Kyrgyz honey tasting

The tasting session takes place in an ethnographic store that resembles a museum, showcasing traditional Kyrgyz craftsmanship. Here, you’ll find felt clothing and ceramics, but the real standout is the collection of woolen shawls known as baktuses. These shawls feature vibrant, original patterns and intricate ornaments, all entirely handcrafted. Each piece takes around two to three weeks to complete.

The highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the honey tasting, which lasts just over an hour and allows visitors to sample ten different varieties of honey. The mountain honey stands out as the most delightful.

“This mountain honey is highly valued because it contains mint, oregano, mountain thyme, and sage—essentially, everything that grows in our mountains. You will undoubtedly recognize this aroma,” explains Albina Alimova, the shop owner.

To enhance the flavors, guests are served mountain herb tea during the tasting. Alongside the honey, traditional Kyrgyz boorsok, berries, and fruits are also laid out on the table.

At the end of the tasting, each participant receives a small packet of tea as a gift. This gesture ensures that once they return home, tourists can enjoy a cup of fragrant herbal tea and fondly reminisce about the wonderful days spent in the beautiful town of Karakol.