The World Nomad Games, Kyrgyzstan 

As a backpacker/travel addict, I have certain desires and adventures I set out to accomplish. Wandering the world aimlessly is a great way to enjoy life, but I always want purpose when I travel. One of the more rare experiences you will come across is the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan. 

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most diversified countries in the world. The people come from Mongolian decent, practice a form of Islam and speak Russian as their first language. Kyrgyz are warm people with a unique lifestyle dating back many centuries.

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The World Nomad Games is represented by 40 countries and 2,000 athletes. 

The World Nomad Games are a unique experience, one that cannot be found at any other point in time or in any other place in the world. Combining spectacular displays of athleticism with a deep appreciation for cultural roots and nomadic heritage, the Games are sure to impress every visitor in many ways. 

The First World Nomad Games were held in 2014, but the idea originated in 2012 from President Almazbek Atambaev. The 2014 Games brought together athletes from 19 countries and sparked greater interest in preserving and promoting nomadic culture through sporting events. The 2016 Games are bigger and better – 2000 athletes from over 40 countries are coming together on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul to compete in 23 different kinds of sports. These include er enish, which involves wrestling on horseback, and kok-boru, a competitive team sport where teams try to score points with a dead goat, to demonstrations of hunting eagles and dogs, to different types of wrestling from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. Alongside the sporting events, there will also be villages of craftsmen and displays of nomadic culture (including yurt camps and presentations of rituals and ceremonies), so there will be something sure to excite any visitor. 

This is a unique opportunity for the average person to immerse themselves in nomadic culture and experience the diversity and enchanting beauty of Central Asia. The World Nomad Games is a sporting and cultural event like no other, one for the adventurous traveler, one for the person who wants to be immersed in a new culture, one for the sports enthusiast. 
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Every backpacker and traveler wants an experience they can remember for the rest of their lives. Everyone wants to live life to fullest while trying new things along the way. This event is one of the more exciting adventures I have found throughout the 54 countries and 3 years of solo travel. Take chance on a country you know nothing about. It may change your perspective on the world even more.

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