Day 1: Arrival, city tour, Independence Day Celebration & World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony. August 31
Upon arrival at Manas International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Bishkek.
Today Kyrgyzstan celebrates Independence Day, and festive events will take place throughout the city, especially on Ala-Too Square, where you can see traditional performances, music, and dances, and experience the joyful local atmosphere.
You’ll have time to stroll around the square, watch the celebrations, and take photos. Enjoy a city tour.
Afterwards, return to the hotel to rest and get ready for the evening. Dinner at a local restaurant. In the evening, transfer to the new stadium in Bishkek to attend the Official Opening Ceremony of the 2026 World Nomad Games. Return to the hotel after the ceremony.
Please note: The exact start time of the World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony has not yet been confirmed.
Accommodation: Hotel 3*, Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2: Bishkek – Ak-Sai Canyon – Bokonbaevo. September 1
After breakfast, we will drive east from Bishkek towards Issyk-Kul Lake — the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and the second-largest mountain lake in the world.
We’ll drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, where we’ll visit the stunning Ak-Sai Canyons. Next, experience an Eagle Hunting Show, one of the most iconic parts of Kyrgyz culture. You’ll meet a local berkutchi (eagle hunter) and watch his golden eagle demonstrate its incredible hunting skills, a tradition passed down for centuries.
In the evening, enjoy dinner and spend the night in a cozy yurt camp by the lakeside.
Accommodation: Beltam yurt camp Beltam or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Bokonbaevo – Skazka Canyon – Barskoon – Jeti Oguz. September 2
After breakfast, we will continue our journey along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Our first stop will be at the Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, a natural wonder where wind and rain have shaped the red sandstone into fantastic formations that resemble castles, dragons, and animals. It’s a perfect place for a short hike and great photos.
Next, we will visit the Barskoon Gorge, famous for its stunning waterfalls and breathtaking mountain scenery.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive to the Jeti Oguz Gorge, known for its red cliffs called the “Seven Bulls” and the famous “Broken Heart” rock formation.
Dinner and overnight in Jeti Oguz village.
Accommodation: Jeti-Ögüz Eco Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Jeti Oguz – Karakol – Cholpon-Ata. September 3
After breakfast, we will drive to Karakol, the biggest city of the Issyk Kul region. In Karakol you will visit historical sites: Dungan Mosque and the Orthodox Church. Don't miss the chance to try Ashlyanfu, a famous local cold noodle dish, at a traditional restaurant.
After lunch, we will continue our journey along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Cholpon-Ata, a resort town on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay in Cholpon Ata.
Accommodation: Guest house/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5-6: Cholpon-Ata – World Nomad Games. September 4-5
Breakfast at the hotel each morning. We will spend 2 full days enjoying the World Nomad Games. During these days, you will attend the World Nomad Games, experiencing traditional nomadic sports such as horse games, archery, wrestling, and cultural performances. Each day offers a unique combination of competitions, workshops, and exhibitions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture.
Evenings are free to relax at the hotel, enjoy a stroll along Lake Issyk-Kul, or explore the town of Cholpon-Ata.
Accommodation: Guest house/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 7: Cholpon-Ata – World Nomad Games, Closing Ceremony. September 6
During the day, enjoy watching the final competitions of the World Nomad Games and exploring the festival atmosphere.
In the evening enjoy the Closing Ceremony of the 2026 World Nomad Games — a spectacular event with traditional performances, and vibrant celebrations.
Accommodation: Guest house/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 8: Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek. September 7
In the morning, visit the open-air Petroglyph Museum in Cholpon-Ata, featuring ancient rock carvings from 800 BC that depict hunting scenes, animals, and sun symbols.
Then drive back to Bishkek, stopping on the way to explore the Burana Tower, a historical minaret from the 11th century and one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important landmarks.
Accommodation: Garden Hotel & SPA 3*
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Departure day. September 8
Transfer to the airport Meals: Breakfast