The World Nomad Games 2026 will take place from 31 August to 6 September 2026, bringing together the cultural and sporting heritage of nomadic civilizations in a vibrant international celebration.
Attendance at all sporting and cultural events throughout the Games will be free of charge.
The only paid events are the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, for which ticket pricing has not yet been announced.
The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to be held in Bishkek, at the new Azattyk Arena, a venue designed to host large-scale cultural and sporting events.
The Closing Ceremony will take place in the picturesque lakeside town of Cholpon-Ata, on the shores of Issyk-Kul.
Attached is the full official program of the Games.
The VI World Nomad Games promise to be the most extensive edition to date, featuring dozens of traditional sports, intellectual games, and cultural showcases across various venues in Kyrgyzstan.
Key highlights:
The heart of nomadic culture comes to life through:
Most equestrian events will take place at the Cholpon-Ata Hippodrome and at the Physical Culture and Wellness Complex.
Teams from many countries will compete in a wide array of wrestling traditions:
Many of these events will be hosted in Cholpon-Ata and the scenic Kyrchyn Gorge, a historic festival ground of nomadic tribes.
Competitions will include:
A distinctive feature of the Games:
A deep dive into ancient nomadic strategy games:
These games highlight the intellectual heritage of nomadic societies.
A rich program featuring:
A special category showcasing unique ethnic sports from around the globe, offering a rare glimpse into diverse cultural traditions.
The Games extend beyond sports:
Both aim to celebrate and study the living heritage of nomadic civilizations.
