Kyrgyzstan Tour & the World Nomad Games 2026

Fly to Bishkek.

Arrive in Bishkek and transfer to your hotel for immediate check-in and time to freshen up. This afternoon, explore the capital’s Soviet architecture, leafy parks and colourful bazaars. Highlights include the Philharmonic Hall, Ala-Too Square, Oak Park and the State Historical Museum. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, the Frunze Museum and Victory Square, before browsing ZUM’s lively halls. This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner in a yurt at Supara Ethno Restaurant. (B/D)

• Hotel Description

Start with a refreshing visit to Ala-Archa National Park, a short drive from Bishkek. Nestled in the Tian Shan mountains, the park boasts stunning alpine scenery, pine forests, rivers, and gentle walking trails. Return to Bishkek to explore its unique Soviet heritage - discover colourful murals, the renovated State Circus, and stroll through broad boulevards, leafy parks, and striking Soviet architecture. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and perhaps stop at a local café. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, leave Bishkek for a scenic drive to the tranquil Chon-Kemin Valley, 150 km east. En route, visit Burana Tower, a well-preserved 10th-century minaret, and explore the nearby museum showcasing ancient artefacts. Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty lunch at a local guesthouse with traditional home-cooked dishes. Spend the afternoon wandering the peaceful countryside or taking a gentle horse cart ride, offering a serene connection to nature and insight into rural Kyrgyz life. (B/L/D)

• Hotel Description

Travel this morning through the scenic Kalmak Ashuu Pass to Son-Kul Lake, perched at 3,016 metres. Surrounded by meadows and mountains, the lake invites gentle rides or walks along the shore, with visits to nomadic yurts to discover shepherd life. Upon arrival, settle into a cosy yurt camp adorned with colourful textiles. Enjoy simple comfort, homemade meals, warm hospitality, and clear night skies ideal for stargazing — an authentic immersion in Kyrgyz nomadic culture. (B/L/D)

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Spend the morning horse riding or walking through Son-Kul Lake’s tranquil landscape, with an optional visit to ancient petroglyphs nearby. After lunch at the yurt camp, travel to Bokonbaevo, a charming village by Lake Issyk-Kul, where you’ll stay in a traditional yurt camp for two nights. En route, stop at Kochkor for a hands-on felt-making demonstration at Altyn Kol, learning this unique craft from skilled artisans. Enjoy a peaceful evening at leisure. (B/L/D)

• Hotel Description

Begin with a visit to Bokonbaevo’s war monument and local bazaar, offering a glimpse into village life. Experience a thrilling eagle hunting demonstration, showcasing the bird’s speed and precision. Continue to Kyzyl Tuu village, famed for its yurt makers, and watch a live yurt-building demonstration before enjoying lunch with a local family. In the evening, visit Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon), where wind-sculpted red rock formations create a magical scene in the warm sunset light. (B/L/D)

Depart Bokonbaevo and travel along the scenic southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul towards Karakol. En route, visit Barskoon Waterfall, set in a picturesque mountain gorge, and explore the dramatic Jeti-Ögüz Gorge, known for its striking “Seven Bulls” red rock formations and legends tied to Kyrgyz folklore. In Karakol, enjoy a city tour including the Prejevalskiy Museum, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, and the unique Dungan Mosque. In the evening, join a cooking masterclass with a local Dungan family and learn to prepare lagman noodles. (B/L/D)

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Journey to the remote Jyrgalan Valley, nestled at 2,300 metres near the Kazakh border. This pristine mountain haven offers breathtaking alpine lakes, rivers, and pastures, alongside charming villages and Soviet-era relics. Enjoy opportunities to interact with warm, friendly locals. Return to Karakol in the evening for a restful night. (B/L/D)

Travel by 4WD through rugged terrain to Altyn-Arashan Valley, a tranquil mountain retreat near Karakol. Known as the Golden Spa, its sulphur-rich hot springs are famed for healing properties. Nestled beneath Peak Palatka (4,260m), the valley shelters rare wildlife like snow leopards and bears. Relax in open-air hot pools or hike the Arashan State Nature Reserve, home to pristine alpine flora and fauna. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst stunning scenery before returning to your hotel. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, travel to Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest alpine lake. See the open-air petroglyphs where ancient rock carvings reveal the area’s rich history. Continue to the vibrant Rukh Ordo Cultural Centre, celebrating nomadic Kyrgyz traditions. Arrive to Cholpon Ata for free time to enjoy your first experience of the World Nomad Games. Enjoy dinner and overnight in the hotel. (B/L/D)

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Enjoy a full day at the World Nomad Games, a vibrant celebration of nomadic traditions, culture, and sport. A nomadic event held biennially, the event draws competitors from around the world to showcase traditional contests such as eagle hunting, horseback archery, kok-boru and wrestling. Alongside the sports, enjoy cultural performances, folk music and dance, creating a lively festival that honours ancient nomadic customs while celebrating community and competition. (B/D)

Spend another full day immersed in the thrilling events of the World Nomad Games. This is the final day of the games so tonight you will enjoy the Closing Ceremony. (B/D)

This morning, enjoy a peaceful one-hour boat ride on Issyk-Kul Lake, taking in stunning mountain views and crystal-clear waters. Afterwards, transfer back to Bishkek. In the evening, join a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by a captivating folklore concert that brings the region’s vibrant music to life. This final evening offers a warm and memorable close to your Kyrgyz adventure. (B/L/D)

• Hotel Description

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)