The ICH festivals in the Kyrgyz Republic are a great way to safeguard the cultural heritage. Kyrgyzstan has a rich ICH and embraces all ICH domains including the oral traditions andexpressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive event, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship. Festivals feature various ICH domains such as arts and crafts, cuisine, folklore, felt, hunting with birds, horse games, etc. For instance, the festivals Kyrgyz Shyrdagy and the Oimo International Festival are held with the aim of safeguarding and popularizing traditional knowledge and skills of handicrafts, for safeguarding and promoting traditional games, various birds of prey festivals are held, such as Salbuurun and Kok Boru. Moreover, festivals are dedicated to safeguarding oral traditions, such as Aitysh, the art of improvisation as well as many other festivals reflecting traditional cuisine, folklore, etc.

Since ancient times, Mongols have developed the complex knowledge of choosing the swiftest horses among the flock, coaching and training them to race for a month before the race. The food is reduced and raced at the shortest to longer distances day by day. The training goes on same way and continues until the race. The race horses are classified by 6 ages as ikh nas, soyolon, azarga, khyzaalan, shüdlen and daaga and race at different distances depending upon the age. The jockeys of swift horses in general are children between 6 and 13 years old, but mostly children between the ages of 6-8 ride the swift horses. The forelocks and tails of swift horses are bound with strips. The sweat-scraper and brush are patterned with symbolic designs of the horse’s prowess and promptness.

Deep in the remote taiga forests of northern Mongolia, the Tsaatan people—known as the reindeer herders—live a nomadic life deeply intertwined with nature and tradition. Residing in Tsagaan Nuur Sum of Khuvsgul Province, over 1,000 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar, the Tsaatans are among the last remaining communities in the world who herd and ride reindeer as part of their daily life.\n\nNumbering around 40 families and herding over 2,000 reindeer, the Tsaatans live in urts—portable teepees made for life on the move. Constantly in search of favorable weather and rich moss pastures for their reindeer, they migrate frequently, far more than other Mongolian herders. Their connection to the reindeer is both spiritual and practical: the animals are used for transport, milk, meat, and even as hunting companions.\n\nThis video explores the fascinating world of the Tsaatan people—their traditions, reindeer-herding practices, and harmonious relationship with the environment. From milking reindeer in the summer to celebrating milestones like the “1000” and “2000 Reindeer Festivals,” the Tsaatans continue to preserve their way of life while attracting visitors interested in their unique culture.\n\nWith reindeer numbers soon reaching 3,000, the Tsaatans plan to hold another major celebration, honoring their heritage and the growing recognition of their role in preserving one of Mongolia’s most remarkable nomadic traditions.