Explore Kyrgyzstan with Nomad Games Festival 2027

TRIP ESSENTIALS

Tour Type: auto/cultural

Total Duration: 6 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:

This Kyrgyzstan journey combines dramatic mountain scenery, rich cultural heritage, and authentic nomadic traditions, taking you from the historic town of Karakol to the high-altitude pastures of Song-Kul Lake before returning to Bishkek.

Begin in Karakol, where you will explore the town’s distinctive cultural landmarks, including the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque. Along the way, visit Kyrchyn Valley, known for its wide alpine meadows and mountain scenery. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Dungan dinner with a local family, discovering the flavors and culinary traditions of this community.

The following day, travel by a rugged Soviet-era UAZ vehicle to Altyn-Arashan, a remote mountain valley surrounded by dense forests and towering peaks. Known for its natural hot springs and spectacular alpine setting, Altyn-Arashan offers an opportunity to relax in thermal waters and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere. Spend the night in this secluded valley before continuing your journey.

Descend from the mountains and travel toward Bokonbaevo, stopping at Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its striking red sandstone cliffs known as the Seven Bulls, and Skazka Canyon, where wind and water have sculpted the rocks into unusual shapes resembling castles and mythical figures. The following day, experience the Salbuurun Festival, a celebration of Kyrgyz nomadic hunting traditions and equestrian culture. Watch skilled hunters demonstrate the ancient art of eagle hunting, see traditional archery, and observe taigan hunting dogs, a native Kyrgyz breed traditionally used for hunting. Depending on the festival program, you may also see demonstrations of horsemanship and other traditional skills that reflect the close relationship between Kyrgyz people, horses, and the natural environment.

After the festival, continue to Kochkor, a village known for its traditional felt-making and handicrafts. From there, travel into the mountains to Song-Kul Lake, a high-altitude alpine lake at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, settle into a traditional yurt camp, enjoy lunch, and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may explore the lakeshore, admire the vast mountain pastures, or choose an optional horseback ride to experience the landscape as local shepherds have done for generations.

Conclude the journey with a scenic drive back to Bishkek, crossing the beautiful mountain landscapes and enjoying the final views of Kyrgyzstan’s highlands. This itinerary offers a memorable combination of cultural encounters, traditional hospitality, mountain adventures, and the enduring nomadic heritage of the Kyrgyz people.

Salburuun Festival, August 7, 2027

At the festival, you will discover the rich cultural heritage and nomadic traditions of Kyrgyzstan through a lively program of demonstrations and performances. You will see majestic golden eagles and falcons, traditional Kyrgyz horse breeds, and local dog breeds such as Taigans and Alabais.

The festival will also showcase traditional music and culture, including performances of the epic Manas, music played on the komuz and traditional wind instruments, and Kyrgyz throat singing. You will have the opportunity to watch skilled eagle hunters and falconers demonstrate their ancient hunting techniques, as well as experience traditional archery performed by both horseback and foot archers.

Throughout the day, you will witness exciting national games and equestrian competitions, including Kyrgyz wrestling, horseback wrestling, and Tyiyn Enmei, a traditional game in which riders pick up a coin from the ground while galloping. Spectacular performances by stunt riders and the female equestrian group Janyl Myrza will add to the excitement.

You will also explore exhibitions of traditional bows, horse equipment, hunting trophies, and handmade crafts, while discovering local customs such as traditional healing and folk medicine. The festival offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the spirit of Kyrgyz nomadic culture and enjoy an unforgettable day immersed in the country’s living traditions.

TRIP ITINERARY

Bishkek – Karakol – Altyn-Arashan Gorge – Jeti-Oguz Gorge – Skazka (Fairtale Canyon) – Bokonbaev Village- Salburuun Festival –  Song-Kol Lake – Bishkek

Day 1 / Aug 4

Bishkek – Karakol

After breakfast, travel to Karakol along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, enjoying views of the lake and surrounding mountains along the way. Stop on northern lakeshore to visit Kyrchyn Valley, known for its open meadows and mountain scenery, and take a short walk to explore the area. Enjoy lunch at a local café before continuing to Karakol.

Upon arrival, visit the Dungan Mosque, built entirely of wood without the use of nails, and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, two of Karakol’s most distinctive cultural landmarks. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Dungan dinner with a local family and learn more about their cuisine and hospitality. After dinner, check in to your guesthouse for the night.

Transfer time: 6-7 hoursKyrchyn visit: 2 hours

Day 2 / Aug 5

Karakol – Ak-Suu Village – Altyn-Arashan Gorge 

Morning after breakfast transfer from Karakol town to Ak-Suu. Transfer further by the UAZ Soviet car. At the Altyn-Arashan resort is possible to take a thermal water bath. You will never be able to forget the sight of the snow on Peak Palatka (Tent) 5260 m or “Swallow’s Nest Pool”, nestling beneath the open sky. Spend day enjoying the gorge. Dinner and accommodation at yurt camp.

Transfer time: 3 hours

Day 3 / Aug 6

Karakol – Bokonbaevo

In the morning, drive back to the starting point, where your driver will be waiting. Change from the UAZ vehicle to your regular tour transport, have a lunch in Karakol (extra) and continue toward Bokonbaevo village. Along the way, stop at Jety-Oguz Gorge, famous for its striking red rock formations known as the Seven Bulls, and explore the Skazka Canyons, or Fairy Tale Canyons, where wind and water have shaped the rocks into unusual forms. Enjoy lunch at a local café along the way, with additional stops to take photos and admire the scenery.

Upon arrival in Bokonbaevo, check in to a yurt camp, where dinner and an overnight stay await you.

Transfer time: 3 hours

Visit Jeti-Oguz: 2,5 hours

Visit to Skazka Canyon: 1 hour

Day 4 / Aug 7

Salbuurun (Nomad Games) Festival in Bokonbaevo 

After late breakfast, head to the Salbuurun Festival, a celebration of Kyrgyz nomadic traditions and ancient hunting skills. Throughout the day, discover the world of berkutchi (eagle hunters), watch demonstrations with golden eagles and falcons, and see the agility of the famous Kyrgyz Taigan hunting dogs.

Enjoy traditional horseback games, archery demonstrations, and displays of hunting equipment and local craftsmanship. You can also explore craft stalls, watch folk music and dance performances, and learn more about the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Enjoy lunch during the festival and take time to meet local people, take photos, and experience the lively atmosphere of this unique cultural event.

In the afternoon, after enjoying the Salbuurun Festival, drive to Kochkor, stopping at the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir to admire its beautiful scenery and take photos. Upon arrival in Kochkor, check in to your guesthouse, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.

Day 5 / Aug 8

Kochkor – Song-Kul Lake

After breakfast, drive to Song-Kul Lake through the mountains via Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,444 m), with scenic stops along the way to admire the sweeping mountain views and take photos before reaching the lake. Upon arrival at Song-Kul Lake, check in to a traditional yurt camp and enjoy some free time to explore the lakeshore or relax in the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, have dinner at the camp and spend the night in a traditional yurt beneath the mountain sky.

Transfer time: 3 hours

Optional activity: horseback riding

Day 6 / Aug 9

Song-Kul Lake – Kalmak-Ashuu pass – Bishkek

After breakfast, drive back to Bishkek, with a stop for lunch at a local café along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time.

This marks the end of your journey through Kyrgyzstan. Thank you for traveling with us!

Transfer time: 5-6 hours

If 2 pax – 1 375 USD per person

If 3 pax – 1 075 USD per person

Booking Update

• Status: started enrolling

Looking for this trip? Private departures are available on your preferred dates. Inquire now to book your private tour at travel@visitkyrgyzstan.kg