several agility tests for riders. In tiuiin-enmeï, the rider must gallop his horse and pick up silver coins lying on the ground, while jambii-atmaï is an exercise for archers on horseback. The rider must cut a rope from which a jewel hangs, while galloping at full speed.
Wrestling, a very popular sport
Wrestling is very popular throughout the region, and has been given particular prominence since independence by neighboring Uzbekistan. The kurash (or kourach) originated around 3,500 years ago as a spectacle to liven up popular festivities in many parts of Central Asia. Since independence, kurash in different countries has been harmonized to become an international discipline with the same rules for all. The first international tournament was held in Tashkent in 1998, a year before the first world championships. Kazakh koures (the name chosen by Unesco) has since been included (in 2016) on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and resembles Greco-Roman wrestling in many respects. So it's hardly surprising that Kazakhs regularly shine on the international wrestling scene. In fact, they once again picked up a medal (in silver) at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Finally, it's worth noting that kurash is a discipline in its own right at the Asian and African Games, as well as at the Nomadic Games, which are held every two years and whose5th edition in 2024 took place in Kazakhstan. Waiting to become an Olympic discipline?
Eagle hunting, a nomadic tradition
Falconry is a specialty of the nomads of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The Berkutchi carry on a hunting tradition whose earliest written records go back more than 3,500 years. The Kazakhs favor eagles, while the Kyrgyz seem to prefer falcons. The hunting season lasts from November to February, when the eagles put on their winter feathers. The Berkuchis then set off on horseback across the steppes, launching their birds to hunt foxes and sometimes wolves, for the best-trained and bravest among them.
Nature activities
Hiking - trekking. It's possible to consider trekking, hiking or horse-riding, whether on the steppe or in the Altai mountains. There are marked trails around Almaty. Like in the Ile-Alatau National Park, where hiking trails cross the Tian Shan mountains, between glacial lakes (like the Great Lake of Almaty), alpine forests and snow-capped peaks. Lake Kaindy, with its turquoise waters, is also a great option.
200 km from Almaty, the Altyn-Emel National Park offers magnificent desert landscapes to hikers, who will come across gazelles as they tackle the "singing" dunes and the Ak Tau mountains.
In the lunar landscape of the Sharyn canyon, you can follow the river to discover impressive geological formations, while the Karkaraly National Park, towards Karaganda, offers forests, lakes and caves for walkers. You can also watch lynx and snow leopard in the Aksou-Jabagly nature reserve. A spot that will also delight birdwatchers with its golden eagles.
The Altai and Tian Shan massifs also offer a wealth of trekking opportunities and are a delight for mountaineers.
Mountaineering is also possible. For example, you can climb Khan Tengri in the Tian Shan, or certain peaks in Kyrgyzstan that are easily accessible from Kazakhstan. But only if you are supervised by one of Almaty's specialized agencies (which can also offer skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, etc.). The only difficulty is obtaining the necessary authorizations. Agencies take care of this, but, as with the Altai Mountains, it can take up to 45 days.
The mythical Khan Tengri, literally "lord of the skies", marks the junction of the Chinese, Kazakh and Kyrgyz borders. It is shaped like a pyramid, its sides turning blood-red at sunset. The most northerly of the "7,000" peaks is now tamed by mountaineers every year, and forms part of the grand route of the five peaks over 7,000 m in the former Soviet Union. This route has been awarded the "Snow Leopard" prize.
Skiing and snowboarding. Ski enthusiasts can head for Shymbulak, the country's most popular ski resort at an altitude of over 3,200 metres. Located just a few kilometers from Almaty, the unsuccessful candidate in the race to become the first Eurasian city to host the Winter Olympics (in 2022). Here's a hint to riders who dream of testing out the powder snow of the Altai mountain range!
Cycling. The Kazakh steppe lends itself particularly well to cycling, especially between seasons. Summer temperatures are often too high. Mountain bikers will find plenty to enjoy around Almaty.
