World Nomad Games led by Sophie Ibbotson

Kyrgyzstan

Discover spectacular mountain scenery & ancient traditions in Kyrgyzstan

12 days £3,295 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.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Join Central Asia expert, Sophie Ibbotson, on this unique trip to Kyrgyzstan.

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.

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.

This tour also takes in the wider sights of this understated nation locked in the jagged heart of Central Asia. See wondrous natural features, such as the gorges at Ala Archa and Jey Oguz. Combine a walk in Skazka Canyon, with a night under canvas on the dramatic shores of one of Earth’s deepest and most voluminous lakes, Issyk Kul. Discover the charms of Karakol to dine with a local Kyrgyz family. Appreciate the Bronze-Age, ancestral origins that gave rise to the region’s nomadic culture with a visit to Cholpan Ata. Get in the mood for the Games at the Kyrgyz ethno-village, a vast camp of yurts scattered across the Kyrchyn pastures in the picturesque Semenov Gorge. Take your seat for the unique spectacle of the 6th World Nomad Games, a pastoralist Olympics with competitors from over 80 countries. Begin and end in the agreeable surroundings of Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek.

The maximum group size will be 14 people.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Towering Tien Shan backdrop to the Kyrgyz capital
  • Rock formations of Skazka canyon
  • Take a boat ride on the majestic waters of Issyk-Kul Lake
  • Learn the art of traditional yurt-making
  • Prehistoric art of Cholpan Ata
  • Ethnosports "Olympics" at the World Nomad Games
  • Walking, rafting or horse-riding in scenic Chon Kemin Valley

Places Visited

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

What's Included

Group arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver (AC)
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary)
English-speaking escort guide
Entrance fees to sites & parks
Boat ride on Issyk Kul Lake
World Nomad Games entry tickets

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Itinerary & Map
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival - Bishkek

On arrival at Bishkek's airport, you'll be met by a driver and transferred to the hotel. Most flights arrive in the early hours of the morning, so your hotel is booked from the day before to ensure check-in is accessible immediately upon arrival.

After a few hours of rest through the morning, head out in the trusted company of your guide. Visit some of Bishkek's more notable civic landmarks, including commemorative squares, the philharmonic hall, and Oak Park. Align with the energy of the city and its people by stepping into the hustle-bustle of the Osh Bazaar.

Return to your hotel to dine and rest at leisure for the evening.

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

From Bishkek, take a two-hour road trip into the towering Tien Shan mountains. Ala Archa is an alpine National Park. Established in 1976 and covering an impressive 16,000Ha, the park is a landscape masterpiece and a haven for alpine wilderness lovers. Spend the day enfolded in its dramatic high-sided slopes cut through with babbling mountain streams.

Make the most of this memorable day trip, walking the trails and appreciating the heavenly views of peaks that reach almost 5,000m. Return to Bishkek later to rest at leisure in your hotel.

Overnight in Damas , Bishkek

Meal plan: Breakfast

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 - Skazka Canyon (Tamga)

This morning, depart Bishkek to head to arguably the premier natural sight in all Kyrgyzstan: Issyk Kul lake. Break the lengthy drive with an educational side-trip to the lakeside village of Kyzyl-Tuu. There you'll meet a family of master yurt makers who will amply demonstrate the art of making nomadic tents. 

Later, arrive at your camp on the southern shore of the lake. Situated conveniently near the Skazka canyons, time-permitting you can work up an appetite with a relaxing walk toward the so-called fairytale canyon. 

Note that yurts are only available on a double-occupancy basis, so single travellers will need to share. 

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.

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Day 4 : Skakza Canyon - Jety Oguz - Karakol

As a fitting forerunner to the tour’s climax at the World Nomad Games, this morning you’ll meet a Kyrgyz hunter to learn about their tradition of eagle hunting. Later, walk to a local outlook spot to survey Issyk Kul in all its glory. After lunch, head to the scenic trails of Barskoon Gorge that higlight the wild side of the country.

Before ending the day in the quaint town of Karakol, keep the landscape theme by walking through the Jety Oguz gorge where erosion has sculpted red sandstone formations that eyes of the past said resembled seven bulls. Upon arriving in Karakol, check-in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. 

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 5 : Karakol

With Russian, Chinese, Mongol and Turkic Islamic influences, the town of Karakol on the eastern flanks of Issyk Kul offers an eclectic experience for your sightseeing today.  Highlights include seeing Mother Russia’s lasting influence’s in the town’s attractive Orthodox church and its museum dedicated to 19th century explorer, Nikolai Przhevalsky.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a trip to the bazaar followed by dinner at the home of a local family. Enjoy dinner with them before returning to your hotel. 

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 6 : Karakol - Semenov Gorge - Cholpon Ata

From Karakol, the road turns ever more scenic as you motor toward the Kyrchyn pastures of Semenov Gorge. Here in the big country, admire the sweeping vistas and untamed beauty of a dreamy, fertile corner of Kyrgyzstan. Here you'll visit a local village, showing the traditions of life in the Tien Shan Mountains.

Your journey then heads North West to Cholpan-Ata, home to this years World Nomad Games on the Northern shores of Issyk Kul. Depending on the schedule of the Games, today may bring your first foray into this celebration of Central Asian nomadic culture.

Check-in to your hotel, and enjoy dinner and an evening at rest.

Overnight in Hotel Raduga , Cholpan Ata

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Kyrgz yurt is a traditional nomadic dwelling. Its frame is covered by felt and braided rope, while the interior is decorated with woven geometric tapestries created by women of the community. The yurt is the place where all festivals, ceremonies, births, weddings and funerals are held. As such, it has become a significant symbol of the traditional identity of the Kyrgyz people. 

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 7 : Cholpon Ata - World Nomad Games

The tour’s showpiece is the 2026 World Nomad Games. Today being a full day of intercultural games in a colourful carnival of ethnosports and their nomadic affiliations.

In the build-up to the events, attend a rider’s workshop to learn more about the centrality of horses to Central Asian nomadic culture. This is followed by a live demonstration of superlative horsemanship in the competitive event of headless goat polo (known in Kyrgyz as kok boru). More excellence on horseback to follow with archery in motion (In Kyrgyz, kyz kumay) and the bizarre spectacle of horseback tug-of-war (ulak tartysh).

Return to hotel and enjoy dinner after an exciting day.

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. 

Read more
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Day 8 : World Nomad Games - Cholpon Ata

Start the second day of events interacting with nomadic culture in a hands-on cookery workshop. The fuel of competitive ethnosports, dishes like dumplings (manty) and fermented mare’s milk (kumis) form an integral part of the nomadic diet across Central Asia.

Later, rejoin the festivities to see competitors go head-to-head in equestrian races, tug-of-war, and wrestling. The evening affords you the chance to wander the festival grounds, rubbing shoulders and shooting photographs with athletes and vendors from every corner of the nomadic world.

Return to your hotel in Cholpon Ata.

Overnight in Hotel Raduga , Cholpan Ata

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 9 : Cholpon Ata - Issyk Kul - Cholpan Ata

Today is a day of rest to enjoy your surroundings and the vastness of Issyk Kul. Recognised as Earth’s deepest lake with its deepest point above sea level, Issyk Kul really is a natural wonder of the world. Ringed by convergent mountain ranges, including the immense Tien Shan, there is every reason to spend a free day winding down here.

Return to your Cholpon Ata hotel to enjoy dinner and an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hotel Raduga , Cholpan Ata

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.

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Day 10 : Cholpon Ata - Chon Kemin

Having only given Cholpon Ata a cursory glance owing to the Games, spend the day getting to know this resort town. Steeped in history and a symbol of religious tolerance, Cholpon Ata boasts a museum of Bronze Age petroglyphs, as well as the informative Rukh Ordo open-air cultural centre by the shores of the lake, featuring chapels dedicated to the five schools of monotheism: Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

After a great few days enjoying the town, make the journey to the nearby Chon Kemin valley. Characterised by rugged terrain, lush meadows, and its meandering river, this wild strip of nature provides a fitting place to stay overnight. Check-in to your guesthouse in a nearby village, for a taste of local life and of course, a Kyrgyz dinner. 

 

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

As you make the journey back to the capital, your last day of exploration brings you to the Burana Tower in Chuy Valley. Burana dates from the 9th century during the reign of the sunni Karakhanids and is a surviving blueprint of how future minarets would be constructed is all that remains of the ancient Sogdian citadel of Balasagun.

When you arrive back in Bishkek, take in the State Fine Art Museum as a fitting finale to your tour before checking-in to your hotel and enjoying a final evening in Kyrgyzstan. 

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.

Should you wish to extend your stay, we are running a Southern Kyrgyzstan group extension to Son Kul Lake, Naryn, and Tash Rabat that departs from the main tour on Day 11, or there are plenty of tailormade options also available.

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 (4 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.

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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Journey Through The 4 Stans (18 days)

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Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan Explorer (14 days)

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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
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