How a childhood with a shepherd father and a pandemic project led me to the trails of Shepherd's House.
My name is Narspek, I am 53, and I was born in the village of Akhya in the Naryn region. Before the pandemic, we wanted to start an ecotourism project, but because of the pandemic, we couldn’t work things out. But that became an opportunity for me to work with a field researcher, where I was setting up cameras—installing camera traps in the mountains for snow leopards.
Because of this, I know a lot of amazing and beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan. This became the reason why I started working as a guide: to share this beauty and the customs of Kyrgyz culture with others.
In our Kyrgyz culture, the customs are very deep, and everything has its own meaning, starting from the kamcha (horse whip) to the yurts. This is what I love about Kyrgyz culture.
Narspek.
Shepherd’s House Guide
Another reason for working as a guide was that in my childhood I grew up in the mountains. My father was a shepherd, and I often helped him, which is why I really like nature. The mountains have always been my home.
Now, working with Shepherd's House, I can combine all of this. When we walk the trails together, I am happy to show you the hidden spots I found while looking for snow leopards, and share the deep traditions that I learned from my family. I want every guest to see and feel the true nature of Kyrgyzstan.