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The World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan 2026
Kyrgyzstan
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
9 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Be a spectator of 'Kok-Boru' - nomadic horse polo
- Enjoy the grand opening ceremony of the games
- Experince nomadic culture, arts, hospitality & ethnosports
- Take a tour of Kazakhstan's stunning cities and landscapes
Step back in time to witness the World Nomadic Games (2026 confirmed dates coming soon*)
In September 2018 we attended the 3rd World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan with a group of 15 clients, and in September 2024 we attended the World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan with 4 groups of clients (!) as the nomadic peoples from all across Central Asia and further afield all convened to take part in their traditional nomadic games:
The opening ceremony is one of the most exciting spectacles of the event as competitors on horseback parade around the area brandishing their country’s flags – Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Turkmen, Tajik, Uzbek, Azerbaijani, Mongol, Iranian, Russian, Japanese, Korean - the men dressed in leather armour or traditional garb with the women in flowing medieval gowns - others parade on foot and we remember seeing that somehow a South African tribe had qualified to enter and were doing a war dance in furs whilst also a Scottish contingent clad in kilts had showed up brandishing what looked like very heavy cabers…
The crowd goes wild as political dignitaries look on, music blaring and fireworks were loosed. The horses paw the ground in excitement and rows upon rows of dancers take to the stage amid strobe lights, singing and general anarchy. It is quite simply unmissable.
*Please note that the World Nomad Games are typically set to begin around September 8th, but we are still awaiting final confirmation from the Kyrgyz government. As soon as the dates are confirmed, we will promptly provide the departure date and the finalised itinerary.
The opening ceremony is only to be matched in excitement by ‘Kok-Boru’ also known as ‘Buzkashi’ which is the original nomad’s horse polo – the ancient predecessor to modern day polo played with a mallet and ball which developed in Northern India during the British Empire; when British mounted soldiers came into contact with the game in the foothills of the Himalaya.
The original nomadic polo is played with a decapitated goat carcass and is more like rugby on horseback (!) as they desperately fight atop galloping horses to place the goat in the opponents goal to win a point. It is a thrilling battle of wills.
Men and women from all nations are invited to participate in the myriad of other cultural games, including but not limited to:
- Horse racing
- Wrestling
- Archery
- Falconry
But it is not just the tournaments that people come to see – it is to experience the nomadic ethnic cultures in all their glories – with all of the following elements to be found alongside the games:
- Ethnohit (folklore and music);
- Ethnodance (traditional dances);
- Ethnofashion (traditional and modern clothing);
- Ethnobazar (exhibition and fair of traditional handicrafts);
- Recitations of epic poems and legends;
- Ethnohouse (traditional nomadic shelters)
YellowWood will be returning to the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan in 2026 with groups no larger than 12. The games are held every two years in different countries so don’t miss your chance to see this entirely unique and wonderful celebration. The games will be followed by a spectacular tour exploring the cities and dramatic landscapes of Kyrgyzstan (itinerary to follow soon).
To find out more about the region of Central Asia and their cultural heritage you can watch our webinar on the Silk Roads here
Day 1: Arrive in Bishkek
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Most international airlines arrive into Bishkek early in the morning. Upon landing, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in - early-check ins with breakfast are included. You have the morning to rest after your travel.
At 12pm, you will meet your guide and embark on a walking tour of Bishkek. The capital of Kyrgyzstan, also known as the ‘White City’ – so called because many of the government buildings in Soviet times were built from the beautiful, locally mined white marble - is a fascinating city with vast plazas and dramatic monuments from the Soviet Era.
Our local tour guide will give us a welcome introduction to both the city and the history of the country, followed by dinner in one of the most well-known tea houses in the city, complete with traditional live music and dancing.
Accommodation: 3* Bugu Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 2: Drive to Chopon Alta for World Nomad Games opening ceremony
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Yurt
Drive to the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, a saline lake 113miles long. In the Kyrgyz language, the name means ‘warm lake’, as, despite the ring of snow capped mountains surrounding it, it never freezes due to the salt content. Our homestay is near the shores of the glistening lake – so large that its turquoise waters often look like the Mediterranean.
The stadium hosting the World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony is found here and heading into the hills we will discover the 'yurt city' which has sprung up for the games - hosting contestants and spectators alike from all across Central Asia and the world.
In the evening we enjoy the incredible spectacle of the World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony and show.
Day 3: World Nomad Games
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
Day for World Nomad Games.
Sports include:
- Horse racing
- Kok-Boru (polo)
- Wrestling
- Archery
- Falconry
There will also be many music and cultural exhibitions on display.
Day 4: World Nomad Games
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
Day for World Nomad Games.
Sports include:
- Horse racing
- Kok-Boru (polo)
- Wrestling
- Archery
- Falconry
There will also be many music and cultural exhibitions on display.
Day 5: Drive to Tashrabat Caravanserai yurt camp
Flights
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
We have some more distance to cover today (346km/6 hours) to head into the more remote parts of the country, so after breakfast, we drive south, down alongside the rising snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains. Our destination is the ancient Caravanserai of Tashrabat, which lies on the ancient Silk Road, only two days travel from the Chinese border.
We break our journey in the remote village Acha-Kayindy to enjoy lunch and... a felt show. After a leg stretch and bite to eat at a local family's home, we continue on (3hrs) to reach Tashrabat in the afternoon.
A 'caravanserai' is a roadside inn with, typically, a central courtyard for travellers in the desert regions of Asia. The Caravanserai of Tashrabat was just such a place: it's easy to imagine the traders and travellers of old stopping in this place to rest when journeying between the countries of Central Asia. The thick stone walls of the buildings of Tashrabat still stand and endure the elements, almost lost in the vast open plains surrounding them. Believed to have been used by traders since the 1400s, it is likely that there was a Christian monastery here as early as the 900s.
We will stay in the yurt camp and explore the Caravanserai itself, imagining how traders throughout history would have holed up to protect themselves from bandits or bad weather on this lucrative but perilous trade route. Tonight we are treated to a fantastic dinner prepared by the lodge.
Yurts sleep 2 - 4 people: single accommodation is not available. Shower and toilet facilities will be shared. Electricity and mobile connection is not available - do not expect wifi either!
Day 6: OPTIONAL Day trip to Chatyr-Kol (Lake) - with hiking & horse-riding options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
A mix of riding (additional cost for optional activity) and walking is the ideal way for us to travel up the winding valley trails to the top of a high pass (4000m), where, weather permitting, we will have an incredible view of Chatyr-Kol (Lake). It is a there & back route, and we have all day to enjoy it, so there is no rush - we will be travelling at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for photo stops.
We suggest riding the flatter sections to and from the base of the climb (14km total), and then hiking (8km with 950m ascent). Riding will be suitable for beginner riders also.
If you would rather, you can just stay and explore the foothills around the Caravanserai, but the views are absolutely worth it if you are even a teeny bit tempted!
We stay at the Caravanserai yurt camp for a second night tonight.
Day 7: Drive to Son-Kol (Lake) yurt camp
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
We will take the winding road up into the very centre of Kyrgyzstan’s hidden plateau (249km), to the majestic Son-Kol (“last lake” in Kyrgyz), in the Naryn Province, up at 3016m. It is probably - at the very least, arguably - the most picturesque lake in the country.
It is a popular ground for nomadic shepherds who bring their flocks here in the summer months. Wildlife is diverse and the experience of nature, pristine.
We will stay in a beautiful traditional nomad yurt camp on the southern shore, with the family who run it, play with the innumerable children, and sample the delicious local cuisine.
Yurts sleep 2 - 4 people: single accommodation is not available. Shower and toilet facilities will be shared. No mobile signal. Electricity is from 18:00 until 22:00.
Day 8: A day at Son Kol
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
Today we have a complete day of leisure in these beautiful surroundings. Choose to hike, horse ride (for a small fee), grab a book or do nothing apart from breathe in the clean air and revel in the wilderness! It really is an amazing place just to spend time. Lucky visitors may see deer, foxes, marmots, Marco Polo sheep, birds of prey, or even leopards and wolves on the plains.
Rest under a never-ending sky, viewing incredible sunrises and sunsets, not to mention impeccable views of the Milky Way in clear skies. Take the golden opportunity to spend time with the local people in ours and other yurt camps dotted along the shores.
We stay a second night in Son-Kol yurt camp.
Day 9: Drive back to Bishkek
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Reluctantly leaving our yurts and the striking plains behind, we will drive (360kms, taking 5-6hrs) back to the capital for our last group dinner in the city and to celebrate our adventure in this unique and beautiful country. We pause for lunch at the house of a family in Kochkor before continuing onto the capital. Some will miss the simplicity of the Yurt life... others will look forward to returning to some home comforts...
The journey starts where it began, and we enjoy a group meal together in the city, celebrating a memorable journey together.
Accommodation: 3* Bugu Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 10: Fly out from Bishkek
Transfer
Breakfast
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single room supplement. Please note single accommodation is not available in yurts or at guesthouses.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International Flights & National Flight & airport taxes
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Visas (no cost for many countries)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. We put time and effort into building our relationship with them to ensure you have a a great trip.
We choose hotels based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel), and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Some hotels will be basic, and in modern buildings and or in towns. Wherever we can, we will choose smaller more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, this may not be available.
An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things which is exciting and memorable, and reflects the countries we are visiting.
This is adventure travel and on occasion the advertised services at a hotel, guesthouse or camp (eg wifi, or hot showers!) may not be functional on our arrival. This tends to occur in the smaller, more remote places. Very rarely a hotel lets us down and we are required to find alternative suitable accommodation that might not be our first choice.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an experienced, approachable and knowledgeable English speaking local Kazakh guide, who will be with you for the duration of the holiday.
This ensures you the perfect balance of information and support on your trip, offering insight into local life and customs.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures an optimal level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a larger group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it out for you. Our links with in-country travel experts often mean that we can assist you in developing a personalised itinerary.
Am I fit enough?
Training
As with all active holidays, the fitter you are, the more you can relax and enjoy the stunning route, and the better you can cope with challenges such as the outside elements.
Clients are advised to get into a regular walking pattern before the trip as convenient.
NB: If you have bought new hiking boots for this adventure, this is the right time to wear them in, not on the trip! itself.
Travel & Arrival
Please note international and national flights are not included in this adventure, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, the responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
Required Flight Booking Info:
We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be very daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible, to help you prepare.
7th September: Adventure begins in Astana via Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ)
11th September: National flight from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) to Almaty - Flight time: 09:05 - 10:50 | KC7 052
15th September: Adventure departs from Almaty via Almaty International Airport (ALA)
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Airport & Arrival Info
You will be met at the airport by a local driver holding a sign for transport to your hotel.
It is not necessary to fill out any visa forms on the plane, but on disembarking, you have a couple of jobs to do.
- Purchase your Visa on arrival, from the Immigration desk
- Collect your baggage
- Meet your driver (they will have your name on a board, along with the YellowWood logo)
- Exchange Currency: The easiest is probably to use the ATM in the airport, however, there is also the option of exchanging currency in Bishkek in the afternoon, during the city tour.
Toilets can be found in the arrivals lounge.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend sorting your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered, particularly in the light of effects that the pandemic has had on travel.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hr emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
Your insurance needs to cover you for hiking /trekking (and horse riding if you are likely to do this) with the following fairly standard inclusions:
- Medical Expenses
- Coronavirus linked expenses (these may be country specific, so please ensure you know what the requirements are relating to the country you are visiting)
- Repatriation
- Helicopter rescue & Air ambulance
We would also recommend that you have cover for the following optional items:
- Cancellation
- Loss or damage to property
Reviews
The Wanderer
Well planned trip with good support both locally and in the UK. A good itinerary and an excellent local guide meant that the whole arrangement went smoothly with enough fluidity to allow some adjustments on the day. And if you haven't been to the World Nomad Games, you should - look out for 2026!
The World Nomad Games - Kazakhstan 2024
Caroline
Everything about this trip (Kazakhstan and the World Nomad Games) was 5☆: all the staff were excellent,
but special call out for the guide, Ansar. I will use YellowWood again.
The World Nomad Games - Kazakhstan 2024
Linda Chapple
An informal and fun attitude to travelling whilst keeping very professional. The entire itinerary was superbly crafted with much attention to detail. I can't wait to travel with YellowWood Adventures again. Highly recommended.
The World Nomad Games - Kazakhstan 2018
Lucy
This trip was one of the best I've ever done. Seeing the World Nomad Games was a completely unique and wonderful experience - especially the buzkashi which was thrilling! Getting into the Tian Shan mountains afterwards was really quite magical; experiencing the scenery and feeling isolated from the rest of the world, thanks to the personalised feel of the trek, was unrivalled. The quality of the food was also a highlight, and I was catered for as a vegetarian (in a very non-vegetarian place!). Kyrgyzstan is a relatively undiscovered gem, and it was lovely to do a road-less-travelled style trip. Thanks to Sam and YellowWood for taking us on a genuine adventure with a fantastic itinerary. I look forward to joining some more non-traditional trips when possible!
The World Nomad Games - Kazakhstan 2018
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- Passport & insurance documents
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Credit / Debit card for ATMs in town
- Prescription medication
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Washbag & usual contents
- Day pack for sightseeing
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Adaptors
- Camera & charging cables
- Phone & charging cables
- Money belt or grab bag for essentials
- Sun protection
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
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Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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