In Kyrgyzstan the horse is still part of everyday life. Shepherds move their herds to the high summer pastures (jailoo) on horseback, children learn to ride almost before they can walk, and many valleys are easier to reach in the saddle than by car. A riding tour is the most natural way to experience this nomadic landscape of alpine meadows, clear rivers and wide lakes.
Our riding tours use calm local horses that are used to mountain trails, and are led by experienced horsemen together with a guide. Most routes are suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness; experienced riders can ask for longer days in the saddle. The classic route crosses a pass to Son-Kul lake at about 3,000 m, with nights in yurt camps run by herding families.
The riding season usually runs from June to September, when the high pastures are green and the passes are free of snow. Tours can be booked privately or combined with other travellers, and we are happy to adapt the length of the ride to your experience.
Issyk-Kul, Karakol, Kochkor and Son-Kul
Eight days around Issyk-Kul and up to the high-altitude lake Song-Kul – with nights in yurts, an eagle hunter show and genuine nomadic hospitality.
Ala-Archa National Park and the Karakol valleys (Ala-Kul, Altyn-Arashan)
A compact but demanding mountain trip: acclimatisation in Ala-Archa, then the classic trek over the Ala-Kul pass to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs.
Ala-Archa National Park, Chuy region (about 40 km from Bishkek)
A guided day in the mountains just an hour from Bishkek: spruce forests, a glacier river and the Ak-Sai waterfall trail, with lunch in the park.
Kochkor district and Son-Kul lake, Naryn region
Ride from the village of Kyzart over a high pass to Son-Kul lake, sleep in yurts with herding families and return to Bishkek on day three.
Karakol and the Karakol ski resort, eastern Issyk-Kul
Two days on the slopes of the Karakol ski resort, a soak in hot springs and the winter shores of Issyk-Kul – transport, guide and guesthouse included.
Almaty region, south-east Kazakhstan
Six days of the best nature in south-east Kazakhstan: Big Almaty Lake, Charyn Canyon, the sunken forest of Kaindy and the Kolsai lakes.
Japanese Alps: Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa
Seven days through the mountainous heart of Japan: a samurai castle, alpine valleys, old merchant towns, a night in a thatched farmhouse and the gardens of Kanazawa.
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