12-Days Horseback Riding Tour: Small Group Adventure in Kyrgyzstan

Embark on a thrilling 12-day horseback riding tour in Kyrgyzstan, exploring its stunning landscapes and immersing yourself in the nomadic culture. Join a small group adventure and experience the beauty of the country on the back of a majestic Kyrgyz horse.

Duration: 12 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

Airport - Bishkek

Ala-Too Square - We will pick you up at the airport / border point and bring you to the capital (check-in at 14:00).

After some rest, the visit of the city Bishkek is planned. We will visit sights such as the central square Ala Too with its monuments.

Manas Statue - We visit the monument of Manas, the hero of the folk epic. His bronze figure reaches 10 meters, and the entire monument with a pedestal is more than 17 meters.

Oak Park - We can enjoy a walk in the Oak Park, one of the favorite places of local people. Bishkek is known as the greenest city in Central Asia thanks to its countless parks and alleys making the city a great place to live.

Osh Bazaar - After lunch at the local restaurant, we visit the famous market, Osh bazar. Just as you step the market, you plunge into the real oriental atmosphere: an interminable stream of people, a big variety of goods and colors.

Bishkek - Burana - Chon Kemin

Burana Tower - Our journey begins with a visit to the Burana Tower. The Burana Tower is an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley in the north part of Kyrgyzstan. The tower with funerary monuments, earthworks, remains of the castle, and three mausoleums - that’s all that last out of the ancient town Balasagyn founded by Karakhanids at the end of the ninth century.

Tar-Suu - Then we head to the Tar Suu village located in Chon Kemin Valley, known for its beauty and the rich diversity of animals and plants. You go for a walk in the village to explore the lifestyle of the local people.

Chon Kemin – Kalmak Ashu (horseback riding)

Chon-Kemin National Park - After breakfast in the guest house you start 2-day horse trek to the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul.

We head towards the pastures of Akkytay, around noon we will climb to the point where we will have a panoramic view of the entire valley. We have a picnic there. Horses can rest too.

Kalmak-Ashuu - After lunch we continue our trek. We go towards the Kalmak Ashu pass.

We install the tents on the foot of the pass. Dinner around the fire and rest in the tents.

Horse riding: 6 hours

Kalmak Ashu – Balykchy – Cholpon Ata (horseback riding)

Cholpon Ata - You go to the hotel in Cholpon Ata by car (ca. 80 km) where you rest and take a shower. You can swim in the lake later and relax a bit on the beach.
Dinner at the restaurant.

Cholpon Ata – Kyzyl Tuu – Kochkor

Kochkor - Lunch in Kochkor in the guesthouse or in the local restaurant. Free time before dinner. You can stroll through the village and visit the local market.

Kochkor – Kol Ukok Lake (horseback riding)

Kol Ukok Lake – Kochkor – Kyzart (horseback riding)

Kochkor - After the breakfast in yurt we return on horseback by the same path to the starting point of our trek where the driver is waiting for us.

Lunch in Kochkor in the local restaurant or guesthouse.

Horse riding: 15km, - 1000m, 4h

Kyzart - Transfer by car to Kyzart village (1 hour). On arrival you can rest and take a shower / sauna.

Kyzart – Kilemche (horseback riding)

Kyzart - Breakfast at the guest house. Transfer to the starting point.
The 2-day horse trek to Son Kul Lake begins. We will ride down through the Kilemche valley. The valley’s name means in Kyrgyz language “like a carpet”, and this carpet is presented by the variety of mountain herbs and alpine flowers covering all the nearby slopes.
Picnic on the way is planned.
We arrive at the shepherds’ yurt camp where we spend the night. Dinner in the yurt.
Horse riding: 17 km, + - 200m, 4h

Kilemche – Son Kul (horseback riding)

Son Kul Lake - After breakfast we continue our trek.
Horseback ride provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of these places and feel a part of the nature. Today we cross Tuz Ashu pass (3 400m).
From the pass Son Kul Lake seems very small, but as we go down and approach the lake, it appears as a big and gorgeous lake.
When we arrive in the yurts camp, you get to know the hospitality of the nomads, their lifestyle and their customs.
Diner and overnight in the yurt camp.
Horse riding: 14 km, +800m, -400m, 5h

Son Kul (horseback riding)

Son Kul Lake - Breakfast in the yurt.
We suggest you go horseback riding on the large meadows with an unforgettable view of the lake and take pictures of this magical place.
You can learn a lot about the way of life of the Kyrgyz shepherds, the semi-nomads. We also advise you to taste the kymys, the famous national drink (mare’s milk).

Son Kul - Bishkek

Kochkor - Breakfast in the yurt camp. Transfer to Bishkek.
We will return to the civilization by descending from Kalmak Ashu pass (3400m). You can take pictures of this beauty and breathtaking sceneries.

Lunch on the road in the restaurant in Kochkor.

Boom Gorge - We go to Bishkek again through Boom gorge.

Osh Bazaar - Upon arrival in Bishkek we will have time to visit the local market and buy some presents.

Bishkek – Airport – Departure

What's Included
  • English speaking guide during the whole trip
  • Group transfers in comfortable and air conditioned vehicle
  • Tents (2pax per tent)
  • Lunch
  • Visits described in the program
  • Dinner
  • Yurt show
  • Accommodation described in the program in twin /double room
  • Breakfast
  • Group airport transfer from 3 people (day 1 & 12)
  • Professional driver
  • Horse rental (days: 3,4,6,7,8,9,10)
What's Not Included
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guide, driver etc.
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Sleeping bags and mats - from 3-5 USD
  • Horse equipment: helmets (you can bring your own)
  • Services not mentioned as included
  • Private airport transfer – 20 USD one way
Additional Information

Kyrgyzstan is not only a country of the mountains but also of horses. According to an ancient proverb “horses are the wings of the Kyrgyz”. It takes a significant part in the nomadic culture. This trip will be ideal for horse lovers. Enjoy the wild and untouched nature and learn about the lifestyle of the Kyrgyz nomads while riding the beautiful Kyrgyz horses.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.