World Nomad Games 2026
The Olympics of the Nomadic World — returning to Kyrgyzstan for the 6th edition.
About the Event
What Are the World Nomad Games?
The World Nomad Games are the largest international festival of nomadic sports and culture on Earth — often called the Olympics of Central Asia. Every two years, thousands of athletes from across the globe gather to compete in traditional sports that once defined life on the Eurasian steppe: horseback wrestling, eagle hunting, mounted archery, and ancient board games.
But the Games are far more than sport. They are a living celebration of nomadic heritage — a place where felt carpets are woven, epic poems are sung, traditional food is shared, and the skills of the steppe are passed from generation to generation. For visitors, attending the World Nomad Games is one of the most extraordinary cultural experiences available anywhere in the world.
The Games were founded in Kyrgyzstan in 2014 and have since grown to include over 90 countries. In 2026, they return home — to the country that started it all, and to the shores of Issyk-Kul where nomadic tradition runs deepest.
VI Edition
2026 Games — Dates & Practical Info
Opening Ceremony
August 31, 2026 — Bishkek Arena Stadium
Competition Days
September 2–5, 2026 — Issyk-Kul region
Closing Ceremony
September 6, 2026 — Kyrchyn Valley
Main Venues
Cholpon-Ata Hippodrome, Rukh-Ordo, Kyrchyn Ethno-Village
Visa
Most nationalities — visa-free entry to Kyrgyzstan
Climate
Warm & dry — 20–30°C during the Games period
Distance Bishkek → Issyk-Kul
Approx. 3 hours by car
Edition
6th World Nomad Games (VI)
Competition Program
Nomadic Sports You'll Witness
Over 37 disciplines are contested at the Games. Here are the most spectacular.
Kok-Boru
The most dramatic nomadic sport — two teams on horseback compete to carry a goat carcass into the opposing goal. Fast, physical and breathtaking to watch.
Horseback Archery
Riders fire arrows at targets at full gallop. A skill once essential for nomadic survival and warfare, now one of the most visually stunning events.
Er Enish
Mounted wrestling — two horsemen attempt to pull each other from their saddles. Pure strength, balance and horsemanship on display.
Falconry
The ancient art of hunting with trained eagles and falcons, practiced by Central Asian nomads for over 2,000 years. A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Toguz Korgool
The strategic board game of the Kyrgyz people — an ancient game of calculation and foresight, often described as Central Asia's chess.
Kyrgyz Kurosh
Traditional belt wrestling — competitors grab each other's belts and attempt throws. A sport practiced at every village festival across Central Asia.
Alysh
Central Asian grappling sport combining elements from multiple nomadic wrestling traditions. Athletes compete for control, balance and dominance.
Oodarysh
Riders wrestle on horseback — both must stay mounted while attempting to pull the opponent from their horse. A test of grip, strength and riding skill simultaneously.
History
All Editions of the World Nomad Games
📍 Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
The inaugural Games — born from a vision to revive and preserve nomadic heritage on an international stage.
19
countries
583
athletes
📍 Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
The event doubled in size, with falconry and horse games drawing international attention for the first time.
40
countries
1200
athletes
📍 Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
A landmark edition — 77 countries, UNESCO recognition discussions, and the Kyrchyn ethno-village became iconic.
77
countries
2000
athletes
📍 Iznik, Turkey
First edition held outside Kyrgyzstan, proving the Games had grown into a truly international movement.
90
countries
2300
athletes
📍 Astana, Kazakhstan
Held in Kazakhstan's capital with modern infrastructure, showcasing how nomadic traditions resonate worldwide.
95
countries
2500
athletes
📍 Bishkek & Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
The Games return home to Kyrgyzstan — bigger and more spectacular than ever. Opening in Bishkek, competitions at Issyk-Kul.
100+
countries
3,000+
athletes
Must-See
The Kyrchyn Ethno-Village
Alongside the sports competitions, the Kyrchyn Valley hosts the world's largest nomadic cultural fair — hundreds of yurts representing the traditions of every participating nation. Here you can taste food from across Central Asia, watch live music and epic poetry performances, try traditional crafts, and experience the atmosphere of a nomadic camp at a scale never seen anywhere else on Earth.
Many visitors say the Kyrchyn Ethno-Village is even more memorable than the sports — a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into living nomadic culture from over 90 countries, all in one extraordinary valley by Issyk-Kul.
Attend the World Nomad Games with a Custom Tour
We build private itineraries around the Games — including the opening ceremony, competition days, Kyrchyn Valley and the best of Kyrgyzstan before or after the event.
Plan My Nomad Games Tour