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Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Horse Riding Expedition

Duration
12 Days
Price
$2,800
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Kyrgyzstan Tour Overview

Kyrgyzstan Horse Riding Expedition

A 12-day all-inclusive expedition spanning 3 horseback treks across Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan: three mountain treks on horseback, nomadic yurt camps at Son-Kul, and alpine passes above 3,500 meters

Duration
12 Days
Price
$2,800
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time
Late May – September

This 12 day expedition includes six days in the saddle across the Tien Shan, split into three two-day treks on terrain that’s only reachable on horseback: over Kalmak Ashu pass (3,530m) to Issyk-Kul’s north shore, up to the expedition’s high point at Tash-Tar Ata (3,600m), and through the flower-carpeted Kilemche Valley over Tuz Ashu pass to Son-Kul, arriving the way nomads have for centuries. Between rides: Silk Road ruins at Burana Tower, the flame-red formations of Jeti-Oguz and Skazka Canyon, and the alpine gorges of Issyk-Kul’s eastern shore. Nights are split between high-altitude tent camps on the mountain passes, premium yurt camps at Issyk-Kul and Son-Kul, and the Supara Chunkurchak Ethno-Resort in the Ala-Too foothills for the final night before Bishkek.

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Tour Highlights

The moments that make this journey unforgettable.

Kyrgyzstan Horse Riding Expedition

Your Kyrgyzstan Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 12 Days · Kyrgyzstan
1
Day 1
Arrival in Bishkek
Your expedition begins at Manas International Airport with a transfer to the Orion Hotel Bishkek, a locally-owned boutique hotel on Erkindik Boulevard. After settling in, explore the capital on a guided city tour: Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and the vibrant Osh Bazaar, where mountains of spices, dried fruits, and handcrafted felt textiles reveal everyday Kyrgyz life. The day concludes with a welcome dinner of traditional Kyrgyz cuisine — beshbarmak, manti, and plov. Meals: D
Ala-Too Square
Osh Bazaar
Welcome Dinner
Your Accommodation
Orion Hotel Bishkek
Locally-owned luxury boutique hotel on Erkindik Boulevard, 84 rooms with spa and pool.
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2
Day 2
Burana Tower & Chon Kemin Valley
After breakfast, visit the Burana Tower — the remains of the ancient Karakhanid city of Balasagyn, an 11th-century Silk Road settlement. Climb the restored minaret for steppe views and explore the field of stone balbals, ancient Turkic grave markers. Continue to Tar Suu village in the Chon Kemin Valley, a region renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Evening walk through the village to experience the rhythm of rural Kyrgyz life before dinner at your guesthouse. Meals: B / L / D
Burana Tower
Stone Balbals
Chon Kemin Valley
Your Accommodation
Etno Kompleks Ala Kush
Yurt glamping complex at the foot of Ala-Kush mountain in the Chon-Kemin Valley.
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3
Day 3
Chon Kemin to Kalmak Ashu — Riding Day 1
Begin the first of three two-day horse treks. Ride through the pastures of Akkytay with panoramic views across the Chon Kemin Valley, climbing steadily toward the Kalmak Ashu pass at 3,530 meters. Picnic lunch on the trail. Camp is set up at the base of the pass in a high alpine meadow surrounded by peaks. Tents and sleeping bags are provided. Meals: B / L / D
Riding Day 1
Ascending Kalmak Ashu
Camp at Altitude
4
Day 4
Kalmak Ashu to Issyk-Kul — Riding Day 2
Cross the Kalmak Ashu pass and descend toward Issyk-Kul Lake on the northern shore. Picnic lunch on the trail. Arrive at Balykchy by mid-afternoon where your driver meets you for the transfer to Tamchy on the north shore. After two days in the saddle at altitude, swim in the warm waters of Issyk-Kul — the second-largest alpine lake in the world, which never freezes despite the surrounding mountains. Meals: B / L / D
Crossing Kalmak Ashu
Issyk-Kul Lake
Rest at the Lake
5
Day 5
Grigoriev & Semienov Gorges to Karakol
Drive along the north shore to Grigoriev and Semienov gorges — two celebrated alpine valleys where glacial rivers cut through spruce forests beneath towering peaks. Walking trails through wild alpine scenery with opportunities to spot local wildlife. Continue along the eastern shore to Karakol. Visit the Dungan Mosque, built entirely of wood without a single nail in Chinese pagoda architecture, and the Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral. Meals: B / L / D
Grigoriev Gorge
Dungan Mosque
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Your Accommodation
ToodoResort
Boutique hotel in central Karakol with comfortable rooms and mountain views.
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6
Day 6
Jeti-Oguz, Skazka Canyon & Bokonbaevo
Visit Jeti-Oguz gorge, where seven massive red sandstone formations rise from green alpine meadows — the legendary Seven Bulls of Kyrgyz folklore. Continue to Skazka Canyon, where wind-eroded red clay formations take on surreal shapes stretching toward the turquoise waters of Issyk-Kul. Arrive in Bokonbaevo on the south shore. Dinner and overnight at a yurt camp on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Meals: B / L / D
Jeti-Oguz
Skazka Canyon
Eagle Hunting
Your Accommodation
Feel Nomad Yurt Camp
Traditional yurt camp on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul near Bokonbaevo.
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7
Day 7
Bokonbaevo to Jazuu-Kechuu — Riding Day 3
Transfer to Kara Tumshuk village to begin the second two-day horse trek toward the highlands above Issyk-Kul. The trail climbs steadily through rolling highland pastures, crossing the Kyzyl-Kia area at 3,300 meters. Picnic lunch on the trail. Sunset views over Issyk-Kul Lake from high above the southern shore. Camp at Jazuu-Kechuu jailoo. Riding: 15 km, 7 hours, +1,695m / -580m. Meals: B / L / D
Riding Day 3
Highland Pastures
Camp at Jazuu-Kechuu
8
Day 8
Tash-Tar Ata & Kochkor — Riding Day 4
Ride to Tash-Tar Ata mountain at approximately 3,600 meters — the highest point of the entire expedition. Panoramic views of Issyk-Kul Lake unfold from the pass. Descend to Boz-Salkyn jailoo where your driver is waiting. Transfer to the village of Kochkor for a hot shower and rest after two days of highland riding. Riding: 10 km, 7 hours, +390m / -915m. Meals: B / L / D
Tash-Tar Ata 3,600m
Views Over Issyk-Kul
Descent to Boz-Salkyn
9
Day 9
Kochkor to Kilemche Valley — Riding Day 5
Transfer to Kyzart village, the starting point for the final two-day horse trek to Son-Kul Lake. The trail leads through the Kilemche Valley, whose name means "carpet" in Kyrgyz — alpine flowers and mountain grasses of every color blanket the valley slopes. Arrive at a shepherds’ yurt camp. Dinner is served in a traditional yurt under an impossibly starry sky. Riding: 17 km, 4–5 hours, ±200m. Meals: B / L / D
Kilemche Valley
Riding Day 5
Yurt Camp
10
Day 10
Kilemche Valley to Son-Kul Lake — Riding Day 6
The final day of horseback riding. Cross the Tuz Ashu pass at 3,400 meters. From the top, Son-Kul Lake appears deceptively small in the distance, but as you descend and approach, the lake reveals its full grandeur — a vast shimmering expanse surrounded by rolling green jailoos and grazing herds. Arrive at a yurt camp on the lakeshore and experience nomadic hospitality. Riding: 14 km, 5–6 hours, +800m / -400m. Meals: B / L / D
Tuz Ashu 3,400m
Son-Kul Lake
Nomad Yurt Camp
Your Accommodation
Nomads Dream Yurt Camp
Nomadic yurt camp on the shores of Son-Kul Lake at 3,016 meters.
View Details
11
Day 11
Son-Kul to Supara Ethno-Resort
After a final morning at Son-Kul, drive back toward Bishkek descending from the Kalmak Ashu pass at 3,400 meters through the dramatic Boom Gorge. Lunch stop in Kochkor. Continue south into the Ala-Too foothills to Supara Chunkurchak Ethno-Resort, a mountain lodge built in traditional Kyrgyz style. Farewell dinner at the resort with panoramic views across the valley. Approximately 315 km, 5–6 hours driving. Meals: B / L / D
Farewell Son-Kul
Boom Gorge
Supara Ethno-Resort
Your Accommodation
Supara Chunkurchak Ethno-Resort
Mountain lodge in traditional Kyrgyz style with panoramic valley views, 27 km south of Bishkek.
View Details
12
Day 12
Departure
Breakfast at Supara Ethno-Resort with views across the Ala-Too foothills, then transfer to Manas International Airport for your departure flight. Approximately 45 km, 1 hour driving. Meals: B

Kyrgyzstan Tour Details

Pricing & Departures

Transparent pricing, comprehensive inclusions, and exactly what to expect.

June 29 — July 10, 2026
12 days
Full
Full
August 4 — August 15, 2026
12 days
Available
From $2,800 per person
Book This Date

Prefer your own dates and itinerary? Our private expeditions offer full flexibility with the same expert guides, exclusive access, and conservation partnerships — tailored entirely around your group.

Starting From
$2,800
Based on group of 4
Single Supplement$450
Deposit$700
CurrencyUSD

Private Group Rates

Group SizePer PersonNotes
Solo traveler$6,600Contact us for pricingSingle occupancy
2 travelers$3,800Per personDouble occupancy
3 travelers$3,300Per personGroup rate
4 travelers$2,800Per personGroup rate
5 travelers$3,250Per person2nd Car Needed
6 travelers$2,900Per personGroup rate
7 travelers-8$2,800Per personGroup rate

What's Included

  • Accommodations in hotels, guesthouses, tent camps, yurt camps, and ethno-resort based on double occupancy
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • All land transportation in private vehicle as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • Local horse guides on all riding days
  • Horses, saddles, and riding equipment for all horseback treks
  • Tents and sleeping bags for camping nights
  • All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
  • Welcome dinner with wine or beer at Orion Hotel Bishkek
  • Farewell dinner with wine or beer at Supara Chunkurchak
  • Bishkek city tour including Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and Osh Bazaar
  • Karakol city tour including Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Dungan Mosque
  • Burana Tower entrance and guided visit
  • Mineral water (1 liter per person per day)

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Personal expenses and personal laundry
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
  • Gratuities for driver, guide, and horse handlers
  • Extra night upon arrival in Bishkek (Orion Hotel: $310/night; 3-star alternative: $140/double or $110/single)
  • Single supplement ($450)
  • Alcoholic beverages beyond welcome and farewell dinners
  • Medical evacuation costs
*
Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior. ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.
†
Cancellation: 90+ days: full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. Under 60 days: no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.

Ready to secure your place on this expedition? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate experience.

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Total: 2 travelers

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Norway

"Watching the northern lights from that coastal overlook was one of those moments you carry with you. EcoVoyager's team knew exactly where to take us and when."

Sarah M. · Arctic Expedition, October 2024
Chile

"They made my trip to Chile super smooth. I had nothing to worry about — they connected me with local guides and took me to some super cool places."

Lucas C. · Chile
Madagascar

"My kids are still talking about the lemurs months later. EcoVoyager handled every detail so we could actually be present together."

Maria R. · Family Adventure, July 2024
Mongolia

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"The Rupununi was fabulous. Even if there weren't any animals, it would've been a great experience. The only negative was leaving."

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Cuba

"The trip was thoughtfully curated for a REAL Cuban cultural experience, juxtaposing between the island's insolvency and the faux luxuries propped up by foreign investment."

Jerry R. · Cuba
Bolivia

"The salt flats at sunrise were even more stunning than I'd imagined. Our guide positioned us perfectly for the reflections."

James C. · Salt Flats Adventure, March 2024
Kyrgyzstan

"EcoVoyager put my mind at ease with expert guidance on how to stay safe and enjoy the vibes. If I were to plan another solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I'd trust EcoVoyager to help me through it all."

Won C. · Kyrgyzstan
Japan

"I had a wonderful time. Organization was superb and our experiences were maximized due to great planning and enthusiasm."

Diana P. · Japan
Kyrgyzstan

"Staying with nomadic families, riding through valleys with no other tourists in sight. This is the kind of travel I didn't know I was missing."

David T. · Silk Road Journey, September 2024
Cuba

"The trip was thoughtfully curated for a REAL Cuban cultural experience, juxtaposing between the island's insolvency and the faux luxuries propped up by foreign investment."

Jerry R. · Cuba
Bolivia

"The salt flats at sunrise were even more stunning than I'd imagined. Our guide positioned us perfectly for the reflections."

James C. · Salt Flats Adventure, March 2024
Kyrgyzstan

"EcoVoyager put my mind at ease with expert guidance on how to stay safe and enjoy the vibes. If I were to plan another solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I'd trust EcoVoyager to help me through it all."

Won C. · Kyrgyzstan
Japan

"I had a wonderful time. Organization was superb and our experiences were maximized due to great planning and enthusiasm."

Diana P. · Japan
Kyrgyzstan

"Staying with nomadic families, riding through valleys with no other tourists in sight. This is the kind of travel I didn't know I was missing."

David T. · Silk Road Journey, September 2024
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We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, especially for remote destinations like Greenland or Madagascar. This allows time for permit processing, securing the best local guides, and ensuring accommodation availability in these pristine, limited-access locations.
Each adventure includes expert local guides, unique accommodations, all transportation within the destination, most meals featuring local cuisine, and exclusive access to experiences unavailable to mass tourism. International flights and personal travel insurance are typically separate.
We design adventures for various fitness levels and always discuss physical requirements during planning. Many of our destinations offer different activity intensities, and we can customize experiences to match your capabilities while still providing authentic wilderness encounters.
We partner exclusively with local operators who share our conservation values, ensure tourism revenue supports local communities, limit group sizes to minimize environmental impact, and contribute directly to conservation projects in each destination we visit.
We understand plans can change. Our cancellation policy varies by destination and timing, but we always work to minimize fees and maximize flexibility. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and will provide guidance on the best policies for adventure travel.
While we specialize in our core destinations, we can create custom adventures to other remote, wild places that align with our mission of authentic, sustainable travel. Contact us to discuss your dream destination and we'll explore possibilities.
We focus exclusively on authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations that most travelers never reach. Our deep partnerships with local communities, commitment to conservation, and rejection of mass tourism create truly transformative experiences that benefit both travelers and destinations.
Safety is our top priority. Our local partners are extensively vetted and trained in wilderness safety and emergency protocols. We provide comprehensive safety briefings, maintain communication equipment, and have established emergency evacuation procedures for all our remote destinations.
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