Horseback riding adventure and nights in a yurt in the heart of the Tian Shan
In summary
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Sports
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Duration10 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAsia / Kyrgyzstan
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AgeFrom 14 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions306.18 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Discover the essence of Kyrgyzstan on an exceptional horseback trek through the heart of the central Tian Shan . Your adventure begins on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul , before venturing into the wild landscapes of the "Switzerland of Central Asia".
This exclusive itinerary prioritizes complete immersion : at the pace of your horse, you'll cross high mountain passes and traverse pristine valleys where time seems to stand still. The experience is designed to be authentic, punctuated by nights spent in traditional yurts and tents, as close to nature as possible.
Beyond the spectacular panoramas of snow-capped peaks, this journey is an ode to nomadic culture . You'll share special moments with the shepherds of the summer pastures, witnesses to ancestral hospitality. Rejuvenating stops at natural hot springs complete this adventure. Between wild nature and age-old traditions, this horseback trek offers a world apart, ideal for lovers of wide-open spaces seeking a complete change of scenery.
The highlights
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Multi-day horseback trek in the heart of the Tian Shan, accessible and progressive
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Crossing spectacular high mountain passes
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Supervised by local grooms, sharing daily life in the heart of nature
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 5h
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 100 m
- Average daily descent: 99 m
Management
French
English
This is a fully fluent French-speaking guide (or English-speaking guide for non-French-speaking travelers) with extensive experience.
You will be accompanied by a guide throughout the trip and by local grooms during horseback riding excursions.
Program
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Arrival in Bishkek
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 45km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You will be met at the airport by your local team and transferred to your hotel. After a few hours of rest, you will depart for your first exploration of the city. Visit Ala-Too Square, the central hub of the country's cultural and political events, followed by a stroll through Osh Bazaar and the discovery of other iconic Bishkek landmarks.
Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 1 -
Route to Lake Issyk-Kol
- Transportation Minibus - 04h30 - 269km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave Bishkek heading towards the majestic Lake Issyk-Kol, the largest lake in the country. On the way, we stop at the Burana Tower, dating from the 11th century.
Upon arrival in Bokonbaev, we will meet an eagle hunter, heir to an ancient nomadic tradition. We will witness an eagle hunting demonstration: during the summer months, this is not an actual hunt, but a simulation using an animal skin, with the option of using a live rabbit. This experience offers a deeper understanding of this unique art and the bond between humans and their birds. Check-in and overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Day 2 -
Departure on horseback trek (Bokonbaev - Jazy Kechu)
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet our groom and prepare the horses. Departure for your equestrian adventure towards the mountains.
This first day, lasting 4 to 5 hours on horseback, allows us to familiarize ourselves with our mount while crossing magnificent landscapes.
Night in a tent
Day 3 -
Horseback riding: Jazy Kechu – Tosor Pass
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The horseback trek continues through wild and sparsely populated valleys. We gradually gain altitude towards the Tosor Pass (3,890 m).
After crossing the pass, a magnificent panorama unfolds over a vast high-altitude valley. Descent and setting up camp.
Approximately 5 to 6 hours on horseback.
Day 4 -
Horseback riding: Tosor Pass – Jyluu Suu
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We continue our hike along a river.
In the afternoon, arrival at the place called Jyluu-Suu (Hot Water).
Opportunity to relax in natural hot springs.
Approximately 5 to 6 hours on horseback.
Night in a tent
Day 5 -
Horseback riding: Jyluu Suu – Teshik Kol – Kara Kaman
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure towards the Kara-Kaman Valley. En route, we pass the small Teshik Kol lake, located at an altitude of 3500 m, whose name means "pierced lake" due to its unique geological formation. Then, we cross an unnamed pass at 3800 m and descend into the Kara-Kaman Valley.
Approximately 6 hours on horseback.
Night in a tent
Day 6 -
Horseback riding: Kara Kaman – Jak Bolot
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An easy day's ride to the place called 'Pied du Jak-Bolot'. Approximately 4 to 5 hours on horseback. Setting up our tents.
Night in a tent
Day 7 -
Horseback riding + transfer: Jak Bolot – Oruk Tam – Naryn
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 80km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Last morning on horseback (approximately 4 hours) to reach the small, isolated village of Oruk Tam. Upon arrival, we bid farewell to our grooms and horses, who return home.
Meet the driver, then transfer to the town of Naryn. Upon arrival, check into a comfortable hotel.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 -
Back to Bishkek
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 330km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 99 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Return journey to Bishkek. On the way, a walk of approximately 2 hours (round trip) in the Konorchek canyons.
Arrival in Bishkek, check-in at the hotel and final preparations before departure.
Dinner at a restaurant.
Day 9 -
Transfer to the airport
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 35km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Bishkek airport according to your flight schedule.
Day 10
Accommodation
In yurt camps: basic comfort. Accommodation in shared yurts (2 to 4 people). Sanitary facilities are outside (dry toilets or standard toilets). Showers are generally unavailable or very basic. Electricity is limited, often provided by a generator only in the evening.
Access
Go to the starting point
Airport to hotel return transfers are included.
Price details
The price includes
- The accommodations included in the program
- The stay will be supervised by a French-speaking Kyrgyz guide.
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12
- Transfers during the stay
- The services of stable hands during treks
- Renting packhorses
The price does not include
- International flights
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Camping equipment: sleeping bag, tent, mattress, etc.
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Tents are provided for multi-day horseback or hiking trips when travelers do not wish to bring their own equipment.
Equipment to bring
- Small, lightweight sleeping bag (blankets are available in the yurts)
- Flashlight (or headlamp)
- Knife (remember to leave it in your checked luggage on the plane!)
- Toiletries, swimsuit and bath towel
- Wipes can be very useful
- A small sewing kit
- Sunglasses (lenses with high filtering power)
- Sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Telescopic umbrella or poncho
- An alarm clock (a mobile phone serves as one)
- Small basic first aid kit (there is no communal first aid kit)
- If you wear glasses, a spare pair
- Photocopies of the first two pages of the passport were placed at the bottom of the bag.
- The fewest pieces of jewelry and valuables possible!
Clothing to bring
This route offers varying weather conditions depending on the altitude. Pack simple, comfortable clothing, including warm layers for nights at higher elevations where temperatures can drop close to 0°C. Examples include: lightweight cotton clothing, a sweater or fleece, a waterproof windbreaker, a scarf, comfortable walking shoes with ankle support, and flip-flops or casual shoes.
The Ilichbek team
Our local expert is the ideal partner for authentic, tailor-made adventures in Kyrgyzstan. Combining expertise and passion, he designs immersive experiences, from horseback riding and trekking to cultural encounters. With his professional team of French-speaking guides, he ensures seamless logistics and optimal safety. Each tour is carefully optimized to guarantee comfort and satisfaction, offering travelers a reliable and memorable stay.
