The World Nomad Games 2026 will take place in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026. The Games are a large-scale international event dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional sports, culture, and heritage of nomadic civilizations from around the world.
The duration of the Games is approximately one week.
Opening Ceremony:
August 31, 2026 — Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan
Main Competitions:
September 1–5, 2026 — Issyk-Kul region, including Cholpon-Ata and the Kyrchyn Gorge
Closing Ceremony:
September 6, 2026 — Issyk-Kul area
Event Process
Arrival and Accreditation
International delegations, athletes, and officials will arrive in advance of the opening ceremony. Participants will be welcomed at Manas International Airport and accommodated in hotels and designated facilities. Official accreditation and distribution of participant badges will be conducted prior to the start of competitions.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony will be held in Bishkek and will include official addresses, a cultural show program, artistic performances, and a formal parade of participating countries.
Cultural Program
The core of the World Nomad Games consists of multiple parallel activities:
Ethno-sport competitions,
Cultural program,
Festivals, exhibitions, and master classes,
Most competitions and cultural events will take place along the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake and in nearby natural locations.
Closing Ceremony
The Games will conclude with a closing ceremony featuring the final competitions, award presentations, and a large cultural performance celebrating the participants and host country.
The World Nomad Games combine sport, culture, and heritage, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience living traditions that have been preserved for centuries by nomadic civilizations.
The World Nomad Games 2026 are expected to welcome delegations from approximately 80–90 countries, representing nomadic cultures and traditional sports from Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and other regions around the world.
The 2026 Games celebrate nomadic cultures. The event showcases traditional sports and cultural heritage. It aims to preserve and promote these traditions globally. The Games will span a week, with events in Bishkek and Issyk-Kul. Competitions will run from September 1-5.
Traditional Horse Sports
Kok Boru (Ulak Tartysh)
A dynamic team game on horseback where riders compete to deliver a goat carcass into the opponent’s goal.
Er Enish
Horseback wrestling where two riders attempt to unseat each other using strength and technique.
Tyiyn Enmei
A skill-based horseback game in which riders pick up small objects from the ground at full speed.
Kyz Kuumai
A traditional horse chase game involving speed, agility, and cultural symbolism.
Traditional Wrestling Styles
Kuresh (various styles)
Belt wrestling styles from Central Asia where the goal is to throw the opponent to the ground.
Alysh
Traditional belt wrestling focused on grip strength and controlled technique.
Oil Wrestling (Demonstration)
A historic wrestling tradition showcasing endurance and strength.
Archery & Hunting Traditions
Traditional Archery
Archery using historical bows and techniques practiced by nomadic warriors.
Eagle Hunting (Berkutchi)
A heritage discipline demonstrating cooperation between hunter and golden eagle.
Intellectual & Board Games
Toguz Korgool
A strategic board game from Central Asia, similar to Mancala, requiring logic and planning.
Alchiki
A traditional nomadic game played with sheep knucklebones, testing precision and strategy.
Who can join the games
Culture enthusiasts
Individuals with a passion for diverse cultures and traditions.
International travelers
People seeking unique travel experiences and global gatherings.
Sports fans
Those interested in traditional sports and competitions.
Delegates
Athletes, officials, and representatives from participating countries.