RFE/RL’s photographer was on hand to capture the hoof-thumping action as the mountain venue of Kyrgyzstan’s Nomad Games opened on September 3.
Kyrgyzstan’s Hills Come Alive With The Sound Of Nomads
RFE/RL’s photographer was on hand to capture the hoof-thumping action as the mountain venue of Kyrgyzstan’s Nomad Games opened on September 3.

1
The yurt city nestled in the bowl-shaped valley of Kyrchyn Gorge, the second, and most spectacular, venue of the 2018 Nomad Games.

2
Young locals take the low road as their horse clatters through a mountain stream on the way to the opening ceremony at Kyrchyn Gorge.

3
Horsemen fight through clouds of dust during a simulated battle as part of the kickoff.

4
A traditional game that earned hollers from the crowd saw a male rider gallop after a young woman, stretching for a kiss. Only a handful of the men managed the risky peck before the young women turned the tables and thundered after the men with whips in hand.