World Nomad Games

Kyrgyzstan

Explore natural wonders and nomadic traditions across Kyrgyzstan

12 days £2,595 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Set against the soaring Tien Shan mountains and the shimmering expanse of Issyk Kul, this immersive journey through Kyrgyzstan blends breathtaking landscapes with the living traditions of nomadic culture. Explore leafy Bishkek and hike amid the alpine splendour of Ala Archa before travelling to Issyk Kul’s northern shore for the spectacular 2026 World Nomad Games – a vivid celebration of horseback sports, archery, music and centuries-old customs shared by nomads from around the world.

Continue east to the multicultural town of Karakol and onward to the dramatic red canyons, gorges and lakeside vistas of the southern shore. Hands-on encounters await at Kyzyl-Tuu’s yurt-making workshops and Kochkor’s women-run felt co-operative, offering rare insight into Kyrgyz craft heritage. Nights spent in traditional yurts at Son-Kul and Issyk Kul bring you closer to the rhythms of rural life, framed by endless skies and rolling pastures.

The journey concludes in the tranquil Chon-Kemin Valley and at the ancient Silk Road site of Burana Tower, rounding off a tour that reveals Kyrgyzstan as a land of deep history, nomadic culture and majestic natural beauty.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Towering Tien Shan backdrop to the Kyrgyz capital
  • Prehistoric art of Cholpan Ata
  • Horseback competition at the World Nomad Games
  • Rock formations of Skazka canyon
  • Majesterial beauty of earth's 7th deepest lake
  • Learn the art of traditional yurt-making
  • Walking, rafting or horse-riding in scenic Chon Kemin Valley

Places Visited

Bishkek - Ala Archa Gorge - Cholpan Ata - Karakol - Skazka canyon - Issyk Kul Lake - Kochkor - Son Kul Lake - Chon-Kemin valley

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival - Bishkek

Arrive early into Kyrgyzstan’s leafy capital, Bishkek, a city framed by distant, snow-capped peaks and known for its wide boulevards, green parks, and welcoming atmosphere. After clearing immigration, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Once rested, step out with your local guide to gain an introduction to the city’s cultural and civic heart. Visit some of Bishkek’s most notable landmarks, including its stately commemorative squares, the elegant Philharmonic Hall, and the shaded sculpture-filled pathways of Oak Park — a favourite gathering point for locals.

To experience the everyday rhythm of the capital, dive into the lively Osh Bazaar, where colourful produce, fragrant spices, and traditional textiles create a vibrant tapestry of Kyrgyz life.

Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Damas , Bishkek

Meal plan: Breakfast

Bishkek lies in the shadow of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, an extension of the Tian Shan mountains. It is Kyrgyzstan’s capital and biggest city with a population just under one million. It was named “Frunze” by the Bolsheviks in 1926 after a military leader born there. Following its independence in 1991 it was renamed “Bishkek”, after the fortress of “Pishpek“ in the area.

Osh Bazaar is one of the largest markets in Bishkek. It is popular with locals and visitors alike, who can barter and buy an array of regional food, musical instruments and Kyrgyz national clothes. 

Ala-Too Square is in central Bishkek. It was built in 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kyrgyz SSR. An iconic statue of Lenin once stood in the middle of the square, which was formerly known as Lenin Square until Kyrgyzstan gained its independence in 1991. Following this, the statue was moved and a new statue called 'Erkindik', meaning freedom, was installed in its place. 

The Eternal Fire monument, also known as 'Victory Square' and 'Victory monument', was constructed in 1984. The statue depicts a woman who is standing over the eternal flame, waiting for the return of her son or husband to return home from the Great Patriotic War (as they call their participation in World War II, from 1941 to 1945). 

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Day 2 : Bishkek - Ala Archa National Park - Bishkek

Leave the city behind as you journey into the rugged Tien Shan mountains for a full-day excursion to Ala Archa National Park - an alpine wonderland established in 1976 and spanning more than 16,000 hectares. Named after the juniper trees (archa) that blanket its slopes, the park is beloved for its dramatic scenery: sheer cliffs, glacial valleys, and fast-flowing rivers fed by pure mountain snowmelt.

Spend the day walking its peaceful trails, taking in sweeping mountain panoramas and revelling in the crisp alpine air. Ablaze with natural beauty in every direction, Ala Archa is home to several towering peaks approaching 5,000 metres, including the well-known Dvurogoya, Korona, and Semenov-Tien-Shanskiy summits. Waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife habitats add to the sense of pristine wilderness.

Return to Bishkek in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Damas , Bishkek

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Ala Archa Gorge lies in the Kyrgyz Ridge of the Tien Shan Mountains. It is home to some of the highest mountain peaks of the region, including the Dvurogoya, Korona and Semenov Tien Shanskiy Peaks. Visitors to the Ala Archa Gorge can enjoy trekking past waterfalls to its glaciers and snow-capped mountain ridges.

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Day 3 : Bishkek - Cholpon Ata

Depart Bishkek this morning and travel towards Kyrgyzstan’s most celebrated natural treasure - Lake Issyk Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake and long considered the jewel of Central Asia. Skirt the lake’s northern shoreline, where the turquoise waters shimmer against a backdrop of mountain ranges and traditional lakeside settlements.

Depending on the confirmed schedule of the 2026 World Nomad Games, you may attend selected events today.

Overnight in your hotel in Cholpon Ata.

Overnight in Hotel Raduga , Cholpan Ata

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The summer resort town of Cholpan Ata lies on the northern shore of the Issy Kul Lake. It boasts a scenic backdrop of the Tian Shan Mountains and is famed for its many preserved petroglyphs. This prehistoric form of art, where shapes and patterns are carved into rocks, dates back to between 800 BC and 1200 AD. Along with its ethnographic museum, the open-air petroglyph site provides a real insight into the rich heritage of Cholpan Ata. 

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Day 4 : Cholpon Ata - World Nomad Games

The highlight of your journey begins today:  the World Nomad Games, a vibrant celebration of traditional nomadic culture, sport, and artistry. Bringing together competitors from more than 80 nations, the Games revive ancient practices once shared by the peoples of the steppes.

Join a rider’s workshop to learn about the deep cultural and spiritual significance of horses in Central Asian nomadic society. Witness thrilling demonstrations, including:

Kok Boru – a fiercely competitive horseback game using a goat carcass, regarded as the pinnacle of Kyrgyz horsemanship;
Kyz Kumay – horseback archery performed at breakneck speed
Ulak Tartysh – a tug-of-war on horseback, showcasing strength and coordination

As the day winds down, enjoy a serene sunset cruise on Lake Issyk Kul, watching the sky’s colours reflect across its vast waters.

The precise schedule of Games events will determine the order of visits.

Overnight in Hotel Raduga , Cholpan Ata

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The World Nomad Games bring you a thrilling assortment of ancient martial codes and competitive disciplines: from falconry to mounted archery, from horseback wrestling to buzkashi polo, and even the world’s oldest board game, mancala. This eclectic blend of competitive mastery, that has bound age-old communities and nomadic cultures since time immemorial, makes the trip to mountainous Kyrgyzstan well worth the effort.

Held bi-annually since 2014, the World Nomad Games is a true celebration of all things folkloric. In 2026 it returns home to Kyrgyzstan for the first time since 2018. These Games have consolidated intercultural ties and promoted mutual understanding between loose nomadic communities that historically have often been overlooked in favour of settled nation-states. 


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Day 5 : Cholpon Ata - Karakol

After breakfast, travel eastwards to Karakol, tracing the sweeping northern arc of Issyk Kul. Depending again on the World Nomad Games schedule, you may have the opportunity to attend additional events before departing.

Arrive in Karakol and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, with time to explore the town’s tree-lined streets and surrounding mountain scenery.

Overnight in Green Yard Hotel, Karakol

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Karakol, the administrative centre for Issyk-Kul province, was established as a Russian military post in the 19th century and was largely populated by Cossacks from western Siberia. Its population swelled in the 1880s, when many Dungans (Chinese Muslims) fled to Karakol to escape persecution in their home country. The town contains many fine examples of 19th-century Russian architecture. Today, Karakol is an important base for travellers who enjoy hiking, trekking and exploring the surrounding mountainous region.

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Day 6 : Cholpon Ata - Karakol

Discover the cultural mosaic that defines Karakol, a town shaped by waves of Russian settlers, Dungan Muslims, Turkic peoples, and Central Asian traders. Explore the striking Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral, built entirely of wood, and visit the museum dedicated to the famed 19th-century explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky, who launched many expeditions into Inner Asia from this region.

In keeping with the tour’s intercultural theme, wander through the bustling bazaar before enjoying a memorable dinner with a local Dungan family. Originally Hui Muslims from China, the Dungan community maintains distinct culinary and cultural traditions, and a home-cooked meal offers an intimate window into their way of life.

Return to your Karakol hotel for overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Karakol was built in 1872. The original stone cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake and later rebuilt in wood. During the turbulent history of the region, the church has been used as an educational centre, a theatre and even a dance hall after the revolution of 1917. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and independence of Kyrgyzstan in 1991, the building was restored as a church.

Dungan Mosque was built between 1904 and 1910. It and its outbuildings were constructed by Beijing architect Chou Seu with the help of local craftsmen, who used a unique design that meant no nails were required to hold the wooden structure together. The mosque is decorated with intricate paintings of grapes, pomegranates, pears and peaches. It functioned as a storehouse under Soviet rule, but today operates once more as a mosque.

The Nikolai Przhevalskii museum was opened in 1957 in Karakol to commemorate the Russian explorer-scientist, Nikolai Prezhevalskii. During his lifetime, he undertook 4 expeditions to Mongolia, China and Tibet. He researched the geography, flora and fauna of these Central Asian countries, discovering over 200 plant species, as well as doing a little spying for the government, most probably. The museum displays his extensive research alongside a zoological collection that is comprised of various plant, bird, fish and animal samples.

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Day 7 : Karakol - Issyk Kul (Southern Shore)

After breakfast, journey to the southern shores of Issyk Kul, where scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Visit Jety-Oguz Gorge - known for its brilliant red sandstone formations, including the iconic “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart” cliffs. You will also see Barskoon Gorge - a lush valley famed for its waterfalls and forested slopes, and finally the spectacular Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon – an otherworldly landscape shaped by wind and water into surreal red-and-gold formations resembling castles, creatures, and sculptures.

Enjoy a gentle hike in Skazka Canyon before continuing to your traditional yurt camp, where you will spend the night beneath the stars.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Skazka canyon is a valley off the Southern coast of Issy Kul lake near the village of Tosor. It has some beautiful rock landscapes carved out by erosion, featuring a multitude of colours and shapes.

The scenic Jety-Oguz gorge is located just outside of the city of Karakol. 'Jety-Oguz' translates to 'seven bulls'. It is named after the seven dramatic cliffs that span a length of 35km and are thought to resemble seven bulls. The surrounding hot springs, mountain lakes, forests and grasslands boast a rich biodiversity. It makes for a beautiful walking area.

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Day 8 : Issyk Kul - Kochkor

Depart for Kochkor, breaking the journey in the artisanal village of Kyzyl-Tuu. Here you will meet a family renowned for crafting traditional Kyrgyz yurts. Gain insight into this ancient engineering marvel as you learn how each component - from the wooden frame to the felt covering - is constructed and assembled. The yurt has sheltered nomads across Central Asia for millennia, and its design remains brilliantly adapted to a life shaped by migration and the extremes of climate.

Continue to Kochkor for dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The saline Issyk Kul Lake, located in the northern Tien Shan mountains, is the second highest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca. Its name means 'warm lake' in Kyrgyz and despite the surrounding snow-capped mountains, the lake itself never actually freezes. The circumference of the lake is around 440km and its depth reaches around 700m at its deepest point. Ancient Ussuni settlements, that are thought to date back 2,500 years, remain submerged beneath the water of this giant lake.

The village of Kochkor lies at an altitude of 1,800 metres in the northern Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan. Kochkor is believed to have been the site of the first settlement in the picturesque Kochkor Valley. Today, although many residents have settled down, they still live a life based on agriculture and herding. Many still keep traditional yurts and roam between spring, summer and autumnal pastures.

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Day 9 : Kochkor - Son Kul Lake

After breakfast, ascend into the high pastures towards the magnificent Son-Kul Lake, also known as “The Last Lake”. At 3,016 metres above sea level, Son-Kul is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful summer grazing grounds, a wide blue mirror encircled by rolling meadows, herds of grazing livestock, and nomadic yurt settlements.

The lake freezes in winter under a metre of ice, but in summer it becomes a serene haven for herders, wildlife, and travellers seeking wide-open spaces and silence.

Overnight in a yurt camp.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Son Kul Lake lies at an altitude of over 3000 metres in the northern Naryn Province. The alpine lake covers an area of around 270 km square - making it the second largest freshwater lake in Kyrgystan. Son Kul is surrounded by lush summer pastures and rolling hills, which are dotted with traditional yurts. The lake can typically visited from mid-June to late September.

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Day 10 : Son Kul - Chon Kemin

Leave the high lake this morning and return via Kochkor, where you will visit a local felt-making workshop run by women artisans. Participate in a hands-on demonstration and learn how felt - a cornerstone of Kyrgyz material culture — is produced and shaped into colourful household items and clothing.

After lunch, continue to Chon-Kemin Nature Park, a picturesque valley of alpine forests, wildflower meadows, and a winding river framed by lofty peaks. Settle into your guesthouse in the nearby village of Tar-Suu, where rural life moves at a gentle pace.

Your immersive village experience includes a traditional horse-cart ride, a practical demonstration of yurt assembly, and a bread-making lesson. Enjoy a hearty Kyrgyz dinner before returning to your guesthouse.

Overnight in Ashu Guesthouse, Chon-Kemin valley

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Chon-Kemin is a beautiful natural valley where the Chon-Kemin River flows between the Kungei Ala-Too and Iliysky Ala-Too mountain ranges. The valley is a combination of both wild and pastoral landscapes, dense conifer forests and sparse mountains. Its Tien Shan fir forests are famed for their medicinal herbs, mushrooms and edible berries. The area offers excellent hiking, rafting, horse riding and fishing opportunities.

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Day 11 : Chon Kemin - Burana Tower - Bishkek

Journey back towards Bishkek, stopping en route at the ancient Burana Tower in the fertile Chuy Valley. Dating to the 9th century, this solitary minaret is all that remains of the once-great Silk Road city of Balasagun, founded by the Sogdians and later ruled by the Karakhanids. Explore the site’s stone carvings and open-air museum, and enjoy panoramic views from the tower.

Continue to Bishkek in time to visit the State Fine Art Museum, an intriguing example of Soviet-era modernist architecture inspired in part by Le Corbusier. Its collection ranges from socialist realist works to contemporary Central Asian art.

Check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner and your final evening at leisure.

Overnight in Damas , Bishkek

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Burana Tower is a minaret in the Chuy Valley that marks the 9th-century Karakhanid town of Balasagun. The town is believed to have been once considered the centre of the world, but was lost in the mists of time until quite recently. The minaret was originally 45m tall, though only 25m remains due to earthquakes. Nearby a wide variety of statues known as bulbuls dot the landscape. These intriguing statues often hold a cup in one hand and a weapon in their other, to represent their hospitality, and the repercussions for those who might not accept it!
 


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Day 12 : Departure

At the appropriate time, depart for the airport for your onward flight home.

Otherwise, you can also extend your trip elsewhere in Kyrgyzstan or in neighbouring Uzbekistan. Contact us for more ideas.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Hotel Raduga

Cholpan Ata (2 nights)

Raduga Resort Centre offers its guests the ultimate place to relax and unwind, set in the stunning backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains and Issyk-Kul lake. It features an onsite spa and health centre, large outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants with a variety of dining options.  All rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including satellite TV's and a hairdryer.

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Green Yard Hotel

Karakol (1 night)

The Green Yard Hotel can be found at the foot of the Tien-Shan Mountains in Karakol. The small hotel is decorated in a simple style and provides comfortable accommodation that lies just minutes from many nearby sights - such as the Issyk-Kul lake. Guests can enjoy a variety of local dishes during their stay at The Green Yard Hotel, which is also home to a Russian and Finnish style sauna.

Visit hotel's site
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Ashu Guesthouse

Chon-Kemin valley (1 night)

Ashu Guesthouse can be found in the picturesque Chon-Kemin valley. The guesthouse offers travellers a traditional experience. Visitors can relax and enjoy the rural way of life - tasting local delicaicies and staying overnight in traditional Kyrgz cottages. All the bedrooms are furnished with locally produced handicrafts and artwork. They are also equipped with basic modern comforts, including an ensuite bathroom, to allow for a comfortable stay. Guests can spend their free time in the gardens of the guesthouse or opting to explore the surrounding mountains. 

Extensions

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Reviews

A fascinating trip to the old Soviet Central Asia, an extraordinary mixture of cultures, peoples and religions. On the old Silk Road, I followed in the footsteps of Alexander The Great, Tamberlane and Genghiz Khan - all of whom - I am reliably informed - booked through Travel The Unknown.

Anthony Twohig , Journey Through the 4 Stans & Central Asia extension

I would recommend the 4 Stan trip to anyone who has already enjoyed Uzbekistan and wants to have a varied trip around some of the best that the other countries of Central Asia have to offer... mountain scenery to match the Alps and the Himalayas; vast steppe and desert landscapes; cities both ancient (Silk Road ruins) and modern (vibrant, cosmopolitan with interesting modern architecture and remnants of Soviet & Tsarist past). Lots of travel companies are offering Silk Road trips these days but this is special and so far, one of a kind !

Julie Crank , Journey Through the 4 Stans

We spent a memorable month in Central Asia, travelling through four 'Stans. The long history of ethnic diversity and exchange of cultural ideas make it a fascinating place. The architecture and landscapes were breathtaking and the hospitality and warmth of the people unforgettable.

Dave Every , Tailormade 'Stans'

Travel The Unknown proved to be knowledgeable, efficient and flexible. An extensive and packed itinerary ran like clockwork. The quality of accommodation, food, guides and the friendliness of all the people of Central Asia were all surprisingly good and better than anticipated. An excellent trip!

Peter & Janice Lacey , Tailormade Five Stans

Just back from my trip through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It was a fantastic trip with many highlights - I was looking forward to the trip but it exceeded my expectations. The scenery in Tajikistan is stunning with some great sites. One of the highlights was the land border crossing into Kyrgyzstan at 4,200m above sea level. The Bradt guide describes it as "undeniably one of the last truly adventurous road trips that can be made in the 21st century" hard to disagree with them. The drive along the border with Afghanistan, along the Pamir highway and visiting the Wakhan corridor were also very memorable. The highlight of the entire trip were the two weeks spent in Kyrgyzstan - it is a really beautiful country with so much to see and do. I had a fantastic guide (Tatiana) and driver (Daniar) I got the opportunity to do many walks as Tatiana also liked walking. Daniar also had a reasonable amount of English so it was like having 2 guides. The vehicle (Toyota Landcruiser) was modern and very comfortable which is important as we did 3,100km. Before departing I was somewhat concerned about the standard of some of the accommodation- while the homestays in Tajikistan were pretty basic but this was the only way of getting to some fantastic remote locations. The standard in Kyrgyzstan was good and one of the highlights was the stay at Reina Kench Farm situated in a great location and the food was some of the best we had on the entire trip - would highly recommend it (Wi-Fi also excellent). The food in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan was great and very varied. Kyrgyzstan also had some interesting historical sites (Osh, Tash Rabat and Bishkek ) whereas many view it as more of a destination for scenic mountains and valleys. Kazakhstan was very interesting and I would really like to explore the rest of the country as many interesting sites and scenery - the two guides we had were very good. Having spent over 7 weeks in the Stans over the past 12 months I think it is a great area and one I plan to return to. Thanks for your help in organising the trip for me.

Brendan Fitzgerald , Journey Through the Stans

Our guide, was fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble. He went out of his way to make sure our time there was enjoyable, packed with positive experiences and memorable. He loves his country and wanted to show us the best of everything. He quickly understood what we liked and made sure he gave us as much of it as possible. And he’s a sociable , kind and thoughtful person. Our driver, Yuri, was a larger than life character, full of fun. He too, was adaptable and full of suggestions to improve our experience of Kyrgyzstan. And we always had the cleanest mini bus on the road. Two people with warm and welcoming hearts.

Andrea Nutter , Kyrgyzstan Explorer
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