Price
Grand Horseback Expedition in Kyrgyzstan
Mountains, yurts, hot springs and Issyk-Kul lake
Mountains, yurts, hot springs and Issyk-Kul lake
€1975
+ flight to Bishkek and back home
Difficulty level
Comfort level
Duration
3 / 5
3 / 5
10 days
left 5 out of 12
3 / 5
Adrenaline level
Group size
1 — Easy
2 — Light
3 — Average
4 — Challenging
5 — Extreme
2 — Light
3 — Average
4 — Challenging
5 — Extreme
AVAILABLE 2020
Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep
Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep
Transportation
All transfers by comfortable minibus
Guiding
English speaking tour leader
Meals
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinners)
Accommodation
Accommodation throughout the trip (hotels, guesthouses and yurts)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy the views of the Tien Shan glaciers and alpine meadows
- Visit small mountain villages and shepherd's yurts to plunge into the life of nomads
- Bathe in the hot springs of Jyly-Su, which locals consider healing
- Take a walk along the shore of the famous Issyk-Kul lake, which does not freeze even in winter
- Fish in the cleanest mountain lakes and cook your catch on the fire
- Permanently enjoy indescribable beautiful scenery and unite with pristine nature
- Live a true nomadic life - horseback and donkey riding, wild honey, lamb, fresh trout, nights in yurtas with shepherds and an endless sky with millions of stars above
- Wildlife: Mountain goats, Marmots, Birds, Predator birds, Rodents, Yaks, Hare, Reptiles
The mountains are calling! We will ride through the most beautiful places of untouched wildlife, see the life of real nomads and breathe in the incredible air of freedom.
Available: Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep
Itinerary
Explore
our travel itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek
We arrive in Bishkek, check into a hotel and go for a walk around the city. We will visit the main Ala-Too square, with a large monument to the national hero Manas. It was on this square that all the famous Kyrgyz protests and revolutions took place. We walk to perhaps the most authentic place of the capital - Osh bazaar. You do not have to buy, but there is a lot to look at! For example, you can try local alcohol bozo from fermented millet, try horsemeat and enjoy traditional manti with different fillings.
In the evening we go to the most popular restaurant of Kyrgyz cuisine. Here in traditional yurts we will enjoy the most delicious dishes of nomads - beshbarmak meat, buns with sour cream boorsok, rich lagman with noodles, and juicy lamb.
In the evening we go to the most popular restaurant of Kyrgyz cuisine. Here in traditional yurts we will enjoy the most delicious dishes of nomads - beshbarmak meat, buns with sour cream boorsok, rich lagman with noodles, and juicy lamb.
Day 2
In the morning, we ride cars to the place where the horse tour begins in the village of Jer-Kechkyu (4 hours on the way). In the village we meet our horses and begin our horseback ride along the picturesque valley. We go up the dirt road to the high mountain pasture Tuyuk-Tor. Locals take their cattle here every spring and graze them until the fall, while they themselves live in yurts. When the weather gets cold in autumn, the nomads return to the village and take their animals back.
The landscape around us is gradually changing - alpine meadows replace forests. The grass here is emerald green, with many wild flowers. And the air! City people never breathe anything like it. In the evening we settle in a yurt of local shepherds, or in a tent. During the day we ride about 13 km (4-5 hours). For the first time we fall asleep among untouched nature, listening to the silence around us. After a busy day, do not to forget to lie under the stars. This show is amazing!
The landscape around us is gradually changing - alpine meadows replace forests. The grass here is emerald green, with many wild flowers. And the air! City people never breathe anything like it. In the evening we settle in a yurt of local shepherds, or in a tent. During the day we ride about 13 km (4-5 hours). For the first time we fall asleep among untouched nature, listening to the silence around us. After a busy day, do not to forget to lie under the stars. This show is amazing!
Day 3
We have breakfast we saddle our horses and ride to the Zhalakbel pass 3500 meters above sea level. The view from here is magnificent! We watch the glaciers surrounding us from all sides, enjoy crispy mountain air. And what a feeling of freedom! Not surprisingly, the Kyrgyz began to live settled only a hundred years ago. And many live like nomads even now!
Our path goes along the wide valley of Kara-Saz. We ride our horses along the lake, which locals call the "Black Swamp". Not far from this place is our next camp. Local guides always have fishing equipment, so those who wish can go fishing on the lake. In the evening we will settle in a yurt of local shepherds or in a tent. During the day we will ride about 18-20 km (5-7 hours)
Our path goes along the wide valley of Kara-Saz. We ride our horses along the lake, which locals call the "Black Swamp". Not far from this place is our next camp. Local guides always have fishing equipment, so those who wish can go fishing on the lake. In the evening we will settle in a yurt of local shepherds or in a tent. During the day we will ride about 18-20 km (5-7 hours)
Day 4-5
After breakfast with the shepherds in the yurt, we continue our journey along the Kara-Saz valley. Everywhere we are surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Tien Shan, as a constant reminder of the eternal. Yes, here you feel tiny! We reach the Karakaman River and the bridge with our camp near by. We settle in a yurt of local shepherds or in a tent. During the day we will ride horses about 18-20 km (5-7 hours).
The next morning we head to the Toguztoro Pass. After lunch, we reach the Teshik-Kul lake 3500 meters above sea level. Here you can also go fishing and cook the caught fish on fire. Teshik-Kul is a typical mountain lake, divided into two parts, which are located at different heights and are interconnected by a waterfall. The water here is milky blue, opaque due to the high content of various minerals. We admire the view of the mountain glacier, which does not melt even in summer, and the mountain plains at its foot. We are accommodated in a yurt of local shepherds or in a tent on the lake. During the day we will ride horses for about 13-16 km (4-5 hours).
The next morning we head to the Toguztoro Pass. After lunch, we reach the Teshik-Kul lake 3500 meters above sea level. Here you can also go fishing and cook the caught fish on fire. Teshik-Kul is a typical mountain lake, divided into two parts, which are located at different heights and are interconnected by a waterfall. The water here is milky blue, opaque due to the high content of various minerals. We admire the view of the mountain glacier, which does not melt even in summer, and the mountain plains at its foot. We are accommodated in a yurt of local shepherds or in a tent on the lake. During the day we will ride horses for about 13-16 km (4-5 hours).
Day 6
Almost every day we cross the terrain called syrty. These are high-mountainous summer pastures that the Kyrgyz nomads have been using for centuries to graze their livestock: sheep, horses and cows. Today will be a simple day. From Lake Teshik-Kul we will go down in two hours to the valley of the Jily-Su river. And we will set up a camp near the house of the caretaker of the hot springs.
Jily-Su is a natural hot spring that hits from under the ground. By this day, everyone will get a little tired. Therefore, a hot pool with a temperature of +40 Celsius will be very welcome. It will probably be too hot for swimming but we can enjoy the water for a little while. Jily-su translates as "hot water." Locals believe that these waters are healing! Our camp will be next to the bustling river, which has the same name as the hot spring. We will settle in the house, yurt or tent. During the day we ride for 5-6 km (2 hours).
Jily-Su is a natural hot spring that hits from under the ground. By this day, everyone will get a little tired. Therefore, a hot pool with a temperature of +40 Celsius will be very welcome. It will probably be too hot for swimming but we can enjoy the water for a little while. Jily-su translates as "hot water." Locals believe that these waters are healing! Our camp will be next to the bustling river, which has the same name as the hot spring. We will settle in the house, yurt or tent. During the day we ride for 5-6 km (2 hours).
Day 7-8
In the morning we continue our ride along the serpentine road to Ton Ashoo pass 4020 meters above sea level. A magnificent panorama of two mighty glaciers opens from here, and behind them one can see the Naryn region - the highest mountain region of the country with the lowest population density. We get down from the windy pass, have lunch and continue our descent to the Ashuu Ter gorge. We spend the night at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level. Here you can see grazing herds of mountain goats, and if we are lucky, the famous snow leopard, which has become a very rare species. During the day we will ride horses for 15-17 km (5-6 hours).
The next day we continue the descent and go to the Kokbulak plateau 3250 meters above sea level. Here the so-called Lower valley with tiny villages is located. We pass to the village of Tura-Suu and further to the village of Bokonbaevo. We will spend the night in a guest house. During the day we will ride for 18-20 km (5-7 hours).
The next day we continue the descent and go to the Kokbulak plateau 3250 meters above sea level. Here the so-called Lower valley with tiny villages is located. We pass to the village of Tura-Suu and further to the village of Bokonbaevo. We will spend the night in a guest house. During the day we will ride for 18-20 km (5-7 hours).
Day 9
In the morning we ride cars to the saline Tuz-Kel lake, which lies behind high dunes. After swimming in the healing waters, we reach the famous Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the deepest lakes on our planet! We admire the crystal smoothness, drawn into the frame of the Tien Shan mountain ranges. The name of the lake translates as "hot lake". Although in the district the temperature drops below zero Celsius in winter and all lakes get covered with ice, the Issyk-Kul remains without ice cover all year round. The Chinese call this lake "Je-Hai" - "warm sea".
We get to Bishkek (4 hours on the way)
We get to Bishkek (4 hours on the way)
Day 10 Departure
Today it's time to say a fond farewell to beautiful Kyrgyzstan. Our driver will provide your transfer to Bishkek International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your trip and will return soon to explore more of Kyrgyzstan.
Prices
Price per PAX
2 pax 1375 €/per
4 pax 1235 €/per
6 pax 1095 €/per
8 pax 955 €/per
Price for more people upon request
Single supplement available for €400
Note: can be guarantied only in hotels
Departure for this tour is guaranteed
Terms of Payment
2 pax 1375 €/per
4 pax 1235 €/per
6 pax 1095 €/per
8 pax 955 €/per
Price for more people upon request
Single supplement available for €400
Note: can be guarantied only in hotels
Departure for this tour is guaranteed
Terms of Payment
- Deposit: 50% of total price
- Deposit deadline: 5 days after booking
- Payment method: Cash or Bank transfer
- Final payment: 20 days Before trip start
Price Includes
- Transfers from/to airport
-
All transfers according to the itinerary
(comfortable mini bus) - Accommodation throughout the trip, including hotels***, guesthouses and yurts (based on double/twin room sharing, four people in a yurt)
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinners)
- Mineral bottled waters (1L per day)
-
English speaking tour leader accompanying the group for the whole program
(or any language on request) - All activity fees according to the itinerary
- All entrances fees and permits according to the itinerary
- Guide and horses for horse trek, including helmets (better to bring yours)
Price DOES NOT include
- Flight to Bishkek and from Bishkek back home (Let us know if you need help finding the best deals)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Visa (if needed)
- Tips for guides, drivers and porters
- All additional deviations from the program
- Hotel charges for additional services
- Personal expenses, e.g. souvenirs
- Alcoholic beverages
For additional payment
- 3G mobile internet (prepaid local sim card with unlimited internet) - €20 for 14 days
- Rent of extra personal equipment, if needed (full kit: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, etc.) - €50 for the entire expedition
- Upgrade individual transport to Premium Class SUV 4WD cars (Toyota LC Prado, Lexus GX/LX or similar) - price on request
- Upgraded hotels in cities (4-5 star hotels) - price on request
We will ride through the most beautiful places of untouched wildlife, see the life of real nomads and breathe in the incredible air of freedom.
practical infornation
What is important to know
about our adventure
We will send you a full list of necessary items, special travel conditions, information about the necessary documents and visa application after payment of travel
Is this trip for you?
This trip is of average physical grade. It is suitable for people in normal physical shape who have some riding experience. We will rade horses for 15-20 kilometers each day. The highest altitude that we will reach is just over 4,000 meters above sea level. We will spend one night in the hotel, one in the guest house, and other nights in shepherd's yurts or in tents. During our stay in the mountains we will have three meals each day - breakfast, field ration food for lunch and hot dinner, cooked on the fire.
How old do I need to be?
The minimum age for this tour is 18, or 16 with a parent/guardian.
What kit do I need?
Clothing for hiking in temperatures from +25C to -0C. A detailed kit list will be sent to you when you book on.
How big is the group?
Most groups have 6-10 people, with a maximum of 12.
What kind of accommodations will I have?
Overnights during the activity tours you will have overnight in tents but most of the overnights will be in the yurt camps and local homestays,
We do not and cannot offer a uniform accommodation standard on our itineraries. Even if we wanted to, the reality is that standards in Bishkek cannot be compared to a home stay in an isolated valley in Kyrgyzstan. We consider comfort, location, design, character, historical interest and whether the money we spend will go into the pockets of the local community when we make our choices of where to stay. The accommodation will be based on 2 people sharing a room when that is available. When we are in the mountains we will be staying in tents and in local home stays that sometimes only offer central communal areas to sleep in.
We do not and cannot offer a uniform accommodation standard on our itineraries. Even if we wanted to, the reality is that standards in Bishkek cannot be compared to a home stay in an isolated valley in Kyrgyzstan. We consider comfort, location, design, character, historical interest and whether the money we spend will go into the pockets of the local community when we make our choices of where to stay. The accommodation will be based on 2 people sharing a room when that is available. When we are in the mountains we will be staying in tents and in local home stays that sometimes only offer central communal areas to sleep in.
Will it be able to have hot shower every day?
You can have a hot shower when you stay in the homestays and guest houses. The yurt camps around Song-Kul valley also can offer some shower facilities. But when camping stays and Kel-Suu area are not available to have a hot shower. If the group is big and has requested premium services in order to have a hot shower every day we can provide with mobile hot steam sauna and additional accompany staff for this.
Important notes
- Travel insurance is required for this tour. You are free to choose any insurance company of your choice. We recommend for example using World Nomads.
- Departure for this tour is guaranteed
The basic hints for travelers
- During your travel time, please respect local culture, customs, traditions, and religion.
- Try to buy local products and make a benefit for the local economy.
- Always give fair prices for lodging, food and other services.
- Take off your shoes, when entering home or yurt stay.
- Smoking is prohibited at home.
- Please share your ideas on food and accommodation preferences.
- Ask people for photographing them.
- Be friendly and try to get in contact.
- Be careful during the evening and night time and aware of mass meetings.
- Be careful with your documents, money and valuable items.
- Be aware of pickpockets and strangers at bazaars and streets.
- If someone asking for documents, wallets or cameras, saying that they are from the police, ask them to go police together.
- Never give your belongings to strangers.
- Wear good hiking shoes for outdoor activities.
- Bring warm waterproof clothes even in summer.
- Have your torch sunscreen and repellent.
- Do not drink very cold water from unknown sources.
- Drinking alcohol at high altitudes is unsafe.
- If the food fat or not acceptable for you can taste a bit and say thanks.
- Do not drink cold water after eating out, better hot tea or c It helps in high altitude digestions cases.
- Wear warm clothes in the mountains, usually after eating out.
- Bring your medicines and first aid kit.
- If you feel unsafe or have issues to discuss, please share with your staff, host or tour manager.
- Collect your litter. Pack up all non-biodegradable rubbish.
- Please don't drop cigarette butts or litter.
- High altitude vegetation is very fragile. Save the environment.
- Use toilets in nature wherever available. Where are none, stay at least 40-50 m from streams and water sources and bury all waste and paper.
- Leaving footprints, take just your photographs.
How to book?
Contact us and we issue the invoice for 30% payment from the net tour cost. You can send it by bank transfer. The rest of the payment you can pay in cash upon your arrival day in Bishkek (welcoming the first day with briefing ). Be informed that the bank transfer fee will be additionally 3% over the cost of the transaction and it will be on the client (For cash payment no additional costs).
For openminded travelers
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Which tickets to choose when I better fly in and out?
It is better to arrive no later than 07:00 on the day the program starts. Departure back at any time on the last day of the trip or you can stay further to explore Kyrgyzstan. Tickets from Istanbul to Bishkek for around 300 euros round trip.
I have no equipment
We rent all the necessary equipment. The cost of 50 euros for the entire expedition. We give: a tent, trekking poles, a backpack, a sleeping bag, foam, a flashlight and dishes. Everything except shoes and clothes, in any case they need to have their own.
Are wild animals dangerous?
We can meet wild wolves, foxes, birds and reptiles. They are not dangerous for our team. First of all, they themselves are afraid of people and are completely not interested in meeting with us. The main thing is to listen carefully to the guides and follow their instructions.
Will it be hard?
Our travels are designed for both beginners and experienced travelers. All tours are suitable for family travel unless otherwise specified. But we recommend training before traveling to enjoy walks in the highlands.
Will there be mobile communications and electricity?
Mobile communications and electricity are absent in high mountain areas away from large settlements. The rest of the time, we will almost always be in touch. We recommend using Powerbanks.
Can the travel program change?
- The program may change due to weather conditions. We all look forward to good weather. But anything can happen, for reasons beyond our control.
- All final decisions on the program are made by the team's main guide.
We create trips to places in Kyrgyzstan where it will be difficult to travel on your own
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REVIEWS
The emotions of those
who already traveled with us
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Discover Kyrgyzstan, make new friends, see the unseen and hear the unheard
true kyrgyzstan EXPERIENCE
Inspired by
Celestial Mountains
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What needs to be done to come with us?
1
Leave a request on the web-site
2
Get to know each other and get answers to your questions
3
Make a deposit,
usually 30% of the price
usually 30% of the price
4
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