ANIMAL MAGNETISM - Kyrgyzstan's Rural Animal Markets, Karakol and Kochkor

.....previously, an overall picture of our two weeks in Karakol on the eastern side of Issyk Kol.....

One of the unique sights of travelling in rural Kyrgyzstan is the animal markets. Many small towns host these weekly gatherings where people come from far and wide to trade cattle, sheep, and horses mainly, with a side show of various chickens, ducks and geese. We were lucky enough to visit two of the biggest ones- Karakol and Kochkor. Richard, particularly, loved these events, and woke extremely early to arrive to observe the goings on, take pictures in the morning light, view the wheeling and dealing......and of course to partake in a few day break vodkas. We thought the events deserved a little post of their own.

Karakol's animal market is very well known, and traders come from far and wide to buy and sell livestock. The atmosphere is exciting and hectic, and the sights and smells are a unique experience. 

Although Kochkor's animal market was later in the day to get going, and a somewhat smaller affair than Karakol, it developed into a fascinating place to watch the inspections, negotiations and transactions of the animals. 

.....next, we travel to some new and remote destinations in rural Kyrgyzstan......