Top 7 Horse Riding Destinations Tour

Baibol Travel offers you a 12-day horseback tour, trail riding to the unique Son-Kol Lake (its name can be translated from Kyrgyz as “Disappearing Lake”) at the heart of Kyrgyz Nomadic Culture. On the way, we travel through the high-mountain passes at Zhalgiz-Karagai (3437 m) and Kalmak-Ashuu, and visit the picturesque Altyn-Arashan Gorge, the Fairy Tale Canyons and high-altitude lakes of Kol-Kogur and Ala-Kol (3,532 m).

Over the course of this fantastic tour, you will discover the stunning panoramas of the famous peaks of Palatka (5020 m), Karakol (5281 m), Oguz-Bashi (5168 m) and Zhigit (5170 m). In addition, our itinerary will pass ancient monuments, including the Karakhanid era (10-13th century) Burana tower, an open-air museum with several thousand ancient Scythian petroglyphs, and a nail-less temple-style mosque built in 19th century by the Chinese architect Zhou-Sy.

Our journey will also take us through Chon-Kemin National Park, with its diverse landscapes ranging from plateaus to the green hills where tall coniferous firs and mixed forests grow. The territory of the park is inhabited by endangered animals including the snow leopard and maral. Chon-Kemin is an ideal place forfans of extreme tourism as we can enjoy rafting on the Chui river.

This horseback vacation is a unique opportunity to relax the mind, acquire a taste of trekking in Kyrgyzstan and gain real nomad trekking experience!

Book now from $ 1270

Tour characteristics

June - September
11 days
157 km
+6790 m  -6600 m
1495 km, 20 h
Complexity: 

You are going to love it

  • Discover in ten days, the main natural wonders of the country
  • Relive the experience of the ancient merchants on the Silk Road by adopting the lifestyle of the nomads
  • Ride the famous Kyrgyz horses and enjoy first class accompaniment and logistic

 

  • Program
  • Sights
  • Conditions and Recommendations
  • Track map
  • Book now

1 Day. Bishkek - Chon-Kemin

After meeting at airport Manas or in Bishkek City, we transfer to the Chon-Kemin Valley. On the way, we visit Burana tower, remains of the ancient Turkic Karakhanid capital of Balasagun (10-13 century). On arrival in Chon Kemin, we will stop at our accommodation at the guest house. After a rest, we will explore the area. The park is the ideal place for both extreme tourism/rafting fans and relaxing amid beautiful nature.

Accommodation

Standard: Hotel

Locations

Kemin District
12 km
1,5 h
+60 m  -165 m
230 km, 3 h
B L D

2 Day. Chon-Kemin Valley - Kol-Kogur Lake

After making the acquaintance of the guide and brief instruction to horse riding in the morning, we begin our equestrian journey. Our route will pass through Chon-Keminv Park, the landscape of which is very diverse, ranging from plateaus to green hills of tall coniferous fir trees and mixed forests. We will also have the chance for wildlife spotting, as there are 21 species of animals listed in the Red Book in the territory of the park.

After 2-3 hours of riding, we set up camp by the coast of Kol-Kogur lake. The lake is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountain lakes of the Northern Tien Shan. You can enjoy an evening walk along the shoreline.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Locations

Kemin District
22-23 km
5-6 h
+960 m  -280 m
B L D

3 Day. Kol-Kogur Lake -Toru-Aigyr Gorge - Tamchy Village

On day 3, we have to overcome the Toru-Aigyr pass that divides the Chuy and Issyk-Kul regions. The transition is not difficult. The area is rich in scenic landscapes and dense vegetation. When descending from the pass, an excellent panorama opens up over the whole Issyk-Kul valley and the Terskey Ala-Too range. After the descent, we go by car to a guest house in Tamchy village or a boarding house on the Issyk-Kul lake shore.

Accommodation

Sights

Toru-Aigyr pass

Locations

Issyk Kul District
Kemin District
23-24 km
5-6 h
+1020 m  -1800 m
175 km, 2 h
B L D

4 Day. Tamchy Village – Cholpon-Ata City – Karakol City

Transfer from Tamchy village to Cholpon-Ata city. After arrival, we visit the open-air museum, which occupies 42 hectares. Here you can see and touch the fine arts of the Scythians - 1,500 petroglyphs (2000 BC - 4 century AD), painted by ancient artists.

The cultural program also includes a guided visit of the Rukh Ordo center named after the famous Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov. After our arrival in Karakol, we will be accommodated in a guest house, then we go on a local sightseeing tour, visiting 19th century mosque built by the Chinese architect Zhou-Sy in the Buddhist temple style for the local Dungan (Chinese who converted to Islam). The most surprising thing about it is that it was built without a single nail.

Accommodation

Locations

Karakol
Issyk Kul District
3 km
2 h
180 km, 2,5 h
B L D

5 Day. Karakol city– Altyn Arashan gorge

On Day 5 we move from Karakol to Ak-Suu village, where our guide and horses will be waiting for us. After a quick briefing, we go deep into Altyn-Arashan (Golden Spring) Gorge. The area was named for the hot and healing springs of hydrogen sulfide. Here, you can relax post-ride in one of the 6 mini-pools. One of the main sights for the day is Tent Peak (5020 m.). We can spend the night in camp or in the chalets.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Country house / Villa / Cottag

Locations

Karakol
Ak-Suu District
15 km
3-3,5 h
+600 m  -100 m
40 km, 0,5 h
B L D

6 Day. Altyn Arashan gorge – Ala-Kol Lake

After an early breakfast, we continue our ride to one of the most beautiful lakes of the Central Tien Shan - Ala-Kol lake (3532 m.). The track to the Ala-Kol northern pass (3860 m.) will take about 3-4 hours. The last section of the road is quite steep, so we will have to walk it. Our efforts will pay off when we see the unique glacial lake and surrounded by the 5000m high peaks including Karakol peak (5281 m), Oguz-Bashi (5168 m) and Zhigit (5170 m). We return to Altyn-Arashan gorge to overnight. If you wish, we can also visit the Anyr-Tor gorge.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Country house / Villa / Cottag

Locations

Ak-Suu District
25 km
5-6 h
+1360 m  -1360 m
B L D

7 Day. Altyn-Arashan Gorge – Kochkor Village

Following an early breakfast, we return to Ak-Suu village where we will be picked up by SUV for further transfer to Kochkor village. On the way, we will stop to visit the Fairy Tale Canyons. The canyons are a kind of natural museum, with red clay and sandstone sculptures created by nature itself. We will also have time for a stop at Barskoon Gorge to visit one of its three magnificent waterfalls. Overnight in Kochkor.

Accommodation

Economy: Guest house
Standard: Guest house
VIP: Guest house

Locations

Karakol
Ak-Suu District
Kochkor District
15 km
2,5-3 h
+180 m  -800 m
280 km, 4,5 h
B L D

8 Day. Kyzart Village – Kilemche Pasture

In the morning, we transfer to Kyzart village and make our acquaintance with the local guides. From here, we continue our horseback tour. The route is not difficult and there are no sharp changes. Lunch on the way or on arrival depending on the speed of the group. Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp at the Kilemche pasture (2535 m.). The pasture is located among picturesque blooming hills near a calm mountain stream.

Accommodation

Economy: Yurt camping
Standard: Yurt camping
VIP: Yurt camping

Locations

Jumgal District
Kochkor District
16 km
3-4 h
+940 m  -850 m
140 km, 1,5 h
B L D

9 Day. Kilemche Pasture – Yurt Camp Batai-Aral

Today we cross the Zhalgyz-Karagai (3437 m.) pass on horseback. From the pass there is a magnificent panoramic view of Son-Kol Lake (3016m) and the Kielemche pasture. The lake is located on a plain, surrounded by alpine meadows, some belonging to the protected area of the Karatal-Zhapyryk Reserve – a home for wild animals including more than 100 species of birds and 10 species of fish. Lunch will be taken on the road in a yurt camp on the Zhaman-Echki pasture before we continue to the yurt camp Batail-Aral. Overnight in yurts.

Accommodation

Economy: Yurt camping
Standard: Yurt camping
VIP: Yurt camping

Locations

Kochkor District
21 km
3-3,5 h
+870 m  -445 m
95 km, 1 h
B L D

10 Day. Batai Aral Yurt Camp – Kochkor Village

After breakfast in the yurts, we make our way to Kochkor village via the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. On arrival, and after short rest, we can enjoy a master class on felt. Here you will try to master the technique of felting, making souvenirs and carpets of them. It is also possible to buy souvenirs from the craftswomen.

Accommodation

Economy: Guest house
Standard: Guest house
VIP: Guest house

Locations

Kochkor District
95 km, 1 h
B L D

11 Day. City tour around the Bishkek. Departure home

In the morning we transfer to Bishkek city. After a short rest, we will have small city tour, walking along the central square Ala-Too and visiting the monument to the national hero "Manas the Magnanimous" . We will have a chance to see the changing of the guard of honor at the flagpole, visit the historical museum, the monument to the leader of the Alai Kyrgyz - Kurmanzhan Datka, and the old square and the government house. The conclusion of the city tour is in the central department store (TSUM) to buy souvenirs from the craft stalls. In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner in Baibol restoraunt. Transfer to the airport that night or following morning.

Create your own group and travel profitably!

If you have been waiting for the right time to go on a journey in the footsteps of the ancient nomads of Central Asia, it has come! For the first time in Kyrgyzstan, "Baibol Travel" gives you a unique opportunity to travel at affordable prices, collecting a group of travelers from your relatives, friends, colleagues, as you are hungry for new experiences and incredible discoveries! We are happy to adapt our services to your requests and requirements, so we suggest you choose the conditions of travel with the comfort and conditions that suit you. The more people in your group, the greater the benefits will be received by all its participants!

Tour cost

The prices are indicated according to the classification of the tour and the number of people.

Number of persons / Class Economy Standard VIP
1-2 $ 2620 $ 2910 $ 3320
3-4 $ 1735 $ 2025 $ 2565
5-6 $ 1480 $ 1840 $ 2295
7-8 $ 1390 $ 1695 $ 2095
9-10 $ 1270 $ 1560 $ 1965

Conditions      

Suite of service

Vip

Standard

Econom

Transport (all transfers according to the program)

       SUV premium class

        High-end SUV

        Class 4x4 minivan

Accommodation (in hotels, guest houses and yurts according to the program

Guide – translator  

Guide assistant (for groups over 6 people)

-

Cook

Cook's assistant (for groups over 6 people)

Horse guide

The grooms

Horses

Equestrian backing during the tour

Three meals a day (+ snack for trekking trips)

Four meals a day

Three meals a day

Three meals a day

Tents for accommodation

Kitchen and dining room tent (for groups over than 6 people)

-

-

Portable restrooms

-

-

Sleeping bags

-

Camping mattress

-

Kitchen things

Satellite communication

-

-

National games

National equestrian games

-

Master classes

Excursions

Rafting

Folklore concert

-

 

Horse tour recommendations

On our horse tours, the horse will carry the bulk of your luggage, but that does not mean you can take anything you want. Overloading can lead to delays, and instead of enjoying a leisurely trip to natural attractions, your journey will turn into a quick race. Our universal list for horse tours is made taking into account everything you need from clothes to accessories (the list will change only in the case of a specialized tour).

Please use the following as a guide:

  • tent, sleeping bag and mat (if not included in the list of things provided by the company);
  • backpack or travel bag + lightweight backpack of not more than 30 liters (optional, for tours with auto-support);
  • riding shoes (without a heel or platform, secure and closed), sneakers are preferred;
  • a spare pair of shoes (if the first is wet or broken);
  • thick pants (for riding);
  • windproof and waterproof jacket (windbreaker);
  • a couple of t-shirts, a long-sleeved t-shirt (for sun protection);
  • a set of warm clothes in case of cool weather;
  • a pair of t-shirts;
  • a head covering (for sun protection);
  • no less than 2 pairs of woolen and 2 pairs of normal socks;
  • gloves;
  • gaiters;
  • sunscreen;
  • personal hygiene items and personal first-aid kit;
  • watch, altimeter (optional), power bank (optional);
  • sunglasses;
  • camera and batteries;
  • headlamp and batteries;
  • handbag for documents.