Archery, eagles, and wrestling: Your guide to experiencing the World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan

The World Nomad Games are set to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, this September. Here’s everything you need to know.

Central Asia's premier sporting event returns for its fifth edition in 2024, migrating to Astana, Kazakhstan, from September 8 to 13.

Under the theme 'The Gathering of the Great Steppe,' the Astana World Nomad Games (WNG) will feature familiar highlights such as sporting competitions and an ethno-village celebrating regional cultures, while also introducing a unique scientific conference and a vibrant city atmosphere to this event traditionally held in rural areas.

Official details about the World Nomad Games can be scarce, and first-time attendees often have common queries while planning their trips. To help, we’ve compiled this guide for maximizing your experience at Central Asia's 'Nomad Olympics.' Be aware that, according to the organizers, comprehensive information will likely be released starting in August, including ticket sales and pricing details for key events. While all information here is accurate as of publication, expect updates before the event kicks off in September.

Purchasing tickets for the World Nomad Games

In a change from past editions, all events at the World Nomad Games will require tickets, which can be bought through the World Nomad Games website. Payments can be made using international Visa and Mastercard accounts, with refunds available after a 14-day period. However, it's important to note that the website may intermittently accept payments without sending out tickets; the WNG cannot provide updates on when this issue will be fixed and suggests contacting the ticketing agent for support.

Tickets for wrestling events are currently available, priced between 600–5000T (approximately US$1.25–11.46), depending on the event and time. Tickets for the opening ceremony at Astana Arena and equestrian events at the Hippodrome complex are not yet up for sale as the venues are still under construction. These tickets are expected to be released in August, once final seating arrangements are determined. The WNG has indicated that tickets will also be available for purchase on-site at the Hippodrome, Ethnoaul, and Astana Arena; however, no pricing information for the opening ceremony or equestrian event tickets is available at this time.

Competitions at the Duman Hotel for togyz kumalak, mangala, and owari (all strategic board games) are not open to the public, and no tickets will be available for these events.

Schedule and venues for the World Nomad Games sports competitions

The majority of the public events in Astana will take place in two main areas: the Wrestling Palace (43 Kabanbay Batyr Ave) and the nearby Alau Ice Palace (47 Kabanbay Batyr Ave) located in the heart of Astana’s modern skyscraper district, as well as a southwest area where the Kazanat Hippodrome, Argymak Equestrian Complex, and Ethnoaul are all grouped together.

For international attendees, the most thrilling new sports will likely be those featuring horseback action at the venues in the southwest. At Ethnoaul, events like horseback archery and horseback wrestling present exciting variations on familiar concepts. Meanwhile, kokpar and kok boru at the Kazanat Hippodrome involve two teams competing to seize a stuffed headless goat carcass from the midfield and throw it into a large goal at the far end of the field. On September 12 and 13, watch for Tenge Ilu events where riders gather coins or small objects from the ground while galloping, alongside Kusbegilik events, showcasing bird trainers and their hawks, falcons, and golden eagles in simulated hunting challenges.

At the Wrestling Palace, competitions featuring at least nine different wrestling styles will take place across various venues. While casual observers might find it challenging to distinguish between koresh, kurash, kuresi, and gureshi, local fans from all over Central Asia take their national athletes very seriously. Spending a few hours here is worthwhile, if only to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Intellectual games such as mangala, toguz kumalak, and oware will be hosted at the Duman Hotel in Astana, but these competitions will not be accessible to the public.

A comprehensive schedule of sporting events can be found on the World Nomad Games website, but based on past experiences, be prepared for potential last-minute changes with minimal notice, so keep a flexible mindset.

Cultural Activities at Ethnoaul

The heart of cultural events during the World Nomad Games is the 10-hectare Ethnoaul (meaning Ethno-village), located next to the Kazanat Hippodrome complex. Cultural activities will revolve around three main themes: Ethnohit (a mix of folklore and pop music), Ethnodance, and Ethnofashion.

Although the cultural program is still being finalized (check the official website for updates), the current draft features theatrical performances, fashion shows, concerts by both local and international artists, and what the organizers are calling an 'oriental bazaar' showcasing handicrafts from local artisans, along with vendors offering traditional cuisine on-site.

The 2024 WNG will also feature a 'Nomad Universe Festival' that explores the link between the region's nomadic heritage and contemporary life, with displays on urban and landscape design, modern architectural interpretations of the classic yurt, and daily art exhibitions by local sculptors.

Scientific Program at the World Nomad Games 2024

In addition to sporting and cultural activities, a scientific conference will take place at Kazakhstan’s National Museum from September 9 to 11, focusing on topics such as “History and Culture,” “Sport Science,” and “Nutrition of Central Asian Nomads.” The presentations will be free and open to the public (though advance registration, which will start in August, is necessary) and will include simultaneous translation in Kazakh, English, and Russian. A detailed schedule of presentations is expected to be released in August.

How to navigate to and around the World Nomad Games

Astana is easily accessible via Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ), which connects to destinations in Central Asia, East Asia, and Europe. The national airline, Air Astana, offers direct flights to cities such as Antalya, Beijing, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, and Seoul, as well as connections through Almaty (ALA) to Bangkok and London. Other international airlines, including flydubai, LOT, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and WizzAir, also operate flights to and from Astana.

Public buses and private taxis are readily available within the city and between venues. Taxis from the Wrestling Palace to the Hippodrome typically cost between 1400–2400T (US$3–5) when booked through the popular YandexGo app. Bus tickets can be purchased directly from drivers for 180T (US$0.38) in cash or half that price via the CTS app (which requires a Kazakh SIM card). The following routes connect the Astana Arena bus stop (located between the Alau Ice Palace and Wrestling Palace) to Astana Jūldyzy stellasy, a short walk from the Hippodrome: 10, 37, 301, 302, 303, 308, 309. Complete route details can be found on the CTS site, along with links to download the app for both Apple and Android devices.

Accommodation options for the World Nomad Games

Astana offers a wide range of accommodation choices, from $7 budget hostels to $400 luxury hotels. Generally, the area surrounding the Wrestling Palace features mid-range and high-end options, including many international hotel chains, while lower-budget options are more common to the north of the river in the city's older districts. Accommodation near the Hippodrome in the southwest is more limited, but checking platforms like Airbnb can yield some alternatives.