World Nomad Games Tour

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Upon arrival at Manas International Airport, transfer to the city of Bishkek: the lively capital nestled at the foot of the majestic Tian Shan mountains.

After a short rest and breakfast, the adventure begins with a scenic drive to Ala Archa National Park, just 40 km south of the city. This stunning alpine reserve is a favorite getaway for locals, offering dramatic mountain landscapes, clear glacial rivers, and fresh pine-scented air.

You’ll hike along one of the picturesque trails, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks rewarding your effort. Enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of the mountains.

In the late afternoon, return to Bishkek and settle into the hotel.

The evening will be leisurely and at your discretion: stroll through the city’s leafy boulevards or enjoy a local dinner with traditional Kyrgyz dishes.

After breakfast, begin your day with a guided city tour of Bishkek. We’ll explore Ala-Too Square, the city’s main plaza filled with national symbols and fountains, then visit the State History Museum, offering insights into Kyrgyz culture and nomadic traditions. We’ll then stroll through Oak Park, admiring Soviet-era monuments, before heading to the colorful Osh Bazaar, where locals trade spices, dried fruits, and handcrafted goods.

In the evening, prepare for an unforgettable cultural spectacle: the Opening Ceremony of the World Nomad Games at Bishkek’s newly built national stadium. We’ll join thousands of visitors and athletes from around the globe to witness the grand celebration of nomadic heritage. There will be performances, traditional music, horseback shows, and a dazzling display of Kyrgyz pride and hospitality as the flame of the Games is lit.

Overnight stay in Bishkek.

Morning drive to Cholpon-Ata, where more games will be held nearby.

Afterward, we continue on to Kyrchyn Gorge: the heart of the Ethno Village created for the World Nomad Games. Yurts dot the valley, smoke curls from traditional stoves, and the sound of folk instruments fills the air. You’ll witness archery, felt-making, eagle hunting, folk games, and craftspeople at work, all in one setting. It’s an immersive, magical place, connecting visitors to the nomadic lifestyle that still thrives in Kyrgyzstan.

We’ll return to Cholpon-Ata where we’ll stay for the next few days.

Depending on the official games schedule, you’ll get to choose your own adventure:

• Option 1: Visit the Hippodrome to witness intense traditional horse games like Kok Boru (goat polo), horseback archery, and wrestling. It’s raw, thrilling, and completely unforgettable.
• Option 2: Return to Kyrchyn Gorge for further exploration and interaction with artisans and performers.

Whichever you choose, this day offers further insight into the soul of Central Asian nomadic culture.

After breakfast in the lakeside town of Cholpon-Ata, you’ll begin your journey eastward along the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, passing through open valleys and villages with the towering Tian Shan mountains always on the horizon.

As we approach Karakol, the landscape becomes greener and more alpine in character. Depending on our schedule, we might stop briefly in Karakol for lunch or supplies before continuing our ascent into the peaceful Jyrgalan Valley, about 60 km further east.

Once we’re settled into our local accommodation, the remainder of the afternoon is dedicated to stretching our legs with a short hike to the Jyrgalan Waterfall.

Today we depart Jyrgalan with the goal of exploring the southern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, which is wilder than the north. We’ll explore:

• The powerful Barskoon Waterfalls, crashing through mountain forest.
• The impressive Ak Sai Canyons, a maze of layered red and orange rock.

We’ll arrive at our yurt camp late in the day, where we’ll settle into traditional nomadic lodgings and fall asleep surrounded by nature and practically no one else in sight.

Today is all about living the nomadic way of life; no filter, no rush.

Hike up to a stunning panoramic viewpoint for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Later, participate in interactive nomadic games, trying your hand at archery, tug-of-war, and other national games, where guests can actively engage in fun cultural activities and light competitions. It’s playful, educational, and very memorable.

Say goodbye to the peaceful life of the yurt camp as we begin our return to Bishkek and civilization.

On the way, we’ll make one last stop at Kok Moinok Canyon: one of Kyrgyzstan’s hidden natural gems. It’s like a miniature version of the Grand Canyon tucked away near the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, not far from the town of Balykchy. While it’s not as famous as Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, Kok Moinok offers a raw, untouched landscape that rewards those who take the time to explore it.

Once in Bishkek, guests have time to clean up and explore the city if time permits. They can stroll through leafy avenues, visit Ala-Too Square, admire Victory Monument, and experience the hum of local life at Osh Bazaar.

At night, we gather for a farewell dinner, sharing stories and memories from our adventures.

Transfer to the airport for your departure. Though your journey through Kyrgyzstan ends today, the stories, friendships, and emotional moments will stay with you forever.