Salbuurun and the World Nomad Games 2026 in Kyrgyzstan:

A rider climbs onto a rocky hill with a golden eagle on his arm. The bird weighs several kilograms, but it sits still, sharp-eyed and silent, waiting for the signal.

Below, another horseman drags a lure across the ground. The eagle suddenly launches from the rock, spreads its wings and dives with terrifying precision. In a few seconds, it strikes the target with its talons.

Nearby, Kyrgyz taigans — fast, lean mountain hounds — burst forward in a race. On another field, an archer on horseback draws a traditional bow and shoots at a target without slowing down.

This is not a staged attraction created only for tourists.

This is salbuurun — a traditional Kyrgyz hunting art that has become one of the most spectacular disciplines of the World Nomad Games.

In 2026, the Games return to their birthplace: Kyrgyzstan. From August 31 to September 6, 2026, Bishkek and the Issyk-Kul region will host athletes, riders, archers, eagle hunters, musicians, craftsmen and visitors from around the world.

For travelers, this is more than a sports event. It is a chance to see nomadic culture not in a museum, but alive — on horseback, in the mountains, near yurts, beside the blue waters of Issyk-Kul.

And if you want to experience it properly, a rental car is not just convenient. It may be the difference between simply attending the Games and truly discovering Kyrgyzstan.

What Is Salbuurun?

Salbuurun is an ancient Kyrgyz hunting tradition that combines three core elements: hunting with birds of prey, racing with taigan hounds and traditional archery.

For centuries, Kyrgyz hunters went into the mountains on horseback with an eagle on the arm, a taigan by their side and a bow ready for use. These were not short demonstrations. They were long hunting journeys through harsh mountain landscapes, where skill, endurance and teamwork mattered.

During such trips, people could see who had the strongest horse, the best-trained eagle, the fastest dog and the sharpest eye.

In Kyrgyz culture, salbuurun was never only about hunting. It was also about survival, discipline, respect for nature and the connection between human, animal and landscape.

Today, salbuurun is an official discipline at the World Nomad Games. Live animals are no longer used as targets in competitions. Foxes, hares and birds are replaced by artificial lures, dummies or feather bundles. But the tension, speed and visual power remain.

For foreign visitors, salbuurun is often one of the most unforgettable parts of the Games. It is rare, dramatic and deeply connected to the land where it was born.

Four Salbuurun Disciplines Visitors Can See

Burkut Saluu: Hunting with a Golden Eagle

This is the most iconic part of salbuurun.

Golden eagle hunting is one of the strongest symbols of Kyrgyz nomadic culture. The bird is trained for years and works in close connection with its handler, known as a berkutchi.

At the Games, eagle hunting is usually shown through controlled competitive exercises. The eagle may be released from a distance and called back to the owner, or it may attack a moving lure dragged across the ground by a rider.

For spectators, this is a powerful moment. The eagle waits, watches, then suddenly turns into motion — wings open, body low, eyes fixed on the target. The speed and control are impressive even for people who have never seen a bird of prey up close.

This discipline is not only about the eagle. It also shows the patience of the handler, the trust between human and bird, and the old mountain knowledge that shaped Kyrgyz hunting culture.

Dalba Oinotuu: Falconry with a Lure

Falconry is another ancient tradition of nomadic peoples. In salbuurun, the falconer demonstrates control over the bird using a lure made from feathers.

The falcon circles, dives and responds to the movements of the handler. The performance may look elegant from the outside, but it requires years of training. A good falconer must understand the bird’s behavior, timing, wind and distance.

For visitors, this discipline gives a different feeling from golden eagle hunting. It is faster, lighter and more technical. The movements are sharp and precise, almost like a dialogue in the air.

Taigan Zharysh: Races of Kyrgyz Sighthounds

The taigan is a native Kyrgyz sighthound breed adapted to mountain terrain. These dogs are fast, agile and extremely focused when chasing a target.

During competitions, taigans chase an artificial lure. Judges evaluate speed, reaction and hunting instinct. The race may last only a short time, but it is very dynamic.

Taigans can reach impressive speed and change direction quickly. Watching them run across open ground is one of the most exciting parts of salbuurun for families, photographers and anyone who loves animals.

For Kyrgyz people, the taigan is more than a dog. It is part of the mountain way of life, a companion of hunters and a living symbol of nomadic heritage.

Traditional Archery and Horseback Archery

Traditional archery is another essential element of the Games. Some competitions are performed from the ground, others on horseback.

Horseback archery is especially difficult. The rider must control the horse with the legs, keep balance at speed, draw the bow and hit the target while moving. It is not the calm, static archery many people know from modern sport. It is closer to an ancient martial skill.

For spectators, horseback archery is visually striking: horses at full speed, traditional clothing, fast movements, arrows flying toward the target.

It is one of those moments when the past suddenly feels very close.

VI World Nomad Games 2026: Dates, Venues and Scale

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

This is a symbolic return. The first three editions of the Games were held in Kyrgyzstan, on the shores of Issyk-Kul, before the event moved to other countries. In 2026, the Games come back to the place where the idea became a global festival.

The opening ceremony is planned for August 31 in Bishkek, at Bishkek Arena. The main competitions are expected to take place from September 2 to September 6 in the Issyk-Kul region, including areas around Cholpon-Ata, the hippodrome and the Kyrchyn gorge. The closing ceremony is expected near Lake Issyk-Kul.

The Games will bring together traditional sports, cultural events, ethno-villages, music, crafts, national cuisine and performances from many countries.

Visitors can expect a rich program: kok-boru, salbuurun, wrestling, horse racing, traditional archery, intellectual games and other disciplines connected with nomadic cultures.

The official mascot of the 2026 Games is the snow leopard — one of Kyrgyzstan’s most recognizable natural symbols. It reflects strength, freedom, dignity and the mountain character of the country.

From Cholpon-Ata to the World: A Short History of the World Nomad Games

The World Nomad Games were created to preserve and promote the traditional sports and cultural heritage of nomadic peoples.

The first Games were held in 2014 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. They introduced international audiences to sports and rituals that had existed for centuries but were rarely seen outside their home regions.

The second Games took place in 2016, again on the shores of Issyk-Kul. The event became larger, brighter and more internationally visible.

The third Games in 2018 confirmed Kyrgyzstan as the heart of the movement. By then, the World Nomad Games were no longer a local cultural project. They had become a global celebration of nomadic identity.

The fourth edition was held in 2022 in Iznik, Türkiye — the first time the Games moved outside Kyrgyzstan.

The fifth Games took place in 2024 in Kazakhstan, bringing together athletes and delegations from many countries.

In 2026, the sixth edition returns to Kyrgyzstan. For visitors, this matters. You will not simply attend another festival. You will see the Games in the country where they began, surrounded by the landscapes that shaped many of the traditions on display.

Where to See Salbuurun Outside the World Nomad Games

If your trip does not coincide with the Games, you can still see salbuurun in Kyrgyzstan.

One of the main places connected with this tradition is Bokonbaevo, a village on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The area is known for eagle hunters, traditional demonstrations and ethno-tourism programs.

In Bokonbaevo, visitors may be able to watch eagle hunting demonstrations, learn about taigans, try traditional archery, take photos with a golden eagle and meet people who preserve this heritage.

Salbuurun festivals are also held in different parts of Kyrgyzstan, especially around Issyk-Kul and in Naryn region. Dates may change every year, so it is better to check the schedule in advance.

For many tourists, a visit to Bokonbaevo becomes one of the most memorable stops on an Issyk-Kul road trip. It is easier to reach by car, especially if you are traveling along the southern shore and combining salbuurun with Fairy Tale Canyon, Barskoon or Jeti-Oguz.

Kok-Boru and Other Sports Worth Watching

The World Nomad Games are not limited to salbuurun. The program includes dozens of traditional sports, and some of them are unlike anything most foreign visitors have ever seen.

Kok-Boru

Kok-boru is the most famous and emotional sport of the Games. It is a traditional team game on horseback, often compared to polo, but much more physical.

Two teams of riders fight for control of a goat-shaped object and try to score by placing it into the opponent’s goal. At international events, a synthetic substitute is used.

Kok-boru is fast, loud, intense and deeply loved in Kyrgyzstan. If you have time for only one major competition besides salbuurun, choose kok-boru.

Alysh

Alysh is belt wrestling. Athletes grip each other by the belt and try to throw the opponent. Matches can be short and explosive, which makes the sport easy to understand even for first-time viewers.

Er Enish

Er enish is horseback wrestling. Two riders try to pull each other off the horse. It requires strength, balance and excellent riding skills.

Mas-Wrestling

Mas-wrestling is a traditional stick-pulling sport associated with the peoples of Siberia. Two athletes sit opposite each other, brace their feet and try to pull the stick away.

It looks simple, but the physical intensity is enormous.

Ordo

Ordo is a traditional Kyrgyz game played with small bones. It has tactical elements and is connected with older forms of strategy and social play.

Mangala and Toguz Korgool

These are intellectual board games with deep historical roots. They show another side of nomadic culture: not only strength and speed, but also calculation, patience and strategy.

How to Get to the World Nomad Games 2026

Most international visitors arrive through Manas International Airport, the main airport near Bishkek. The airport is located about 25 km from the capital.

Bishkek will host the opening ceremony on August 31. After that, the main events move to the Issyk-Kul region.

The road from Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata is about 260 km and usually takes 3–4 hours by car, depending on traffic, stops and road conditions. The route goes through Boom Gorge and then follows the northern side of Issyk-Kul.

For travelers, this road is already part of the experience. The landscape changes from city outskirts to mountain views, river valleys and finally the open blue surface of Issyk-Kul.

If you are planning to attend both the opening ceremony in Bishkek and the competitions near Issyk-Kul, a car gives you the smoothest connection between the two parts of the trip.

Why Renting a Car Is the Best Option

The World Nomad Games will not be concentrated in one small stadium. Events, cultural programs and accommodation areas are likely to be spread between Bishkek, Cholpon-Ata, Kyrchyn gorge and different parts of the Issyk-Kul shore.

For independent travelers, this makes car rental one of the most practical choices.

With a rental car, you can:

attend the opening ceremony in Bishkek;
drive to Issyk-Kul when it fits your schedule;
move between Cholpon-Ata, Kyrchyn and other venues;
stay in a guest house, hotel or yurt camp outside the busiest areas;
visit nearby attractions between competitions;
continue your trip after the Games.

Public transport can connect major towns, but it is not designed for flexible travel between event venues, gorges, yurt camps and natural landmarks. Taxis may be available, but during a major international event prices and availability can change quickly.

This is why Nomad Car Rental is a natural fit for visitors coming to the Games. The company offers car rental in Bishkek for travel around Kyrgyzstan, including trips to Issyk-Kul and mountain regions.

For the World Nomad Games period, early booking is strongly recommended. Crossovers and SUVs are likely to be in especially high demand.

Which Car to Choose for the Games

Sedan

A sedan is suitable if you plan to drive mainly on paved roads: Bishkek, Cholpon-Ata, the northern shore of Issyk-Kul and hotel-to-venue routes.

It is a good option for travelers who want a comfortable and economical car for the main road.

Crossover

A crossover is the best choice for most visitors to the World Nomad Games.

It works well for the Bishkek — Issyk-Kul route, the northern and southern shores, light gravel roads, Kyrchyn gorge, Fairy Tale Canyon, Jeti-Oguz and Barskoon.

You get more ground clearance and more confidence without moving into a full off-road class.

Full-Size 4x4 SUV

A full-size 4x4 SUV is the right choice if you plan to continue into the mountains after the Games.

Choose this type of vehicle for routes to Son-Kul, remote valleys, highland roads or more demanding mountain terrain.

For the Games themselves, a crossover will be enough for many travelers. For a bigger Kyrgyzstan expedition, a 4x4 SUV is a better investment.

Nomad Car Rental: Practical Information

Nomad Car Rental offers cars for trips around Kyrgyzstan, including routes from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul.

The fleet includes more than 30 vehicles, from economical sedans to crossovers and full-size SUVs. Airport delivery at Manas is available, which is useful if you want to start your trip immediately after arrival.

For World Nomad Games visitors, a crossover is often the most balanced option: comfortable on the highway to Cholpon-Ata and practical for gravel roads near Kyrchyn or sightseeing routes around Issyk-Kul.

The rental conditions include a daily mileage limit of 300 km, accumulated across the rental period. Basic insurance options such as OSAGO and CASCO are included according to the company’s conditions.

Because the Games will attract many visitors, it is better not to wait until the last week. The best vehicles for Issyk-Kul and mountain travel are usually booked first.

Where to Stay During the World Nomad Games

Cholpon-Ata

Cholpon-Ata is likely to be one of the most convenient bases for the Games. It has hotels, guest houses, resorts, cafés and access to the main lakeside infrastructure.

If you want to stay close to the main competition areas, book accommodation here as early as possible.

Yurt Camps

During previous editions of the World Nomad Games, yurt camps and ethno-villages became an important part of the atmosphere. A similar format is expected around Kyrchyn and Issyk-Kul.

Staying in a yurt camp can be a special experience, especially if you want to feel closer to nomadic culture. But comfort levels vary, and such accommodation may require a car for easy access.

Karakol

Karakol is farther from Cholpon-Ata, but it is a strong base for travelers who want to combine the Games with mountain routes, hot springs, hiking and local food.

It is a good option if you plan to stay in Kyrgyzstan longer than the event week.

Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul

The southern shore is quieter, more natural and less resort-like. It offers guest houses, yurt camps and access to canyons, gorges and wild landscapes.

This is a good choice after the main event days, when you want to slow down and explore.

What to See Near the Games Venues

Fairy Tale Canyon

Fairy Tale Canyon, also known as Skazka Canyon, is famous for red and orange sandstone formations. It is one of the easiest and most photogenic stops on the southern shore.

Jeti-Oguz Gorge

Jeti-Oguz is known for its red rock formations, including the “Seven Bulls,” as well as forests, meadows and mountain views. It is one of the classic natural landmarks of the Issyk-Kul region.

Barskoon

Barskoon offers waterfalls, mountain roads and access to higher landscapes. It is a strong choice for travelers who want a more adventurous day trip.

Altyn-Arashan

Altyn-Arashan is known for hot springs and mountain scenery near Karakol. Access can be more demanding, so check road conditions and vehicle requirements before going.

Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs

The open-air petroglyph site near Cholpon-Ata is one of the easiest cultural stops during the Games. Ancient rock carvings are located close to town and can be visited without a long detour.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Book your car and accommodation early. During the World Nomad Games, demand will rise sharply, especially around Bishkek, Cholpon-Ata and Issyk-Kul.

Choose the vehicle according to your route. A sedan is fine for paved roads, but a crossover is better if you plan to visit Kyrchyn, the southern shore or mountain attractions.

Take sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Issyk-Kul is located at high altitude, and the sun can be strong even when the air feels cool.

Carry cash in Kyrgyz som. Cards are accepted in many larger places, but cash is useful at yurt camps, small cafés, markets and temporary event areas.

Download offline maps before leaving Bishkek. Mobile connection may be unstable in gorges and remote areas.

Bring warm clothes for the evening. Early September can be pleasant during the day, but evenings near the lake and in the mountains can become cold.

Plan extra driving time. During the Games, roads around venues may be busier than usual.

Why You Should Go

The World Nomad Games are not like the Olympics. They are not just a championship in one sport. They are a living festival of traditions that were born in the steppe, mountains and high pastures.

Here, a golden eagle dives toward its target as it did centuries ago. Riders fight for victory in kok-boru. Archers shoot from galloping horses. Wrestlers test strength in ancient styles. Musicians, craftsmen and cooks bring the cultural side of nomadic life into the same space.

And all of this happens in Kyrgyzstan — a country where these traditions still belong to the landscape.

One moment you are watching eagle hunters in the arena. An hour later, you are driving along Issyk-Kul with the mountains on one side and the lake on the other. By evening, you may be in a gorge, near a yurt camp, beside a hot spring or under a cold sky full of stars.

That is why the World Nomad Games 2026 are worth the journey.

August 31 — September 6, 2026. Bishkek and Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
Come for salbuurun, kok-boru and the spirit of nomadic culture. Stay for the mountains, the lake and the freedom of the road.

Nomad Car Rental offers car rental in Bishkek for trips to the World Nomad Games and across Kyrgyzstan. Choose a sedan for the main highway, a crossover for Issyk-Kul and Kyrchyn, or a 4x4 SUV for mountain routes. Book early — during the Games, the best cars will be taken quickly.