Kyrgyzstan Nomad Games Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included.
Kyrgyzstan Nomad Games Tour Highlights
This 7-day tour combines the World Nomad Games with Kyrgyzstan’s mountain lakes, Silk Road history and living nomadic traditions. It starts in Bishkek with a city tour and the grand opening ceremony of the Games, a show of traditional costumes, horseback performances, ethnic music and dance.
On the way into the mountains you visit the 11th-century Burana Tower, a minaret of the old Silk Road city of Balasagun, and the red rock formations of Kok-Moinok Canyon. At 3,016 m, Song-Kol Lake is the summer home of shepherd families: you spend a night in a yurt camp and can ride a horse along the shore before driving on to Kochkor.
Two days belong to the Games near Cholpon-Ata on Issyk-Kul, the “Pearl of Central Asia”: traditional horse games such as kok-boru and kyz kuumai, eagle hunting and horseback archery. On the last day you explore the ethno village in Kyrchyn Gorge, where yurts from many nomadic nations stand side by side, before returning to Bishkek through the Boom Gorge.
Difficulty: Easy Sightseeing and long days on your feet at the Games venues, an optional 3-hour horse ride at Song-Kol, one night in a yurt camp at about 3,016 m and long drives on day 3 (about 320 km) and day 7.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Bishkek, the vibrant capital of Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by the majestic Tien Shan mountains. You are met at the airport and taken to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed city tour of Bishkek: Ala-Too Square, Victory Square, the Philharmonic Hall, local bazaars and parks. Bishkek is known for its wide boulevards, green parks and Soviet-era architecture blended with modern Central Asian culture. Overnight in a hotel in Bishkek.
Bishkek, Ala Too Square, Bishkek Victory Square
- Manas International Airport → Bishkek (30 km)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
Today is a historic and unforgettable day: at the Bishkek Arena stadium you watch the grand opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games, with athletes and guests from many countries. The World Nomad Games celebrate the ancient heritage of nomadic civilizations. They revive traditional sports, warrior skills, eagle hunting, horse culture and the philosophy of nomadic life. The opening ceremony features traditional nomadic costumes, horseback performances, ethnic music and dance, and cultural shows of the Turkic and other nomadic peoples. After the ceremony, return to the hotel. Overnight in Bishkek.
Bishkek
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you begin your journey into the heart of nomadic Kyrgyzstan. First stop is Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret that belonged to the old Silk Road city of Balasagun – here you feel the deep history of Central Asia. Next, the Kok-Moinok Canyon, a stunning red rock canyon with dramatic formations shaped by wind and time. In the afternoon you reach Song-Kol, a breathtaking alpine lake at 3,016 m above sea level and the true kingdom of nomads. Shepherd families live here in yurts during the summer, grazing their livestock on the vast jailoo (pastures). You experience authentic nomadic life, traditional food and warm hospitality. Overnight in a yurt camp. Driving distance: about 320 km.
Burana Tower, Kok-Moinok Canyon, Song-Kul Lake
- Bishkek → Burana Tower (80 km)
- Burana Tower → Kok-Moinok Canyon (70 km)
- Kok-Moinok Canyon → Song-Kul Lake (170 km)
Overnight: Song-Kul Lake (Yurt camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning at Song-Kol Lake. Enjoy a 3-hour horse ride along the lake shore, or spend the time admiring the silence, the mountains and the crystal-clear water. Horse culture is the soul of nomadic civilization: for centuries the Kyrgyz people depended on horses for transport, warfare, hunting and survival. After lunch, drive to Kochkor village. Overnight in a guesthouse. Driving distance: about 140 km.
Song-Kul Lake, Kochkor
- Song-Kul Lake → Kochkor (140 km)
Overnight: Kochkor (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you watch traditional Kyrgyz games and the competitions of the World Nomad Games: Kok-boru – a powerful horseback game in which riders compete to place a goat carcass into the opponent’s goal, a test of strength, strategy and courage. Kyz kuumai – a traditional horse game between a young man and a young woman, symbolizing love and speed. Eagle hunting (berkut salmai) – the ancient hunting tradition in which trained golden eagles hunt foxes and small animals. Horseback archery – warrior-style shooting while riding at full speed. And many other ethnic competitions that reflect the nomadic warrior heritage. Drive on to Cholpon-Ata on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Overnight in Cholpon-Ata. Driving distance: about 120 km.
Cholpon Ata
- Kochkor → Cholpon Ata (120 km)
Overnight: Cholpon Ata (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another exciting day at the World Nomad Games competitions near Issyk-Kul Lake. Issyk-Kul, known as the “Pearl of Central Asia”, is the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it creates a magical atmosphere for the Games. Today you feel the warrior spirit of the Central Asian tribes, the unity of nomadic cultures and their philosophy of freedom and harmony with nature. Overnight in Cholpon-Ata. Driving distance: 20–40 km (local drives).
Issyk-Kul Lake, Cholpon Ata
- Cholpon Ata → Cholpon Ata (30 km)
Overnight: Cholpon Ata (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Kyrchyn Gorge, the main ethno village area of the Nomad Games, where traditional yurts from many countries are set up – a true festival zone of nomadic culture. For thousands of years the nomads of Central Asia moved with their livestock from pasture to pasture and developed a strong horse culture, eagle hunting, the portable yurt, epic poetry such as Manas and a deep respect for nature. The World Nomad Games are not just sports: they are a revival of this ancient identity, a meeting of Turkic and other nomadic nations and a celebration of their cultural heritage. After exploring, drive back to Bishkek through the Boom Gorge. The tour ends in Bishkek in the evening; stay overnight in Bishkek (hotel not included) or continue to the airport. Driving distance: about 360 km.
Kyrchyn Gorge, Boom Gorge, Bishkek
- Cholpon Ata → Kyrchyn Gorge (50 km)
- Kyrchyn Gorge → Bishkek (310 km)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Private Tour Price
| Price per person Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $2,300 |
| 2 travelers | $1,625 |
| 3 travelers | $1,277 |
| 4 travelers | $1,160 |
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What's included
Included
- Professional English-speaking guide for the whole tour
- Transport in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle (Lexus SUV)
- Airport transfer on arrival
- Ticket for the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games in Bishkek (day 2)
- All tickets for the World Nomad Games (2 full days)
- Hotel in Bishkek (2 nights)
- Yurt camp at Song-Kol Lake (1 night)
- Guesthouse in Kochkor (1 night)
- Guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata (2 nights)
- 3-hour horse ride at Song-Kol Lake
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from day 2
- 1 liter of water per person per day
Not included
- International flights
- Medical insurance
- Hotel in Bishkek on the last night
- Meals on the arrival day (day 1)
- Dinner on the last day
- Airport transfer on departure
- Personal expenses
- Services not mentioned as included
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
-
Nights 1–2
Bishkek
Hotel in Bishkek or similar
-
Night 3
Song-Kul Lake
Yurt camp at Song Kol or similar
-
Night 4
Kochkor
Family guesthouse in Kochkor or similar
-
Nights 5–6
Cholpon Ata
Guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata or similar
Kyrgyzstan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Kyrgyzstan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan before booking.
The official currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). Bishkek has plenty of ATMs, but outside the larger towns and the northern shore of Issyk-Kul cash is how almost everything is paid.
ATMs and cards
Some ATMs in Bishkek dispense US dollars as well as som. Beyond the capital, ATMs are found in the few largest towns but mostly not in smaller ones, except on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. Mastercard works in all ATMs, but Visa is still the more widely accepted card. Demirbank's red ATMs have lately been the best option for foreign cards, with moderate fees.
Exchanging money
Exchange offices in the major cities change US dollars, euros and roubles into som. Notes must be clean, fresh and without any signs of wear. Exchange offices prefer larger notes from 50 USD and 50 EUR, and sometimes give a better rate for them.
Paying by card
Cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, large supermarkets and some museums in Bishkek and Osh, and occasionally even in taxis. Elsewhere, apart from the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, paying by card is not practical.
Kyrgyzstan is generally safe for travellers and tourism is growing fast, but the usual precautions matter.
Documents
Always carry your passport or a notarised copy. Without proper identification you can be detained by the police.
In towns
- Robberies, some of them violent, and thefts happen especially in crowded places such as the bazaars. Take care after dark.
- Sexual harassment has been reported on public transport. Avoid walking or travelling alone, especially at night.
- Book taxis in advance from established services.
- Stay away from crowds and demonstrations.
- Watch where you step: some streets have large holes and pavements are often uneven.
Laws and customs
- Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religious practices.
- Possessing or using narcotics is strictly prohibited.
- Do not photograph anything related to the armed forces or security services.
- Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely discussed or publicly recognised.
Border areas
Smuggling makes the southern border zones with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan unstable and best avoided.
Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for travellers from many countries. Others can apply for an electronic visa or through an embassy.
Visas
For a tourist visa, most passport holders need an invitation letter from a tourism company. Kyrgyzstan has had an electronic visa system since 1 September 2017.
Border regions
Visiting border regions requires a special permit.
The best times to visit Kyrgyzstan's lower areas are May–June and September. In the high mountains, July and August are best.
Lower areas: May–June and September
In late spring and early autumn the valleys, Issyk-Kul's shores and the towns are green or golden, days are pleasant rather than hot and there are fewer visitors.
High mountains: July and August
This is when the high pastures, yurt camps and mountain passes are open, and trekking and horse-riding routes that are under snow the rest of the year can be reached. Days in the valleys can reach about 30°C, and nights at altitude can still be close to freezing. Summer is also the time of festivals celebrating Kyrgyz traditions.
Winter
Winters in the highlands are long and close the high passes, but it is still a captivating season. Hiking, horse riding and skiing are all possible, and yurt stays are available too.
Healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is basic and medical facilities are scarce, so comprehensive medical and travel insurance is essential.
Medicines
If you rely on regular medication, bring enough for the whole trip: it can be hard or expensive to find locally.
Insurance
Arrange comprehensive medical and travel insurance before you arrive. A serious accident or illness may mean emergency air evacuation to a neighbouring country.
Food and water
Treat tap water and other local water as contaminated and boil it before drinking; bottled water is the safest choice throughout your stay. Be careful with unpasteurised dairy and other animal products.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations against polio and tuberculosis are recommended before entering the country, and others may also be advisable. Ask your doctor or travel clinic.
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