World Nomad Games

Thousands of years ago, there was a schism between nomads and farmers. The Kyrgyz became nomads, moving their herds from pasture to pasture, spending summers high in the mountains and winters in the lower valleys. This way of life is reflected in the Kyrgyz people's daily lives and entertainment. Visitors can see these firsthand at various ethno festivals, but the World Nomad Games are the best way to experience the full richness of the local culture and customs. It is one of the most famous festivals in Kyrgyzstan.

The World Nomad Games, which were first held in 2014 and are now held every two years, bring together athletes, artists, craftspeople, and visitors from all over the world. Delegations from almost every continent (except Antarctica) have competed in previous years, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, China, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. Races, horse games, hunting demonstrations, and wrestling are among the sports and competitions that have existed for centuries.

Wrestling attracts the most competitors. Athletes compete in traditional Central Asian wrestling as well as mas wrestling, in which an athlete attempts to wrestle a stick from his opponent. Intellectual games, such as mangala (a popular board game around the world), help athletes think strategically in the face of potential adversaries. Hunting games with birds of prey and dogs put animals' agility and speed to the test as they chase a dummy target. The horse games are the main attraction of the Nomad Games. In er enish, opponents wrestle on horseback, whereas in cirit, teams of riders use blunt javelins to hit the other riders. The most popular sport is kok boru, in which teams of riders compete for control of a dead goat or sheep and attempt to carry it to a goal in order to score points. Kok boru is an intense game that draws thousands of spectators to cheer on their favorite teams on a regular basis. While Central Asian teams are expected to dominate, a US cowboy team was a fan favorite at the 2016 Nomad Games.

The Nomad Games aren't just about sports. A yurt village in Kyrchyn Gorge featured hundreds of yurts from Kyrgyzstan's various regions, as well as regular performances and demonstrations of everything from traditional improvisation to horseback stunts. There are also cultural competitions to see who can cook the best traditional dishes or build the fastest yurt. Casual visitors can wander through the yurt villages and experience the best of Kyrgyz hospitality and cuisine, as well as purchase handicrafts from master artisans.

The World Nomad Games are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only experience the best of Central Asian culture and traditions, but also to be a part of an atmosphere that exists in no other time or place. This unforgettable festival will undoubtedly be the highlight of any trip.

Takes place: 2-8 September