TRIP ESSENTIALS
Tour Type: auto/cultural
Total Duration: 7 days
Level of Difficulty: easy
Maximum Altitude on the Trip: 3 400 meters ASL
Start and End Point: Bishkek
Transport: jeep/minivan/minibus depending on the size of the group
OVERVIEW:
The World Nomad Games is an international cultural and sports event that celebrates the traditional games, sports, and cultures of nomadic peoples from around the globe, invented and organized by the Kyrgyz Republic.
The World Nomad Games are not just about competition; they celebrate and revive the spirit of traditional nomadic cultures in a global context.
The VI World Nomad Games will be held in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026.
Discover the heart of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic culture on this unforgettable journey combining the vibrant World Nomad Games, historic landmarks, and breathtaking alpine landscapes. Starting in Bishkek, this tour introduces you to the country’s capital with a guided city tour before heading toward the legendary Issyk-Kul Lake.
Travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul to Cholpon-Ata, visiting iconic sites such as the Burana Tower, a Silk Road monument dating back to the 10th century, and the spiritual Rukh Ordo Cultural Complex. Experience the excitement of the World Nomad Games, a major international festival celebrating traditional sports, including kok-boru, wrestling, eagle hunting, and ancient nomadic competitions. Visit the impressive Kyrchyn Ethno Nomad Village, where hundreds of yurts recreate the authentic atmosphere of nomadic life.
Continue your journey through the southern Issyk-Kul region, exploring the surreal rock formations of Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon, the striking Ak-Sai Canyons, and the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, famous for traditional Kyrgyz yurt making. Meet local families and gain insight into centuries-old craftsmanship and traditions.
The adventure culminates at Song-Kul Lake, a high-altitude alpine lake surrounded by vast pastures and mountain peaks. Enjoy free time to relax, explore the area, or take part in optional horseback riding along the lakeshore. The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Bishkek via the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, leaving you with lasting memories of Kyrgyzstan’s culture, festivals, and natural beauty.
TRIP ITINERARY
Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata – Nomad Games – Bokonbaevo – Song-Kol Lake – Bishkek
Day 1 / Aug 31
The Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan
World Nomad Games Opening

Day 2 / Sep 1
Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata
Breakfast. Transfer to Cholpon-Ata area, the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, where the World Nomad Games start. Visit Burana tower (ruins of old city Balasagyn on Great Silk Road 10 century AD). Lunch in the Kyrgyz family near Burana. Continue to Cholpon-Ata. Visit Rukh – Ordo complex. Arrival in your hotel, accommodation. Dinner can at hotel restaurant or local café.
Drive time: 5-6 hours

Day 3 / Sep 2
Cholpon-Ata: World Nomad Games
During these 2 days we will visit different The World Nomad Games which take place in different locations. We will visit events in some of locations. Events include the most popular among nomad people “Kok-Boru” game (headless goat polo) at Cholpon-Ata Hippodrome, Central Asian wrestling such as “Alysh” belt wrestling and “Kurash” at Sports Center of Cholpon-Ata.

Day 4 / Sep 3
Cholpon-Ata: World Nomad Games
After breakfast drive to Kyrchyn pasture 30 km far from Cholpon-Ata where more than 300 Yurts (Kyrgyz mobile house) will be settled down to create Ethno Nomad Village. In this place some of the Nomad Games will take place. Young men and women in traditional national costumes will meet guests at the beautiful gate of the ethno-village.
From the very first steps, the guests will feel the indescribable atmosphere of celebrities, they will see the primordial culture of nomads and get acquainted with the customs and traditions of the Kyrgyz people.
Here you can see the following games:
Drive time: 2-3 hours

Day 5 / Sep 4
Cholpon-Ata – Kyzyl-Tuu – Bokonbaev
After breakfast, drive to Kyzyl-Tuu village, known for its traditional yurt makers. On the way, make a stop at Skazka (FairyTale) canyon – famous for its surreal, vividly colored rock formations that look as if they belong to a fantasy world. Next, visit a local Kyrgyz family to learn how a Boz Ui (yurt) is made and see how a small group can assemble it in under 30 minutes. Enjoy lunch with the family. In the afternoon, visit the Ak-Sai Canyons, famous for their striking red rock formations and panoramic views over Issyk-Kul Lake. Continue to Bokonbaevo village and arrive at Bel-Tam Yurt Camp for overnight accommodation in yurts or an eco-house.
Drive time: 4 hours

Day 6 / Sep 5
Bokonbaevo – Song-Kol Lake
Late morning transfer to Song-Kol Lake with a stop for lunch at a local family home in Kochkor village. Continue the drive to Song-Kol Lake and arrive in the afternoon. Free time to relax and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional yurt. After dinner, enjoy a cozy evening by the fire under the star-filled sky.
Drive time: 4-5 hours
Optional experience: you can enjoy horseback riding along the shores of Song-Kul Lake or explore the area’s stunning panoramic viewpoints.

Day 7 / Sep 6
Song-Kol – Bishkek
After breakfast, transfer back to Bishkek. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. This marks the conclusion of the tour.
Drive time: 6-7 hours

| Dates 2026 | Price per person, USD, from 4 pax |
|---|---|
| Aug 31 – Sep 6 |
925
|
| Single supplement, USD (except yurts) |
120 |
Status: Group 1 Sold Out | Group 2 Enrolling
Looking for this trip? Private departures are available on your preferred dates. Inquire now to book your private tour at travel@visitkyrgyzstan.kg

