Our complete guide to horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan in 2024
All you need to know before horse riding in Kyrgyzstan and our recommendations for finding a local guide
If you’re an adventure enthusiast with a love for horseback riding, then Kyrgyzstan is the ultimate destination for you. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse terrains, and rich nomadic culture, Kyrgyzstan offers some of the best horse riding experiences in the world. But before you saddle up and embark on your equestrian adventure, here are a few tips to help you organise your trip and make the most of your horse riding experience in Kyrgyzstan. And to ensure you have the best experience possible, we highly recommend enlisting the help of a local guide who can navigate the rugged terrain and introduce you to the fascinating nomadic way of life. Additionally, we’ll provide you with some basic rules to keep in mind when horse riding in Kyrgyzstan, ensuring both your safety and respect for the local customs.
- If you are planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan, our book EXPLORE KYRGYZSTAN will be of great help to you
- Read our tips to organise your road trip in Kyrgyzstan here.
Horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan
To go horse riding in Kyrgyzstan is to immerse yourself in the thousand-year-old lifestyle of Kyrgyz nomads. This authentic experience allows you to take advantage of the wide open spaces and breathtaking landscapes that the country abounds with! This activity is geared towards both beginners and experienced riders. Kyrgyz horses have a very calm temperament, and you will generally have someone there with you. Depending on what you want to do, it is possible to go out riding for half a day, or take on the mountains for several days at a time.
If you are planning to go horse trekking, you can either go through a travel agency or rent horses privately. There are many local agencies that arrange excursions on horseback.
How to organise your horse riding trip in Kyrgyzstan?
Going with a local Kyrgyz agency
If you have arranged a tour with an agency, you will usually be accompanied by an English-speaking guide and a “horseman”, which is someone who deals exclusively with the horses (this is generally the horses’ owner). The price you pay covers the horse rental, the two guides, and your overnight lodging and food for the duration of your trek. They can be found in bigger cities, such as Kochkor, Naryn, and Karakol, and in places that are close to tourist attractions.
Going with a CBT
The CBT or “Community Based Tourism Association” was created in the 2000s, with the support of Switzerland, to meet the demand for tourism while promoting responsible tourism that benefits local stakeholders. Even if the intention of these associations is absolutely praiseworthy, today the CBTs have become their own small businesses, since they are extremely lucrative. There are CBTs in all the tourist areas of the country, offering all kinds of services: excursions on foot, on horseback, car rental, stays with local people, etc. We have seen a lot of abusing the system (excessive prices, overbooking, underpaid families…) and a service that is not always up to standard. This is why we encourage you to go directly through nomads or small local agencies.
Directly with nomadic people
The other option is to rent directly from individuals, nomadic or otherwise, on the ground. The first advantage of doing it this way is that you are paying local people directly for their services, without an intermediary. In addition, they will very probably invite you to eat a meal with them or follow them around as they go about their daily lives. It’s a guaranteed authentic experience! The main disadvantage is that these horses are not necessarily used to being mounted by beginners, so this may be a fairly challenging experience. Moreover, you will not get the benefit of having a guide explain certain aspects of the landscape or the animals to you. Get our English-Kyrgyz phrase book here.
Our selection of local guides
Later in this article, we highlight different local actors that we have met during our trips in Kyrgyzstan. We put you in contact with Kyrgyz guides or families whose service deemed to be excellent, primarily based on their knowledge, benevolence and listening skills. All these people have read and signed our ethical charter, which includes themes such as animal welfare and respect for the environment.
Top 10 horse riding tours in Kyrgyzstan
1- Song Kul Lake
This is THE most popular horse trek in the country! And for a good reason: the scenery around this lake, perched at an altitude of 3,000m, is magnificent. The mountains and high meadows surrounding the lake are covered with yurt camps and livestock herds. Between the hordes of horses and the thick smoke escaping from the yurts, it’s a complete change of scenery. Horse rides around the lake are generally organized over 2 or 3 days, with overnight stays in yurts. A once-in-a-lifetime experience! In the following paragraph, we’ll give you all our tips for discovering this mythical lake.
2- Chong-Kemin Park
Wild and relatively untouched by tourists, Chong-Kemin National Park offers several itineraries ranging from 1 to 3 days for horseback excursions. Between pine forests, high-altitude meadows and glacial lakes, the scenery is varied and sumptuous. You’ll find our recommendations for visiting this valley and finding nomads to rent horses in our Explore Kyrgyzstan guide (see routes 3 and 4).
4- Sary-Chelek Lake
Famous among Kyrgyz, Sary-Chelek Lake, at an altitude of 1873 m, is a true haven of peace. From the village of Arkyt, a well-maintained dirt track, some 20 km long leads to the lake’s southern shore. The reserve contains a total of seven lakes with numerous hiking trails of varying degrees of maintenance. This turquoise lake surrounded by forests is ideal for a multi-day trek on horseback.
5- Lake Köl-Suu
Lake Kol-Suu is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan. Intense blue in color, the lake meanders for some 16 km between high granite cliffs. Situated along the Chinese border, Lake Kol-Suu is particularly isolated and requires a border permit. Allow 5 hours’ driving on a stony track, and a 4×4 is recommended (see route 19 in the Explore Kyrgyzstan guide). Once you’ve arrived at the yurt camp, allow a day on horseback to enjoy Lake Kol-Suu and the surrounding area.
6- Jirgalan
There are many possibilities for 1 to 5-day excursions on foot or horseback around this small village. However, we noticed that prices were higher than elsewhere.
7- Tash-Rabat and Chatyr Kul
The area around the Tash-Rabat caravanserai is perfect for hiking and horse-riding. There are 1-5 day itineraries across the At-Bashi mountain range to Lake Chatyr-Kul. The surroundings are magnificent, especially the crossing of the Tash-Rabat pass at 3,964 m, with superb views over the great Chatyr-Kul lake. A border permit is required to use the hiking trails leading down to the lake. Don’t hesitate to ask at the various yurt camps about possible routes. It’s also possible to take a 3-day horseback ride from the village of Kuzul-Yuu, not far from Naryn. This trek takes in Lake Chatyr Kul and ends at the Tash-Rabat caravanserai. This little-known itinerary is well worth a visit!
8- Saimaluu Tash
Accessible in half a day on foot or horseback from the new Chaek-Kazarman road, the famous Saimaluu Tash archaeological site is home to over 10,000 perfectly preserved rock engravings. From depictions of domestic and wild animals to scenes of life, hunting and ritual dances, these petroglyphs, over 3,000 years old, represent an archaeological treasure trove of worldwide scientific significance. This open-air petroglyph field is the largest collection in Central Asia.
If you’re looking for a hike off the beaten track, then the Suusamyr Valley is the destination for you. Located near Bishkek, this valley, perched at an altitude of 2,200 m, is home to many shepherd families who take advantage of its lush green meadows in summer to graze their cattle. This is an opportunity to discover nomadic traditions (equestrian games such as Kok-Boru, traditional songs, etc.) with the super guide Temirkhan.
10- Lake Kol Ukok
This small mountain lake with its turquoise waters can be reached in a day on foot or horseback from Kochkor. The trail is very easy to follow, but if you prefer, it’s possible to organize the trek with a guide from Kochkor.
The mythical horse trek to Lake Song-Kul
Lake Song-Kul, which sits at an elevation of 3100 m, is one of Kyrgyzstan’s signature destinations for horse riding. Surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped summits, this sky-blue lake is breathtakingly beautiful. Many agencies offer equestrian excursions to Lake Song-Kul, which generally last three full days, with two nights spent staying in yurts. This is an unforgettable experience!
Timur, amazing local guide from Song-Kul
Timur is a young Kyrgyz guide from Song-Kul. Since he was a little boy, he has spent the summer with his family in a yurt camp on the northwestern shore of Lake Song-Kul. He has learned English from the tourists he loves to guide through the mountains surrounding the lake.
He will answer all your questions about Kyrgyz customs and traditions. He can organise a horseback ride to Song-Kul lake of 2 to 3 days.
We promote Timur’s horseback trip since 4 years and what a success ! We strongly think that Timur is the best english speaking guide of Song-Kul. Check out his reviews, they speak for themselves!
- Day 1 : Son-Kul-Kilemche.
Transfer to the village of Kyzart. You can arrive by Public transport or taxi. We will meet you in the village of Kyzart.
You will have lunch at a small local house with your guide. After lunch, we will start the tour to the Kilemche pasture (you can leave some things in Kyzart and take only the essentials for 3 days).
The ride will last approximately 4.5 hours. On the road you can enjoy beautiful small rivers, mountains, flowers, and local houses where shepherds live in winter. After 4.5 hours of horse riding you will arrive in a family yurt camp to spend the night. You will meet the shepherd and his family. If you like, you can drink hot tea and kumyz (horse milk), enjoy the last lights of the day to walk around the pastures or just get to know the locals. Dinner and night in the yurt.
- Day 2 Kilemche-Son-Kul.
After breakfast, we set off to the Son-Kul Lake through the pass Tuz-Ashuu. (3400 m) At the top you will see a beautiful view on the lake. After a short rest, we will go to the yurt camp where you will spend the night. Lunch in the yurt. After lunch, you can take a walk by the lake and enjoy the silence. Or just get to know the locals. You can try milking a cow or helping in the kitchen (this is optional). Dinner. After dinner, you can enjoy a starry sky without light pollution
(if the weather is good). Night in a cozy and warm yurt.
- Day 3. Son-Kul – Kyzart.
After Breakfast, we return to the Kyzart village by the Uzbek Pass (3,200 m). Lunch at Kyzart. After lunch, you can continue your journey.
- Day 1 Kyzart-Song-Kul.
The tour will start at the village of Kyzart. You will have lunch in a small local house with your guide (it is possible to start the tour before lunch if you spend the night before in Kyzart). After lunch, the horseback ride to the lake will start through the pass Kara-kyia (3,300m). The ride will last up to 4.5 hours. The pass offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Son Kul mountains. After a short rest on the top, we will go to the yurt camp where my family will welcome you. If you like, you can drink hot tea and kumyz (horse milk) or enjoy the last lights of the day to walk around the pasture. At sunset, the whole family is getting busy. The shepherds prepare to release the herds and cows to feed them at night and the women prepare dinner in the yurt for the guests and family. I really like this moment (sunset, horses by the lake, warm yurt, beautiful views, silence). Dinner and night in the yurt.
- Day 2 Song-Kul – Kyzart
Breakfast. After breakfast, back to Kyzart village (via Uzbek pass). If you want to spend more time in Son-Kul lake we can return after lunch. Lunch at the village of Kyzart. End of the tour after lunch.
Group from 5 to 12 people.
It’s the same program than the 3 days + Kok-Boru game !
Unique price : 11 000 soms / pers
Day 1. Transfer to Kyzart. (You can take a bus or taxi. Bus will start to drive at Western busstation in Bishkek. Number of Bus 514 Chaek. 4,5 hours drive. ) We have a lunch at Kyzart village at local house. After lunch i will explain about horse riding and control. We start ride a horse to Kilemche valley. It will take 4 hours. On valley will welcome us a family. We can drink a tea and try a lot of jams batter and creams at yurt. In evening you can take a walk around the valley. Dinner- overnight in a yurt.
Day 2. After breakfast we are starting our journey to Song-Kul lake. It will take 4 hours. And we will cross by Tuz-Ashuu pass. 3400 m altitude. We have a small break on top. We will arrive to yurts around 2 pm. And we have a lunch with my family. After lunch with guide and friends we will show you a game Kok-Boru. (Around 1 hours. ) After that you can take a walk around lake enjoy with a view and silence. Dimner- overnight in a yurt.
Day 3. After breakfast we will start ride to Kyzart villiage.by Kara-Kyia pass. 3500 m. It will take 4 hours. We have a lunch at local home in Kyzart and we finish the tour.
For horse trek you need good shoe and raincoats warm jacket.
Price
WINTER PRICE : please note that during winter, price is 20% to 30% more expensive (There is no more yourt, so a cooker will accompagned you!)
Price for 3 days :
Number of people | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price for the group (soms) | 16500 | 25300 | 36300 | 48400 | 57000 | 66000 |
Price for 2 days :
Number of people 1 2 3 4 5 6
Price for the group (soms) 12300 18150 24750 33000 40000 46200
Price for 2023 TOUR + Kok-Baru game days :
11 000 soms / pers
- Price includes :
Helmets
Mineral waters
Accomodation and meals in the yurt
Horses
English-speaking guide, Timur
For a group of 4 or more, Timur is accompanied by one horseman. And for 7 people and more, by two horseman
- Price doesn’t include :
Transfer to Kyzart village
Transfer after tour
Alcoholic beverages
See reviews ★★★★★
I could write a book about how amazing these 3 days with Timur and his friend (who’s in the national Kok Boru team!) were but I would rather have you experience it all for the first time as well!! Will insert some pictures to boost your curiosity ;)) (end of september 2023)
I could write a book about how amazing these 3 days with Timur and his friend (who’s in the national Kok Boru team!) were but i would rather have you experience it all for the first time as well!! Will insert some pictures to boost your curiousity ;))
Une expérience unique pour découvrir un paysage emblématique du Kirghizistan. Timur est quelqu’un d’acceuillant et très sympathique. C’est l’activité à ne pas louper dans ce pays !
Merci beaucoup Timur !
For sure one of the best trips I’ve done in my life!
It’s not only about the stunning landscapes of Kyrgyzstan but also the fantastic food, local culture, and the amiable people that we had the opportunity to meet on our 3 days trip.
I made the trip with Yzat, Jon, Lukas, and Callum: THE BOYS TRIP!!
Everybody was very friendly and also adventurous, willing to learn how to properly ride a horse and gallop.
I found Timur through this website when trying to find a local guide to Song-kul lake. It was an absolute treat every step of the way, and I felt in every good hands. Beyond just the horse trek, spending time with his family and learning about the culture was beyond expectations. He also has a wonderful English and is a great communicator.
No words can describe the experience we lived with Timur! Everything was perfect from the start, Timur is very professional, always eager to help. The horses are well treated and even for beginner Timur makes it very comfortable. We had very good time in the yurts near the lake! We recommend 100% this adventure, for a true sense of Kirghiz life! Thank you Timur!!
On a adoré ce trek de 3 jours avec Timur ! Les paysages sont magnifiques, on est en petit comité et on dort dans sa famille, dans des petits camps de yourtes. On a partagé de super moments le soir à apprendre à cuisiner des plats locaux avec sa mère ou jouer aux cartes. Timur est adorable et parle très bien anglais ! Les chevaux sont bien traités et ont toujours envie de nous emmener au galop ! En bref, on a adoré cette parenthèse hors du temps 🙂
Juste incroyable ! Timur et sa famille ont été des hôtes attentionnés et très intéressants. Tous les repas étaient délicieux. Concernant les chevaux, ils étaient en bonne forme et super bien dressés. En tant que débutant, nous avons eu un plaisir énorme. Notre seul regret est de ne pas avoir prolongé ce tour.
Merci Timur, Uzi, Bolote, Buru et tous les autres.
Nous avons voyagé avec Timur pendant 3 jours. Nous n’étions pas du tout expérimenté à cheval. Nous avons adoré, c’est une expérience authentique, des paysages magnifiques, je n’oublierai jamais ce voyage de trois jours. Vous partez de Kyzart avec des montagnes de paille (début septembre), des petites rivières, des traversées de chevaux, yachs et autres et des vues incroyables et le lac de Song Kul bien sûr. Timur est un guide exceptionnel et ses chevaux sont bien entretenus, il s’intéresse même à conserver le site de song kul comme il est d’un point de vue écologique et culturel, il parle très bien anglais grâce à ses rencontres avec les touristes. Aussi je trouve le prix plus que raisonnable pour pas dire pas cher, n’hésitez pas à donner un tip !
What a great trip! We had the most amazing two day trip with Timur, starting in Kyzart at his family’s place, heading over the mountains along the ridge to their summer yurt camp at lake Son-Kol. The Lake is on high altitude, so don’t forget to bring some warm clothes! Timur and family are great companions, not only knowing the ins and out of their area, history, and culture. Even more, they are well connected in the community and can organise a stay for the night in Kyzart or help your onward travel. Best recommendation, exchange your WhatsApp number early on and you’ll have best contact with him to organise the trip.
Would I go with Timur again? 100%
Salam,
Partis pour un trek de 3 jours à cheval, nous avons vécu une expérience inoubliable. Accompagné de deux super guides sociables, accueillants, et serviables, nous avons eu la chance d’admirer de magnifiques paysages sur le dos de chevaux très gentils. Les personnes qui nous ont accueillis tout au long de notre périple ont été d’une grande hospitalité. Dormir dans des yourtes et partager leur repas au bord du lac Son Kul fût une expérience incroyable.
PS : personnes sensibles des fesses s’abstenir.
Expérience exceptionnelle de deux jours sur les bords du lac Son-Kul complètement gelé. Cette randonnée à cheval est une réelle immersion dans la vie de nomade au Kirghizistan et surtout un moment qui restera gravé très longtemps dans votre mémoire. Timur est un guide exceptionnel, super accueillant avec qui j’ai eu la chance de partager d’excellents moments avec sa famille et ses amis au village de Kyzart (et même sur Bishkek). N’hésitez surtout pas à le contacter pour une randonnée à cheval, il est très actif sur Whatsapp. Elle a été très clairement l’expérience la plus enrichissante de tout mon voyage.
Ce tour de 2 jours à cheval était exceptionnel. Nous avons traversé le col enneigé pour rejoindre le lac son-kul gelé. Je n’avais jamais fait d’équitation mais Timur a tout de suite pu me mettre à l’aise. La nourriture était délicieuse ! Expérience vraiment authentique et inoubliable.
Nous avons passer trois jours incroyable avec Timur qui est un fabuleux guide qui sera vous mettre à l’aise même si vous n’avez jamais fait d’équitation. Sa famille est plus qu accueillante. ( Particulièrement son petit frère 😉 ) et vous mangerez à votre faim 🙂 Bref nous recommandons chaleureusement. Mathieu et Noémi.
Timur est un guide exceptionnel , gentil et bienveillant. Ce fut un séjour magique dans les yourtes avec son adorable famille dans la tradition nomade. Les randonnées à cheval sont grandiose! 3 jours paisible de bien être total ! N hesitez surtout pas et contactez Timur qui saura être très réactif à vos demandes.
The horse trek is the perfect 3 days loop on mountains, valleys and lac. Very nice for a beginner and Timur take care about all safety and services. Meeting Timur, his lovely family and friends, was just the perfect Kyrghiz experience, close to locals and traditions, delicious meals, beautiful family yurts, sharing good times and laughs, such a peaceful place at Song Kül !
Merci à Timur pour cette fabuleuse randonnée à cheval ainsi que l’accueil avec sa famille, dans les yourtes près du lac.
Tout était parfait, un véritable moment de partage !
Merci à Timur et sa famille pour ces 2 jours fabuleux entre galop sur les rives du lac, délicieux dîner, traite des juments et admiration de la Voie lactée au dessus du lac Song Kul. Si vous recherchez une expérience authentique n’hésitez pas à faire appel à Timur !
We had a magical time with Timur and his family in their traditional yurts. It was a real break in time to be there, by the lake, in such peaceful place. The horseriding was a great experience too and made the whole adventure well deserved 🙂
I would recommend to anyone to spend some time with Timur at his place and forget about anything else during a few days.
Un super week-end,
Partage et convivialité au rendez-vous. Nous avons été accueillis comme des rois par la famille de Timur, avec le plaisir d’assister à la traite des juments dans un écrin de solitude et de nature. Loin des treks touristiques et avec de supers chevaux !
Je recommande chaudement
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Discovering nomadic games in Suusamyr with Temirkhan!
We met Temirkhan in Bishkek where he runs a charming hostel. Originally from Talas, his family goes up to the mountain pastures of Suusamyr every summer. Temirkhan invites you to accompany him to visit his family, only 3 hours away from the capital. The ideal opportunity to discover the nomadic life and traditions as well as the beautiful landscapes of the Suusamyr valley.
Guided by Temirkhan, who speaks English, you will have the chance to participate in traditional horse riding games, discover Kyrgyz cuisine and folk music during a 2-3 day horse ride. The ride goes through the mountains and leads to the Muztor Lake and the beautiful Ala-Bel Gorge.
PROGRAM
- Day 1: Horseback riding and discovery of the shepherds’ life
Departure in the morning from Bishkek. Our driver will pick up from your hotel. On the way we will stop in the Panorama view to Kara balta and Abla gorges.
1 pm Lunch
2 to 4:30 pm horseback riding in the vicinity of Muztor and climbing to the panorama of the gorge “Ala bel”.
4:30 to 6pm Discovery and participation in nomadic games on horseback in the middle of the mountains with local youth and the hosts of the yurt camp.
6 pm to 7 pm Discovery of the daily life of the herders.
7 pm Dinner.
- Day 2: Ascent to the Muztor lake and Nomadic games (Ulak Tartysh)
8:30 am Breakfast.
9:30 am Ascent on horseback to the lake Muztor, located at 3250 m of altitude. On the way, we will see Ancient petroglyphs.
1 pm Arrival at the lake and discovery of a panoramic point of view at 3700 m of altitude, lunch in altitude.
4 to 5 pm Return to the yurt camp “Tunduk Suusamyr” and free time
5 pm Traditional music concert (Manas storyteller, traditional songs and music) for 4 people minimum only.
5:30 pm Discovery and possibility to participate in nomadic games (Ulak tartysh).
7:30 pm Dinner. Night under the yurt.
- Day 3 : Nomadic games and lunch under the yurt
8:30 am Breakfast.
9:30 am Archery.
10:30 am Ordo atish (alchi) and Kan talamay game.
12:30 am Lunch in the yurt.
1:30 pm Departure to Bishkek.
PROGRAM
- Day 1: Horseback riding, nomad games, archery and introduction to the sheperds’ life
Departure in the morning from Bishkek. Our driver will pick up from your hotel. On the way we will stop in the Panorama view to Kara balta and Abla gorges.
1 pm Lunch
2 to 4:30 pm Horseback riding in the vicinity of Muztor, climbing to the Panorama on the Bishkek-Osh highway, the gorge “Ala bel”.
4:30 to 6 pm Free time and Getting to know the nomadic lifestyle, playing with the local youth.
6 to 6:30 pm Archery.
7 pm Dinner, evening campfire and dancing under the night sky. Overnight under the yurt.
- Day 2: Horseback riding to Muztor Lake
8:30 am Breakfast.
9:30 am Horseback riding to the lake “Muztor”, located at an altitude of 3250 m. On the way, we will see Ancient petroglyphs.
1 pm Arrival at the lake and then a panoramic peak at 3700 m altitude, lunch.
3:30 pm return to the yurt camp “Tunduk Suusamyr”
4:30 pm Snack.
Back to Bishkek at 7:30pm
Price
3-day hike :
Number of people | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6+ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price per person (soms) | 30600 | 21930 | 18600 | 17200 | on request |
2-day hike :
Number of people | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6+ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price per person (soms) | 20600 | 15430 | 12350 | 11100 | on request |
For the 3-day hike, we need at least 2 people. It is possible to join another group. The price for groups of more than 7 persons is given on request.
Private transport Bishkek-Suusamyr (round trip) for a car in included in the price.
The Temirkhan family’s yurts are in the beautiful and wild Suusamyr Valley. The mobile network is almost totally absent there, which is why trips are only made from Bishkek by private car. Indeed, it is impossible to meet directly in the Suusamyr valley (no network, random location of yurts, etc.). Authentic experience guaranteed!
The price includes:
- Transportation from the city of Bishkek and back
- The guides
- Horses
- Helmets
- Meals
- Folk music show (Legend of Manas epic, komuz games, etc) for 4 people minimum.
- Accommodation in the yurt
- Archery
- Participation in horse games
The price does not include:
- Insurance during a trip
- Individual expenses
Don’t forget to take with you:
- Your good mood
- Warm clothes (depending on the weather raincoat)
- Camera
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen
- Bath accessories (towel, wipes, toothpaste, etc.)
- Hat or cap
See reviews ★★★★★
We had the most incredible three days on this tour. Temirkhan was so lovely and looked after us very well. All of the people were so friendly and accommodating teaching us local games and having fun with us in the evening. We feel so lucky to have participated in this incredibly special tour.
We had an amazing time in Suusamyr valley with the local herders. The location is unbeatable and the locals are very friendly. We spent a lot of time playing games with them and betting on various activities :’) Safe to say we are poorer financially but richer in memories!
Very exciting trip full of emotions.
It was one of the best tours I ever did! We really lived with the locals for 3 days which gave a real insight into their culture. Also we got spoiled with a lot of food and could even try fermented horse milk. In general everybody was very welcoming and helpful.
The nomad games where crazy, I have never seen something like this in my life 😅 but it was definitely worth to see! Also the schedule was not so tight, so one could also relax a bit, pet the animals and have a look around.
This was one of the greatest tours I have been on. The family as well as the other Kyrgyz around were super nice, welcoming and interested in us, we played a lot of games and ate a lot of food in the “free time”. The program it self is not too tight, but we got to do all the things you wish to see when staying in a yurt. I loved the horses and even got extra time to ride around alone. All around as lovely a tour as the beauty of the nature!
It was a great pleasure to have a 3 days horse trekking with Timur! It was the first time for myself and my wife to ride a horse, but Timur made it easy for us – even though sometimes the trail was challenging, we were able to make it and enjoy the boost of adrenaline! Beautiful views, sleeping in the yurts, meeting local Kyrgyz people – all will remain in our memories for the rest of the life!
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Basic rules when horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan
If you are a beginner, never set out without an escort
Although it is possible to rent horses without a guide, we strongly advise you to always go riding with a guide or a “horseman”. The Kyrgyz people start riding from a very early age, so they know the terrain and their horses extremely well. It is vital to be accompanied by at least one person who knows horses, especially if you are a beginner.
Equipment and safety
Agencies rarely provide protective equipment, such as riding helmets, as it is expensive and is not used by the locals. If you plan on spending more than 3 days out riding, it might be a good idea to invest in a pair of riding trousers. In any case, you should expect your bottom to be sore! Wear closed toed, high-cut shoes. If it rains, you may want to wear a raincoat. Be careful though, because some horses are bothered by the rubbing sound that raincoat material makes. To prevent your horse from breaking into a gallop while you are on its back, we recommend that you dismount to put on and take off your raincoat.
“If you want to go horse riding and help out a local guide, you can buy a riding helmet before your trip (about $17) and offer to give it to your guide at the end of the trek. This way, you can protect yourself and help your guide and any travellers who come after you. “
Well-being of the animals
Equestrian tourism is very lucrative in Kyrgyzstan. In fact, almost every family has horses that they can make available to agencies or rent directly to tourists. Some horses are overexploited, and as a result their health is compromised. So as to not encourage these sorts of practices, we recommend that you discuss this with your guide. Tell them what your requirements are. The horse shouldn’t have been ridden by multiple groups of tourists in succession: it should be able to rest and eat properly between groups. Check to make sure that the horse is not injured near the saddle, its tail, or its hooves. Some horses are not shod, which may be painful for them if you go trekking on rocky terrain. If your horse is limping or seems to be suffering during a trek, dismount and continue on foot or ask your guide if you can switch horses.
Get insurance against accidents
Do not go horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan if you do not have insurance. Horses are unpredictable, as is the terrain (marmot holes, slippery roads, etc.). As a result, you are at risk of having an accident. It is best to be insured if you need to be hospitalised on site or if repatriation becomes necessary.
Our advice when riding a horse
If you have never been horse riding, don’t be afraid. Kyrgyz horses are very calm and relatively small. If a horse is nervous, its owner will not let you ride off with it unless they trust you.
Never let go of the reins. Pull gently on the right to turn right, or gently on the left to turn left. To stop, pull down on the reins sharply and yell “tak tak”, which means “easy does it”. If you pull up, the horse is likely to rear up and kick (standing up on its two back legs!).
Do not put your feet fully inside the stirrups. Keep only the tip of your feet in the stirrups so that the rest is free. The reason for this is simple: if you fall, your foot may stay stuck in one of the stirrups, and that can be very dangerous.
If you want to break into a trot or a gallop, you can give your horse a sharp little kick with your heel on its side and yell, “shoot shoot”, which means “faster”. If the horse doesn’t listen, give it a little slap on its behind. Go ahead and make your voice as authoritative as possible!
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