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Kyrgyzstan🇰🇬 | festivalsWorld Nomad GamesMultinational teams, eagle hunters, hippodrome | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in World Nomad Games
🏆 Top pickfestival ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

Dust coats my tongue, hooves pound the track, and a pack of riders in felt hats surges after a goat carcass while the grandstand roars so loud it buzzes in my ribs. That was my first kok boru match at the hippodrome in Cholpon-Ata, on the north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, about 250 km east of Bishkek. The World Nomad Games run for roughly a week, usually in early September, every two years, and bring delegations from dozens of countries to compete in horseback games, wrestling, archery and board games. Crowds mix Kyrgyz families, Central Asian teams and camera-heavy travelers. Go in with a plan. Lodging prices jump and rooms vanish months out, so book early or stay in nearby villages. Leave Bishkek before 8 a.m., because the lakeside road clogs on big days. Carry Kyrgyz som for taxis and snacks, and buy tickets only from official sellers. Sunscreen matters more than you expect.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 festival in KyrgyzstanReasons people choose to celebrate the here

Backpackers build routes around the Games because few events pack so much living tradition into one lakeside town. Teams arrive with their own costumes, songs and food, so the bleachers, the ethno-village stalls and the guesthouse breakfast tables turn into a temporary community where a Mongolian wrestler, a Turkish archer and a Kyrgyz grandmother selling kymyz might all end up chatting with you. The social energy is easy to join: spectators sit shoulder to shoulder, share bread and pass around tea. Compared with big European festivals, costs stay low. Sessions are usually modestly priced, plenty of side attractions are free, and street food stays cheap even in peak week. The timing also fits a bigger trip. Early September brings warm days at Issyk-Kul, clear mountain light and quieter trails … read more 👉
Backpackers build routes around the Games because few events pack so much living tradition into one lakeside town. Teams arrive with their own costumes, songs and food, so the bleachers, the ethno-village stalls and the guesthouse breakfast tables turn into a temporary community where a Mongolian wrestler, a Turkish archer and a Kyrgyz grandmother selling kymyz might all end up chatting with you. The social energy is easy to join: spectators sit shoulder to shoulder, share bread and pass around tea. Compared with big European festivals, costs stay low. Sessions are usually modestly priced, plenty of side attractions are free, and street food stays cheap even in peak week. The timing also fits a bigger trip. Early September brings warm days at Issyk-Kul, clear mountain light and quieter trails than July, so you can add Karakol, Jeti-Oguz and Song-Kol before or after. It also pairs well with an overland loop through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan or Tajikistan. You come away with real cultural context rather than a checklist, and the stories travel with you.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. Kok boru at the hippodrome: Two teams of mounted riders fight to carry a goat carcass into the opposing goal. It is fast, rough and loud, and it is the sport most associated with the Games. Sit near the rail on the long side to feel the speed. I would pick this first, because nothing else shows so quickly why these traditions still matter.
  2. Horseback wrestling (er enish): Riders grapple from the saddle and try to pull their opponent to the ground. It looks chaotic but rewards balance and nerve, and bouts are short enough that you can catch several in one session.
  3. Kyz kuumai and other horse games: In kyz kuumai, a rider chases a woman rider who may use a whip to fend him off, a custom with deep roots in Kyrgyz courtship lore. Alongside it you can watch horse races and mounted archery, all in the
… read more 👉
  1. Kok boru at the hippodrome: Two teams of mounted riders fight to carry a goat carcass into the opposing goal. It is fast, rough and loud, and it is the sport most associated with the Games. Sit near the rail on the long side to feel the speed. I would pick this first, because nothing else shows so quickly why these traditions still matter.
  2. Horseback wrestling (er enish): Riders grapple from the saddle and try to pull their opponent to the ground. It looks chaotic but rewards balance and nerve, and bouts are short enough that you can catch several in one session.
  3. Kyz kuumai and other horse games: In kyz kuumai, a rider chases a woman rider who may use a whip to fend him off, a custom with deep roots in Kyrgyz courtship lore. Alongside it you can watch horse races and mounted archery, all in the same arena.
  4. Kurosh and other traditional wrestling: Teams from different countries show their own styles on mats and in open rings, from belt wrestling to regional holds. The crowds are close, the rules are quick to pick up, and you can see how neighbors’ traditions differ and overlap.
  5. The ethno-village and opening ceremony: Stalls and yurts offer felt crafts, local food, music and demonstrations, including eagle handling and archery. The opening ceremony stages epic stories with dancers, horsemen and costumes. Arrive early for a good seat, bring a hat, and wander the village in the cooler hours.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of World Nomad Games?

The World Nomad Games are held in early September, roughly every two years. When Kyrgyzstan hosts them, the Cholpon-Ata hippodrome area on Lake Issyk-Kul is at its best then.
  • Early September (festival window): Days run about 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) on the lakeshore, nights drop to 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F). Daylight lasts roughly 12.5 hours. Expect the biggest crowds, delegations and opening ceremony traffic.
  • Late August: Warm, 22 to 27°C (72 to 81°F), with peak summer beach crowds and the highest lakeside prices. Good for arriving early.
  • Mid to late September: Cooler, 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F), and quieter once the Games end. Prices ease and some seasonal camps start closing.
  • Off years: The Games are not held, but the same shoulder weather gives cheap beds and empty beaches.
Book beds and Bishkek to … read more 👉
The World Nomad Games are held in early September, roughly every two years. When Kyrgyzstan hosts them, the Cholpon-Ata hippodrome area on Lake Issyk-Kul is at its best then.
  • Early September (festival window): Days run about 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) on the lakeshore, nights drop to 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F). Daylight lasts roughly 12.5 hours. Expect the biggest crowds, delegations and opening ceremony traffic.
  • Late August: Warm, 22 to 27°C (72 to 81°F), with peak summer beach crowds and the highest lakeside prices. Good for arriving early.
  • Mid to late September: Cooler, 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F), and quieter once the Games end. Prices ease and some seasonal camps start closing.
  • Off years: The Games are not held, but the same shoulder weather gives cheap beds and empty beaches.
Book beds and Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata transport at least two to three months ahead, since Games weeks sell out fast and prices can double.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: not recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: not recommended for travelingMARMarch: not recommended for travelingAPRApril: not recommended for travelingMAYMay: not recommended for travelingJUNJune: not recommended for travelingJULJuly: not recommended for travelingAUGAugust: not recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: not recommended for travelingNOVNovember: not recommended for travelingDECDecember: not recommended for traveling

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutKyrgyzstan Travel Guide

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Kyrgyzstan

Cholpon-Ata itself is the most practical base, since the hippodrome and the main venues sit within a short taxi ride of its guesthouse streets.

The town center and the lanes running toward the lakeshore hold the densest cluster of family guesthouses and homestays. They are safe, walkable and the easiest places to meet other travelers over shared breakfasts of bread, jam and tea. During the Games, many locals open spare rooms, so private rooms and shared dorm-style setups appear that do not exist in quieter years.

Bosteri, a lakeside village a few kilometers east, is calmer and cheaper, with … read more 👉
Cholpon-Ata itself is the most practical base, since the hippodrome and the main venues sit within a short taxi ride of its guesthouse streets.

The town center and the lanes running toward the lakeshore hold the densest cluster of family guesthouses and homestays. They are safe, walkable and the easiest places to meet other travelers over shared breakfasts of bread, jam and tea. During the Games, many locals open spare rooms, so private rooms and shared dorm-style setups appear that do not exist in quieter years.

Bosteri, a lakeside village a few kilometers east, is calmer and cheaper, with pebble beaches and simple guesthouses. Marshrutkas and taxis connect it to Cholpon-Ata in minutes, so it suits those who want quiet evenings after loud days at the arena.

Karavan-style yurt camps along the shore give the most atmospheric option and are popular with solo travelers because meals are communal. Book early, as they fill first.

Bishkek works as a fallback if everything near the lake is taken. It has the widest range of hostels and social common rooms. Expect a 3 to 4 hour ride each way, so it only suits a day or two of events, not the whole week.

Wherever you sleep, confirm transport back from the evening ceremonies, since late taxis get scarce and pricey.
Best hostels in Kyrgyzstan


Best quality hotels in Kyrgyzstan

👛 Costs (as of 15 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Expect to spend about US$45 to 110 per day during the World Nomad Games, with accommodation driving most of the swing.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0 to 15 per dayEntry to the ethnographic village and many events is often free or low cost. Hippodrome sessions and ceremonies may need a ticket, typically US$5 to 15 depending on the event.
AccommodationUS$15 to 70 per nightHomestays and guesthouses run US$15 to 35 in normal years and rise sharply in Games week. Yurt camps and lake hotels cost US$40 to 70 or more.
Local transportUS$3 to 15 per dayMarshrutkas within the lake area cost under US$1. Taxis in Cholpon-Ata cost US$2 to 6 per ride. Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata by shared taxi or marshrutka costs US$5 to 10 each way, and event shuttles are often added.
Food & drinksUS$10
… read more 👉
Expect to spend about US$45 to 110 per day during the World Nomad Games, with accommodation driving most of the swing.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0 to 15 per dayEntry to the ethnographic village and many events is often free or low cost. Hippodrome sessions and ceremonies may need a ticket, typically US$5 to 15 depending on the event.
AccommodationUS$15 to 70 per nightHomestays and guesthouses run US$15 to 35 in normal years and rise sharply in Games week. Yurt camps and lake hotels cost US$40 to 70 or more.
Local transportUS$3 to 15 per dayMarshrutkas within the lake area cost under US$1. Taxis in Cholpon-Ata cost US$2 to 6 per ride. Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata by shared taxi or marshrutka costs US$5 to 10 each way, and event shuttles are often added.
Food & drinksUS$10 to 25 per dayStall meals cost US$2 to 5. Cafe meals cost US$5 to 10. Kymyz and tea cost under US$2 a cup.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$5 to 20 per dayCovers souvenirs such as felt goods, SIM card data (around US$5 to 8 for a tourist package), beach or hot spring entry and tips.
Prices are listed in US dollars for comparison and are paid in Kyrgyz som. Bring cash, since ATMs near the venues can run out during peak days.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodLocal Flavors for Backpackers

Food at the Games leans on the Central Asian nomadic kitchen, and the ethnographic village around the venues is where it comes alive.

Stalls and yurt cafes serve beshbarmak (boiled meat over hand-cut noodles), plov cooked in huge cast-iron kazans, and shashlik grilled over coals. Grab lagman noodles and manty dumplings for a cheap filling lunch. Delegations from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Mongolia and others often run their own tents, so you can sample regional dishes side by side.

Try boorsok, golden fried dough, with a bowl of kaymak cream and jam. For drinks, the authentic experience is kymyz (fermented mare’s milk), tangy and fizzy, and maksym, a fermented grain drink served cold. Both are acquired tastes, so order a small cup first. Tea arrives constantly, and chalap, a salty yogurt drink, … read more 👉
Food at the Games leans on the Central Asian nomadic kitchen, and the ethnographic village around the venues is where it comes alive.

Stalls and yurt cafes serve beshbarmak (boiled meat over hand-cut noodles), plov cooked in huge cast-iron kazans, and shashlik grilled over coals. Grab lagman noodles and manty dumplings for a cheap filling lunch. Delegations from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Mongolia and others often run their own tents, so you can sample regional dishes side by side.

Try boorsok, golden fried dough, with a bowl of kaymak cream and jam. For drinks, the authentic experience is kymyz (fermented mare’s milk), tangy and fizzy, and maksym, a fermented grain drink served cold. Both are acquired tastes, so order a small cup first. Tea arrives constantly, and chalap, a salty yogurt drink, is a good rehydrator on hot afternoons.

Carry cash in Kyrgyz som, as most small stalls do not take cards and signal can be patchy. Lines at popular grill stands swell right after major events, so eat during the matches instead. Portions are generous and meant to be shared, and hosts at yurt tents often wave you in for tea, so accept and sit.

FAQTraveler FAQ

The World Nomad Games are held every two years, usually in early September, and run for about a week. The Kyrgyz editions took place in Cholpon-Ata on Lake Issyk-Kul in 2014, 2016 and 2018, and other host countries have staged later editions, so confirm the host and dates before booking flights. If it is in Kyrgyzstan, Cholpon-Ata is roughly 250 km from Bishkek, a drive of about 3 to 4 hours.
Expect modest event costs but expensive beds. Hippodrome sessions have generally been priced at a few hundred Kyrgyz som per ticket (roughly US$3 to 10), while some ethno-village and side events are free. Guesthouse and hotel rates in Cholpon-Ata often double in festival week, so budget US$40 to 100 a night for a decent room, and less if you stay in nearby villages. A marshrutka from Bishkek costs roughly 300 to 500 som one way.
Yes, book ahead for the main events, as sessions at the hippodrome can sell out, especially opening days and finals. Tickets have typically been sold through official channels and kiosks, so avoid street resellers. Accommodation matters more than tickets: reserve rooms 3 to 6 months before, or at least well ahead of a September edition. Carry cash in som, because card machines can be unreliable.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Kyrgyz festivals near World Nomad Games

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

The Games gave me a week of close contact with sports that are still alive, played by people who grew up with them. That made it worth the trek. The catch is logistics: it comes only every two years, accommodation is tight, and the schedule can shift. If you need spontaneity, cheap beds and predictable timetables, this will frustrate you. Book early, stay flexible, and treat delays as part of the adventure.

✈️ When did I visit Kyrgyzstan?
I started my 1.5 year travel around the world trip in June 2015 in Kyrgyzstan.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Kyrgyzstan, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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