Ethnic Day in Chimbay – An Introduction to the Culture of Karakalpakstan

Nukus – Chimbay – Ornek – Nukus

9:00 AM — Departure from Nukus to the Chimbay District. 10:00 AM — Arrival in Chimbay. Visit to the workshops of yurt makers. Guests will learn about the unique techniques of Karakalpak yurt making.

• The masters demonstrate how to handcraft the elements of the yurt: terme, uyқ, kerege shanarak.
• The designs and tools used have roots deep in history.

11:00 AM — Visit to the Chimbay Bazaar. One of the most colorful bazaars in Karakalpakstan:

• fresh fruits, vegetables and spices,
• traditional basma fabrics,
• Karakalpak handmade jewelry.

Guests can taste national dishes, fermented milk products, izhan, shelpeki, takana, kaun kak, ubi mayol (ghee) 11:30 AM – Excursion to the house-museum of the famous artist and sculptor Daribay Tadzhimuratov:

• his works are dedicated to the life of nomads, the steppe, and traditional female images;
• a unique collection of wood carvings and sculptures;
• Here you can see the artist's early sketches and awards

The artist's studio exudes a working atmosphere - the smell of wood and paint inspires tourists 12:30 PM — Departure for the village of Ornek. The route takes guests through the countryside, where they can experience the authentic village life of Karakalpakstan. 1:15 PM — Arrival in Ornek. Lunch at a local home. Guests will enjoy a homely atmosphere and traditional dishes:

• participation in the preparation of zhugar gurtyk or beshbarmak;
• acquaintance with the customs of hospitality; ;
• the opportunity to try fresh dairy products - sary may, katyk.

2:30 PM — Participation in the preparation of baursaks, bread, and zagara. Local women will demonstrate the rolling and frying techniques (of bread products) preserved in Karakalpak traditions. 3:30 PM — Donkey ride. A traditional, authentic element of rural life — a leisurely stroll through the streets of the village. 4:00 PM — Return to Nukus. 5:00 PM — Arrival at Bibisara Kunnazarova's workshop (yurt decoration and embroidery). This is one of the few centers where traditional Karakalpak embroidery is preserved.

• hand-made yurt elements (therme-bau, tumar, keste);
• natural materials and dyes are used;
• Guests can try making a small stitch (ilap keste).

5:45 PM – Visit to the home of kurpacha makers. Guests will give a master class:

• the process of cutting and quilting.
• traditional ornaments of Keste, Kurap

Small items such as pillows, rugs, and decorative elements can be purchased as souvenirs. 6:30 PM – Tour ends.