Kyrgyzstan: The guide to prepare your horse trek.

You want to go horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan and are looking for as much information as possible to prepare your trek?

Since the publication of my guide to Kyrgyzstan, I've often exchanged views on horse trekking with my readers. Thanks to these exchanges, to the advice of my local friends and to my experience in the field, I've put together here the best recommendations for you to be well prepared.

This guide answers all your questions:

• Where can I find a reliable horse?

• How do you check if your horse is in good health? What to do if he hurts himself?

• What are the basics of trekking horseback riding?

• What's a typical day on horseback in Kirghizia like?

• What equipment do you need for your hike?

• Who should you contact to organize a trek with complete peace of mind?

Here you'll find all the answers to the questions my friends, readers and I asked ourselves before our first trip.

Join the community!

To exchange ideas with other travelers, join the Facebook group " Voyager au Kirghizistan" . Created in June 2018, it's the ideal place to share the latest info, good tips and find fellow travelers. Don't hesitate to contribute to keep the community alive!

My trusted contacts for a successful tour

To leave serenely, I share with you the contacts of Tatosh and Azamat, experienced local guides to whom I have already referred hundreds of readers since 2015:

• Tatosh Tatosh: specialist in tourist treks, perfect for beginner riders.

• Azamat Azamat: expert in off-the-beaten-track expeditions for experienced riders and adventurers.

Bonus: a self-guided adventure

As a bonus, discover the story of Florent, who chose to buy his own horse to explore Kyrgyzstan in total autonomy.

Why travel on horseback?

Kyrgyzstan is a land of nomads, who travel through the mountains on horseback, setting up their yurt camps as the seasons change. Horses are an integral part of their life and culture.

On your treks, you'll often meet real nomads, seasoned riders who cross these mountains.

Your equine companion will give you a unique feeling of freedom.

• You'll be able to gallop among a horde of free-roaming horses.

• In the evening, a nomad family will welcome you and teach you to play their traditional instrument.

• You'll even learn how to milk mares, to make their famous fermented alcohol.

Horseback riding is one of one of the best reasons to travel to Kyrgyzstan.

Who is it for?

For anyone who wants to. I've met riders of all ages and backgrounds.

Among my most memorable encounters:
A French family with three children and their parents. They were traveling with :

• A guide to accompany them.

• Four horses for the five members of the family.

• The youngest children (aged 4 and 6) rode with one of their parents, seated at the front.

I was lucky enough to share a bit of the road with them after their four-day hike.

Choosing the right band

Here's my best advice:

• Share your trek with riders of equivalent level to avoid differences in pace.

• If levels differ too much, a second guide will enable the group to split up easily.

Do I need to know how to ride?

No, before you start your trek your guide will give you a full riding course.

What are the basics of horse riding?

To keep things simple, here are the main rules:

I also made this video for you at Sary Chelek:

I invite you to read this article explaining how to ride a horse.

Contrary to what some people think, horseback riding is quite physical. At the end of the day, expect to be tired and sore. Make sure you' re properly equipped to avoid chafing and possible pain in the buttocks and thighs.

What should I check before I start my trek?

Before you leave, make sure your horse is in good health. Some travelers have told me about their misadventures with injured horses.
Injured horses should never be offered to travelers. If a guide offers you an injured horse, refuse categorically and ask for another horse.

It's a simple rule to apply everywhere, whatever the country or guide. If no one agrees to ride an injured horse, organizers will end up offering only horses in good condition.

How do I check my horse for injuries?

Before riding, check the condition of your horse to avoid any unpleasant surprises. The most sensitive area is the girth, where the saddle rests. Take a good look at this area to make sure there are no sores, chafing or swelling.

In Kyrgyzstan, equipment does not always meet European standards. It's not uncommon to see a saddle strap made from a car seatbelt. The material is not always perfect, but a simple fleece protection on the strap is enough to avoid many injuries.

The same goes for shoeing: a complete shoeing job costs 500 som and takes about a month and a half. An owner who regularly rents out his horse should always have it properly shod.

If you book with Tatosh (my friend who organizes rides in Song Kul), be aware that she is already making the farmers aware of these points. If you are presented with an injured horse, refuse it immediately and let us know.

What should I do if my horse is injured on the road?

Even with every precaution, your horse can injure himself along the way. If you notice lameness, a cut or irritation in the saddle, here's what to do:

• Stop immediately to examine the animal.
• Report the problem to your guide and insist that he take the situation seriously.
• If the horse is in pain, don't continue. Get down and walk beside him.
• Ask for a change of horse if possible, especially if you're on an organized trek.
• If you are alone, find a place where your horse can rest and assess the severity of the injury before continuing.

If it is a recommended guide on the blog, let me know.

Should I take a packhorse?

It depends on the weight of your belongings. A horse should carry no more than 25-30% of its own weight. If your load exceeds this limit, a pack horse is essential.

When can you do without it?

For short, light treks(e.g. Song Kul), you don't need a pack horse.

• It's a loop: you sleep in a yurt and meals are prepared by the nomads.
• Your belongings stay in the departure village, and you pick them up on your return.
• You travel light, so one horse is enough.

When do you need one?

A pack horse is requiredfor a long, self-sufficient trek.

• If you're carrying food and camping gear, only one horse will be overloaded.
• An extra horse can lighten your main mount and ensure a more comfortable trek.

Is wearing a riding helmet really important?

Yes, horseback riding is a risky sport, even as a leisure activity. A fall can happen at any time. It's best to let your helmet take the impact, not your head.

In the mountains, far from hospitals, an accident can quickly become a real problem.

As of 2019, the guides I recommend in Song Kul provide Decathlon riding helmets, brought from France by blog readers and myself (thanks to them!).

In 2021, I spoke to the French ambassador in Bishkek about this subject. 

Do I need to take out insurance?

Yes, and don't take it lightly. As with any trip, insurance is essential. Riding is a high-risk activity, and an accident can quickly turn your adventure into a nightmare.

Travelling without insurance is stupid. If something goes wrong, medical and evacuation costs can be astronomical. Don't take that risk.

How much does it cost to ride a horse?

The price of a horseback ride depends on several factors. The larger your group, the lower the price, as you share the cost of the guide and logistics.

• An English-speaking guide costs a little more, a French-speaking guide a lot more.

For longer hikes, rates are negotiated according to group size and logistical requirements.

Why do some treks cost more?

Duration and experience of the guide

• • The longer the trek, the more it requires an experienced guide, which increases the price.

Heavier logistics

• • Camping equipment for nights away from the yurt camps.
  • Kitchen equipment also on hire.

Transport of equipment and catering
Depending on the size of the group, you will need :

• • One or more pack horses to carry the equipment.
  • One or more grooms to manage the horses and set up and dismantle the camps.
  • A cook to prepare meals and manage supplies.

Alternatives with a 4×4

Some agencies offer a 4×4 to return to the camp each evening with the luggage and cook.
Disadvantages: it's neither ecological nor economical, and it breaks the spirit of a real horseback adventure.

When is the best time to go horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan?

If you want to ride in the best conditions, aim for the period from May to September.

• July and August are the hottest, but also the busiest. But don't worry, even in summer, the crowds remain reasonable.
• In Song Kul, you can hike all year round, but winter is harsh: between -10°C and -20°C. Yurts are still set up to welcome travelers, but it's best to be well equipped for the cold.

Where to go on a horse trek in Kyrgyzstan?

 

What treks do you recommend for experienced riders?

My buddy Azamat offers several off-the-beaten-track treks, perfect if you're a seasoned rider in search of adventure.

My two favourites are located in spectacular regions:

• Toktogul region: A fast-paced, more adventurous trek, ideal if you like endurance and technical terrain.
• Tien Shan Mountains: A more accessible itinerary, offering a balanced pace and grandiose panoramas.

Trekking in the Toktogul region.

Azamat speaks english, so don't hesitate to write to him to organize your trek. He can also be reached at azamatguide@gmail.com

Trekking in the Tien Shan mountains.

Azamat speaks English, so don't hesitate to write to him to organize your trek. He can also be reached at azamatguide@gmail.com

Is a guide necessary and what are the trekking conditions?

Yes, a guide is indispensable.

A horse isn't just a means of transport, it's a living being that needs care, food and rest. Our guides know their horses inside out, and know how to anticipate their needs.

The Kyrgyz have a technique all their own: at night, they leave the horses semi-liberty, simply tied by the forelegs, so that they can graze and drink.
In the morning, they set off to collect them. It sounds simple, but it requires a real knowledge of the mountains and the horses. You don't become a nomad rider overnight.

I wanted to try it on my own. I rented a horse from a farmer and set off without a guide. I'm a good rider, but I wasn't totally serene. Just to take a break in the middle of nowhere, I wondered if my horse would take advantage of the opportunity to run away... and if I'd have to look for him alone in this immense mountain.

 

Can I rent a horse?

Yes, and it's a great opportunity if you want to go off on your own with your mount!

Since 2022, Hélène has been renting 3 specially selected Kyrgyz horses to riders who want to experience a trek in total freedom.

Hélène is a real enthusiast. She has been breeding horses in Kyrgyzstan for over 20 years.

She bought Fidel, Chai and Thian from Ashley and Quentin, two adventurers who traveled 1600 km across the country on horseback in 2021. 

These horses are experienced and well-trained. They are geldings, which is very rare in Kirghizia, and allows you to cross herds without stress.

Many of you have asked me the question: can you rent a horse? After lengthy discussions with Hélène, she came up with a unique and intelligent concept, perfectly aligned with our values.
Her priority? Your horse's safety and well-being.

Why rent Hélène's horses?

• To be sure of their past. These horses have already proved their endurance and reliability on Ashley and Quentin's incredible adventure. You can leave with peace of mind, knowing that they're experienced and well-suited to long treks.
• When you buy a horse, you take on a great responsibility. Unfortunately, 90% of horses bought by travellers end up in the slaughterhouse.
  With Hélène, this is out of the question. She offers them a long and beautiful life.

What are the conditions for renting Fidel, Tian or Chai?

Renting a horse from Hélène means leaving on your own while benefiting from :

• Pre-departure training.
• Horse rental.
• Rental of saddlery and panniers suitable for trekking.
• Telephone assistance throughout your trip.

What you need to supply

To leave with one of her horses, Hélène will ask you :

• Your riding ability and bivouac experience, to make sure you're ready to trek alone.
• Your map-reading skills, essential for navigating in the wilderness.
• A travel insurance certificate covering equestrian activities.

How much does it cost?

Prices include the horse, its equipment and training for a safe departure:

• 2 weeks: €275
• 1 month: €465

You can reach her by email at helene.kirghizie@gmail.com

Can I buy a horse?

Yes, it's possible, but it's better to know what you're getting into.

If you want to buy a horse, go to the animal market in Karakol or Tokmok, every Sunday morning. It's a unique experience: horses, cows, sheep... everything is traded in an authentic atmosphere.

A horse is worth between $1,000 and $1,500, but price isn't everything. Are you sure you can take care of it?

A horse is much more than just a means of transport. You'll need feed, care for and water it... and make sure it's healthy.

What about accomodation?

Yurts are large and spacious. Most of the time, host families have one yurt for travelers and another for themselves.

Inside, you'll find simple mattresses and warm blankets. All travelers sleep in the same yurt, which keeps the heat in on those chilly Kyrgyz mountain nights.

How do you wash and go to the toilet?

Outside the yurt camps, you're on your own.

Toilets in the camps are rudimentary: a simple hut a little out of the way, with a hole dug in the ground. No comfort, but it does the job.

As for showers, some camps offer a cabin with a supply of cold water. Otherwise, you have the option of an icy river... but you need to be motivated.

Let's be honest, most travelers just change their clothes...and wait patiently for the return to town for a good shower.

What kind of clothes should I bring?

In summer, it's very hot during the day, but the nights are freezing. Take warm, covering clothes to keep out the cold once the sun goes down.

The weather changes quickly, so take rain gear to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Finally, make sure your clothes are suitable for riding, to avoid chafing and unnecessary pain. Wear high shoes or boots to protect your ankles from the stirrups and avoid injury.

Can I charge my electronic devices?

Yes, as long as you have an external battery.

Yurt camps have no electricity, apart from a small solar battery. This enables nomads to power a light bulb or a satellite phone, but it' s impossible to plug in your appliances.

Manage your autonomy and use your devices sparingly, to avoid running out of power.

Do you have any guides to recommend?

Yes, and if you want to leave with peace of mind, I have two guide friends to recommend you.

They're experienced, passionate about their country and horses, and I trust them completely. Since 2015, I've sent hundreds of readers to them, and they've all come back delighted.

What is a typical day on the trail?

On a horseback trek, you don't ride all day. Stages last between 3 and 6 hours, depending on the day. Most of the time, you're at a walk. A horse can't gallop for 3 hours at a time.

Morning: a gentle start

Your day starts early, with a hearty breakfast in the yurt or out in the open, watching the sun rise over the deserted mountains.

Once your belly is full, you help your guide prepare the horses, and off you go on your adventure.

Lunchtime: break and relaxation

Depending on the itinerary, you can :

• Go straight to the camp to land.
• Stop for lunch in the great outdoors, before setting off again for 2 hours at most.

Afternoon: immersion in local life

When you arrive, a family of Kyrgyz herders (5 to 10 people) welcomes you. Their main activity is herding, but they also welcome travelers.

Camp is a bit like staying on a farm in France, except that your hosts rarely speak English.

While the horses are resting, you can :

• Explore the surrounding area and take photos.
• Learn to take care of animals.
• Playing soccer with the kids.
• Talk to farmers.
• Washing in the sun in the nearby rivers.

Evening: dinner and starry skies

Dinner is served in a yurt, around a low table, with traditional dishes. You eat sitting on the floor, Kyrgyz-style.

Then you're assigned a yurt for the night, which you share with your group. The farmers provide warm blankets for a comfortable night's sleep.

Night falls quickly, and even if you're tired, take the time to admire the sky. Far from light pollution, the spectacle is incredible. Probably one of the most beautiful starry skies you'll ever see.

Last piece of advice before bed...

Go to the bathroom before you go to bed. It's freezing cold at night, and you won't want to leave the yurt.

After a good night's sleep, you'll be back on horseback, ready for another day of adventure.

What should I pack for a horse trek?

Prepare for all seasons

In Kyrgyzstan, even in the middle of summer, the mountains can hold surprises in store for you. The weather changes rapidly, and you can experience all 4 seasons in one day. So pack clothes for hot, cold and rain.

The importance of clothing suitable for riding

When choosing your clothes, make sure they're suitable for riding. The aim is to avoid chafing and pain.
Tip: Choose high shoes or boots to protect your ankles from the stirrups.

Local equipment: buy it at the Bishkek bazaar

To equip yourself like a true Kirghiz, go to the Bishkek bazaar. Buy Kok Boru chaps (600 soms) and a rain cape (500 soms) from this merchant.
Loïc, Basile and I were extremely satisfied with these purchases during our trek in July 2021!

To help you find her, in addition to her photo, I'm leaving you her GPS coordinates. She doesn't know me, but don't hesitate to say hello for me!

Health accessories: water purification

Mountain streams are often contaminated by animal faeces. Purify water before drinking.

• Lifestraw water bottle:
  This filter allows you to purify up to 1000 liters of water. A must-have!
  See on amazon

Riding accessories: your safety comes first

• The riding bomb:
  In the event of a fall, your head must be protected. After my motorcycle fall in Togo, I take safety seriously. It's vital to get a bomb that complies with European standards!
  See on amazon

• Chaps:
  A must-have to protect your legs from the stirrups. These little protectors are a bit like your armor for tackling Kyrgyz trails. If you ride in jeans and sneakers, you'll soon regret it. The chaps are lightweight, but offer optimum protection.
  See on amazon
• Riding pants:
  The ideal pants for horseback riding. No chafing, more comfort! After a few treks in jeans, I guarantee this model is much more comfortable.
  See on amazon
• If you prefer a looser fitting and a more casual look to seem less touristy in front of your future nomadic friends. These riding jeans with padding and stitching are ideal
  See on amazon

Camping accessories: to go or not to go?

• Wipes: This is an option that many travelers find convenient. Personally, I prefer to wash directly in streams. But it's up to you!
  See on amazon

Do you have any feedback from people who have travelled alone on horseback?

Yes, Florent, a member of the Travel to Kyrgyzstan group, is one of the adventurers I met while preparing his Kyrgyz adventure: crossing the country solo on horseback.

An experienced adventurer

Florent is an experienced adventurer. Here are some of his achievements:

• Crossing the Gobi Desert on a camel.
• Over 6 months riding solo in Mongolia.

His career in video

Florent shares his travels by making films of his adventures, which are broadcast on television. He is currently preparing a new, even more extreme adventure!

Our exchange

We spoke at various stages of his journey: before, during and after. That's how the idea for this interview came about, in which he tells us about his adventure on horseback.

Hi Florent, can you introduce yourself?

Hi!
My name is Florent, I'm 33 and I've been traveling the world with my camera for the past 3 years.
I make films about adventure and the discovery of cultures around the world. My approach to travel is extreme:

• I've crossed North America on freight trains.
• I canoed down the Yukon.
• And I lived alone in the wilderness, inAlaska.

Why did you choose Kyrgyzstan to travel solo on horseback?

4 months ago, I had just returned from a long 2-year trip. At the time, I was already working on my next adventure, which should last 4 years. It includes many climbs at very high altitudes, as well as crossing countries on horseback.

A friend of mine was looking for a partner to climb the 7,138m-high Pic Lenin. So I was looking for a place where I could combine a long horse-riding trip with a high-altitude climb.

Kyrgyzstan proved to be the ideal terrain for combining these two disciplines.

You have already travelled on horseback in Mongolia, how was this trip to Kyrgyzstan different?

In Mongolia, I started by crossing the Gobi desert with a camel (I had bought two, but lost the first one on the 2nd day...).

This was my first experience of traveling with animals, and I can tell you I was well served! It's not unusual to walk for several days without seeing a soul. The horizon is as flat as an ocean, and it's a far cry from the mountainous landscapes of Kyrgyzstan.

After a month's crossing, I went to the Oregon Valley, where I bought two horses. The goal was to go deep into the mountains and spend the winter totally self-sufficient for 5 months. So I needed two horses for this adventure.

The big difference here is that this trip was more of a philosophical retreat. After 2 years of traveling, I really wanted to retreat and stay in my teepee by a lake during the winter, with extreme temperatures ranging from -30 to -40°C.

What level of riding do you need to try this adventure?

In Mongolia, I had no riding experience. I think the biggest difficulty is mental, especially when you're traveling alone. It's a real challenge to overcome.

Next, it's a good idea to read several books on the subject before you leave. You'll learn a few useful tricks.

Riding a horse is not complicated in itself. However, it's important to understand that traveling with animals is totally different from any other type of trip. There are constraints to take into account, as well as a great responsibility towards your horse. Whatever happens, he must come first. You have to accept this even before you leave, because it has a huge impact on your trip.

How did you manage to buy your horse and what price did you pay for it?

In Mongolia, I bought my camels and horses directly. There isn't really an animal market like in Kyrgyzstan. You buy directly from the nomads.

In Kyrgyzstan, I bought Saphir with the help of a local (I had given him a small bill as a thank you). Not only did this enable me to buy the horse at the real price, but for someone like me, who doesn't have a great deal of experience in this field, it enabled me to acquire a good quality horse.

The price of the horse was 67,000 sum. An additional 4,000 sum was needed for the necessary equipment. At the end of my trip, I sold Saphir for 58,000 sum.

How did you feed, water and care for Saphir?

Unlike the Gobi Desert, where it's impossible to cross on horseback, access to water in Kyrgyzstan was not a problem. I regularly found a spring or river along the way to water Saphir.

Food was a little more complicated. Where it took a few minutes to get water, it took an average of 12 hours of grazing a day to feed itself. So I had to be careful where I stopped. To simplify things, I tied him up with a 15-metre rope and an ice axe. This gave him plenty of room to graze all night.

At high altitudes or in arid zones, grass was not abundant. As a result, Saphir lost quite a lot of weight in one month.

How do you ensure your horse's health?

When it came to care,observation was everything. After a few days, you quickly realize if your horse is tired or stressed by a particular situation, and you have to adapt accordingly. Sometimes I would also ask the locals if they thought Saphir was in good health. But generally speaking, we didn't encounter any major problems.

Once again, my experience as a rider is limited, and I don't consider myself legitimate to advise people on this subject. Logically, however, it's a good idea to take the horse for a little walk to check that everything's normal before setting off.

It's by walking that you can tell whether your horse is having a good day or not. You can quickly see if everything's going well or if something's wrong.

The locals are very curious, especially if you have a horse. They often come to look at it, and sometimes even offer to buy it. If they spot a problem with your horse, they won't hesitate to let you know. In the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, everyone owns a horse, and everyone considers themselves a bit of a veterinarian.

What was your typical day like?

As with any outdoor adventure, your days are punctuated by the sun.

• Wake-up at 6 a.m., for an 8 a.m. departure.
• Depending on the terrain, we covered between 20 and 40 km a day.

At lunchtime, the most important thing was to find a place with good quality grass for Saphir, so that he could eat for 1 or 2 hours. On average, we walked 8 hours a day.

In the evening, we had to find the perfect spot for Saphir. The quality of the tent site was secondary. Normally, horses spend up to 50% of their eating time at night. But for Saphir, it was more like 80%, as he walked all day. So stopping in a place totally devoid of grass was out of the question.

So the days were punctuated by walking and looking for nice places where my horse could rest and eat. We gave ourselves a rest day every 6 days or so.

What route did you take? How did you find your way?

I bought Saphir at the animal market in Ozgon. Then someone drove us to Kara Kulja in a van (I didn't want to leave from Ozgon with the stress of walking in an urban area).

My first objective was Lake Chatyr Kul, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to get over the Shilbili Ashuu pass. Some of the locals told me it was impossible, others the opposite...

After 4 days' walking, there were no more tracks and the situation was becoming too dangerous. Finally, Saphir stopped moving. We had to make a 5-day detour via the Chaar-Tash Ashuu pass, further north.

This part of the trek was really cool, as people weren't used to seeing tourists. I was the first horse they met! As a result, I was regularly invited to take tea, eat, or spend the night in the shepherds' tents or yurts.

Instead of Lake Chatyr Kul, I headed for Lake Son Kul, further north, and then on to Narin. From there, we hiked to the Tong Ashuu pass, culminating at over 4,000 meters, to reach Lake Issyk-Kul. We then walked along the lake to Tosor (Saphir was rather tired). We stopped 3 days from Karakol.

The first part of the trek was not referenced on Maps.me (which I use for all my travels), so I used maps and the help of locals. From Lake Son Kul onwards, the area becomes more frequented by tourists, and all treks are referenced on Maps.me and on paper maps.

Has the horse changed your relationship with the locals?

I was quite surprised when the locals told me that they had never, or very rarely, seen tourists travelling alone on horseback. As a result, they were really curious. They wanted to know where I was from, where I was going, and were very interested.

The people are very attached to their horses, so they really respected the fact that I was riding alone through their country. They absolutely wanted to invite me to tea, to eat and even to stay overnight.

A lot of people were also interested in Saphir. He was a beautiful horse, and people came to see him and try to buy him from me. It was easy to make connections.

Definitely, if you want to meet the locals without the relationship they may have with tourists (often linked to money), travel alone on horseback. You're sure to make lots of friends.

What are the risks of travelling on horseback alone? How can you avoid them?

The main risk is falling. You can't avoid it, but you can reduce the consequences. That's why I always carry with me, in a small rucksack (not on the horse), a satellite phone and enough to survive for 48 hours.

During the first few days, I also take the time to get to know my horse: how he behaves in front of a car, a dog, or other animals. It's important to understand your horse so you can handle situations better.

It's also essential to start in a sparsely populated area, to minimize the stress that can be encountered in populated areas.

Apart from that, there aren't many other major risks, but you have to accept the vagaries of a long horseback trip. For example, I've changed my route several times. Once, I had to take a 5-day detour because it was impossible to cross a pass with my horse. In the end, I decided to stop walking 3 days before Karakol, as I felt that Saphir was exhausted.

Finally, Florent, can you share your fondest memory with us?

The beauty of such a trip lies in its totality, and cannot be reduced to a few instagrammable moments or places.

Crossing a country on horseback is far from a peaceful journey. You regularly have to walk for several days to reach a specific place, cross mountain passes in the rain, go without food, not to mention the difficulties, risks and responsibilities inherent in travelling on horseback.

It's only once you've overcome the pain, fatigue and doubt that you really begin to appreciate the beauty of such an adventure.

Encounters are magnified by their authenticity, and the mountains, meadows and lakes reveal their true beauty in all their grandeur...

Conclusion

Thank you Florent, for this fascinating exchange. I have my program for my next trip to Kyrgyzstan. I wish you all the best with your projects and look forward to their video releases.
You can find Florent on his instagram.

If you'd like more information on how to travel in Kyrgyzstan, I invite you to read my complete guide to preparing your trip to Kyrgyzstan.
If you'd like to chat with former travelers and/or find fellow hikers, in 2018 I created a facebook group traveling to Kyrgyzstan, so don't hesitate to join and participate.

I hope you enjoy your hikes. Don't hesitate to ask questions or share information in comments. Also, if you've experienced a similar adventure to Florent's, leave us your testimonial. Thank you, Florent.