Lonely PlanetJul 29, 2026
All you need to know about the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan
The World Nomad Games kick off in Kyrgyzstan on August 31. Here’s everything you need to know.
21 things in this story
- World Nomad GamesFestivalBiennial cultural and sporting event celebrating nomadic traditions.
- Tyiyn enmeiPlaceTraditional sport showcased at the 2018 World Nomad Games.
- Elsewhere
- Lake Issyk-KölSightCholpon-Ata, KyrgyzstanLake on whose north shore sporting events are held.
- Bishkek ArenaSightBishkek, KyrgyzstanVenue for the opening ceremony, not yet completed.
- Nomad ArenaSightBishkek, KyrgyzstanSports and concert complex in Bishkek.
- Cholpon-Ata HippodromeSightCholpon-Ata, KyrgyzstanRacetrack and playing field for sports and cultural events.
- kok boruPlaceCholpon-Ata, KyrgyzstanPolo-like game using an animal carcass, scheduled for one day.
- Gazprom ComplexSightCholpon-Ata, KyrgyzstanSports complex hosting wrestling and wrestling-adjacent events.
- Rukh Ordo Cultural CenterSightCholpon-Ata, KyrgyzstanWaterfront complex hosting traditional nomad music and culture.
- komuzSightCholpon-Ata, KyrgyzstanKyrgyz national instrument, shape of a pier.
- Kyrchyn GorgeSightCholpon-Ata, KyrgyzstanMountain valley hosting traditional sports and a yurt city.
- Hotel EurasiaHotelDolinka, KyrgyzstanHosts mancala board-game competitions and has hot springs.
- Nomad Civilization CenterMuseumChong Sary-Oi, KyrgyzstanMuseum hosting one day of “Art Lab” events.
- Dordoi Nomad AmphitheaterSightCholpon-Ata, KyrgyzstanLakefront complex hosting “Nomad Fest” events.
- Manas International AirportSightBishkek, KyrgyzstanAirport with connections to the Middle East, Russia, and East Asia.
- Issyk-Köl International AirportSightTamchy, KyrgyzstanAirport served by seasonal routes from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
- Karakol International AirportAirportKarakol, KyrgyzstanAirport served by domestic routes from Bishkek and Osh.
- GoBusPlaceBishkek, KyrgyzstanBus service from Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata.
- Попутка KG Telegram channelPlaceBishkek, KyrgyzstanFor negotiating shared taxi rides.
- Yandex GoPlaceBishkek, KyrgyzstanApp for intercity transfers.
- Lake Son-KölSightKochkor, KyrgyzstanHigh-altitude lake, popular horse-trekking destination.