Discover — Nomadic Tribe

Madagascar, The Island of Friendly Indigenous Peoples

Discover the Island Madagascar is a real heaven for nature lovers keen to go trekking! One first example: the Lokobe nature reserve is a protected area that shows the remains of the rainforest that previously covered the whole Island. The volcanic lakes are the perfect habitat for crocodiles, and the hills and mountains are the incredible backdrops of this unique place. More: there are approximately 950 hectares of Mangroves that host a rich community of crustaceans and mollusks. Here also lives the smallest frog and the smallest chameleon in the world! Even the state road has a high natural value: is known as the “Avenue des Baobab” and connects the municipality of Morondava with Belo Sur Tsiribinhina with it’s is 198 km length. It is known all over the world for the breath-taking Baobabs living along its path, which are centuries old and considered as a Natural Monuments. Moreover, UNESCO enlisted in the world's heritage list two of Malagasy natural patrimonies: the Rainforests of the Atsinanana and Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve. The bay of Antsianana is the second largest in the world. That said, if trekking is not your cup of tea, the Madagascan famous white sand beaches are worldwide recognized, and Nosy Be could be the right location for you. Madagascar, however, is not only famous for its outstretched white sand beaches and palms, lemurs, orchids, and baobab trees: it is also home to some of unique tribes in the world, with at least 18 different indigenous groups. Wrapped around legends, myths, and traditions, the Mikea, the Antandroy, and the Sakalava are part of the intangible heritage of this exceptional country. They are today the living memory of millennial traditions and the Madagascan folklore. In this article, you will learn some curiosities about these three tribes that you can visit with Nomadic Tribe and better prepare your trip! Discover three Malagasy tribes. Folklore and Resilience to keep traditions alive. MIKEA - The secret to life is hidden deep in the desert’s ground Mikea people, a group of Malagasy-speaking horticulturalists and foragers, inhabit the Mikea Forest, mixed spiny forest and dry deciduous forest area along the coast of southwestern Madagascar. Curious about Mikea way of life and their temperament? Let’s discover something together! The Mikea people live in what is considered one of the most hostile environments in the world, a desert. Due to these conditions, they were sure they could live in peace; far away from cities and urbanization and continuing their traditional lifestyle**.** "Mikea" literally means "who doesn't want to be sued". That is why The Mikea concept is a flight from modernity and its constraints. It's a rebellion against civilization. During the 60s, researchers, and anthropologists tried to approach the communities, pushed by their curiosity, and encouraged by the numerous legends regarding them. They discovered friendly people that adapted entirely to the territory and the harsh weather. The Mikeas are known to be hunter-gatherers who have become breeders and farmers: every day, and they're going through about 10 km on foot for food. Mikea people could go on for days (or even weeks!) without drinking any water, thanks to a yam called Baboho, which grows in the sand of this desert at 2 meters deep in the ground. These have plenty of water in them, and they are prepared in different ways from jelly jams or even raw, giving the hydration that the Mikea need to survive. Music plays an important role both in their social and spiritual life. They still use traditional musical instruments such as the musical bow on the gourd, the seven-stick xylophone and the rattle. The Mikeas are known to make masks, that is rare in Madagascar, using human teeth and hair. Quite scaring no?! Read more about Mikea tribe in our tribes section. ANTANDROY - Ancestors dictate the community’s laws and everyday life The Antandroy are a traditionally nomadic ethnic group of Madagascar inhabiting the arid southern part of the Island called Androy. They are well known for their taboos called “Fady”, which are prohibitions imposed by the ancestors, but also the “Fombas”, obligations and traditional customs to follow to avoid insulting the ancestors. These can be considered as a sort of “laws” and moral values. Some Fady and Fombas are observed to this day, and it is common courtesy for visitors to follow them. Let's dive right in and discover some of the most curious ones that you can quickly adapt (and surprise your host family!) Some specific places are considered fady: these are generally sacred, and it is forbidden to build on its ground. Turtle isn't on an Antandroy menu, since eating them is considered insulting to the ancestors. Stories about why this is forbidden are numerous, and each community has its version! This also applies to snakes, cats, dogs, cows without horns, and onion. Curiously enough, some fady apply to bananas. In some villages, the fruit is considered sacred. The legend states that a family found an abandoned baby sleeping in the trunk of a banana tree, floating down a river, and bringing luck to his adopting family. Astronomy plays to this day a vital role to determine if a baby will be born on a lucky or unlucky day. Some babies have been abandoned in the past; however, this is not the custom anymore. Fady also applies to some weeks' days, Monday is usually a rest day. Comparing someone to a dog is not only an insult but a potent "fombas". If someone compares a person to a dog, a cow will probably be sacrificed to cancel this insult. Read more about Antandroy tribe in our tribes section. SAKALAVA - Spirit possession to seek guidance The Sakalava are one of the smaller ethnic group of Madagascar, constituting about 6% of the total population. They live in the western and northwest region of the Island, in a band along the coast. Their name means "people of the long valleys.". What about their traditional customs? The cult of possession started within the Sakalava monarchical systems is known as Tromba. The king had divine rights, had life and death powers over people together with healing powers. After death, he became even more powerful, as he was destined to return to his people through Tromba possession. Today’s Tromba, are generally considered to be the work of an ancient ruler’s spirit possessing someone to bestow blessings, advice or remedies for diseases. Most frequently, the possessed are generally women, often single or with fertility issues. Usually the possession is preceded by a state of trance, or even it manifests itself through a dream. After these first signs, some public ceremonies are organised to allow the spirit to express itself. The possessed will be blessed and officially appointed by the village's medium to learn the use of medicinal plants. Other ancient customs are called "Doanys", where bones of deceased kings of the Sakalava are kept. The mortal remains are brought back into the circle of the living in a ceremony called Fitampoha, the annual purification of a dynasty's sacred relics. Relics are washed in the river and brought back to Doany*.* No surprise if Malagasy tombs are always better built than homes! The Sakalava tribe don't build tombs but bury in uniquely graves decorated with erotic wooden sculptures. They believe that, when the wood disintegrates the soul, is finally free to govern the living again. Read more about Sakalava tribe in our tribes section. NOMADIC TRIBE TEAM Cover photo Traditional fishing village, Madagascar iStock.com/vale_t

Travel Tips

10 Curiosities About Newar People From Nepal

Have you ever heard about the Newar people? They are the original inhabitants of Kathmandu valley in Nepal and the creators of the historic heritage and civilization of this beautiful region. Let’s discover together where they live, what they eat and some curiosities about their traditional habits. You will, for sure, consider the idea of visiting them and experience a life-changing journey! Newars and their wonderful habitat The Newari are a mixed ethnic minority of Tibetans and Indians who, for centuries, have inhabited the beautiful hills near the Himalayas. Their stronghold is the Kathmandu valley, but the Newars are careful to distinguish themselves from the other peoples of the hills. Although they are an ethnic minority, their majority presence in the valley has allowed them to exercise a strong cultural influence. Social distancing is nothing new for Newar people We sadly become familiar with the concept of "social distancing", recommended for all of us in the current emergency circumstances… but Newars used to practice this since centuries: among their unique rituals and traditions is the practice of imposing "isolation" upon newcomers to the valley. Newar girls and the unusual marriage The tradition of Newar people wants girls to be married three times: the first one with a bael fruit, also known as wood apple, to protect them if the future husband dies. The second one to the Sun and finally they get married to a man. The Newari girls also go through the Bara ceremony or ( Gufa rakhne) as a symbol of ascension to womanhood. Hindu or Buddhist Newari? Newari religion is exceptionally diversified and complex: individual Newars may identify themselves as either Hindu or Buddhist, depending on their historical origin. This fact will only make little difference in their fundamental doctrines or practices. Beyond religion, kinship roles are significant to Newars and reinforced by elaborate life-cycle rituals and annual feasts and festivals. The importance of 77, 1000 months, 88, 99 and 110 years Jankhu is a traditional ritual done when a person reaches the age of 77, 1000 months, 88, 99 and 110 years to celebrate her or his survival. The real reason why these specific years must be asked directly to them. After death, a ritual called Shraddha is done. During this ritual death is mourned by the dead person's relatives for 13 days by wearing white clothes: this will help him to remain pure. In the Upper Mustang and Dolpo, sky burial is carried out and the body left to be eaten by vultures and crows. Newari cultural heritage: stone sculptures, temples, pagoda-style roof and UNESCO World Heritage Sites Buddhist stupas (shrines) dating to the 3rd century bc are all that is left of the early cultures of the Kathmandu Valley. However, numerous magnificent stone sculptures survive from the subsequent Licchavi period, and you will see superb woodcarving, metalwork, and stone sculpture belonging to Mallas period in temples, palaces, and courtyards throughout the Kathmandu Valley. More: a Newari architect introduced in the late 13th century the valley's distinctive pagoda-style roof into Tibet: This kind of architecture was spread later to all the rest of East Asia. Also: in Kathmandu Valley, we can find seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 2,500 temples and shrines. These places deserve to be admired closely! Folk art crafts and hobbies Many of the traditional handicrafts of the Newar are based on religious objects and carved into stone and wood, such as statues of deities, prayer wheels, thankas (painted scrolls), Nepālī khukhrīs (curved knives), and paper maché dance masks. More utilitarian crafts include weaving, pottery, and basketry. Rice, meat and liquor to celebrate festivals Inter-caste celebrations are the main festivals of the Kathmandu Valley. These include many Jatras, when images of the deities are carried through the streets in procession, while rituals often include the sacrifice of buffalo or goats. All the Newari festivals used to be accompanied by a significant consumption of rice, meat, liquor, and home-made beer. Newari love indoor sports and board games The majority of Newari sports and games tend to be indoor, and many include gambling. One example: Kupi, which involves betting on a coin tossed in a scoop. Cards appeal to both adults and young people, while upper classes love chess and other board games. Outdoor sports such as soccer are practised in Kathmandu and other big cities. Current and past entertainment and recreation Newars have access to the modern amenities offered by the city of Kathmandu and other neighbouring cities, such as theatres that mostly show Indian films. At the same time, government-controlled radio and television programs are only available to those who can afford the receivers. It has to be said that many Newars still devote themselves to religious festivals and rich folk traditions including song, music and dance. NOMADIC TRIBE TEAM Read more about Newar tribe in our tribes section. Cover photo Newar couple iStock.com/Zzvet

Travel Tips

15 Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Tribes in Borneo

If you have thought about traveling to Borneo to meet the tribes that live there, you are lucky! because in Nomadic Tribe you will find different experiences to visit them in very different ways such as trekking, cycling, boat and others. Therefore, you will surely like to read some remarkable facts about the amazing cultures that inhabit this region before you travel. The greatest Asia’s rainforest is located in Borneo. Its landscape mixes with many other habitats such as mangroves, peat swamps, swampy forests, and large rivers, forming a unique ecosystem in the world and source of life for the tribes. Endangered animals such as orangutans, elephants and rhinos, among many other species, inhabit this environment. The cultural mosaic of indigenous tribes in Borneo is immense. They represent 11% of the population. Many of the tribes live in the forests, many others live in the coastal areas, and most are spiritually linked to the rainforest. The tribes preserve their traditions. Most of the indigenous people are adopting the customs of contemporary life, but it is gratifying to discover, when visiting the country, that they continue to preserve their traditions and lifestyle. Shake hands to greet. Keep in mind that shaking hands between men or women is a normal custom, but be careful! a man cannot shake a woman's hand or vice versa. Between different sexes, a slight bow of the head can be done while placing a hand on the heart. Consider possible vaccinations. Depending on your plans while visiting Malaysia, you should consider talking to your doctor about some possible vaccinations. In rural areas, Malaria, Rabies, Dengue and Yellow fever can be present, however, bigger cities tend to be safer. Protect yourself from mosquitoes. If you plan to go trekking and staying outdoors for long periods of time, we highly suggest you to reduce the risk of infection by protecting yourself from mosquito bites using repellents containing 30-50% DEET, usually harder to find in Malaysia and an easier find in the US, Europe and Australia. Lun Bawang tribe. Salt for the health. While visiting the Lun Bawang people you will travel to the Buduk Bui Salt Spring and you will discover the traditional salt extraction tradition of the area. The indigenous community believe that each salt hill has its own nutritious value and benefits. According to their experience, the iodine in the salt helps the knee joints, the skin and cure thyroid problems. Make sure to pack up the salt and bring plenty back home! Read more about Lun Bawang tribe in our tribes section. Kejaman tribe, Sibu Central Market. While visiting the Kejaman you will also visit the Sibu Central Market. Here you will see all kinds of produces and you will also be able to buy some of the most exotic fruits, freshly picked from the forest by native people! Make sure to take with you small change to avoid going around with too much money, unfortunately pickpocketing is common. Read more about Kejaman tribe in our tribes section. Tattooing in the Kayan, Lahanan and Sekapan tribes. The Kayan, Lahanan and Sekapan share some similar customs, but unfortunately they are slowly disappearing. One of these tradition is tattooing, which was a very important activity in the tribes’ social life. Tattooists used to be the women’s profession and it was hereditary in the female line. Both men and women used to have protective arm, hands and fingers tattoos. In the past, this practice would take an entire day and over at least three weeks for both hands to be properly tattooed. Tattooing would normally take place before puberty to enhance the beauty of the Sekapan, Lahanan and Kayan girls and also to prepare them for meeting their future husbands. Melanau tribe, language tips and socialization. While staying with the tribe you can try to break the ice with some Melanau language! Let’s start with some greetings; Good morning: Selamet suwap; Good afternoon: Selamet abei; Good night: Selamet malem; How are you? Inou dengah nou? Unfortunately, the language is slowly disappearing and some parents are not teaching it to their kids, so your effort will be highly appreciated! If you want to learn more terms and expressions visit this Melanau online dictionary. Read more about Melanau tribe in our tribes section. Be aware of monkeys in National Parks. While trekking in the Bako National Park and spotting the incredible wildlife you might feel like having a snack… Well, look around before opening your bag as monkeys are known to be very glutton and to steal food even from the hands of unaware hikers! Melanau manners and longhouse rules. Almost all the indigenous communities in the area have the traditional longhouses in their village. To follow the Melanau etiquette, usually the traveller seeking shelter needed to firstly present themselves to the headman, that would arrange the sleeping arrangement. This tradition is now lost, however it is considered rude to turn up at a longhouse unannounced, especially since it is usually the family house. Penan tribe, watch out for hidden signs. The Penan have developed an intricate communication code to leave small information in the forest for fellow tribe members wandering in nature. The codes are usually left for safety reasons indicating to the person possible obstacles or dangers ahead and conveying the message using sticks, leaves, and stones. Read more about Penan tribe in our tribes section. Penan art of sharing. The Penan don’t have any word to say “thank you”, however, Jian kenin is the closest translation and it literally means “feel good”. To the Penans the lack of sharing is a serious insult and violation, but moderation is also important and you will never find a member abusing people’s generosity. Dayak people, (ex) headhunters. The Dayak tribe were the original heirs to the Borneo land. Although they practiced agriculture, hunting and gathering, they were feared for their ferocious head-hunting practices, called Ngayau. The Dayak attributed supernatural powers to the heads of their enemies and used them in rituals to secure crops or bring good fortune to their homes. The members of the tribes acquired greater social rank with the greater number of heads collected. Don't worry, they no longer practice these rituals for many years! Read more about Dayak tribe in our tribes section. NOMADIC TRIBE TEAM

Happening Now

September 29 11:56 AM

The Nomadi

Madagascar is a real heaven for nature lovers keen to go trekking! One first example: the Lokobe nature reserve is a protected area that shows the remains of the rainforest that previously covered the whole Island. The volcanic lakes are the perfect habitat for crocodiles, and the hills and mountains are the incredible backdrops of this unique place. Read more:

https://www.nomadictribe.com/discover/items/46

September 21 2:49 PM

The Nomadi

New tribe...new culture, read more about the Newari of Nepal
https://www.nomadictribe.com/tribes/the-newar?view=list

September 21 11:52 AM

Hector Fenollosa

Check this out!

The Nomadi

Sep 17 at 3:43 AM

When we talk about health and medicine, we are often referring to a general, westernized concept of the term.But what does it mean for indigenous peoples? What is their approach to medicine and healthcare? Here, we look at some of their traditional knowledge and discover the range of long-established practices still being used across Africa, America, Canada and Australia.... read the full article https://www.nomadictribe.com/discover/items/25

The Kalash people followed a simple life, mostly dependent on agriculture and cattle rearing. Buckwheat and other crops were grown in the river valleys. Surrounding orchards provided fruits of various kinds. Milk from the cattle was used to make ghee, butter and cheese. Wine was made from grapes. Food was cooked over wood-fired ovens. They followed a nature-oriented faith, which later some researchers equated with animistic form of worship while others found similarities with ancient Hindu concepts.The Kalash follow various social customs and rituals. One of them that has been much discussed is the custom of sending menstruating as well as pregnant women to the ‘bashaleni’, a dorm-style building far from the main village. Modern interpreters of culture often refer to it as a form of oppression. But according to Kalash people, it is the women who handle the bulk of everyday work; the time out in the bashaleni is to give the women rest from the daily chores.

September 10 2:40 PM

The Nomadi

New Article: Madagascar, The Island of Friendly People https://www.nomadictribe.com/discover/items/46

September 10 1:02 PM

Hector Alegre

During my trip with Nomadic Tribe to live with the Nenets in Siberia I discovered that the clothes made by the tribe protected me more from the cold - around minus 30 degrees C - than the toughest adventure clothing I had brought from home. In the photo wearing the Malitsa, which is a Nenet coat made of around 4 reindeer skins -the fur being closest to the skin on the inside and the blue fabric on the outside-. @The Nenet #siberia #adventure

September 7 1:54 PM

The Nomadi

The Philippines consist of numerous upland and lowland indigenous ethnolinguistic groups living in the country, with Austronesian making up the overwhelming majority, while full or partial Australo-Melanesians scattered throughout the archipelago. The highland Austroneians and Australo-Melanesians have co-existed with their lowland Austronesian kin and neighbor groups for thousands of years in the Philippine archipelago. The primary difference is that they were not absorbed by centuries of Spanish and United States colonization of the Philippines, and in the process have retained their customs and traditions. Culturally-indigenous peoples of northern Philippine highlands can be grouped into the Igorot (comprising many different groups) and singular Bugkalot groups, while the non-Muslim culturally-indigenous groups of mainland Mindanao are collectively called Lumad. Australo-Melanesian groups throughout the archipelago are termed Aeta, Ita, Ati, Dumagat, among others. Numerous culturally-indigenous groups also live outside these two indigenous corridors.[1]There are 134 ethnic groups in the Philippines, the majority of which are indigenous, though much of the overall Philippine population is constituted by only 8-10 lowland ethnic groups.

August 31 1:10 PM

The Nomadi

Chin tribe is best known of the intricate ink details covering their entire face. This tradition started for generations ago when several tribes in the Chin province of Myanmar began to tattoo the face of each and every single young woman. The Chin parents, in an attempt to protect their daughters, started tattooing their young child’s face.

Over the years, what was originally intended to make the women undesirable began to have another opposite effect. The full facial tattoos became signs of beauty for every Chin women of the old generation. The tattooing became a thoroughgoing tradition, not only deeply entrenched in the local culture but also appeared to be something that most of Chin women are proud of and Each area of Chin state has a distinct tattoo pattern so it is usually possible to determine where a woman comes from by the look of the tattoo on her face. This kind of ancillary information makes my journey to Myanmar visiting the hill tribes become much more meaningful and well worthy than I have ever expected it to be. Nowadays, the practice of facial tattoo is no longer permitted by the Burmese authorities nor it is favored by the younger generation hence this part of the Chin culture, sadly, will soon be gone.

Photo by:Marco Vendittelli

Chin tribe is best known of the intricate ink details covering their entire face. This tradition started for generations ago when several tribes in the Chin province of Myanmar began to tattoo the face of each and every single young woman. The Chin parents, in an attempt to protect their daughters, started tattooing their young child’s face.

Over the years, what was originally intended to make the women undesirable began to have another opposite effect. The full facial tattoos became signs of beauty for every Chin women of the old generation. The tattooing became a thoroughgoing tradition, not only deeply entrenched in the local culture but also appeared to be something that most of Chin women are proud of and Each area of Chin state has a distinct tattoo pattern so it is usually possible to determine where a woman comes from by the look of the tattoo on her face. This kind of ancillary information makes my journey to Myanmar visiting the hill tribes become much more meaningful and well worthy than I have ever expected it to be. Nowadays, the practice of facial tattoo is no longer permitted by the Burmese authorities nor it is favored by the younger generation hence this part of the Chin culture, sadly, will soon be gone.

Photo by:Marco Vendittelli

August 29 7:27 PM

Jeremy Scott Foster

All the makings of delicious Moroccan sweet tea at a homestay in a Berber village 🍵

August 28 12:43 AM

The Nomadi

Sumazau dance of the Dusun people is the traditional dance of Kadazandusun. Usually, the sumazau dance is performed by a pair of men and women dancers wearing traditional costumes. Sumazau dance is usually accompanied by the beats and rhythms of seven to eight gongs.

The opening movement for sumazau dance is the parallel swing of the arms back and forth at the sides of the body, while the feet springs and move the body from left to right. Once the opening dance moves are integrated with the gong beats and rhythms, the male dancer will chant "heeeeee!" indicating that it is time to change the dance moves.

Upon hearing this chant, dancers will raise their hands to the sides of their body and in line with their chest, and move their wrists and arms up and down resembling the movement of a flying bird. There is plenty of choreography of sumazau dance, but the signature dance move of the sumazau will always be the flying bird arms movement, parallel arms swinging back and forth at the sides of the body, and the springing feet.

Sumazau dance of the Dusun people is the traditional dance of Kadazandusun. Usually, the sumazau dance is performed by a pair of men and women dancers wearing traditional costumes. Sumazau dance is usually accompanied by the beats and rhythms of seven to eight gongs.

The opening movement for sumazau dance is the parallel swing of the arms back and forth at the sides of the body, while the feet springs and move the body from left to right. Once the opening dance moves are integrated with the gong beats and rhythms, the male dancer will chant "heeeeee!" indicating that it is time to change the dance moves.

Upon hearing this chant, dancers will raise their hands to the sides of their body and in line with their chest, and move their wrists and arms up and down resembling the movement of a flying bird. There is plenty of choreography of sumazau dance, but the signature dance move of the sumazau will always be the flying bird arms movement, parallel arms swinging back and forth at the sides of the body, and the springing feet.

August 25 2:03 AM

The Nomadi

The Powwow, is a celebration of American Indian culture in which people from diverse indigenous nations gather for the purpose of dancing, singing, and honouring the traditions of their ancestors. The term powwow, which derives from a curing ritual, originated in one of the Algonquian nations of the Northeast Indians. It is a a dance of renewal for restoration of right relationships and healing of all creation

August 24 2:42 AM

The Nomadi

15 Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Tribes in Borneo
https://www.nomadictribe.com/discover/items/43

August 20 1:43 AM

The Nomadi

While the Huli tribe are fearsome warriors and hunters, women and men both have a soft spot for their hair as men wear floral arrangements and dye their beards, with blood-red paint and yellow faces to intimidate their enemies.
Men and women live and sleep in separate houses. Boys will usually stay with their mother until around 12 years of age, before joining the other men and sleeping in their houses. The women in the village are also responsible for making bags for other women in the village.

August 17 3:28 PM

The Nomadi

The Tujia people in China has a tradition that one month before the wedding ceremony, the bride must cry every one hour in every day. This is a sign of expressing joy and happiness about the upcoming event. One week later, mother of the bride will join her, then her grandmother and by noon of the wedding day, all the female relatives will end up sitting and crying together in different tones.

August 14 1:52 PM

The Nomadi

Crocodile scarification is an ancient initiation practised by the Chambri tribe of Papua New Guinea.Boys as young as 11 in a Papua New Guinean tribe risk their lives to take part in a generations old ritual that pays tribute to the crocodile which leaves them with scale-like skin similar to the water-lurking reptile.

August 14 3:18 AM

Jeremy Scott Foster

Stumbled upon this Berber family who were kind enough to let us take a photo! 🐑

August 14 3:16 AM

Jeremy Scott Foster

Incredible views of the High Atlas Mountains ⛰

August 14 3:15 AM

Jeremy Scott Foster

Walking thru rolling green fields in Morocco 🌱

August 12 3:25 AM

Jeremy Scott Foster

A quick stop to admire the view of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco 😍⛰

Travel Tips

11 Things to Know About Kyrgyz People Before Travelling to Kyrgyzstan

Tourism has only recently begun to be more established in Kyrgyzstan, a relatively unknown country that can offer a lot in terms of culture, landscapes and events. Let's find out some of the main attractions and curiosity about Kyrgyz people together! If you are a curious traveller who wants to get off the most touristic sites, we suggest you start looking at flights! Culture and Events Yurts Many Kyrgyz people live a semi-nomadic way of life; they live in small towns and villages during winter while they set up camp in the Jailoos (alpine meadows) in summer. Being hosted in families' Yurts -A traditional yurt or ger is a portable, round tent covered with skins or felt and used as a dwelling by several distinct nomadic groups- is a unique experience to learn from them and participate in their daily life. While Yurt exteriors are usually grey and monotone, the interiors are traditionally flush with colour and warmth. Shyrdaks, hand-stitched felt carpets, typically cover both floor and sidewalls of a yurt. They are used as decoration and insulation (provided by heavy wool). Their colours and designs are full of symbolism and meaning. World Nomad Games World Nomad Games are held in Cholpon Ata every two years and include 16 traditional games and sports. It's the Olympics games for Central Asian nomad culture. Central Asia is the birthplace of the ancient tradition of eagle hunting, and Kyrgyz are masters in this, having passed this tradition from generation to generation. Witnessing the World Nomad Games can reveal much of the Kyrgyz people tradition and culture. Mountain Music Policies of the Soviet state have contributed to the disappearance of many cultural nomad activities of Kyrgyz peoples', but it seems that during the last 20 years and after the independence of the country, traditional music and arts have been making a comeback. One example: the Switzerland-based Aga Khan Foundation supports 70 musicians across Kyrgyzstan who study traditional music with older masters. That style of music is strictly linked to the daily life tradition: the strings of qyl-qiyak, a violin-like instrument, are made from a horse’s tail. Kyrgyz used to ride horses everywhere as part of their nomad life. Kyrgyz Burana Tower Kyrgyzstan Burana Tower, dating to the 10th century, was a lookout for the city of Balasagyn, a big ancient medieval village. Fortunately, it was not destroyed at the arrival of Genghis Khan's Mongols, and it has been preserved to this day. One suggestion: climb the 25-meter-high tower through the interior staircase to finally see the panoramic view from the top. An experience not to be missed! Food and Drink If you like barbecued meats, noodles, flavour and spices, then Kyrgyzstan is the country for you! Tea drinking is a massive part of the culture and an occasion to share time with people too. There are often rituals on how the tea is served, who serve it, but often incomprehensible to outsiders so…follow the flow and enjoy the moment! Tips and Curiosity Forty: Kyrgyz’s Favourite Number “Kyrgyz” probably comes from the Turkic word “forty”, a reference to the 40 ancestral clans, and the country’s flag features a 40-ray sun too. So the number 40 has a special meaning for Kyrgyz people and is often seen as a kind of lucky charm. Land of Ladas Ladas are Russian-made cars that persist in Kyrgyzstan after the USSR disbanded. They are singular and cute, especially in electric yellow. More than this, they represent a part of the country's history. Easy Country to Visit Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for 45 countries for up to 60 days, making it the easiest of the Central Asian countries to visit as a tourist. What about Nature? Mountains and Lakes Mountains cover the country for more than 90% of the surface and peaks can touch even 7,000 meters. A perfect place for hikers, as hiring guides, porters and horses to head into the hills are very affordable. Mountain lakes are about 2000 in Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan's Issyk Kul Lake is the world’s second-largest lake in high-alpine environments. The surrounding of the lake is a UNESCO "biosphere reserve", and it ranges from desert to alpine tundra, and hosts endangered animals such as snow leopards and Ovis ammon polii (“Marco Polo sheep”). Walnut-Fruit Forest Kyrgyzstan has the world’s largest stands of walnut-fruit forests. You can find them in the western part of the country where it is possible to see walnuts growing alongside apples, pistachios and other crops suited to the dry climate. Thanks, to the Swiss government, attempted to help Kyrgyzstan in reforming its Soviet-designed forestry sector introducing walnut-fruit forests between 1995 to 2010. Three Unesco World Heritage sites The Tien-Shan mountain range, the network of routes that made up the historic Silk Road and the Sulayman Mountain on the outskirts of Osh are the three UNESCO sites of the country. UNESCO mentions it as "a complete example of a sacred mountain anywhere in Central Asia". See and believe! NOMADIC TRIBE TEAM Plan your trip checking out the Kyrgyz in our Tribes section. Cover photo Kyrgyz Hunter Eagle iStock.com/ugurhan

Travel Tips

17 Curious Facts You Should Know Before Visiting The Nenets

For many reasons, the Nenets are one of the most fascinating cultures in the world. Perhaps the most striking thing being their ability to adapt their lives to the most challenging climate in the Northern Hemisphere, and a mutual dependence between communities and their reindeer. Much has been written about them, but very few people have had the opportunity to visit, and having lived with one of the Nenet families during the winter period, the Nomadic Tribe team uncovered 17 curious facts that you won’t often find mentioned in books. Nenets live on the edge of the world. Nenets inhabit the northern part of the western Siberian plain. This includes the ‘Yamal’ peninsula, which is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean, and in Nenet language means "the edge of the world". Nenets have lived with reindeer for one thousand years. Evidence of indigenous peoples being dedicated to the reindeer economy in the Yamal Peninsula dates back a thousand years. Nenets were originally hunters, but for centuries specialized in the domestication of reindeer, which created a bond in which they were mutually dependent on each other for survival. Nenets can recognize an individual reindeer in a herd of thousands. For most people, all reindeer look practically the same, but the Nenets can recognize individual animals among dozens of different types and within herds of thousands. In the Nenet language there is a different word to identify each and every one of those thousands of reindeer. Every Nenet family has a sacred reindeer. The sacred reindeer of each family cannot pull a sled or be sacrificed under any circumstances (the exception to the latter being when old age means they are no longer able to walk). The animal is treated like a member of the family and lives — alongside other pets such as sheepdogs —around their home throughout its life. The Nenets' entire existence depends on reindeer. Reindeer provide everything the Nenets need to survive. Their skins serve to cover their homes — the ‘Chum’ — and protect them from the cold. The Nenets' coats, boots and blankets are made from their fur, with the seams constructed using the animal's nerves. Bones are used to make utensils and sled parts, and of course its meat, which can be eaten raw, boiled or frozen, is a primary component of their diet. Their blood is specifically valued as a rich source of vitamins, and is drunk immediately after slaughtering the reindeer. Nenets use carved mammoth ivory to create utensils. Mammoths were giant woolly elephants that lived during the Pleistocene — some hundreds of thousands of years ago — in Siberia. When the thaw occurs, the permafrost uncovers the bones of these animals, which the Nenets then find when they take the reindeer to graze and carve into utensils and decorative elements. Even when it’s minus 50 degrees Celsius outside, inside the Chum, the temperature is still like summer. Chums are the homes of the Nenets. They are built by erecting a skeleton of fir wood posts and covering it in reindeer skins: a construction which can be assembled and disassembled in less than two hours. While outside temperatures of minus 50 degrees Celsius can be reached in winter, inside the Chum the thermal insulation of the reindeer skin keeps the temperature warm and pleasant by retaining the heat produced by the chimneys. Snow is the Nenets’ primary source of water. The Nenet women go outside the Chum with a small sled and a shovel whenever they need water. They collect clean snow which, on their return, is thrown into a saucepan over the fire on their return until it melts and — once cools — can be used as drinking water. Nature is the Nenets’ toilet. The Chums have only one very small open space, therefore there is no room for a separate toilet. If they have to relieve themselves, they go outside and walk a long way (until they are sure that no one can see them from the camp) and do so in the snow. Men must walk to one side of the camp and women to the opposite. As reindeer are attracted by the smell of urine — even from long distances — this activity can prove quite the adventure! The Nenets have no weekend. Taking care of the reindeer and making sure they have the food they need is a job that needs attention seven days a week. Nenets only rest from work once a year: at a festive celebration where families within the community get together to compete in sled races and participate in traditional activities such as reindeer herding and other events from their culture. Nenets are affected by climate change. The Nenets’ environment is one of the most severely impacted by climate change, as in the Arctic, the permafrost thaws faster and faster in the spring, meaning that each year it takes longer to freeze again in the fall. For this reason, herders have to modify their migration routes in search of snow, which is where the reindeer find their main sources of food. Reindeers find their food under the snow. Reindeer mainly feed on lichens that grow under the thick layer of snow. Their acute sense of smell allows them to track their food, digging holes with their snouts until they find it. In Nenet language these little holes, or pits, are called "kiekerö" and when the reindeer migrate to another place of pasture, to see thousands of them left on the snow plains is quite a sight. The Nenets spend long periods in total darkness. "Kaamos" is the period of time from November to January where, in the northernmost areas, the sun does not rise at all, making it a difficult time for the survival of both people and animals. The snow layers are thicker, meaning it is harder for reindeer to forage for food, and although today the Nenets use flashlights, it’s not hard to imagine just how much of a challenge this has posed over the past centuries. The only way into a camp is by sled. Nenets migrate from time to time, an activity which can take anything from a few days to an entire month depending on the food sources available to the reindeer. As soon as the lichen runs out, they have to change their area and to do so they cross their camps. For this reason, Nenet settlements are usually located where access is practically impossible. With no roads and a landscape covered in snow, the sled is the only viable means of transport, and the journey in can take anything from a few hours to several days. The Nenets have a great sense of humor. Nenet people spend most of the year isolated from any other type of civilization, instead living in their small social nuclei. In these periods, many hours of the day are spent inside the Chum, talking and sharing stories while they warm up, eat, and rest from their exhausting daily work. It is wonderful to witness these intimate moments in which the Nenets play pranks on each other and laugh out loud about the unexpected and often peculiar adventures of the day. Nenets eat up to six times a day. Living in such extreme temperatures and doing such hard, physical work causes the body to burn more calories than under normal circumstances, meaning that the Nenets have to stop working with the reindeer multiple times during the day to return to the Chum and recharge their energy. Their diet ranges from frozen fish — eaten raw — to reindeer meat, which is either eaten raw or boiled with rice and other staples bought from nearby towns on rare occasions in which they enter civilization. When they stray so far from their settlements that it is impossible to return home to refuel, the Nenets sacrifice a reindeer and eat it raw in order to continue working. The Nenet language is in danger of disappearing. Today, Nenents are required by Russian law to go to school, where the curriculum is taught entirely in Russian and there are very few lessons on the history and culture of the Nenets. This means that in order to learn the Nenet language, the family is the only resource. This means that Nenet children get used to speaking Russian before their own dialect and only the older generations continue to use it daily. For this reason, although the language is still used, it’s not difficult to see how it’s gradually being lost and might eventually disappear forever. NOMADIC TRIBE TEAM Plan your trip checking out the Nenets in our Tribes section. Photo credits / Javier Salinas

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