The Koumiss Farm

The koumiss farm is located in 8-10 km from the village Dzhazator on the alpine meadows of Yuzhno-Chuiskiy ridge. You can reach it going by car or riding a horse, which you may rent from the local residents. The road to the koumiss farm starts in the northeastern part of Dzhazator and at its beginning coincides with the road leading to the peak Iiktu through the valley of the river Tyun.

Koumiss is a traditional sour-milk drink made from mare’s milk which is very popular among the Kazakhs and other Turkic nations. Koumiss contains a little alcohol, however, even religious Muslims drink it. While making koumiss, people tether young foals to a long pole and then milk mares, coming to feed their offsprings. Then they add a little ferment (expired koumiss) and shake it up as many times as possible. In two days koumiss is ready. It is used not only as a delicious drink, but also as a cure for many diseases, including tuberculosis.