The World Nomad Games are one of the most distinctive international sporting and cultural events on the planet. Far from a standard multi-sport competition, they celebrate the living heritage of nomadic civilizations through traditional ethnic sports, cultural performances, and knowledge-sharing. Athletes compete in disciplines rooted in the histories of the steppes and mountains of Central Asia and beyond—think
kok boru
(a horseback game involving a goat carcass), various forms of traditional wrestling, equestrian races, archery (including horseback archery), eagle hunting and falconry,
ordo
,
toguz korgool
, and many more. Alongside the competitions sits a vibrant ethno-cultural program with yurt villages, crafts, music, dance, and demonstrations of nomadic life.
The Games were created to preserve and promote these traditions in an era of rapid modernization and globalization. They bring together athletes, cultural practitioners, and spectators from dozens of countries, not only from classic nomadic nations of Central Asia but also from Europe, the Americas, and further afield. UNESCO has recognized the World Nomad Games as a best practice for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
The first World Nomad Games took place in 2014 on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. What began with a relatively modest scale quickly grew into a major international platform.
A Brief History of the Host Locations
The early editions remained in Kyrgyzstan, the spiritual home of the Games:
-
2014 (I) : Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan
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2016 (II) : Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan
-
2018 (III) : Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan
The fourth edition moved abroad for the first time:
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2022 (IV) : Iznik, Turkey (delayed from the original 2020 plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
It then returned to Central Asia:
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2024 (V) : Astana, Kazakhstan
And most recently:
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2026 (VI) : Kyrgyzstan (opening in Bishkek, with main competitions and cultural events centered around Cholpon-Ata and the Issyk-Kul region, including Kyrchyn Gorge)
Each edition has expanded in scale, number of disciplines, and participating countries, turning the Games into a truly global celebration of nomadic heritage while remaining deeply rooted in Central Asian traditions.
The 2028 Games Are Coming to Kazan, Russia
The next chapter has been written. The
VII World Nomad Games in 2028 will be held in Kazan
, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia.
This was formally announced by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Games. Russia had submitted an official letter expressing readiness to host, and the decision was confirmed at the highest levels, including statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the closing ceremony of the 2026 Games on 6 September in Cholpon-Ata, the ceremonial baton of the World Nomad Games was handed over to Tatarstan, marking the official transfer of hosting rights for 2028.
Kazan is a major city in western Russia, located at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers, roughly 800–830 km east of Moscow. It is the capital and largest city of Tatarstan, a republic within the Russian Federation with a rich Turkic and Tatar cultural heritage. The city is known for its striking blend of Russian and Tatar (and more broadly Muslim and Orthodox Christian) cultures, its UNESCO-listed Kremlin, historic mosques and churches, and its role as a vibrant cultural, educational, and sports hub. Often called one of Russia’s “third capitals,” Kazan has modern infrastructure, strong experience hosting large international events, and deep historical connections to the nomadic and steppe traditions that the Games celebrate—making it a fitting next host.
Experience the Games with Saiga Tours
As always,
Saiga Tours
will be running tours to the World Nomad Games. We have a long track record of organizing trips to these extraordinary events, including all previous editions in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (the only one we haven't been at was the 4th edition, held in Turkey). Our tours put you right in the middle of the action - opening ceremonies, key competitions, the ethno-village atmosphere, and the unique cultural immersion that makes the Nomad Games so special - while also experiencing the host destination itself. And with our experience of all the previous versions of this event, we've got a pretty good understanding of how to organise things around the chaos!
We will be sharing more details, tour options, and practical information as the 2028 plans in Kazan develop. If you joined us for previous Nomad Games tours or have been following the story, you already know how special these trips are. Stay tuned for updates on how you can experience the VII World Nomad Games in Tatarstan with us.
The baton has been passed from the shores of Issyk-Kul to the banks of the Volga. The 2028 World Nomad Games in Kazan promise another unforgettable chapter in this celebration of nomadic spirit, strength, and culture. We can’t wait to see what it brings, and we hope you’ll join us there. Check out our current plans for the tour here.
