Kokpar Nauryz Tournament

Қокпар Нәуріз турнирі

View on map
MusicRegional hippodromes
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
Duration5 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsThis entry focuses specifically on kokpar as
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: KZT
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Kokpar Nauryz Tournament in Regional hippodromes

A traditional Kazakh equestrian team sport in which mounted riders fight for possession of a goat or calf carcass and race it to a scoring zone, staged as organized tournaments at regional hippodromes during Nauryz. It is one of the most heavily attended spectator events of the holiday season.

Two teams of mounted riders converge on a goat or calf carcass laid at the center of an open field, each side fighting from horseback to seize it and carry it clear to their own scoring zone while opponents try to wrestle it away mid-gallop.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

This entry focuses specifically on kokpar as its own tournament discipline rather than the broader Nauryz games program, highlighting its formalized rules, weight classes, and regional federation structure

02

The mystery stays covered

Its physicality and contact-sport intensity distinguish it from more ceremonial or symbolic Nauryz games such as kyz kuu, and its occasional international tournaments, including a world championship staged in Turkistan, give it a competitive reach beyond purely domestic holiday play that few other traditional Kazakh sports have achieved

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Fighting for possession of the carcass from horseback

Water and renewal

Living ritual

scoring by delivering it to a designated zone

The sacred route

Living ritual

and training horses specifically for contact tolerance are the game's defining recurring elements

The local code

Living ritual

Its strong association with Nauryz reflects the holiday's broader role as the primary annual showcase for reviving traditional Kazakh sport

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Use Regional hippodromes transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.

What to wear

Warm layers and wind protection are important for open hippodrome seating in late March, along with sturdy shoes for uneven ground. Sunglasses help against dust kicked up by the horses...

Safety

Kokpar Nauryz Tournament is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Regional hippodromes, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

KZT

Family friendly

unknown

Regional hippodromes, Nationwide, Kazakhstan

Nearest airportURA — Manshuk Mametova
TransportUse Regional hippodromes transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Regional hippodromes, especially if the event runs late or streets close.
FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Kokpar Nauryz Tournament?

Kokpar Nauryz Tournament is listed for Past edition: 21–25 March 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Kokpar Nauryz Tournament take place?

The festival is listed in Regional hippodromes, Kazakhstan. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

5 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Regional hippodromes, Nationwide, Kazakhstan

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLegov.kz
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →