An Idea that set me on a journey

Most of my ideas come from beekeepers – they know the land where their honey is born. To discover the finest honeys, I travel extensively: visiting beekeepers worldwide, attending fairs and exhibitions. The very first and most important step is always the same – to taste their honey. A few years ago, a Kazakh beekeeper gave me an extraordinarily aromatic honey. He told me about the vast, untouched highlands of Central Asia, where some of the world’s most unique honeys are made. From that moment, I knew my destination.

At the end of 2021, I bought my ticket and set out in January. The journey, via Istanbul, took about eight hours, with a four to five-hour time difference. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by the local beekeepers’ association, who provided information and contacts. Following their advice, I met with beekeepers across the country. In Bishkek, I rented a car and, with a translator, spent a week exploring landscapes promising for beekeeping. I tasted countless honeys, always choosing the best ones as a guide for where to continue.

The site where we eventually set up camp lay about a full day’s drive from the capital. Hidden among mountains rising three to four thousand metres high, the area was difficult to reach due to snow and rugged roads. We drove as high as the powerful vehicle could climb, along narrow mountain paths barely wide enough for turning – tracks mostly used by shepherds. Finally, at an altitude of around 2000 metres, I found the breathtaking spot that became the home of our future beekeeping camp.