Horseback trekking in the kyrgyz mountains

Price: 1,370$

Duration:11

Complexity:

Route

Description

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the majestic landscapes of the Tien Shan! This horseback tour will take you across lush pastures, mountain passes, and scenic lakes. You will visit Song-Kul, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the country, experience the nomadic culture, spend the night in traditional yurts, and witness thrilling Kyrgyz horseback games. Along the way, you will encounter local shepherds, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the rich nature and traditions of Kyrgyzstan.

Tour program

Open All Day

day 1

Arrival in Bishkek – Burana Tower – Chong Kemin National Park

Arrive in Bishkek, usually at night. Transfer to the hotel.
Meeting at the hotel at 9 AM. Early departure from Bishkek via Gornaya Maevka road. On the way, visit the Issyk-Ata hot springs (optional: 45-minute bath). Continue to the open-air museum at Burana Tower. Lunch in a Dungan family home in Iskra, a village near the Kazakh border. Then, proceed to Chong Kemin National Park. Upon arrival, settle into the guesthouse. Preparation and briefing for the horseback trekking.

  • Transfer: 3-4 hours
  • Hiking: 3 hours, elevation: +250m / -250m
  • Overnight: Guesthouse
  • Meals: Full board
day 2

Chong Kemin – Tuyuk Valley (2,380m)

After breakfast, meet the local team (horse guide, cook, assistants).
We start with a ride to a farm in Kaindy village (4 km). Passing through Bai-Kishi Jailoo (a summer pasture) along the Chong-Kemin River. The slopes are covered with spruce and juniper forests. The first part of the trek is a gradual ascent, then steeper beyond the tree line (30° incline). Arrive at the Toru-Aigyr Valley, set up camp, prepare dinner, and relax.

  • Horseback riding: 18 km / approx. 4-5 hours
  • Elevation gain: +780m
  • Overnight & dinner: Tents
  • Meals: Full board

day 3

Tuyuk Valley – Konur Lake (2,450m)

After breakfast, we ride towards Konur Lake at 2,450m. A gradual ascent from camp with two easy climbs and descents. From the first pass (2,700m), enjoy a stunning view of the next pass (2,750m), surrounded by pine, spruce, and birch forests. Descend 340m to reach the lakeshore, where we set up camp for the night.

  • Horseback riding: 16 km / approx. 4-5 hours
  • Elevation gain: +400m
  • Elevation loss: -300m
  • Overnight & dinner: Tents
  • Meals: Full board
day 4

Konur Lake – Tamchi Pass – Issyk-Kul Lake – Kyzart (2,250m)

Early breakfast and departure at 7 AM towards Tamchi Pass (3,320m). We follow the stream feeding the lake with a long but gradual ascent. From the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of Issyk-Kul Lake. Descend along an ancient track to a farm (brick house) for a picnic.
Transfer in a Russian 4×4 to Achik-Tash pasture (1.5 hours), where a minibus awaits. Continue to Kyzart village (2-3 hours, 180 km). Arrival in the evening, dinner, and rest.

  • Horseback riding: 15 km / approx. 4-5 hours
  • Elevation gain: +880m
  • Elevation loss: -600m
  • Overnight & dinner: Guesthouse
  • Meals: Full board
day 5

Kyzart Village – Chaar Archa – Tuz Ashuu

A relaxed morning before meeting the local team for the next few days.
Begin the trek through the Inner Tian Shan, crossing scenic mountain pastures. The morning ascent offers stunning views of the Tuz Ashuu pastures. The rocky pass itself is spectacular. From here, Song-Kol Lake appears in the distance, growing larger as we approach. Along the way, encounter numerous herds and nomadic shepherds.
Arrive at the Tuz-Ashuu pastures. Overnight and dinner with a Kyrgyz shepherd family in a traditional yurt.

  • Horseback riding: 16 km / approx. 5-6 hours
  • Elevation gain: +1,150m
  • Elevation loss: -200m
  • Overnight & dinner: Yurt
  • Meals: Full board
day 6

Tuz Ashuu – Tulpar Tash

After breakfast, we head west along the shores of Song-Kul Lake. The route includes gentle ascents and descents (max 100m) before arriving at the Tulpar Tash yurt camp.
Lunch at an Uzbek yurt camp.
The lake’s shores are stunning, surrounded by herds of horses, cows, sheep, and goats. We will have the opportunity to visit local shepherds and taste fermented mare’s milk, cheese balls, and traditional milk tea.
Upon arrival, we will enjoy a demonstration of traditional Kyrgyz horseback games at Song-Kul Lake.
Afterward, we continue to the pastures of Tulpar Tash.

  • Horseback riding: 13 km / approx. 3 hours
  • Elevation gain: +100m
  • Elevation loss: -100m
  • Overnight & dinner: Yurt
  • Meals: Full board

day 7

Tulpar Tash – Kambarata – Tuulga Tash

This day includes an 18 km ride through breathtaking landscapes dotted with shepherds’ yurts.
Although Song-Kul Lake lacks trees and shrubs, the altitude and climate variations create an exceptional ecosystem with unique flora and fauna.
Lunch at the Kambarata yurt camp.
During the ride, we will pass through fields of edelweiss and forget-me-nots, and we may observe various bird species from a distance, including ducks, cranes, storks, mergansers, coots, plovers, golden eagles, imperial eagles, cormorants, and thousands of seagulls.

  • Horseback riding: 18 km / approx. 6 hours
  • Elevation gain/loss: 0m
  • Overnight & dinner: Yurt
  • Meals: Full board
day 8

Song-Kul Lake – Kochkor Village – Kyzyl Tuu – Ak Say Canyons

Morning departure to Kochkor village (140 km, approx. 3 hours), crossing the scenic “32 Parrots” Pass.
Upon arrival in Kochkor, we have lunch before continuing to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake (1,660m altitude). Fed by 88 rivers, Issyk-Kul is the world’s second-largest alpine lake after Lake Titicaca in South America. The lake, formed by volcanic activity, never freezes due to thermal energy.
In summer, the water reaches 23-24°C, often warmer than the air, making it ideal for swimming while surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan mountains.
We stop in Kyzyl Tuu village for a demonstration of traditional yurt construction.
Arrival at Ak Say Canyons—an extraordinary and unique landscape different from anything seen before.

  • Transfer type: Private vehicle
  • Transfer duration: 280 km / approx. 6-7 hours
  • Overnight & dinner: Yurt
  • Meals: Full board
day 9

Skazka Canyon & Secrets of Eagle Hunting

Morning transfer (75 km, approx. 1.5 hours) to Skazka Canyon.
Explore the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, meaning “Fairy Tale” in Kyrgyz. This geological wonder, formed by ancient volcanic activity, features colorful rock formations resembling a surreal dreamscape.
On the way back, we stop in Bokonbaevo for lunch, where our hosts will introduce us to the art of eagle hunting, a centuries-old Kyrgyz tradition.
Arrival at our secluded yurt camp—an ideal place to relax, enjoy the tranquility, or take a refreshing swim in the lake.

  • Transfer type: Private vehicle
  • Transfer duration: 150 km (round trip) / approx. 2-3 hours
  • Overnight & dinner: Yurt
  • Meals: Full board
day 10

Ak Say Canyons – Bishkek

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning by the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. Depending on the season, the water temperature can reach 24°C—perfect for a refreshing swim.
We then embark on a short hike through the stunning Ak Say Canyons, following trails that lead to breathtaking 360° panoramic views.
This remarkable canyon is often called the “Valley of Forgotten Rivers” due to the traces of ancient riverbeds that once flowed here.
In the afternoon, transfer to Bishkek. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before checking in at a charming hotel for the night.

  • Transfer type: Private vehicle
  • Transfer duration: 270 km / approx. 4-5 hours
  • Overnight: Boutique hotel
  • Meals: Full board
day 11

Bishkek – Airport

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

  • Transfer type: Private vehicle
  • Transfer duration: 30 km / approx. 1 hour
  • Meals: Breakfast included

Tour conditions

What's included

  • Accommodation – hotels/yurts/tents (11 nights)
  • Entrance fees to sites and museums
  • Meals (Breakfast - 11, Lunch - 10, Dinner - 10)
  • Guide services
  • Group transfers in comfortable vehicle
  • Bottled water provided throughout the trip (1L per person/day)
  • Horse guide and assistants during the horseback riding sections
  • Luggage transport (by pack horses) during the horseback riding part
  • Cooking equipment and kitchen services during the first 3 days on horseback
  • Special 4x4 transport from the end of the first horseback trek to the main vehicle
  • Yurt-making demonstration in Kyzyl Tuu
  • Traditional horseback games at Song-Kul Lake (for groups of 5 or more)
  • Eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaevo (for groups of 5 or more)

What's excluded

  • any add-ins to itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • single supplement (rooms/tent)
  • International flights
  • personal insurance
  • Visa & consular fees (if required)

Route

Additional Information. SGL accommodation at yurt camps is not possible (2,3,4 pax per yurt). To participate in a horseback tour, a traveler should be in good physical condition and feel confident in the saddle.

Technical Sheet: CLOTHING

  • 1 sun hat or cap
  • 1 scarf
  • 1 beanie and/or headband
  • 1 backpack (20-30L per person)
  • 1 pair of gloves
  • A riding helmet (strongly recommended)
  • T-shirts (1 for every 2-3 days of trekking) – avoid cotton, as it dries slowly; prefer breathable short-sleeve shirts
  • 1 or 2 base layers
  • 1 vest or jacket (down or Thermolite) or a warm anorak for the evening, especially in spring and autumn
  • 2 pairs of riding pants or long leather chaps
  • 1 thermal leggings
  • 1 pair of comfortable pants for the evening
  • 1 rain poncho or waterproof jacket
  • 1 fleece jacket
  • 1 swimsuit
  • Shoes with heels (to prevent feet from slipping through stirrups)
  • 1 pair of high-quality hiking boots with good traction, essential for rainy periods

Proper and respectful attire is required when visiting temples and villages:

  • Long pants and short-sleeved shirts or loose-fitting t-shirts
  • No shorts, tank tops, tight-fitting, or low-cut clothing
  • Women should wear capri pants instead of shorts

EQUIPMENT:

  • 1 pair of high-quality sunglasses
  • High SPF sunscreen and lip balm
  • 1 headlamp + spare batteries + extra bulbs
  • 1 pocket knife (optional, must be packed in checked luggage)
  • Water bottle: To reduce plastic waste, we provide a 5L water container for refilling your bottle during travel and overnight stays in hotels, guesthouses, or yurts. During the trek, boiled water will be provided in the morning and evening. We also recommend bringing water purification tablets. A 2L water bottle is advised.

SLEEPING GEAR:

  • A sleeping bag suitable for temperatures down to -5°C (comfort rating)
  • A sleeping bag liner (easier to wash after the trek than the sleeping bag itself)

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Tour Dates:

Seasonality:
Summer

Group:

10 pax

Complexity:

4 out of 5

DN 25-15

Price from: 1,370$

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