We visited Manai and his family as we were passing, with no phone network or mobile phone transmitters for probably a thousand miles, one just drops in.

The whole family were busy in the task of slaughtering some of their flock for winter food supplies. Although this task was not one they could leave off, just because guests had arrived, their hospitality was immediate and welcoming.

Manai, gathered up his main eagle and gave us a flying demonstration, she was very well mannered and keen to go hunting as were we, but the daily chores came first and we were soon ushered into his home for a meal.

Fried fresh sheep's livers and gherkins with new home made baked bread was washed down with buckets of Kazakh milk tea.