Would you like to experience a real horseback ride in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, far from the tourist trails?
Since 2014, I have been regularly riding horses across the country. That's how I met Azamat, my Kyrgyz guide friend, and discovered some of the most isolated and spectacular routes in Kyrgyzstan.
These are routes where you ride for several days in a row, far from roads, spending the nights camping in tents, in an organized and supervised setting.
With Azamat, his equestrian guides, and feedback from travelers, we have improved this itinerary over time to make it the horseback adventure trek for GTLA readers:
a challenging mountain trek, but designed to remain progressive, consistent, and well-supported.
The trip takes place on fixed dates, in small groups of 4 to 10 riders, to share the experience and ensure high-quality supervision.
Departures are confirmed with a minimum of 4 participants.
Departures 2026
July 3 → July 13: 7 registered
July 19 → July 29: open group
August 2 → August 12: 5 registered
August 16 → August 26: open group
Is this horseback trek right for me?
You don't need to be an experienced rider, but you must love adventure.
This is a multi-day horseback ride through remote areas in the mountains.
You must:
– Feel confident on horseback and be able to control your horse,
– Enjoy getting off the beaten track and sleeping in a bivouac
– Not be afraid of heights.
Horseback riding days last an average of 4 to 6 hours.
Good physical condition is required.
The route winds through high mountains, with passages reaching altitudes of up to 4,100 meters.
How are my safety and supervision ensured?
You will be accompanied throughout the trek by a guide who speaks your language and a local equestrian team.
A 4×4 vehicle is available at each camp.
It does not follow the group during the days spent riding in the mountains, but it provides logistical support and can intervene if necessary.
Why do I recommend this horseback trek?
Over the years, we have improved this trek with Azamat, his equestrian guides, and feedback from blog readers.
Everyone comes back with the same impressions.
What they appreciate most:
– the quality of the horses
– the kindness and professionalism of the guides
– the variety of landscapes and valleys traversed
–the balance between challenging days and recovery time
– the feeling of being far away from everything, without feeling like you're struggling
This itinerary has been designed for blog readers, tested, adjusted, and improved over the course of their travels... by themselves.
What is the itinirary?
Day 1: From Manas to Lake Issyk-Kul
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! You will meet your guide and your group at Manas Airport.
We have breakfast in town, then hit the road towards Lake Issyk-Kul.
The journey takes about six hours.
On the way, we stop for a swim at the beach. At the end of the day, you arrive at Ruslan's, our equestrian guide.
We have dinner and spend the night with a local family.
Route: approximately 6 hours
Accommodation: homestay
Day 2: Horseback riding in the Chon Kizil-Suu Valley
In the morning, we set off on horseback from the guesthouse. The route follows the Chon Kizil-Suu valley to the camp at the foot of the Savatar valley.
The day is spent entirely on horseback. We picnic along the way, surrounded by mountains.
At the end of the day, we arrive at camp, located at an altitude of 2,569 m. The guides prepare a campfire before dinner.
You spend the night in a tent.
Riding time: approximately 5 hours
Camp altitude: 2,569 m
Accommodation: tent
Day 3: From Kara Takya to the Kichi Kizil-Suu Valley
In the morning, we set off on horseback towards the Kara Takya Valley. The route passes by a lake located at an altitude of 3,200 m.
We then descend back to camp for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, we continue on horseback to the Kichi Kizil-Suu Valley. At the end of the day, we arrive at camp.
You will have dinner and spend the night in tents.
Duration on horseback: approximately 5 hours
Maximum altitude: 3,200 m
Accommodation: tent
Day 4: Jumatay Pass and Jukuchak Valley
We set off for another day on horseback towards the Jumatay Pass, at an altitude of 3,325 m. After crossing the pass, we enjoy a picnic in the mountains.
We then descend into the Jukuchak Valley. Before arriving at camp, we enjoy the hot springs for about an hour.
The camp is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters.
You will have dinner and spend the night in tents.
Duration on horseback: approximately 5 hours
Maximum altitude: 3,325 m
Accommodation: tent
Day 5: From Jukuchak to Chong Tash
We ride back up the Jukuchak Valley. The group then tackles the Ashu Kashka-Suu Pass, at an altitude of 3,636 m.
We picnic by the river in Ashu Kashka-Suu. In the afternoon, we continue on horseback through the Juuku Valley.
At the end of the day, you reach the camp, located at an altitude of around 2,700 m.
You have dinner and spend the night in a tent.
Duration on horseback: 5 to 6 hours
Maximum altitude: 3,636 m
Accommodation: tent
Day 6: Rest day
We stay in the same place to enjoy a well-deserved rest. Depending on what you feel like doing, you can explore the Dunguromo Valley or relax at the camp by the river.
You have dinner and spend the night there.
Accommodation: tent
Day 7: Towards the Arabel Plateau
We set off again in the morning on horseback towards the Arabel plateau. The route passes by the Juuku lakes.
After crossing the Juuku Pass at an altitude of 3, 800 m, we stop for a picnic. In the middle of the afternoon, we arrive at the camp at the foot of the Jetim Pass, at an altitude of 3,800 m.
You have dinner and spend the night in a tent.
Duration on horseback: approximately 5 hours
Maximum altitude: 3,800 m
Accommodation: tent
Day 8: Arabel High Mountains and Jetim Pass
We set off again on horseback into the high mountains of Arabel. The group reaches the Jetim Pass, at an altitude of 4,000 m. We then follow the Arabel River to the hunting lodge.
You have dinner and spend the night in tents, at an altitude of 3,660 m.
Duration on horseback: approximately 7 hours
Maximum altitude: 4,000 m
Accommodation: tent
Day 9: Free day in Maytor
We spend the day freely in Maytor. You explore the surroundings and enjoy the peace and quiet, close to the nomads.
You have dinner and spend the night at the same camp as the night before.
Accommodation: tent
Day 10: Return to Lake Issyk-Kul
We meet up with the driver and set off for Lake Issyk-Kul. The journey takes about three hours.
Upon arrival, the traditional eagle hunter will be waiting for the group to give a demonstration. We will then head to the yurt camp by the lake. You can enjoy the rest of the day on the beach.
You will spend the night in a yurt.
Journey: approx. 3 hrs
Accommodation: yurt
Day 11: Return to Bishkek
The driver will pick up the group early in the morning at the yurt camp. We will drive to Bishkek for about four hours, arriving in time for lunch.
You will then have free time to visit the Kyrgyz capital. Dinner will be at a restaurant of your choice.
You will spend the night in a guesthouse in the city center.
Journey: approx. 4 hrs
Accommodation: guest house
In summary
– 11 days of travel
– 8 days on horseback
– Groups of 4 to 10 riders
– High mountain trek, accessible but challenging
Azamat organizes departures on fixed dates in order to form small groups and reduce the cost of the trip.
July 3 → July 13: 7 registered
July 19 → July 29: open group
August 2 → August 12: 5 registered
August 16 → August 26: open group
Are you interested in other dates ?
Write to Azamat for form a group.
Group size
Up to 10 riders.
It is also possible to organize a private departure on other dates.
Price per person (depending on group size)
4 riders: €1,330 per person.
5riders: €1,205/person.
6 riders: €1,085/person.
7 riders: €1,035/person.
8 riders: €1,000/person.
9 riders: €940/person.
10 riders: €920/person.
The price decreases as the group fills up.
What is included?
– Pickup at Manas Airport
– All transfers included in the program
– English-speaking guide and equestrian guide
– All accommodation (homestays, tents during the trek, guesthouses, and yurts)
– All meals during the trip
– Meeting with a traditional eagle hunter
– All camping equipment (tents and group equipment)
What is not included?
– Airfare
– Travel and baggage insurance
– Last dinner in Bishkek
– Alcohol and mineral water
FAQ – Everything you need to know before you go
Where do we sleep during our stay?
Depending on the stage, you will sleep:
– in a guesthouse,
– in a tent during the trek,
– or in a yurt.
Conditions are simple and rustic, especially in remote areas.
Some nights may be spent in dormitories, and bathrooms are sometimes located outdoors.
What do we eat during the trek?
Meals are Kyrgyz and traditional: meat, rice, pasta, vegetables.
All dishes are halal.
Vegetarian meals are available.
If you follow a strict diet, it is best to bring your own food.
Mineral water is not included in the price.
What is the weather like and what clothes should I bring?
The weather varies depending on the time of year, altitude, and valleys crossed.
In summer, expect temperatures of around 20–25°C during the day on the high plateaus and 0–5°C at night at altitude.
Bring:
– a base layer,
– a warm layer,
– a waterproof jacket,
– a hat and gloves.
Riding boots are recommended for days spent on horseback.
Crocs-style sandals are very practical at camp.
The following are provided:
– tents,
– cooking equipment,
– helmets.
You must bring:
– your sleeping bag,
– a sleeping pad,
– a water filter bottle,
– a headlamp,
– an external or solar battery,
– sunglasses.
How is luggage transported?
The main bags and group equipment are transported between camps in 4x4 vehicles.
Reserve with Azamat
Departures are organized on fixed dates, in small groups of 4 to 10 riders.
A departure is confirmed with a minimum of 4 participants.
To join an existing departure, ask questions, or organize a private departure, you can contact Azamat directly via the form.
This is an experience you share with travelers who share your love of mountains, horses, and wide open spaces.
Feel free to contact him via the form below or at azamatguide@gmail.com