Horseback Trekking in Kyrgyzstan: The Complete Guide to Planning Your Trip

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 worry-free trek?

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 go on a horseback trek in Kyrgyzstan?

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.

During your treks, you will often meet nomads.

Your mount 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.

Is it right for you, and how can you prepare for it?

I 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.

How do I choose the right group?

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 hike, your guide will give you a complete riding lesson.

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 also invite you to read this article that explains 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 starting my hike?

Before setting off, make sure your horse is in good health. Some travelers have told me about their misadventures with injured horses.
An injured horse should never be offered to travelers.
If your guide insists, refuse categorically and demand another mount.

This is a simple rule to apply everywhere, whatever the country or guide. If no one accepts to ride an injured horse, the organizers will be obliged to ensure that they are in good condition.

How do I check my horse for injuries?

Before mounting, check your horse's condition to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The most sensitive part is the girth area, where the saddle rests.

Look carefully to see if there is:

• wounds.
• irritation.
• swelling.

A horse injured in this area should never be ridden.

In Kyrgyzstan, equipment does not always meet European standards.
It is not uncommon to see:

• straps made from car seat belts.
• DIY equipment that works.

The equipment isn't always perfect, but there's a simple solution that can prevent a lot of injuries: a foam protector on the strap.

The same applies to shoeing:

• A complete shoeing costs around 500 soms.
• It lasts from one month to one and a half months.

An owner who regularly rents out their horse should always have it properly shoed.

If you book with Tatosh (my friend who organizes hikes in Song-Kul), please note that she is already raising awareness among farmers about these issues.
If you are presented with an injured horse, refuse it immediately and notify us without delay.

What should I do if my horse gets injured on the way?

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 I do without it?

For a short, light trek (e.g., Song-Kul), there is no need for 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 should I plan for 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 better for your helmet to take the impact than your head.

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

Since 2019, the guides I recommend in Song-Kul have been providing Decathlon riding helmets, brought from France by readers of the blog and myself (thank you to them!).

In 2021, I discussed this issue with the French ambassador in Bishkek. 

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.

Cost of a horseback trek in Kyrgyzstan: how much should you budget?

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 vehicle to bring luggage and the cook to the camp each evening.

Where and when to go horseback trekking 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, with temperatures ranging from -14°F to -22°F. Yurts remain in place to accommodate travelers, but it's best to be well equipped to cope with the cold.

Other places for exceptional horseback riding:

• Sary Chelek National Reserve
• An idyllic setting with lakes surrounded by walnut and conifer forests.
• Alay (south of the country): A completely different panorama with glaciers, rocky mountains and pine-covered gorges. In the distance, you'll see Mount Lenin (7134 m).
• Karakol region: Access to the Terskey Ala-Too mountain range (up to 5100 m altitude). Experienced riders can cross passes at over 3800 m.
• Chong Kemin (north of Issyk-Kul): Perfect terrain for galloping through pine forests and vast pastures.
• Arslanbob: The world's largest walnut forest, offering spectacular scenery. No yurts here, as the nomads have settled down and live in huts.

For a longer adventure

If you have the time and budget, you can combine several of these regions to go on longer hikes.

 

What long horseback treks would you recommend in Kyrgyzstan?

You will find several types of hikes in the country.

The right choice does not depend on the most impressive trek on paper, but on three simple things:

• your level on horseback,
• your desire for adventure,
• and your relationship with comfort.

In other words, ask yourself these questions:

• Want a relaxed horseback ride?
• Or a more challenging adventure in the mountains?

My buddy Azamat offers two horseback treks:

• one that is accessible and peaceful,
• the other more committed to the mountains.

These are the two favorites of the blog's readers.

Who organizes these treks?

My buddy Azamat organizes these hikes.

He speaks French, knows the terrain perfectly, and is used to welcoming blog readers: from beginner riders to the most experienced.
If you are unsure which of the two options to choose, he will be able to guide you towards the trek that best suits your level and expectations.

Azamat speaks French, so feel free to write to him to organize your trek. He can also be reached at azamatguide@gmail.com.

Is a guide necessary, and under what conditions are the hikes conducted?

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.

Can I rent a horse in Kyrgyzstan?

No, I don't recommend going without a guide.

Why don't you advise me to go without a guide?

A horse is not an object that you can just take and return.
It has:

• his habits.
• its own pace.
• his character.

If poorly saddled, poorly handled, or poorly fed, it can quickly injure itself. A Kyrgyz horse is certainly accustomed to the mountains, but that is not enough.
Without a guide, you can quickly find yourself overwhelmed by a situation you cannot control.

Even if I'm comfortable on horseback?

I wanted to try the experience 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 completely at ease.
Just to take a break in the middle of nature:
I wondered if my horse would take the opportunity to run away... and if I would have to search for it alone in this huge mountain.

 

How do the Kyrgyz people manage with their horses?

They have their own unique practices. At night, they leave the horses semi-free, simply tied by their front legs, 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 horses. You don't become a nomadic horseman overnight.

Can I buy a horse?

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

Head to the animal market in Karakol or Tokmok on a Sunday morning. It's a unique experience: horses, cows, sheep...

A horse is traded between $1,000 and $1,500, but price isn't everything.

Buy A horse is a big responsibility. 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, the families that welcome you have one yurt for travelers and another for themselves.

Inside, you will find simple mattresses and warm blankets. All travelers sleep in the same yurt, which helps to keep warm during the cool nights in the Kyrgyz mountains.

How do you wash and go to the toilet?

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

In the camps, the toilets are rudimentary: a simple hut set apart, with a hole dug in the ground. Not very comfortable, but it does the job.

As for showers, some camps offer a cabin with a supply of cold water. Otherwise, you can always go for my favorite option: the icy river... 

Most travelers are content to change their clothes...and wait until they return to the city to take a nice shower.

What kind of clothes should I bring?

In Kyrgyzstan, even in the middle of summer, the mountains can hold surprises. The weather changes quickly, and you may experience all four seasons in a single day.

Plans:

• warm clothes for the evening and night.

• breathable clothing for daytime wear.

• protection from the rain, because the weather changes quickly.

Your clothing must above all be suitable for riding. Unsuitable clothing causes chafing, pain, and discomfort.

Give preference to:

• High-top shoes or boots to protect your ankles.

• covering clothing, even in summer.

Below you will find a complete list of recommended equipment to pack in your bag.

How can I get equipped like a local?

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!

Can I charge my electronic devices?

Yes, provided you have an external battery.

The yurt camps have no electricity, except sometimes a small solar battery. This allows nomads to power a light bulb or a satellite phone, but you cannot plug in your devices.

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

Do you have any guides you’d recommend for a horseback trek in Kyrgyzstan?

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 does a typical day on a hike look like?

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 middle of nature, before setting off again for a maximum of three hours.

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 any light pollution, the view 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?

Here is a list of essential equipment to bring with you on a horseback riding trip in Kyrgyzstan.

Your clothes:

• Warm clothes for the evening.
• Breathable clothing for daytime wear.
• Rain cape or jacket.

Your safety:

•  The riding bomb.
• The chaps.
• Riding pants.
• If you prefer a less form-fitting, more versatile style that won't make you look like a tourist to your future nomadic friends, these riding jeans with padded knees and reinforced seams are ideal.

Your health accessories: 

• Lifestraw water bottle.
• Wipes.
  Wipes are handy for some travelers. Personally, I prefer to wash myself directly in streams, but it's up to you.

What is the place of horses in Kyrgyz culture?

Essential. Let me explain it through Hippo.

This is my foal, born in May 2024 on the pastures of His father, Mustang, is a champion Kök Börü stallion. In November, my friend Beksultan gave him to me as a gift.
In Kyrgyzstan, giving someone a horse is a true sign of friendship.
Today, Hippo lives in Song-Kul, among the nomadic herds.

Why is the horse central to Kyrgyz culture?

Kyrgyzstan is a country of mountains and transhumance. For centuries, horses have been indispensable to everyday life. They enabled:

• travel long distances,

• keep and move herds,

• hunt and defend oneself

• move between valleys and summer pastures.

Even today, in remote areas, it remains essential. You'll see, the horse is a companion.

Why do Kyrgyz people only ride stallions?

In Kyrgyz culture, the horse is considered an extension of the rider’s body.
In Kyrgyzstan, you will only ride stallions.

What is the role of mares?

Mares are not ridden and do not have individual names.
They have two specific functions:

• reproduction

• milk production

Mare’s milk is used to produce koumis, a traditional fermented drink.
A mare is milked up to five times a day. The taste is distinctive, slightly fermented.
It is an everyday drink for horsemen.

In Song-Kul, you can try some in the yurt camps, including the one in Hippo's mother.

Why does a horse change its name depending on its age?

In Kyrgyzstan, a specific word is used depending on the age and stage of development of the horse:

• Kulun (Кулун): from birth to 1 year old, suckling foal
  

• Jabagı (Жабагы): around 1 year old, weaned foal
  

• Tay (Тай): 2 years old, young horse not yet ridden. Hippo is currently a Tay
  

• Kunan (Кунан): 3 years old, horse undergoing physical training
  

• Bishi (Бышы): 4 years old, almost adult, possible start of light work
  

• Ayğyr (Айгыр): 5 years old and older, adult stallion
  

• Biye (Бие): adult mare, regardless of age after maturity

What are some traditional horse games?

Equestrian games are an integral part of Kyrgyz culture.
They are not folkloric, and you can easily attend them.
They are meant to show horse mastery, strength, and courage.

• Oodarysh (Оодарыш): horseback wrestling. The goal is to unbalance your opponent without falling off your saddle.
  
  

• Oodarysh (Оодарыш): horseback wrestling.
  The goal is to unbalance your opponent without falling off your saddle.

• Kyz Kuumai (Кыз куумай): a race between a man and a woman. If the man catches the woman, he can kiss her. If the woman wins, she can symbolically whip him.
  
  

These games are still played during festivals, weddings, and large gatherings. Kök Börü is even played in villages during winter.

Do you have any feedback from people who have traveled 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.

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 crossed North America on freight trains and theGobi Desert on a camel.
• I canoeddown the Yukon River and spent six months traveling solo on horseback throughMongolia.
• 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.

Having already traveled by 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 how much 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 is 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 did you ensure your horse was healthy?

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. As a result, they don't hesitate to point out any minor issues they spot with your horse. 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 pickup truck (I didn't want to leave 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 Chatyr Kul Lake, I headed for Song-Kul Lake further north, then on to Narin. From there, we walked to the Tong Ashuu Pass, which rises to over 4,000 meters, to reach Issyk-Kul Lake. Then we walked along the lake to Tosor (Saphir was quite tired). We stopped three days away from Karakol.

The first part of the trek wasn't marked on Maps.me (which I use on all my trips), so I used maps and asked locals for help. From Song-Kul Lake onwards, the area becomes more popular with tourists, and all the treks are marked 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 do you think are the risks of traveling alone on horseback? How can they be avoided?

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 would like more information on traveling in Kyrgyzstan, I invite you to read my comprehensive guide to planning your trip to Kyrgyzstan.
If you want to chat with former travelers and/or find hiking companions, in 2018 I created a Facebook group called " Traveling in Kyrgyzstan." Feel free to join and participate.

I wish you wonderful hikes. Feel free to ask questions or share information in the comments section. Similarly, if you have had an adventure similar to Florent's, please leave us your story. Thank you.