Mountain legends: WORLD NOMAD GAMES EXPEDITION with trekking to Ala Kol lake (8 days)

Sep 1

Bishkek to Kyrchyn — The Journey Begins

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 — 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.

Lunch

Kyrchyn:

Dinner and B&B

Highlights: Scenic Bishkek–Issyk-Kul drive

Arrival at Kyrchyn Jailoo  First views of the nomadic camp

Stay: Guesthouse & Yurt Camp, Kyrchyn

Meals: Lunch (Tamchy),Dinner, Breakfast included

Sep 2

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 — 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.

Highlights: Grand Opening Ceremony
– Burkut Saluu

-Eagle Hunting
– Ordo( Traditional Knucklebone Game)

– Horse Marathon

Stay: Yurt Camp, Kyrchyn   Meals: Breakfast ,Dinner

Sep 3

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 — these are athletes of extraordinary skill. By evening, the valley campfires flicker to life and the sound of the komuz — Kyrgyzstan’s ancient three-stringed lute — drifts through the cool mountain air.

Highlights: Full day at Kyrchyn

Games:

-Traditional archery

– Nomadic craft market

– Evening cultural atmosphere

Stay: Yurt Camp, Kyrchyn   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sep 4

Meals (L, D)

B&B at yurt camp

Local guide

Transport  

Altitude: +600;  -600

Time: 5-6 h

Sep 5

Meals (B, L, D)

B&B in tent

Local guide

Altitude: +1100;  -100

Time: 6-7 h

Sep 6

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.

Meals (B, L)

Local guide

Karakol:

Dinner and B&B

Transport

Altitude: +350;  -1400

Time: 6-7 h

Sep 7

Lunch

Bokonbaevo:

Dinner and B&B

Sep 8

Eagle hunting show

Yurt installation

Lunch

Bishkek:

Transport

Dinner at café

Hotel accommodation