World Nomad Games Tour 2026
About this tour
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Stay in traditional yurt by Issyk-Kul
• Authentic yurt show in Kyzyl-Tuu (UNESCO Intengible Cultural Heritage Village)
• Fairy Tale Canyon & Jeti-Oguz Gorge
• Karakol cultural tour
• World Nomad Games experience
INCLUDED
• All transportation
• Accommodation (yurt camp & guesthouses)
• Professional guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as per program
• Nomad Games tickets
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan
Distance: 269 km | Driving time: approximately 6–6.5 hours Overnight: Traditional yurt camp in Bokonbaev Your journey begins in Bishkek as we leave the capital behind and travel toward the spectacular southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, one of Central Asia's most famous mountain lakes. Our main cultural stop is Kyzyl-Tuu, a village renowned for its centuries-old tradition of yurt making. Here, you will enjoy lunch and an authentic yurt demonstration, discovering how these traditional nomadic homes are constructed and why the yurt has such an important place in Kyrgyz culture. You will have the opportunity to see traditional craftsmanship up close, learn about the different elements of a yurt and understand how nomadic families historically lived, travelled and gathered inside these remarkable portable homes. After the cultural experience, we continue along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul toward Bokonbaev. In the evening, settle into your traditional yurt camp and enjoy the atmosphere of the Kyrgyz countryside under the open sky. Today's highlights: Scenic drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Visit to Kyzyl-Tuu Traditional yurt demonstration Introduction to Kyrgyz nomadic culture Traditional yurt overnight experience
Day 2: Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Canyons, Red Rocks & Mountain Legends Distance: 155–165 km | Driving time: approximately 4.5–5 hours Overnight: Guesthouse in Karakol Today is dedicated to some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Issyk-Kul region. Our first major stop is Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka). We will take an easy scenic hike through a landscape of red clay formations shaped naturally by wind and erosion. The rocks resemble castles, towers, animals and mythical creatures, creating the feeling of walking through a natural fairy tale. If you climb to one of the higher viewpoints, you will be rewarded with panoramic views over Lake Issyk-Kul. We then continue to Chong Jargylchak Village, where a local Kyrgyz family will welcome us for lunch in their traditional garden setting. This is an opportunity to experience genuine Kyrgyz hospitality and taste local food in a relaxed family atmosphere. After lunch, we continue toward Jeti-Oguz Gorge, one of the iconic landscapes of the region. You will see the famous red sandstone formations known as the “Seven Bulls”, as well as the dramatic “Broken Heart” rock. We then continue to Karakol for the evening and overnight stay. Today's highlights: Scenic hike in Fairy Tale Canyon Panoramic views of Issyk-Kul Lunch with a local Kyrgyz family Traditional Kyrgyz hospitality Jeti-Oguz Gorge Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rock formations Arrival in Karakol
Day 3: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan
History, Architecture & the World Nomad Games Distance: 135–150 km | Driving time: approximately 2.5–3 hours Overnight: Guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata We begin the day with a cultural exploration of Karakol, a fascinating city where several cultures and traditions meet. Our city tour includes the beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral, a historic wooden Orthodox church known for its distinctive architecture and fascinating history. We will also visit the colourful Dungan Mosque, a unique wooden structure built in traditional Chinese architectural style without the use of nails. Its intricate decorations reflect the rich heritage of the Dungan community. The next stop is the Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the famous explorer and scientist Nikolai Przhevalsky. The museum offers an insight into his expeditions and the natural history of Central Asia. After exploring Karakol, we travel toward Cholpon-Ata, the famous resort town on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. In the afternoon and evening, the focus shifts from sightseeing to the excitement of the World Nomad Games. You will have the opportunity to experience traditional sports, cultural events and the atmosphere surrounding this international celebration of nomadic heritage. Depending on the official schedule, activities may include: Kok Boru Er Enish Horse racing Kunan Chabysh Traditional wrestling Toguz Korgool Cultural performances Ethno-village activities Nomadic demonstrations The evening offers a chance to experience the festive atmosphere of Cholpon-Ata and the wider World Nomad Games celebrations. Today's highlights: Karakol cultural tour Holy Trinity Cathedral Dungan Mosque Przhevalsky Museum Journey to Cholpon-Ata World Nomad Games activities Traditional sports and cultural events
Day 4: Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan
A Full Day in the World of Nomadic Sports Overnight: Guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata Today is dedicated entirely to the World Nomad Games. Prepare for a full day of traditional sports, nomadic culture and international competition. The Games bring together athletes and traditions from different countries, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see ancient nomadic sporting traditions presented on an international stage. Depending on the official daily schedule, you may visit different venues around Cholpon-Ata, including the Hippodrome, Sports Complex, Rukh Ordo Cultural Center and the Ethno-Village. At the Hippodrome, you can experience spectacular equestrian competitions such as Kok Boru, Er Enish and horse racing. At the sports complex, you can watch different traditional wrestling styles from Kyrgyzstan and other countries. At Rukh Ordo, you can discover traditional intellectual games such as Toguz Korgool, Mangala and Oware. The Ethno-Village provides another perspective on nomadic culture through traditional games, demonstrations and cultural activities. The day ends with the festive evening atmosphere and official cultural ceremonies scheduled as part of the Games. Today's highlights: Full-day World Nomad Games experience Traditional horse sports Kok Boru and Er Enish Traditional wrestling Toguz Korgool and other traditional games Ethno-Village Cultural performances and ceremonies Meeting the international nomadic community
Day 5: Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
The Grand Finale of the Nomad Games Distance: 142 km | Driving time: approximately 2.5–3 hours Your final morning continues with the excitement of the World Nomad Games in Cholpon-Ata. Depending on the official schedule, you may watch the final competitions at the Hippodrome, including traditional horse races and other equestrian events. There may also be opportunities to enjoy traditional games at Rukh Ordo and experience the final moments of the festival. One of the highlights of the day is the Official Closing Ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games, bringing together athletes, performers and visitors from around the world in a spectacular celebration of nomadic culture. After the Games, we begin our journey back to Bishkek. As the mountains and Issyk-Kul disappear behind us, you will have travelled through some of Kyrgyzstan's most beautiful landscapes and experienced a unique combination of nature, hospitality, history and living nomadic traditions. Tour ends in Bishkek. Today's highlights: Final World Nomad Games competitions Traditional horse racing Traditional games Official Closing Ceremony Return to Bishkek
What's included
• All transportation • Accommodation (yurt camp & guesthouses) • Professional guide • Entrance fees • Meals as per program • Nomad Games tickets
✈️ International and domestic flights 🛂 Visa fees, if applicable 🏥 Travel insurance 🍷 Alcoholic beverages 🍽️ Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary 💰 Personal expenses and souvenirs 📱 Personal mobile/internet expenses 🐎 Optional activities not mentioned in the program 💵 Tips for the guide and driver 🧳 Any additional expenses caused by changes to the itinerary or personal requests
Languages spoken
What to know
1) Why is Kyrgyzstan still one of the world’s best-kept travel secrets? Because it remains one of the few places where you can experience untouched mountains, authentic nomadic culture, and genuine hospitality without mass tourism. Here, you can sleep in a traditional yurt, ride horses across alpine valleys, meet local families, and explore breathtaking landscapes that few travelers have discovered. Kyrgyzstan offers the kind of adventure that feels real, wild, and unforgettable. 2) Do I need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan? Visitors from many countries around the world are able to visit the Kyrgyz Republic visa-free. Whilst there are a handful of countries who can visit the country with no limits on the length of their stay, most countries are limited to a 90, 60 or 30 days stay. There are also many countries around the world for which a visa is still required to visit Kyrgyzstan. (If you need visa, we provide support) Check with your Tour Manager before you travel, or your local embassy, to find out which visa policy you qualify for. 3) What is the local currency and how do I pay? The local currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). You can pay in cash almost everywhere. ATMs are available in cities, but in remote areas we recommend carrying cash. Money exchange – if you plan to exchange USD/EUR to KGS, we recommend to take notes of 50 or 100 USD/EUR without stamps, inscriptions or any other damage, because damaged banknotes are not accepted by banks and exchange offices. 4) What is the level of accommodation during the tours? We offer a mix of hotels, guesthouses, yurt and base camps. Staying in a yurt camp is a unique cultural experience, allowing travelers to discover the nomadic lifestyle of Kyrgyzstan while enjoying comfort. 5) Can I drink tap water? The water in Bishkek is safe to drink, but we recommend visitors boil it before drinking. Bottled water is available almost everywhere in Kyrgyzstan, and is safe to drink. 6) What sorts of foods are available in Kyrgyzstan? Traditional Kyrgyz dishes feature a lot of meat and bread, but lots of other foods are available too. The main meats are lamb, beef, and chicken. Pork is hard to find, since the population is majority Muslim. Fresh fruits and vegetables are common, especially in the summer (just make sure to wash them well before eating). There are many restaurants that feature Russian, European, or Chinese dishes, too, especially in Bishkek. 7) Can foreigners buy SIM cards for cellular service in Kyrgyzstan? Yes, they can. Local SIM card can be bought at Kyrgyzstan International airports, in official service centers or in trading centers. The price of a SIM card starts from $5. You can also buy an e-sim in advance to use it across Kyrgyzstan. 8) What is the level of difficulty of your tours? Our tours are suitable for most travelers with a basic level of fitness. The difficulty depends on the itinerary, but most activities are easy to moderate. Some tours include hiking or horseback riding, while others are more relaxed and focused on culture and sightseeing. We always provide detailed information before booking, so you can choose the tour that best matches your experience and fitness level 9) Do you make tailor-made tours? Yes, we offer tailor-made tours in Kyrgyzstan designed to meet your specific interests and preferences. Whether you’re seeking an adventure through the mountains, a cultural immersion, or a relaxing retreat by one of our stunning lakes, we can create a personalized itinerary that suits your needs. From bespoke hiking trips and cultural experiences to luxury stays and unique local experiences, our team is dedicated to crafting a memorable and customized journey just for you. Feel free to reach out with your travel goals, and we’ll work with you to design the perfect tour of Kyrgyzstan. 10) What is the best time to visit Kyrgyzstan? The best season is from May to October. Summer is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and cultural experiences.
Route & locations
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan