{"id":2225,"date":"2026-04-09T13:22:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T10:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/?p=2225"},"modified":"2026-04-09T13:23:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T10:23:57","slug":"english-mountain-legends-world-nomad-games-expedition-with-trekking-to-ala-kol-lake-8-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/summer-travel\/english-mountain-legends-world-nomad-games-expedition-with-trekking-to-ala-kol-lake-8-days\/","title":{"rendered":"Mountain legends: WORLD NOMAD GAMES EXPEDITION with trekking to Ala Kol lake (8 days)"},"content":{"rendered":"

TOUR OVERVIEW<\/strong>
\nSomewhere between the thunder of hooves and the cry of a golden eagle, you’ll understand why Central Asia’s greatest cultural celebration takes place here. The World Nomad Games \u2014 held on the windswept steppes and crystalline shores of Kyrgyzstan \u2014 is unlike anything else on Earth. This seven-day expedition places you at the very heart of it: from the Opening Ceremony at Kyrchyn Jailoo to the electrifying equestrian showdowns at Cholpon-Ata, before retreating to the serene alpine silence of Song-K\u00f6l lake.
\nYou’ll witness Kok-Boru \u2014 the ancient horseback sport that predates civilisation as we know it \u2014 alongside eagle hunting demonstrations, traditional wrestling, archery, and nomadic horsemanship that has shaped this region for millennia. This is not a spectator holiday. This is a front-row seat to living history.
\nWorld Nomad Games<\/strong>
\nThe World Nomad Games are an international cultural and sporting event that celebrates the traditions of nomadic civilizations. First held in Kyrgyzstan in 2014, the Games bring together athletes and participants from dozens of countries to compete in traditional sports such as Kok-Boru (goat polo), traditional wrestling, horseback archery, eagle hunting demonstrations, and many other ethnic competitions.
\nIn addition to the sporting events, visitors can experience nomadic culture, music, crafts, traditional cuisine, and folklore performances. The Games provide a unique opportunity to witness the living heritage of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Dates<\/strong><\/td>\nSeptember 1\u20138<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Duration<\/strong><\/td>\n8Days \/ 7 Nights<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Group Size<\/strong><\/td>\nSmall group \u2014 intimate experience<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Start \/ End<\/strong><\/td>\nCBT Office, Bishkek (Gorkiy St. 58)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Destinations<\/strong><\/td>\nBishkek \u2192 Kyrchyn jailoo \u2192Ala Kol\u00a0 \u2192Bokonbaevo \u2192Bishkek<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Accommodation<\/strong><\/td>\nGuesthouse & Yurt Camp (B&B)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Activity Level<\/strong><\/td>\nEasy to Moderate \u2014 suitable for all fitness levels<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best For<\/strong><\/td>\nCulture seekers, adventure travellers, photography enthusiasts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Days<\/strong><\/td>\nProgram<\/strong><\/td>\nServices included<\/strong><\/td>\nNOT included\/Remarks<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sep 1 <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n

Meet you at CBT office in Bishkek by 9 in the morning by address Gorkiy st. 58.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bishkek to Kyrchyn \u2014 The Journey Begins<\/p>\n

Your adventure opens with a morning departure from Bishkek’s CBT office, where your guide will meet you and set the tone for what lies ahead. The drive north toward Lake Issyk-Kul is itself a curtain-raiser: sun-baked plains giving way to the first glimpse of the Tian Shan range. After a hearty lunch at a guesthouse in Tamchy, you’ll make the final transfer to Kyrchyn Jailoo \u2014 a sweeping highland valley that transforms, every four years, into the epicentre of nomadic civilisation. As the yurts rise against the mountains and the smell of open fires fills the air, the World Nomad Games are about to begin.<\/td>\n

Tamchy: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Lunch<\/p>\n

Kyrchyn: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Dinner and B&B<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Highlights: Scenic Bishkek\u2013Issyk-Kul drive<\/p>\n

Arrival at Kyrchyn Jailoo \u00a0First views of the nomadic camp<\/p>\n

Stay: Guesthouse & Yurt Camp, Kyrchyn<\/p>\n

Meals: Lunch (Tamchy),Dinner, Breakfast included<\/td>\n

Drive: Approx. 6\u20137 hours total<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Day 2 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sep 2 <\/strong><\/td>\n

The Opening Ceremony \u2014 Nomadic Civilisation Awakens<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today is one of the most spectacular days in Central Asian travel. The Opening Ceremony of the World Nomad Games transforms Kyrchyn valley into a canvas of colour, tradition, and pride. Thousands of performers in ancestral dress flood the grounds as nations from across the world parade beneath the Kyrgyz sky. Then the Games begin in earnest: watch in awe as eagle hunters command their birds of prey in Burkut Saluu, hold your breath during the breathtaking long-distance horse marathon, and absorb the ancient ritual of Ordo \u2014 a game of skill and strategy played with sheep knucklebones that predates chess. Your evening returns you to the warmth of a yurt, the day’s images still burning bright.<\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n

Kyrchyn: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Highlights: Grand Opening Ceremony
\n– Burkut Saluu<\/p>\n

-Eagle Hunting
\n– Ordo( Traditional Knucklebone Game)<\/p>\n

– Horse Marathon<\/p>\n

Stay: Yurt Camp, Kyrchyn\u00a0\u00a0 Meals: Breakfast ,Dinner<\/td>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Lunch during the Games<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 3 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sep 3 <\/strong><\/td>\n

Into the Games \u2014 Full Immersion<\/strong><\/p>\n

A full day at Kyrchyn gives you the freedom to roam the Games at your own pace. Wander between disciplines, chat with athletes who have travelled from Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and beyond, and explore the craft market where artisans display centuries-old weaving, felt-work, and metalwork. Traditional archery competitions draw focused, respectful crowds \u2014 these are athletes of extraordinary skill. By evening, the valley campfires flicker to life and the sound of the komuz \u2014 Kyrgyzstan’s ancient three-stringed lute \u2014 drifts through the cool mountain air.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n

Kyrchyn: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Highlights: Full day at Kyrchyn<\/p>\n

Games:<\/p>\n

-Traditional archery<\/p>\n

– Nomadic craft market<\/p>\n

– Evening cultural atmosphere<\/p>\n

Stay: Yurt Camp, Kyrchyn\u00a0\u00a0 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner<\/td>\n

Lunch during the Games<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 4 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sep 4 <\/strong><\/td>\n

We depart from the city of Kyrchyn jailoo to the Karakol Gorge in the morning. The drive to the trail head will take about 3 hours. After we take our lunch bags and walk close to the foot of Karakol peak. It is 7 km one way. Usually it takes 3-3,5 hours and 2h back. Lunch. We spend around one hour and descend back to the alpine camp. Campfire. We divide people in to the groups and make briefing for the next day. Overnight and dinner in yurt<\/td>\n3 days trek to Ala-Kol lake:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meals (L, D)<\/p>\n

B&B at yurt camp<\/p>\n

Local guide<\/p>\n

Transport \u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n

Trekking distance: 14km<\/p>\n

Altitude: +600;\u00a0 -600<\/p>\n

Time: 5-6 h<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Day 5 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sep 5 <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n

Early breakfast. Our camp and starting point at 2500m. We cross the bridge and ascend to the lake ala-Kul lake. After about 2-2.5 hours of hiking up the valley, we will stop for rest at a small hut. After, we will continue trekking to the lake. Lunch on the route. The distance is around 10km but 1100m altitude difference.\u00a0 Walking till the end of the lake, dinner and accommodation in tent<\/td>\n3 days trek to Ala-Kol lake:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meals (B, L, D)<\/p>\n

B&B in tent<\/p>\n

Local guide<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n

Trekking distance: 12 km<\/p>\n

Altitude: +1100;\u00a0 -100<\/p>\n

Time: 6-7 h<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Day 6 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sep 6 <\/strong><\/td>\n

Breakfast. From here, we continue going up again toward the pass (3860m), from which you can see all of the nearby peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too ringing the lake and rising up to over 5000m above sea level.<\/p>\n

We descend the gorge to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan (2500m). The descent takes 3-3,5 hours depending on the pace. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Transfer to Karakol by UAZ. Dinner and B&B will be at guest house.<\/td>\n

3 days trek to Ala-Kol lake:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meals (B, L)<\/p>\n

Local guide<\/p>\n

Karakol: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Dinner and B&B<\/p>\n

Transport<\/td>\n

Trekking distance: 15 km<\/p>\n

Altitude: +350;\u00a0 -1400<\/p>\n

Time: 6-7 h<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Day 7 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sep 7<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n

Today we will drive to Bokonbaevo village, on the way we will make a stops at Jety-Oguz gorge (Seven Bulls gorge), lunch will be at home stay in Jety-Oguz village. Continue our road to Skazka canyons (Fairy tale canyons), upon arrival to Bokonbaevo village, accommodation and dinner will be at Bel-Tam yurt camp.<\/td>\nJety-Oguz village: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Lunch<\/p>\n

Bokonbaevo: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Dinner and B&B<\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n

3 hours drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 8 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sep 8 <\/strong><\/td>\n

Last day of the trip, after breakfast you will continue your way to Bishkek, on the way you will make a stop to visit Kyzyl-Tuu village. This village famous with a yurt makers, Visit a Kyrgyz family where all family members make a Boz Ui (Yurt) \u2013 a traditional Kyrgyz dwelling tent. Lunch in the village. Then continue your way to Bishkek. Upon arrival to Bishkek, end of trip.<\/td>\nBokonbaevo village: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Eagle hunting show<\/p>\n

Yurt installation<\/p>\n

Lunch<\/p>\n

Bishkek: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Transport<\/td>\n

4-5 hours drive<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dinner at caf\u00e9<\/p>\n

Hotel accommodation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

WHY THIS TOUR<\/strong><\/p>\n

The World Nomad Games happen only once every two years, and Kyrgyzstan \u2014 the homeland of nomadic culture \u2014 is their spiritual home. This itinerary has been designed not merely to observe, but to immerse: you\u2019ll sleep under felt-and-timber yurts, eat from fires, travel roads that are empty save for herds of horses, and stand within arm\u2019s reach of traditions that the modern world has almost entirely forgotten. From the thunder of Kok-Boru to the hush of Song-K\u00f6l at dawn, every day of this journey earns its place. This is adventure travel at its most authentic \u2014 and the window to experience it is brief.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

TOUR OVERVIEW Somewhere between the thunder of hooves and the cry of a golden eagle, you’ll understand why Central Asia’s greatest cultural celebration takes place here. The World Nomad Games \u2014 held on the windswept steppes and crystalline shores of Kyrgyzstan \u2014 is unlike anything else on Earth. This seven-day expedition places you at the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,14],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-2225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-summer-travel","category-upcoming"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-30 18:45:34","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2225","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2225"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2225\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2230,"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2225\/revisions\/2230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2225"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2225"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2225"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cbtkyrgyzstan.kg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=2225"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}