Experiencing the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan

Are you wondering whether to book a trip to see the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan? Well, we’re here to tell you to stop wondering and start booking your Kyrgyzstan vacation! This event with all its unique excitement, adventure and cultural insight is a real once in a lifetime opportunity to see proud local traditions in action in a spectacular location.

Conceived as an Olympics equivalent for the Nomadic people of Central Asia, you may not be familiar with the sports on display, but it won’t take long to be swept up by the energy and thrill of the event. A fiercely competitive yet celebratory mood permeates all corners of the Games, from the yurt camps and cultural events to the Kok Buru stadium, and you can’t fail to get into the festival mood with the breathtaking surroundings of Issyk-Kul Lake, with its mountain backdrop and emerald pastures thronging with hospitable Nomadic people keen to show off their enthralling culture to the world.

The first World Nomad Games festival took place in 2014 and became an instant success. One of the reasons the event was conceived was to promote tourism and encourage visitors to make Kyrgyzstan their next destination, but that does not mean it is laid on for tourists. It is fundamentally an event by and for the Nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan and beyond, and by far the majority of spectators are of Kyrgyz or other Central Asian origin. Families arrive from far-flung corners for this festival of Kyrgyz heritage, setting up their yurts, putting on their colorful traditional dress, and joining the crowds for this cultural carnival slash Nomadic Olympics. Many spectators roam the lakeside site on horseback, giving them an excellent view of the various sports matches and contests going on throughout the Games. Others are keen to show off their exuberant culture to foreigners, sharing food, stories, and hospitality where they can. There’s a real sense of pride at the Games, pride from the competitors and Nomadic spectators who are showcasing the best of their traditions and lifestyle with true panache in the world-beating location of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Read more: Our ultimate guide to Kyrgyzstan

What to expect from the World Nomad Games

The clean air and untrammeled nature along the shores of a sparkling lake make a stunning arena for the encampments of yurts, the stabling, and the various venues for the Nomad Games. Opening and closing ceremonies are elaborate showcases of dance, agility, and culture with an impressive musical element and fireworks galore, not to mention equine parades, and the remaining days of the event are a whirlwind of impressive feats of horsemanship, archery, falconry, and more.

Some of the unmissable events are so full of drama and masterful skill that they will take your breath away. Witness thundering groups of horses throwing up dust as they gallop at full pelt with their riders trailing flames. Marvel at the skill of female archers who compete by shooting bows and arrows using their feet. There’s so much to see and enjoy, so here’s the lowdown on some of the most eye-catching events.

What is Kok Buru?

A bit like a horseback version of rugby, with a decapitated goat carcass instead of a ball, and a circular pit instead of a crossbar. The game is similarly physical to rugby, in that players need to be strong, skilled athletes and are quite likely to get knocked about during the match, and the other similarity is that each team is trying to reach its goal. In Kok Buru, however, the scrum forms around the goat, as players try to grab it and pin it under their leg to allow their hands to remain free to control the horse and hopefully steer it at speed towards the goal pit, where they must throw the goat in order to score a goal. If it all sounds a bit gory, well, it can be, as sometimes the carcass begins to disintegrate as it is yanked and hurled in all directions. But it’s an exciting and boisterous game requiring steely stamina and copious skill, making it a real thrill to watch.

Read more: Go off the beaten track in Kyrgyzstan

What is Salburun?

Salburun is a thrilling traditional discipline that resembles a triathlon, but with a distinctly Central Asian twist. It combines three ancient skills of the nomadic lifestyle, each deeply rooted in heritage and survival.

The event begins with eagle hunting, where competitors showcase the skill and synergy between hunter and bird. Judges assess the eagle’s grace, speed, precision, and responsiveness, including how cleanly it lands on command. Next comes Taigan dog hunting and racing, a tribute to the Kyrgyz Taigan breed, prized for its agility, speed, and sharp instincts. Finally, the competition moves to mounted archery, where participants gallop at full speed while firing arrows at targets, demonstrating remarkable coordination, balance, and accuracy. Together, these events capture the essence of nomadic life; strength, skill, and an unbreakable bond with animals and nature.

What is Shagai?

Also known as Ordo, Shagai refers to a collection of traditional games that have been played across Central Asia for centuries. At the heart of these games are small, knucklebone-like pieces made from the astragalus bones of sheep or goats. These bones serve as both game pieces and dice, with each of their four distinct sides representing a different animal, horse, camel, sheep, or goat, depending on how they land.

Shagai games are incredibly versatile. Some resemble dice-based board games, while others are more like marble-shooting contests, where players flick or launch bones to hit targets. Passed down through generations, these games are more than just entertainment, they are a cherished part of nomadic culture, rich in symbolism, skill, and community connection.

Make it happen

The World Nomad Games are a breathtaking spectacle and an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia. Held every two years, this extraordinary event brings together traditional sports, music, and celebrations in a dramatic showcase of nomadic life. TravelLocal’s friendly Kyrgyz experts have crafted a special itinerary that includes the World Nomad Games alongside some of Kyrgyzstan’s most stunning highlights. It’s the perfect way to combine the thrill of the Games with the natural beauty, warm hospitality, and unique traditions of this remarkable country. Get in touch today to start planning your tailor-made Kyrgyzstan adventure.