The World Nomad Games tour 2026

Description
Itinerary
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Booking

Description

Period: 31 August – 5th September 2026

Individuals dates available on request

Group size: 2-12 persons

The World Nomad Games are a unique event that showcases not only traditional sports but also the rich cultural life of Kyrgyzstan. A nomadic camp of 150 yurts in Kyrchyn Jailoo will present authentic elements of the nomad lifestyle.

Started in 2014 and held every two years on the shores of Issyk-Kul in Cholpon-Ata, the Games were created to promote nomadic culture and traditions. After being hosted in Turkey in 2022 and Kazakhstan in 2024, the 6th World Nomad Games return to Kyrgyzstan in September 2025 as one of the world’s most popular nomadic festivals.

This exclusive tour offers a deep dive into Central Asian nomadic culture and a chance to experience the World Nomad Games 2026. You will visit highlights such as Son-Kul Lake, where you can ride horses and feel like a real nomad, and explore the southern shore of Issyk-Kul after the festival. It promises unforgettable nomadic adventures found nowhere else.

Not included

International air flight
Airport transfer in Bishkek: 30 USD per person one way
Early check-in on day 1
Alcohol beverage in restaurants
Kyrgyz visa
Personal expenses etc.

Included

Transportation: Comfortable 18-seat Sprinter minibus
Accommodation: 6 nights in twin/double rooms
Guide Services: English-speaking guide with all salary, meals, and accommodation included
Meals: Half-board as indicated in the program
Activities: Excursions and entrance fees as per itinerary
Event Access: Tickets to the World Nomad Games
Water Supply: 1.5 liters of bottled water per person per day
Gifts: Memorable local souvenirs
Taxes: All local taxes included

City / Place	Nights	Hotel / Guest House
Bishkek	1	Garden Hotel 3* / Discovery Hotel 3*
Cholpon-Ata, North Issyk-Kul Lake	2	Hotel 3*
Kyrchyn Pasture	1	Yurt Inn in Ethno Village / Home Stay
Ton, South Issyk-Kul Lake	1	Family Guest House / Yurt Inn
Bishkek	1	Garden Hotel 3* / Discovery Hotel 3*

Please Note:

Early Check-In: If you wish to check in earlier on the first day, an additional fee equal to the cost of one night’s stay will apply; standard check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in a yurt camp on a shared basis with same-sex participants, 6 people per yurt.
Clothing: Warm clothing is strongly recommended, especially for mountain areas.
Booking & Group Size: The number of spots is limited, so early booking is advised; the maximum group size is 12 participants.
Important Notice: Due to high demand and possible overbooking during the World Nomad Games, accommodation may be changed to a similar hotel or guesthouse.
Trip Extension: Trip extensions are available upon request on an individual basis.

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Airport – Bishkek

Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the hotel, and time to rest.

10:00 AM – Bishkek City Tour:
Explore the Central Square, the Presidential House, the White Central Mosque, Oak Park with sculptures of famous Kyrgyz figures, the open-air eastern markets, the Concert Hall & Ballet, the Old Square, and the National Philharmonic.

VI World Nomad Games – Opening Ceremony in Bishkek
In the afternoon, prepare to attend the spectacular opening ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games at the Bishkek Arena.

Accommodation: 3★ Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 2

Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul Lake

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we depart from Bishkek towards Cholpon-Ata, located on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, the main host region of the 6th World Nomad Games 2026.

Please note that the official opening and competitions of the World Nomad Games will begin on September 2. Today’s program is dedicated to cultural exploration and scenic travel.

Along the way, we will visit the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret and historical landmark of the Silk Road era. Continuing the journey, we will explore the dramatic landscapes of Kok-Moynok Canyon, known for its red rock formations and panoramic views.

Upon arrival in Cholpon-Ata, we will visit the Open-Air Museum of Petroglyphs, featuring ancient stone carvings that reflect the early nomadic civilizations of Central Asia.

In the evening, check-in at the hotel and enjoy free time by Issyk-Kul Lake, preparing for the upcoming festival days.

Accommodation: 3* hotel in Cholpon-Ata or guest house
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included

Day 3

Cholpon-Ata: World Nomad Games

Over these two days, you will explore various events of the World Nomad Games held across multiple venues. We will visit all main locations, where you can experience competitions such as alysh (belt wrestling), eagle hunting, bone throwing, and the legendary kok-boru (headless goat polo), one of the most beloved sports among nomadic peoples.

Accommodation: 3★ Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Kyrchyn Pasture: World Nomad Games

After breakfast, drive to Kyrchyn Pasture, located 30 km from Cholpon-Ata, where more than 300 yurts will be set up to create a vibrant Ethno-Nomad Village. Several World Nomad Games events will take place here. Young men and women in traditional attire will welcome guests at the beautifully decorated entrance of the village.

From the first moments, visitors will feel the unique festive atmosphere, experience the ancient culture of the nomads, and learn about the customs and traditions of the Kyrgyz people. The opening of the Nomad Village will be followed by a grand folk festival.

Accommodation: Home Stay / Yurt Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Cholpon-Ata → Karakol → Jety Oguz Gorge → Ton, South Issyk-Kul Lake

After breakfast, drive to Jety Oguz Gorge (300 km, 4–5 hrs) with a stop in Karakol. Here you will visit the Przhevalsky Museum, the Dungan Mosque (built in 1910), and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (19th century). Continue to the famous red rock formations of Jety Oguz, known as the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart.

On the way, visit Fairy Tale Canyon for a 1–1.5 hour hike. The canyon features striking stone and clay formations in multiple colors, creating a truly unique landscape.

By evening, arrive in Ton on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Dinner and overnight at a guest house.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Bokonbaeva → Ak-Say Canyon → Bishkek

After breakfast, visit Ak-Say Canyon, where you can hike to a beautiful panoramic viewpoint and enjoy swimming in the lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lakeshore in Ak-Say Canyon.

Afterwards, transfer to Bishkek (280 km, ~4 hrs) via the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and the Orto-Tokoi Reservoir. Upon arrival in Bishkek, check in to the hotel and rest. Free time at your leisure.