Tuesday 10th September – Astana, Kazakhstan 

• Arrive at your convenience in Astana – the new modern and stylish city of Kazakhstan, which is well connected to many countries within the Stans, Middle East and Eastern Europe.
• Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Astana.
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the hotel lobby at 6:00pm to discuss the tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travelers and YPT guide.
• Head out for a welcome dinner and drinks, even trying Beshbarmak, an iconic dish to Astana featuring tender boiled meat, usually lamb or horse meat, served on thin noodles.
• Overnight in Astana

Wednesday 11th September – Astana

• Breakfast at the hotel before heading to the World Nomad Games for your first taste of the festival!
• We will begin our morning by heading to the Ice Palace where we will watch men and women battle it out in a very classic game of tug of war. 
• Spectate Asyk atu – one of the oldest nomad games. We will get there in time to see the finals before having a break for lunch.
• Head to the Wrestling Palace to see men and women from different nomadic areas compete in Alysh, a nomadic form of wrestling. We’ll catch the finals before finishing up our games for the first day!
• Dinner and overnight in Astana.

Thursday 12th September – Astana

• After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll transfer to the Ethnoaul to watch the National hunting with birds! Nomadic sports with birds have dominated Central Asia and have played a large part in hunting for food throughout different cultures. 
• We will have a lunch break, sampling food on offer at the nomad games.
• Now is the time to experience the highlight of the World Nomad Games – Kok-boru. This is a traditional game played with opponents on horseback attempting to manoeuvre a goat’s carcass (or mould of one) into the goals of the opponents. Versions of this game include Buzkashi in Afghanistan and Tajikistan and Kukpari / Ulak Tartysh in some parts of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
• Tonight we’ll dine out after another long exciting day of witnessing unique nomadic sports and enjoy some drinks before returning to the hotel.

Friday 13th September – Astana

• On our last day of attending the World Nomad Games, we will watch a variety of horse racing competitions in their final stages. Starting off with various different flat racing competitions, Zhorga and Kunanbeige. Nomadic horse racing events involve long distances compared top popular western horse racing events – including Kunan Beige that covers a distance of 11km!
• Enjoy the Closing Ceremony of the 5th World Nomad Games
• Celebrate as awards are presented recognizing individuals and groups for their achievements in various nomadic sports and cultural competitions.
• Witness the symbolic handing over of the World Nomad Games flag to the representatives of the host country for the next edition.
• Topping it off we will partake in the spectacular grand finale performance and cultural display capturing the excitement and energy as the event reaches its peak.
• As the closing ceremony concludes, depart from the venue with lasting memories of the World Nomad Games.

Saturday 14th September – Astana

• Breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a city tour of all things new and old in Astana which is a perfect mix of both.
• Begin with a walking tour along the historic right bank which is the ideal place to take in the futuristic architecture combined and soviet past.
• The day’s first stop lies on the bank of river Ishim – the imposing Russian Orthodox Church which holds the title as the largest in Central Asia.
• After taking in the magnificent exterior from the bank we will explore the cathedral’s interior, admire its architecture, and learn about its history which is adorned in the intricate decorations and paintings wherever you look.
• Visit the Main Republican Mosque, officially known as Hazret Sultan Mosque the largest in Central Asia and one of the ten largest mosques in the world. 
• Here we will witness the serene atmosphere during afternoon prayer and survey the intricate interior details, including the prayer hall, domes, and lavish decorations.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Kazakh dishes.
• In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore Ethno-Aul: “the Universe of Nomads” which has many cultural displays depicting nomadic life and the importance of the World Nomad Games in keeping alive traditional sports and practices.
• At night, we will enjoy a farewell dinner and drinks before returning to the hotel. 

Sunday 15th September – Astana

• Breakfast in hotel
• Tour concludes, those continuing our Five Stans Budget Tour we will catch a mid-afternoon flight to Almaty.

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