World Nomad Games 2026 – Kyrgyzstan

Sunday 30th August – Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

• Arrive at your convenience in Bishkek – the charming and vibrant capital of Kyrgyzstan, beautifully set against the backdrop of the Tien Shan mountains. Bishkek is well connected to many countries within the Stans, Asia, Middle East and Eastern Europe.
• Transfer from the airport to your hotel (check in available from 14:00) in Bishkek.
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 6:00pm to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• Head out for dinner for your first taste of the local cuisine and enjoy some Georgian wine.
• Overnight in Bishkek

Monday 31st August – Bishkek: Opening Ceremony of the World Nomad Games

Morning

• After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Ala Archa National Park, located 40 km south of Bishkek in the majestic Tian Shan Mountains.
• Enjoy a scenic hike through pine forests, alpine meadows, and glacier-fed streams — a refreshing introduction to Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Afternoon

• Return to Bishkek for a city tour, exploring key landmarks such as Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, the Gallery of Artists, Old Square, and the White House.
• Today is Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day, and we will experience the city bursting with color and celebration, rubbing shoulders with Nomad Games delegates amid lively performances and festive street scenes.
• In the evening, we will attend the World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony — a spectacular celebration of nomadic culture featuring traditional music, dance, dazzling light displays, and thrilling horseback performances. Thousands of spectators, athletes, and artists gather to honor the nation’s proud heritage, showcasing the enduring spirit of Central Asia.
• Watch as delegations from over 80 countries parade proudly, representing both ancient traditions and modern unity.
• End the day immersed in Bishkek’s vibrant energy, with concerts, street festivities, and open-air celebrations lighting up the night sky.
• Dinner and overnight in Bishkek.

Tuesday 1st September – Bishkek – Cholpon Ata 

Morning

• After breakfast, we will depart Bishkek and drive east along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.  We will pass mountain valleys, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, catching glimpses of nomadic herders and their livestock.

Afternoon

• Upon arrival in Cholpon-Ata, the host city of the World Nomad Games, we will immerse ourselves in the nomadic world. Stroll through the high-altitude arenas to watch horseback games and listen to musicians playing ancient instruments.
• We will have the opportunity to experience more than 30 traditional sports disciplines, many dating back thousands of years:
• Kok-Boru (Buzkashi) – the legendary “goat polo” game, where horseback riders battle to score with a goat carcass, showcasing strength, speed, and strategy. The most thrilling event of the Games. 
• Er Enish – horseback wrestling testing balance, strength, and skill.
• Eagle hunting – Witness majestic golden eagles soar through the sky and return to their masters, a centuries-old Kyrgyz tradition symbolizing harmony between human and nature.
• Archery and Horse Racing– demonstrating the deep bond between nomads and their animals.
• Traditional wrestling, orienteering, bone games, and other ancient sports.
• Tonight we will dine out after another long exciting day of witnessing unique nomadic sports and enjoy some drinks before returning to the hotel. 
• Overnight in Cholpon-Ata.

Wednesday 2nd September – Cholpon Ata – Karakol

Morning

• After breakfast, we will spend the morning at the World Nomad Games, exploring more traditional sports such as:
• Alysh (Belt Wrestling) – a traditional wrestling discipline in which competitors grip each other’s belts and use technique, leverage, and strength to throw their opponent to the ground.
• Tug of War: A classic team competition where two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, aiming to drag the other team across a central line.
• We will also have the chance to discover traditional crafts, folk performances, and local cuisine.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon, we will head to Karakol, a picturesque town at the eastern edge of Issyk-Kul Lake, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Terskey Alatau Mountains. Karakol is known for its unique blend of Kyrgyz, Russian, and Dungan cultures, reflected in its architecture and cuisine.
• Dinner and overnight in Karakol.

Thursday 3rd September – Karakol – Bokonbaevo Village

Morning

• After breakfast, we will take a city tour of Karakol, exploring the Dungan Mosque, and a Cathedral Church dating to pre-Islamic times with Buddhist elements.
• Continue onwards to Jety Ogyz Gorge, which is also known as the gorge of “Seven Red Bulls” and “Broken Heart”. This enormous and stunning gorge will leave you mesmerised.

Afternoon

• Next, travel to southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake to visit Skazka Canyon, a “Fairy Tale” landscape of vivid red, yellow, and orange sandstone formations. The canyon’s whimsical ridges and natural sculptures — resembling castles, animals, and ancient cities — contrast beautifully with the calm blue lake beyond.
• We head to Bokonbaevo village, where we’ll stay in a traditional yurt camp. The round felt tents are simple but super cozy, set against a backdrop of mountains and open steppe. As the sun goes down, we’ll sit down to dinner by the fire and enjoy real nomadic hospitality — good food, friendly smiles, and maybe a few local stories or songs to end the day.
• Overnight in Yurt Camp.

Friday 4th September – Bokonbaevo Village – Son Kul

Morning

• After breakfast, we will start the day with a hike in Ak Sai Canyon, known for its vivid layers of red and orange rock and panoramic lake views.
• Ak Sai Canyon is a rugged gorge with steep, jagged cliffs and striking red and ochre rocks. The barren slopes and dramatic formations give parts of the canyon a Mars-like appearance, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding steppe.

Afternoon

• We will then drive through high mountain passes and vast nomadic pastures to reach Son Kul, a pristine alpine lake  (3,016 m) encircled by rolling meadows and dramatic peaks. This remote summer pasture is home to Kyrgyz herders and their flocks, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional nomadic life amid stunning natural beauty.
• Here, you will have the opportunity to join optional activities such as horseback riding across the steppe or watching a yurt-setting show (additional costs apply).
• Overnight in a yurt camp.

Saturday 5th September – Son Kul – Bishkek

Morning

• Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and morning by Son Kul Lake, taking in the serene alpine scenery and crisp mountain air.
• We will then say goodbye to Son-Kul Lake and begin the scenic drive back to Bishkek, passing through picturesque valleys, nomadic pastures, and rural villages.

Afternoon

• For any sites missed in Bishkek at the start of the tour, we may arrange visits today depending on availability.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner and drinks in Bishkek, celebrating the end of your Kyrgyz adventure before returning to the hotel.
• Overnight in Bishkek.

 Saturday 6th September – Bishkek

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• The tour concludes with airport transfers arranged for your onward journey.