Horseback riding adventure and winter immersion in Kyrgyzstan
In summary
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Sports
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Duration9 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAsia / Kyrgyzstan
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AgeFrom 15 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions277.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Explore the vast landscapes of Kyrgyzstan in winter , a pristine destination where snow-covered mountains shelter a millennia-old culture. From Bishkek to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kol , this itinerary immerses you in the heart of living nomadic traditions .
The route crosses the Chon-Kemin valley and then plunges into the dramatic canyons of Jeti-Oguz, Skazka, and Barskoon . In the Bokonbaev region, share special moments with the locals: observe eagle hunters and discover the traditional construction of yurts .
The adventure continues on horseback through the mountains to reach Lake Son-Kol , isolated and wild at this time of year. An immersion into the heart of authentic Kyrgyzstan , blending cultural discovery , raw nature, and nomadic hospitality .
The highlights
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Exceptional winter landscapes: canyons, wild valleys, snow-covered mountains, lakes
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A horseback adventure to Son-Kol: crossing the mountains and discovering an isopathic lake
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Immersion in nomadic traditions: meeting with eagle hunters
Photos
Sport
Level
Winter multi-activity
The expert's opinion
This winter trip includes several days of horseback riding in the mountains. Good riding experience is necessary to participate in the rides comfortably. The required skill level is intermediate.
The routes take place in the mountains, sometimes on snowy and uneven terrain. The horses are used to trekking and the local terrain, but winter conditions require good riding skills, balance, and the ability to keep up with the group for several hours.
No specific experience of riding in winter or in the high mountains is necessary. However, this trip is not suitable for complete beginners.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average daily elevation gain: 100 m
- Average daily descent: 100 m
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 5h30
Management
French
English
This is an experienced local guide who speaks French (or English for non-French-speaking travelers).
For horseback treks, you will have local grooms.
Program
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Arrival in Bishkek
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 50km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Airport pick-up by our local team, then transfer to the hotel.
After a few hours of rest, we set off for our first exploration of Bishkek. We visit Ala-Too Square, the heart of the capital and an iconic location for the country's cultural and political life. We continue with a stroll through Osh Market, one of the city's most vibrant markets, and then discover some of the capital's main attractions.
Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 1 -
Chon-Kemin Valley
- Transportation Minibus - 03h30 - 170km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we leave Bishkek heading towards the Chon-Kemin Valley.
Along the way, we stop at the Burana tower, an ancient minaret dating from the 11th century and an important vestige of the history of the Silk Road.
Lunch at a Dungan family's home, an opportunity to discover a cuisine and culture that have been present in Kyrgyzstan for several generations.
We then continue our journey to the Chon-Kemin valley. We settle into a guesthouse in the afternoon.
Depending on the weather and snow conditions, walks or horseback rides are possible around the village.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 2 -
Discovering Lake Issyk-Kol
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 300km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We continue our journey along the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest mountain lakes in the world.
On the way, we stop at Cholpon-Ata to discover an open-air petroglyph site, evidence of the ancient presence of nomadic peoples in the region.
We then continue towards Karakol.
At the end of the day, relax and swim in the hot springs located near the town.
Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 -
Canyon Day
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 160km
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, after breakfast, we visit the Karakol livestock market.
We leave Karakol and head towards Bokonbaev, discovering several iconic landscapes on the southern bank of Issyk-Kul.
We take walks in the impressive Jeti-Oguz and Skazka canyons, with rock formations sculpted by erosion.
We also discover the Barskoon valley and its small waterfall.
Arrival in Bokonbaev and check-in at a guesthouse.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 4 -
Meeting the eagle hunters
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we are going on horseback to meet the eagle hunters, an ancestral tradition still practiced by some nomadic families in Kyrgyzstan.
Accompanied by hunters and their eagles, we explore the landscapes around Bokonbaev. Depending on the conditions and opportunities of the day, we may witness a demonstration of traditional fox, hare, or jackal hunting.
Picnic lunch in the great outdoors.
Return to Bokonbaev at the end of the day.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 5 -
Assistance in the manufacture of Kyrgyz yurts
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 150km
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We continue our journey towards the village of Kyzart, located at the foot of the mountains.
Along the way, we discover the Ak-Say canyons and enjoy magnificent panoramas of the mountain landscapes and the lake.
In Kyzyl-Tuu, we meet a family specializing in the traditional making of Kyrgyz yurts. We discover the different stages of their construction as well as the essential role of the yurt in the country's nomadic culture.
Arrival in Kyzart and check-in at a guesthouse.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 6 -
Horseback trek to Lake Son-Kol
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Yurt
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off for a long day of horseback trekking, about 6 hours, towards Lake Son-Kol, located at an altitude of 3,016 m.
The route takes us through the mountainous landscapes of the region and we cross the Tuz-Ashu pass, at approximately 3,400 m altitude.
Picnic lunch in the great outdoors.
In winter, Lake Son-Kol is completely isolated and uninhabited. The region then offers a particularly wild and silent atmosphere, far from the summer landscapes where nomadic families set up their camps around the lake.
Arrival at the camp. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt.
Day 7 -
Return to Kyzart on horseback – Bishkek
- Transportation Minibus - 04h30 - 270km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we get back on our horses and follow the route back to Kyzart.
We had lunch upon arrival in the village, then we met up with our vehicle and set off towards Bishkek.
Arrived in the capital at the end of the day.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8 -
Departure
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 40km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Bishkek airport according to flight schedule.
End of the journey.
Day 9
Accommodation
Access
You will be met at Bishkek airport by our local team. At the end of your stay, your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport.
Go to the starting point
You will be met at Bishkek airport by our local team
Price details
The price includes
- The accommodations included in the program
- The stay will be supervised by a French-speaking Kyrgyz guide.
- Full board (except for dinner on the last day)
- Transfers during the stay
- Airport transfers
- 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"
- Last day dinner in Bishkek
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 to bring
- Duvet (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
- Small basic first aid kit (there is no communal first aid kit)
- If you wear glasses, a spare pair
- The fewest pieces of jewelry and valuables possible!
Clothing to bring
- You should pack very warm clothing as this is a winter trip.
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.