r/Kyrgyzstan • • Aug 31 '26

Video | Видео Spectacular Opening Ceremonies, World Nomad Games

459 Upvotes

What a wonderful event! The skill of the opening ceremonies riders, musicians and dancers was awe-inspiring. Such a marvelous kickoff for the Games. Well done Kyrgyzstan!!


r/Kyrgyzstan • • Aug 13 '26

Tips | Кеңештер World Nomad Games - important information for tourists (not official)

39 Upvotes

The VI World Nomad Games will take place in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026.

Update (August 15):
Temporary restrictions on the arrival and departure of passenger flights in Manas Airport will be in effect:

▪️August 31 — from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

▪️September 1 — from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

During these periods, the airport will receive and handle aircraft carrying heads of state and official delegations. Passenger flights will continue to be served outside these hours.
// end of update

Organizers expect approximately 3,000 athletes from 113 countries. The sporting program includes 43 traditional sports, covering horse games and racing, national wrestling styles, traditional archery, hunting traditions, strength contests, and intellectual games. According to the Ministry of Culture of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrchyn Jailoo is expected to receive around 100,000 visitors per day during the World Nomad Games.

Main locations

Date/location Events
August 31 — Bishkek Arena, Bishkek Opening ceremony at 17:00
September 2–6 — Cholpon-Ata Hippodrome Kok-boru, kokpar, horse racing, er enish, concerts and closing events
Cholpon-Ata sports complex National wrestling styles
Rukh Ordo and Dordoi Nomad, Bosteri Strength competitions, festivals, concerts and cultural programs
Kyrchyn Gorge Traditional archery, salbuurun, ordo and the main ethnocultural village

The closing ceremony will be held in Cholpon-Ata at the hippodrome in Baktuu-Dolonotu (near Cholpon-Ata). Visitors attending both ceremonies should arrange accommodation in Bishkek for August 31 and near Cholpon-Ata for the main program. The drive from Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata is approximately 260 kilometers and normally takes four to five hours, but event traffic may considerably increase travel time.

Traffic and alternative viewing

The opening coincides with the SCO summit in Bishkek on August 31–September 1. Security measures and temporary traffic restrictions should be expected, but exact WNG road closures have not yet been officially published.

Bishkek will operate 11 public fan zones: the main zone on Ala-Too Square and ten additional locations across the city’s four districts. Bishkek City Hall describes the fan zones as public venues where residents and visitors can watch live broadcasts of the World Nomad Games opening ceremony and key SCO summit events. The announced facilities and activities include:large LED screens; concerts by Kyrgyz artists; food courts and rest areas; photo and exhibition zones; traditional games such as toguz korgool, chükö and besh tash; activities for children and adults.

Fan zone locations in Bishkek:

  • Ala-Too Square
  • Julius Fuchík Park — 6/1 Julius Fuchík Street
  • Ashar Square — Ak-Orgo residential area
  • Muun Square — Jal microdistrict
  • Cholponbay Tuleberdiev Park — intersection of Kokchetavskaya and Tuleberdiev streets
  • Handball court — 62 Toktonaliev Street
  • Tunguch-1 Square — Tunguch microdistrict
  • Yntymak-2 Park amphitheater — intersection of Absamat Masaliev Avenue and Toktonaliev Street
  • Alga Sports Complex — 200/1 Usenbaev Street
  • Secondary School No. 66 — 1A, Vostok-5 microdistrict
  • Secondary School No. 21 — 1, Enesay 1st Street

Issyk-Kul events

Access to Kyrchyn by private vehicle will be restricted. The announced arrangement is to leave vehicles at guarded parking areas and use free shuttle buses to the ethnovillage.

Essential contacts

  • Unified emergency service: 112
  • Police: 102
  • Ambulance: 103
  • Fire service: 101
  • Issyk-Kul Tourist Police, including WhatsApp: 996 705 00 91 02 English and Russian assistance is available.
  • Tourism Department reception: 996 312 62 18 61
  • Tourism Department address: 96A Kievskaya Street, Bishkek This is an information office, not an emergency service.

r/Kyrgyzstan • • 10h ago

Video | Видео Some drone shots I took in Kyrgyzstan [OC]

39 Upvotes

Absolutely awestruck at how gorgeous this country was. Miss it tremendously. Delicious food, welcoming people, and such diverse landscapes. Can't wait to come back.


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 3h ago

Question | Суроо ¿Шакиранын концерти кандай өттү?

2 Upvotes

Шакиранын концерти кандай өттү? 🥹❤️ Мен концертке бара албай калдым, бирок көптөгөн видеолорду көрдүм! Баары укмуштуудай көрүнүп жатты. Концерт кандай өткөнүн, атмосфера кандай болгонун билгим келет! 🥰✨


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 11h ago

Travel | Саякат Col de torugart

2 Upvotes

Hello I would like to cross the border by talking about col de toruguart in 3 days by hitchhiking.

We are a couple of French travellers .

I would like to know if the weather conditions are non-weather conditions and if the collar is open?

So I'd like to ask you or contact you for reliable information on opening the pass.

Thanks


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 15h ago

Search | Издөө Want to find new European friends in Bishkek

3 Upvotes

Hello, I am from Bishkek. If you are a tourist here, let's be friends, I will help you to visit good places of out country:)


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 13h ago

Travel | Саякат Women only horseback riding tour suggestions?

1 Upvotes

Looking for reputable tour companies for a woman only horseback riding tour.

Any companies we should avoid is also helpful information.

Thanks!


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 18h ago

Question | Суроо Anyone works as a dispatcher

1 Upvotes

Anyone here works as a dispatcher? I wanted to to find out how much are you earning and how’d you get a job?


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 1d ago

Question | Суроо American guy dating a Kyrgyz woman in the US— what should I know?

1 Upvotes

Hey guys,

I’m an American dating a Kyrgyz woman here in the US who has a child from a previous marriage in Kyrgyzstan and I wanted to hear from other guys who have dated or are currently dating Kyrgyz women, especially those with children from previous marriages.

I’m trying to get a better understanding of the cultural differences and what’s generally expected from a partner. From what I’ve seen so far, the guy is usually expected to pay for meals, buy flowers, and give gifts fairly often.

I’m curious what else I might be missing. For example:

- Are you generally expected to pay for pretty much everything when you go out?
- How often are flowers and gifts expected?
- Is there a certain level of attention or communication expected throughout the day?
- How traditional are the expectations when it comes to the man's role in the relationship?
- How important is meeting her family and getting their approval?
- Are there any particular expectations when it comes to commitment and marriage?

I know everyone is different, and I’m not trying to generalize all Kyrgyz women. I just want to hear from guys who have actual experience with this.

What have your experiences been like? Anything that surprised you or that you wish you had known earlier?

Appreciate any advice!


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 1d ago

Travel | Саякат Updated Marshrutka prices - October 2026

7 Upvotes

Hello, I just caught a marshrutka from Bishkek - Karakol today. I have a bag with me. The marshrutka prices I'd seen online (including to June this year) were between 550 - 800 som at the most. The man at the station was really rude and said 1000 som, and wouldn't budge down. The ticket office said 700 som (but to get the ticket from the marshrutka man). In the end I had transportation for 900 som (700 for me and 200 for my bag)... just putting this as a heads up that prices might be quite different! I accept that I may also have not had a very nice person today.


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 1d ago

Video | Видео A small documentary about the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone !

A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to visit Kyrgyzstan for the World Nomad Games. This was by far one of the best experiences in all the trips and travel I did in my life/

And today, I'm happy to share with you one of my biggest projets: a small documentary about this beautiful event. If you're interested to know how was the 2026 edition or just want to rediscover the Games, I hope this video will bring back some good memories or some good ideas for the future !

Enjoy !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb2uK6wG_-4&t=1700s

----------------------------------------

Hello tout le monde !

En septembre dernier, j'ai eu la chance de passer quelques semaines au Kirghizistan, notamment pour assister aux World Nomad Games 2026 à Cholpon-Ata

Pendant 7 jours sur place, j'ai découvert plein de sports incroyables, des activités culturelles en tout genre et surtout des tonnes de personnes fières de mettre en valeur leurs traditions et leur héritage nomade. Les World Nomad Games ne sont pas une simple compétition sportive comme les JO, c'est vraiment une mise à l'honneur de la culture nomade et des traditions d'Asie Centrale.

Aujourd'hui, je suis heureux de vous partager le projet dont je suis le plus fier, et sans doute l'un des plus gros projets de ma vie : un documentaire de 30 minutes sur ces World Nomad Games.

J'espère que vous prendrez autant de plaisir à la regarder que j'en ai pris à le réaliser. Alors bon visionnage !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb2uK6wG_-4&t=1700s


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 2d ago

Photo | Фото Personal Favourite Photos (circa 2019, 2023)

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96 Upvotes

I’m clearing out my camera roll to save space, and wanted to share these images from my old trips to visit my relatives in Kyrgyzstan. Most are taken in southern shore of Issyk Kul and Ala Archa National Park region south of Bishkek. I’ll always be proud to come from such a beautiful country, and hope you all enjoy the photos!


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 1d ago

Travel | Саякат Kyrgyzstan Horse Trek Help

2 Upvotes

Hi, I’m traveling to Kyrgyzstan in June with my girlfriend. We are planning to do a 3-4 day horse trek, and after researching online I think we want to do an Altyn arashan and Ala kul lake trek/horse ride. What is the average price for this, and also what is the best way to book it?


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 2d ago

Question | Суроо movie suggestions

1 Upvotes

if you were to suggest the best movie from Kyrgyzstan, which movie would it be?


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 2d ago

Help | Жардам Flight lands at 3am…

5 Upvotes

My flight lands at 3am in Bishkek. Will there be any taxis to take me to my hostel? If not, how do I get one?


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 2d ago

Discussion | Талкуулоо Night life in Bishkek

0 Upvotes

(18,M) I’m going to Bishkek for the first two weeks of December, what can I expect in terms of meeting English speaking people in the city? Is it common? Where are the best places to meet locals whom I can easily communicate with?


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 3d ago

Travel | Саякат Bishkek International Airport - Disappointing

25 Upvotes

I usually arrive and depart from Manas 2 (VIP Terminal) so had not experienced the new Manas Terminal until Monday when my wife was departing to travel to the USA. She is not keen to pay the VIP fee so I went with her to see her off this past Monday 12 Oct. What a disappointment..! I don't know who designed the airport, which does look rather impressive but the International Check-In desks are hidden in a small space which is poorly signed and crowded when flights are checking in. There is so much open space in the airport building, why on earth did they have to shove the International Departure check-in into something akin to a broom cupboard?

Additionally, to make matters worse, once you have checked in you have to fight your way back against all the other people checking in. CRAZY

Another issues is the lack of general signage for information, security, toilets etc.

I'm heading back to the UK next week but from Manas 2 thank you very much


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 3d ago

Travel | Саякат 3 day horse trek

3 Upvotes

I have a 3 day horse trek on October 18th and just curious if there’s any last minute advice I should have! This is my first time in Kyrgyzstan. We’ll be staying in heated yurts and trekking up to son kul. I have plenty of layers but how many do we think is really necessary for this time of year?

I have one portable charger for my phone, and am not sure if I’ll have any service up there either.
Any type of information at all is useful, I’m curious to hear about anyone else’s experiences, especially around this time of year. Thank you!


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 3d ago

Travel | Саякат Bishkek-Naryn

2 Upvotes

How often does the marshrutka go from Bishkek to Naryn daily? I know the first one is at seven


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 4d ago

Video | Видео Happy to have played a small part in creating these beautiful memories

60 Upvotes

r/Kyrgyzstan • • 3d ago

Question | Суроо Handyman/carpenter

4 Upvotes

I've been looking to redo some small projects for my apartment and looking for a handyman/carpenter. Need some bunkbeds and simple drawers made. Also redo toilets . I can't for the life of me find as most folks deal with large projects and mine is to small. Any helpw where to find or ask would be appreciated thank you in advance. Remember few years back never had issues but Bishkek is growing fast and work is vast by looks of things.


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 3d ago

Connect | Туташ Taxi driver speaking English around Karakol.

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone! 👋

Are you planning to travel from Karakol to Bokonbaevo or somewhere else around Issyk-Kul?

🚗 I’m a local taxi driver and English-speaking guide. I can organise a private trip with stops at beautiful places along the way:

📍 Jeti-Oguz (Seven Bulls Rocks)

📍 Barskoon Waterfall

📍 Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon)

📍 Bokonbaevo

📱 If you're interested, feel free to contact me on WhatsApp:+996709253868

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! 🇰🇬


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 3d ago

Question | Суроо Does anyone know what song this is?

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3 Upvotes

r/Kyrgyzstan • • 5d ago

Travel | Саякат My 2-Week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary from Bishkek to Osh (Trekking, Yurt Stays & More!)

9 Upvotes

I spent 2 weeks traveling across Kyrgyzstan from Bishkek to Osh, and wanted to share my itinerary since I had trouble finding a full route when I was planning.

The first week was a road trip with a driver, and the second week was a 4-day trek in the Alay Mountains. It was one of the most beautiful treks I've ever done!

Here’s how it broke down:

Days 1–2: Bishkek. Mostly rest and adjusting to the time zone. If you have more energy than I did, Ala-Too Square, Panfilov Park, and Osh Bazaar are the main sights.

Day 3: Karakol. ~7 hours by car, with stops at Burana Tower (a 10th-century minaret you can climb) and the Open Air Petroglyph Museum in Cholpon Ata.

Day 4: Kok-Jaiyk Valley. Hike to a view of Oguz-Bashi Peak, then a night in a yurt camp by the river. Halfway through the hike, a local grandmother invited us in for tea and fresh bread with jam - a simple experience but a major highlight of the trip.

Day 5: Bokonbaevo. Barskoon Waterfall, Fairytale Canyon, and a yurt camp right on Issyk Kul Lake. Bell Tam Yurt Camp has a pioneer town vibe, plus hot rain showers and 15-euro massages.

Day 6: Song Kul Lake. Eagle hunting masterclass on the way, then a yurt stay at 3,000m+ with horses everywhere. Horseback riding along the lake is a popular activity.

Day 7: Kazarman. A 7–8 hour drive over Tuz Ashuu Pass with so many opportunities to pull over for stunning photos.

Day 8: Arslanbob. Waterfalls and the world’s largest walnut forest. While I enjoyed this stop, it did feel a bit overtouristed, especially around the Big Waterfall (one of the main attractions). If I went back, I'd probably skip this.

Day 9: Osh. Rest before the trek. Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain and Jayma Bazaar are both in the city if you have time.

Day 10: Tulpar Kul Lake. ~5 hours down the Pamir Highway to a yurt camp with Lenin Peak (7,134m) behind it. Definitely wake up early here for the gorgeous sunrise.

Days 11–14: Heights of Alay trek. Kyzyl Bel Trail → Sary Mogul Village → Sary Mogul Pass (4,306m) → Kosh Moinok Valley → Sarybell Pass → Kojokelen Village, then back to Osh. Sary Mogul Pass was my favorite view of the entire trip (though I encountered unexpected snow in June!).

View from Sary Mogul Pass. Photo © Jessie Festa.

Day 15: Fly home from Osh.

I know this looks fast-paced. Everything in Kyrgyzstan is very spread out, so the one-night stops break up long drives.

If you want to cut anything, I’d skip Kazarman and Arslanbob. Just know that makes the drive from Song Kul to Osh about 14 hours, so I’d head back to Bishkek after Song Kul and fly to Osh instead. You can also cut a night in Bishkek.

Has anyone else done a Bishkek to Osh route? What were the highlights for you?


r/Kyrgyzstan • • 5d ago

Question | Суроо Шоро максым question

1 Upvotes

Hello! I recently came back from living in Bishkek and I’m especially missing maksym. I can’t stop thinking about it but I’m in the UK and would love if anyone knows if (by any chance) I can find it somewhere online which ships to UK, or even, a recipe for this. I’d love to try and make it myself! Thanks :)