Top 7 Horse Riding Destinations Tour

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.