Karakun Family Visit: Horses, Cows, and Sheep Are on Vacation—And I Want to Stay Too

My first visit to the Karakun Grassland felt like stepping into a living, breathing painting. The vibrant green pastures, the undulating contours of distant mountains, and the pristine blue sky created a scene of pure serenity. But my trip here had a special purpose—visiting a Kazakh family. The hospitable family welcomed us into their yurt and immediately treated us to a lively performance of traditional songs and dances. The upbeat rhythms and natural flow of their singing and dancing were incredibly infectious, radiating a genuine joy that had me clapping along and laughing out loud. Next, they served homemade yogurt curds, a local specialty with a firm texture and a unique salty-sour flavor. I also got to try my hand at a special activity—milking a cow! At first, I was nervous, but with the patient guidance of the Kazakh uncle, I managed to successfully milk the cow, which gave me an immense sense of accomplishment. Later, I rode a horse and took a leisurely tour around the grassland. The gentle breeze and the endless expanse of green were dotted with herds of cows and sheep, grazing or basking in the sun. At one point, I couldn’t help but think: these animals seem to live better lives than us, enjoying a perpetual vacation. This grassland visit was filled with unique tastes, sounds, and experiences, but what lingered most was the simple, carefree, and unhurried feeling that stayed with me long after I left.