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Dreaming of an equestrian adventure in the majestic mountains of Kyrgyzstan? You’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we share with you all our tips for organizing a horseback trek in Kyrgyzstan <\/strong>: the best horseback treks (Song-Kul, Kol-Suu, etc.),<\/strong> our selection of local guides<\/strong>, equipment to bring<\/strong>,insurance<\/strong>, etc. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to make your horseback ride an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ountravela.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/travel-guidebook-explore-kyrgyzstan-eng-700x500px.jpg” alt=”travel guide kyrgyzstan central asia roadbook silk road” title_text=”travel-guide-book-explore-kyrgyzstan-en-700x500px” url=”https:\/\/ountravela.com\/en\/shop\/overland-adventure-off-road-book\/explore-kyrgyzstan-travel-guide\/” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ global_colors_info=”{}” transform_styles__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_scale__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_translate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_rotate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_skew__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_origin__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_scale__hover=”102%|102%”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][pac_divi_table_of_contents _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/pac_divi_table_of_contents][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ountravela.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/carte-pays-couv-ext-eng-1.jpg” alt=”kyrgyzstan, a landlocked country in the middle of central asia” title_text=”map Kyrgyzstan central asia” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Riding a horse in Kirghizia means immersing yourself in the age-old way of life of the Kyrgyz nomads<\/strong>. An authentic<\/strong> experience that lets you enjoy the country’s wide open spaces and breathtaking scenery! This activity is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike<\/strong>. Kyrgyz horses have a very calm temperament and you will usually be accompanied. Depending on what you want to do, it’s possible to go for a half-day ride or set off to conquer the mountains for a few days. <\/strong>Horses are easy to find, especially in tourist areas, where agencies will be happy to organize your excursion for you!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are many local agencies that organize horseback excursions. You’ll usually be accompanied by an English-speaking guide and a horseman<\/strong> (usually the owner of the horses). You pay a fee<\/strong> that includes horse hire, two guides, accommodation (usually in a yurt) and food<\/strong> for the duration of the trek. You’ll find agencies in major towns such as Kochkor, Naryn and Karakol, and close to tourist attractions.<\/p>\n The CBT or “Community Based Tourism Association”<\/strong> was created in the 2000s, with the support of Switzerland, to meet tourism demand while promoting responsible tourism that benefits local stakeholders. While the intention of these associations is absolutely laudable, today CBT has become a real small business, as it is extremely lucrative. There are CBTs in all tourist areas of the country, offering all kinds of services: excursions on foot or on horseback, vehicle rental, homestays, etc. We have observed many abuses (excessive prices, overbooking, underpaid families…) and a service that is less and less up to scratch. That’s why we encourage you to go directly to the nomads or to small local agencies.<\/strong><\/p>\n Another option is to rent the horses directly to individuals, nomads or villagers, on the spot. The #1 advantage of this approach is that you pay local people directly for their services, without any intermediaries<\/strong>. What’s more, they’ll probably invite you to share a meal with them or follow them in their daily activities. Authentic experience guaranteed<\/strong>! The main drawbacks are that the horses aren’t necessarily used to being ridden by beginners, which can make the experience rather sporty (or even dangerous). What’s more, you won’t benefit from the translation of a guide to explain Kyrgyz culture, landscapes or animals. You can buy our Kyrgyz lexicon here<\/a>. <\/p>\n Later in this article, we highlight some of the local players we met on our travels around the country. We’ll put you in touch with Kyrgyz guides or families whose service we’ve really appreciated, thanks to their seriousness, kindness and attentiveness. All these people have read and signed our ethical charter<\/a>, which covers topics such as animal welfare and respect for the environment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ountravela.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/horse-riding-to-kol-suu-kyrgyzstan.jpg” alt=”trail to the Kumtor gold mine in the heart of the Celestial Mountains” title_text=”DSC06989-13″ show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”50ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ountravela.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lac-song-kul-kirghizistan-1.jpg” alt=”horseback riding on lake song-kul” title_text=”lake-song-kul-kyrgyzstan-1″ show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”100ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ountravela.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/cheval-lac-randonnee.jpg” alt=”facing the Kumtor gold mine, in the heart of the Tian Shan mountains” title_text=”horse-lake-hiking” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_id=”top-10-treks” _builder_version=”4.23.4″ custom_padding=”57px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This is THE most popular horse trek in the country<\/strong>! And not for nothing, the scenery around this lake perched at an altitude of 3,000 m is magnificent. The mountains and high meadows surrounding the lake are covered with nomadic yurt encampments. Between the hordes of horses and the thick smoke escaping from the yurts, it’s a complete change of scenery. Horse-riding tours around Lake Song Kul<\/a> are generally organized over 2 or 3 days, with overnight stays in a yurt<\/strong>. A once-in-a-lifetime experience! In the following paragraph<\/a>, we’ll give you all our tips for discovering this mythical lake.<\/p>\n Wild and relatively untouched by tourism<\/strong>, Chong-Kemin National Park<\/strong> offers several 1 to 3-day itineraries for horseback excursions. Between pine forests, high-altitude meadows and glacial lakes, the scenery is varied and equally sumptuous. You’ll find our recommendations for visiting this valley and finding nomads to rent horses in our Explore Kyrgyzstan<\/a> guide (see tracks 3 and 4).<\/strong><\/p>\n This park in the west of the country is little known to tourists, yet it’s well worth a visit. A small gravel track follows a wide green valley to Lake Besh-Tash (see track 21<\/strong> in the Explore Kyrgyzstan<\/a> guide). Gradually we leave the forest for the high meadows where the nomads settle in summer. From here, you can take a horseback ride to Lake Besh-Tash and explore the surrounding area. For experienced riders, a 9-day trek to Lake Sary-Chelek is available.<\/p>\n The Sary-Chelek lake<\/strong>, at an altitude of 1873 m, is a real haven of peace. From the village of Arkyt, a well-maintained dirt track (level 2) some 20 km long leads to the southern shore of the lake. 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.<\/p>\n Lake Kol-Suu<\/a> is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan<\/strong>. The intensely blue lake meanders for around 16 km between high granite cliffs. Located along the Chinese border, Lake Kol-Suu is particularly isolated, and a border permit<\/a> is required. Allow 5 hours’ driving on a stony track, a 4×4 is recommended (see track 19 in the Explore Kyrgyzstan<\/a> guide). Once you’ve arrived at the yurt camp, allow a day on horseback to enjoy Lake Kol-Suu and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n There are many possibilities for 1 to 5-day excursions on foot or horseback around this small village. We did notice, however, that prices were higher than elsewhere.<\/p>\n The area around the Tash-Rabat caravanserai<\/a> is ideal for hiking and horse-riding. There are 1- to 5-day itineraries across the At-Bashi mountain range to Lake Chatyr-Kul<\/strong>. The surrounding area is magnificent, especially the Tash-Rabat pass at 3,964 m, with its superb views over the great Chatyr-Kul lake<\/strong>. A border permit<\/a> is required to use the hiking trails leading down to the lake. Don’t hesitate to ask the various yurt camps about possible itineraries. It’s also possible to take a 3-day horseback ride from the village of Kuzul-Yuu, not far from Naryn. This hike takes in Lake Chatyr Kul and ends at the Tash-Rabat<\/a> caravanserai. This little-known itinerary is well worth a visit!<\/p>\n Accessible in half a day on foot or horseback from the new Chaek-Kazarman road, the famous Saimaluu Tash archaeological site<\/strong> is home to over 10,000 perfectly preserved rock engravings<\/strong>. Between representations of domestic and wild animals, 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.<\/p>\n If you’re looking for a trek off the beaten track<\/strong>, then the Suusamyr Valley is the destination for you. Situated not far from Bishkek, this valley, perched at an altitude of 2,200 m, is home to many shepherd families who take advantage of its green meadows in summer to graze their livestock. This is an opportunity to discover nomadic traditions<\/strong> (equestrian games such as Kok-Boru, traditional songs, etc.) with the super guide Temirkhan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
Why horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan?<\/h2>\n
Organize your horse trek in Kyrgyzstan<\/h2>\n
Travel with a local Kyrgyz agency<\/h3>\n
Leaving with a CBT<\/h3>\n
Directly with nomads<\/h3>\n
Our selection of guides<\/h3>\n
Top 10 horseback riding tours in Kyrgyzstan<\/h2>\n
1- Song Kul Lake<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2- Chong-Kemin Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3- Besh-Tash Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4- Sary-Chelek lake<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5- Lake K\u00f6l-Suu<\/strong><\/h3>\n
6- Jirgalan<\/strong><\/h3>\n
7- Tash-Rabat and Chatyr Kul<\/strong><\/h3>\n
8- Saimaluu Tash<\/strong><\/h3>\n
9- Suusamyr Valley<\/strong><\/h3>\n
10- Lake Kol Ukok<\/strong><\/h3>\n