Samarkand Kopkari Game Tour: Watch the Buzkashi Competition

Horsemen battle for the goat carcass in one of Uzbekistan's oldest sports.

A full-day tour from Samarkand to watch the Kopkari (Buzkashi) game, where riders on horseback compete fiercely to control a goat and race to the finish line. Hotel pickup is included, along with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport. The tour runs October through April and lasts seven to ten hours. You'll learn the history and cultural weight of this ancient sport from local experts while watching the energy of the crowd and the skill of the horsemen firsthand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day tour to Samarkand and Kopkari game

• Hotel pickup in the morning
• Travel to Samarkand
• Watch thrilling Uloq-Kopkari (Buzkashi) game
• Learn about the game's history and culture
• Experience local crowd excitement
• Return to hotel

The experience

The Kopkari game is a traditional Uzbek sport where mounted riders battle for control of a goat carcass, racing to score points and claim the prize. You watch this unfold in a natural arena, surrounded by the roar of local spectators cheering for their champions. The riders' skill and the sheer intensity of the competition (the way horsemen jostle and strategize, the sudden shifts in momentum) make it unlike any sport most travelers have seen. An English-speaking guide explains the rules, the history of the game, and why it matters so deeply in Uzbek culture, turning what could be just spectacle into something with real weight behind it.

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you don't arrange transport yourself. The drive takes you out to the competition grounds, and you arrive in time to settle in before the riders take the field. The guide stays with you throughout, answering questions and pointing out the finer points of play as it happens. The tour runs only from October to April, when the weather and the season align with the game schedule.

What’s included

• Admission to the Kopkari game.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• English-speaking live guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transport.
• views of the competition from the natural arena.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 10:00

Book up to8h before

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TRIP ORIENT

Is this one for you?This tour suits small groups and individual travelers who want to watch a living piece of Uzbek culture rather than visit monuments. The fixed schedule and guided format mean you arrive at the right time and understand what you're watching, rather than trying to find the game on your own.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the Kopkari game and how is it played?

Kopkari, also called Buzkashi, is a traditional Uzbek sport in which horsemen compete to control a goat carcass and race it to the finish line for points and prizes. Riders display bravery and skill as they jostle for possession, and the game is deeply rooted in Uzbek culture and history.

Will I have a good view of the game from where spectators sit?

Yes, you watch from a natural arena with spectacular views of the competition, positioned so you can see the riders and the action clearly as the game unfolds.

How long does the tour take and when can I book it?

The tour lasts seven to ten hours and is available from October through April, when the Kopkari season is active.

Is an English-speaking guide included, and how does pickup work?

Yes, a live guide who speaks English is with you for the entire tour and explains the game's history and significance. Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, so the tour begins at your accommodation.

What should I know about the atmosphere at the game?

The competition draws local crowds who cheer enthusiastically for their champions, creating a lively, energetic atmosphere. You'll experience the excitement and adrenaline of the sport as it happens, surrounded by people who know and love the game.