Ethno-Center “Nomad”

Ethno-Center "Nomad"

Have you ever wanted to personally prepare dishes from Kazakh national cuisine, or witness firsthand the transformation of felt into intricate masterpieces of weaving? Perhaps you’ve dreamed of stepping into a traditional yurt or donning the armor of an ancient warrior? If so, the “Nomad” Ethno-Center is your perfect destination. Located in the Almaty region on the expansive Ushkonyr Plateau, nestled at the foot of the Ushkonyr Mountains between the villages of Zhandosovo and B. Ashkeyev, this is where your adventure begins.

The open-air complex of “Nomad” offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant culture of the ancient nomadic peoples who once roamed Kazakhstan, including the Saka, Usun, Turks, Kazakhs, Kangyui, and more. Their extraordinary way of life, customs, and traditions are astounding in both their diversity and uniqueness. Stepping into this world is like embarking on an unforgettable journey back in time by several centuries.

Cooking the Famous Beshbarmak or Weaving a Carpet? Absolutely!

What can the ethno-center offer its guests? First and foremost, you’ll be introduced to the yurt—a traditional dwelling of many nomadic peoples. More than just a home, the yurt represents an entire philosophy. In many Turkic languages, the word “yurt” means homeland, nation, or people. For nomads, the yurt was like a portable homeland, easily transported due to its mobility. The “Nomad” complex is home to several yurts, where guests are warmly welcomed and treated to a dastarkhan (a feast table).

Masterclasses led by experienced chefs will guide you through the preparation of iconic national dishes like beshbarmak, kuyrdak, baursaks, kurt, and more. In addition to the main courses, you’ll learn the art of preparing various traditional drinks, as well as how to properly process, preserve, and store meat, just as our ancestors did.

After the cooking and tasting, it’s time to dive into the crafts. Handicrafts have always been a measure of a people’s civilization and education. Here, you’ll not only learn about the esteemed arts of the nomads but also explore their characteristics and evolution. The nomads of Kazakhstan created both pile and flatweave carpets, which were used to insulate their homes (and sometimes even served as door covers). They worked with leather, hides, and wool, crafting textiles and other essential items. Additionally, they created wooden and bone products and developed pottery, jewelry-making, and blacksmithing (skills essential for frequent warfare). You’ll even have the chance to try your hand at weaving a carpet adorned with traditional designs!

Saddle Up

Martial arts were a central part of nomadic life, as defending their lands from enemies was a frequent necessity. From a young age, children were trained in horsemanship, and you too can learn to ride confidently at “Nomad.” If you’d prefer to observe rather than participate, you can enjoy watching spectacular horseback battles and learn about the crucial role these majestic animals played in the lives of ancient peoples, military tactics, and much more.

As you’ve likely gathered, the main mission of the “Nomad” Ethno-Center is to introduce visitors to the authentic traditions, customs, and everyday life of the ancient nomadic peoples who once inhabited (and in the case of the Kazakhs, still inhabit) the vast lands of Kazakhstan. The numerous, thoughtfully designed masterclasses make this cultural immersion both engaging and enlightening.

How to Get There:

The ethno-center is located on the Ushkonyr Plateau (by the way, you can also purchase a tour to this beautiful location and even experience paragliding!). From Almaty, take Saina Street to Raimbek Avenue, then head onto the Tashkent Highway (A-2). Turn left toward the village of Shamalgan (Ushkonyr). Drive along the main street of the village—Zhibek Zholy. Before reaching the Children and Youth Sports School, turn left. Continue until you reach Alzhan Street, turn right, and follow the road straight for approximately 3.3 kilometers until you arrive at the ethno-center.

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact Information: +7 775 727 25 89

Ethnic Centers

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