“Horse taxis” are real. In remote villages, you ride to the next town when no car comes. More horses than cars. Transport, workmate, and national symbol—horses are everywhere. Hospitality is sacred. Tea, bread, open doors—no one leaves unfed.

It’s called kymyz: fizzy, tangy, and said to beat fatigue.

Kok-boru pits two horseback teams using a headless goat—tradition, strength, and a dash of madness.

Issyk-Kul sits high in the mountains yet rarely ices over.