Tour Route: Bishkek – Shamshy Gorge – Kochkor – Son-Kul Lake – Suusamyr valley – Bishkek

Discover the beauty of our pristine mountains on a horse riding tour, following the trails of nomads from centuries past. In Kyrgyzstan, where the saying goes, ‘Horses are man’s wings,’ you’ll truly feel the connection. This horse riding experience smoothly blends with a cultural tour, providing insight into Kyrgyz traditions and customs that have endured along the Great Silk Road.

Participants in the horse riding trip should be experienced and well-trained riders.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Bishkek City Tour
• Shamshy Gorge & Fir Tree forest Tuyuk
• experience local nomadic life incl. music, art and traditions
• Suusamyr valley

Difficulty: Medium

Trip season: June – September

Type: Cultural, SilkRoad, Horseback Riding

Duration: 10 days/9 nights (3 days horseback riding)

Accommodation: Homestays, Yurt Camp, tent, Hotel

Groupsize:

Program:

DAY 1: Airport Manas - Bishkek (40km)

You will be picked up at “Manas” airport and transferred to a 3-star hotel in Bishkek. Enjoy a sightseeing tour exploring the central square Ala-Too, State History Museum, Fine Art Museum, Oak Park, Osh Market, Philharmonia Concert Hall, and more.

Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight stay at 3* hotel

Meals included:

DAY 2: Bishkek – Shamshy George (120 km), 2 h

After breakfast we’ll start driving to Smashy Gorge. On the way we’ll explore the Burana Tower (10th-11th century) with a short guided excursion. Check-in and have lunch at the Yurt Inn. Spend the afternoon walking in the fir-tree forest, immersing yourself in nature.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Yurt Inn.

Meals included:

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 3: Horse Riding Track 6 h

Meet the team of horsemen and guides, load all equipment, and start your horseback riding journey to the fir-tree tunnel in Tuyuk. The horse riding adventure spans 6 hours. Full board is provided and overnight stay in tents.

Meals included:

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 4: Horse Riding Track 6 h

Continue horseback riding towards Shamshy pass (3 570 meters). Full board and overnight in tents before the pass.

Meals included:

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 5: Horse Riding Track 6 h

Continue the tour and cross the Shamshy pass at 3 570 meters. Discover the nice view of Kochkor-Shamshy valley and hike up to SaralaSaz Jailoo, which opens beautiful views of the Sandyk mountains. Meet local nomads and see local traditions and customs.

Full board. Set up the tents near the nomad’s yurts in Sarala-Saz.

Meals included:

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 6: Sarala Saz - Kochkor (95 km), 2 h

Switch to the cars and start transfer to Kochkor. Check-in at the private homestay and get some rest. In the afternoon, explore handicraft and souvenir shops. Optionally, enjoy a folklore show or witness the manufacturing of felt carpets.

Full board, overnight stay at private homestay.

Meals included:

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 7: Kochkor - Son-Kul Lake (120 km), 3-4 h

After breakfast, start driving to Son-Kul lake; Check-In and lunch at Yurt Inn. Visit local nomad families in the afternoon and see their traditions and customs.

Full board, overnight stay at Yurt Inn

Meals included:

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 8: Son-Kul Lake - Suusamyr Valley (170 km), 3-4 h

Enjoy your morning with local nature and views at Son-Kul Lake. After lunch, transfer to Suusamyr valley via Chaek and along Kokomeren river.

Full board, overnight stay at private Home stay

Meals included:

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 9: Suusamy Valley - Bishkek (190 km), 3-4 h

On the way back to Bishkek visit Kojomkul Museum (Kyrgyz Gerkules). Check-In Shah Palace Hotel***. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals included:

Breakfast / Lunch box

DAY 10: Bishkek - Manas Airport (30 km)

Airport transfer depending on your flight-schedule.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Price

The price is influenced by various factors such as group size or season. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a fixed price.

Program price includes:

• Transportation as mentioned in the program
• Accommodation as mentioned in the program 
• Horses for horse riding
• Horses to load equipments
• Horsemen
• Guide
• Full board during horse trek from lunch on day 2 to breakfast on day 6.
• Kitchen and dining utensils

Service does not include:

• Medical/evacuation insurance
• International air ticket
• Kyrgyz visa / visa support letter
• mats, sleeping bag
• Meals en-routes
• Alcohol beverage during tour

What to Bring for a Horse Trekking Adventure in a Remote Area. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential items to ensure your comfort and safety:

Clothing

• Layered clothing: Include base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers to adapt to varying weather conditions.
• Riding pants: Comfortable and durable pants designed for riding.
• Waterproof jacket and pants: To stay dry during rain or wet conditions.
• Warm hat and gloves: To protect against the cold, especially at higher altitudes.
• Comfortable (riding) boots: Well-fitted and sturdy, preferably waterproof.
• Additional pair of shoes or sandals for leisure time
• Extra socks and underwear: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying options are best.

Gear

• Backpack: A durable and comfortable backpack with a capacity suitable for the length of your trek. Recommended weight max. 10kg
• Mat
• Sleeping bag: Suitable for the expected temperatures.
• Sleeping bag liner: Adds warmth and ensures cleanliness. We cannot give you 100% guaranty that mattresses at the Yurt Camps or Homestays will be ideally clean and meet your standards. That is why better to put your own inlet to this beds.
• Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries, for visibility at night.
• Multi-tool or knife: Useful for various tasks.

Food and Water

• Water bottle, water purification tablets or filter: For refilling from natural sources.
• High-energy snacks: Such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars – if needed

Safety

• First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
• Personal hygiene items: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, wet wipes and quick-dry towel
• Medications: Any personal medications, plus extras in case of delays. We are sometimes in very remote areas, so obtaining these items could be difficult.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, hat, sunglasses.
• Insurance: Travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is highly recommended that clients have their own travel insurance to cover illness, injury, and loss or damage to personal belongings. In case of an emergency, the staff will do their best to assist and transport you to a hospital or another point of care. However, if you do not have insurance, you will be required to cover the charges yourself. Your insurance should also cover helicopter services and rescue/search operations in the mountains.

Miscellaneous

• Camera or smartphone: To capture the beautiful scenery.
• Power bank: To keep your electronic devices charged.
• Reusable bags: For carrying trash out of remote areas.

Horse-Specific Items

• Riding helmet: For safety while riding.
• Riding gloves: To protect your hands and improve grip.

Remember, packing light is important, but make sure you have all the essentials to stay safe and comfortable during your horse trekking adventure. Enjoy the ride!

Physical Requirements:

Participants should be in good physical condition but do not need any special horseback riding skills.