Nomad Games 2026

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.

• Dates: August 31 — September 6, 2026 (opening ceremony in Bishkek on August 31 in Bishkek Arena Stadium; main competitions and the closing ceremony on the shores of Lake Issyk‑Kul / Cholpon‑Ata).
• Format / venues: the Games will use two locations — the opening in Bishkek (Bishkek Arena) and competition sites around Issyk‑Kul (hippodrome, Rukh‑Ordo, Gazprom sports complex, Kyrchyn, etc.). Competitions are reported to begin on September 2 and run through September 6.
• Scale and background: organizers expect delegations from more than ~89 countries; Kyrgyzstan previously hosted the early editions (2014, 2016, 2018) and the Games returned to Central Asia after the 2022 edition in Turkiye and 2024 in Kazakhstan.
• What you’ll see: the program features traditional nomadic sports and cultural events — Kok Boary (goat/horse game), horseback wrestling, salburuun (hunting with birds and dogs), traditional archery (including horseback archery), horse races, traditional strength contests, and intellectual/board games (toguz korgool, mangala, oware), among others.

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

• Celebrate Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan with festivities in the city center, where you can enjoy parades, performances, and cultural displays.
• Take a walk around Bishkek to experience the vibrant celebrations and traditional activities.
• In the evening, attend the grand opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena, featuring spectacular performances and the official start of the games.

(Participation in the opening ceremony is subject to the event’s ticketing regulations. At present, the organizing committee has not finalized whether the ceremony will be open to the general public).

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:

• Eagle hunting (Burkut saluu)
• Falcon hunting (Dalba)
• Traditional archery
• Horse marathon
• Tayak tartysh (Mas wrestling)

Drive time: 2-3 hours

Day 5 / Sep 4

Cholpon-Ata – Kyzyl-Tuu – Bokonbaev village

After breakfast, drive to Kyzyl-Tuu village, known for its traditional yurt makers, 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. Before dinner time, visit the Skazka (Fairtale) Canyon, and after, drive towards the Yurt Camp for overnight accommodation in yurts or an eco-house with dinner.

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

Booking Update

• Status: Booked out

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