$1 / person
7days
Meduim
Kyrgyzstan
Tour Route: Red Rocks of Jety-Oguz – Broken Heart Rock – Tien Shan Forest – Chon Kok Jar Pass – Ala Kol Pass – Altyn Arashan Hot Springs.
Highlights and Overview of this Trip
Introduction: Discover Kyrgyzstan from a local’s perspective on horseback, journeying through vast pastures, mountain lakes, forests, and waterfalls. A renowned seven-day trek around Karakol offers breathtaking scenery, including the world’s second-largest alpine lake, Issyk-Kul, and the Altyn Arashan valley with rejuvenating hot springs. Explore the natural wonders of Terskey AlaToo, with stunning views of peaks like Karakol (5,216 m) and Jigit (5,117 m), alongside impressive glaciers. This unforgettable adventure combines breathtaking landscapes with Kyrgyzstan’s rich culture and history.
Max. Elevation: 3850 m
Duration:Â 7 days
Trip season: June -September
Accommodation: tents
Difficulty:Â Medium
Tourtyp: Horseback riding
program:
DAY 1: Jety-Oguz (Broken Heart) – Dragon Valley (2600m)
Meeting in Karakol and transfer by car to Jety-Oguz sanatorium (40km from Karakol), the Jety Oguz Canyon is one of the prettiest trekking and camping spots around Karakol, with pine-covered hills, lush pastures filled with wild flowers and icy-cold mountain streams, on the way discover of the Red Rocks and the Broken Heart Rock. Meeting with the horse guide, trek through the Tien Shan forest of the Jety-Oguz gorge. On the way discover the “Dragon valley”.
Dinner and overnight in tents (2600m). Horse Riding time 5-6 hours.
DAY 2: Irdyk Valley – Karakol Gorge
Breakfast. Crossing to Karakol Valley through Irduk Valley. Karakol Valley is smooth green valley with extremely beautiful forests. After lunch continue riding to Karakol camp site.
Dinner, bon fire. Overnight in tents. Horse Riding 6-7 hours.
DAY 3: Kashka Suu Valley – Djaman Tor(3000m)
Breakfast. Approach to Kashka-Suu valley from Karakol valley over Djaman-Tor pass (3560m). After lunch discover the Karakol Ski Base at 3000m with impressive panorama to wonderful Lake Issyk Kul.
Dinner and overnight in tents. Horse Riding time 5 hours.
DAY 4: Djaman Tor – Chon Jar pass(3560m) – Altyn Arashan
Breakfast. Departure to Altyn Arashan through Djaman-Tor valley, passing of the Chon-Kok-Jar Pass (3560m). After the lunch riding up to the Altyn Arashan valley, this outstandingly beautiful valley, alive with hot springs, is ideal spot to relax and fresh up.
Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse. Horse Riding time 4-5 hours.
DAY 5: Altyn Arashan – Keldike Valley – Ala Kul
Breakfast. Day hike to Pristine Lake Ala Kul, riding up through Keldike valley until to bottom of the pass(3200m), after lunch hike up to Ala-kol pass (3850 meters) on feet(2 hours). From the top there is a chance to see mountain goats and marmots. Return to the Hot Springs camp site.
Dinner and overnight in a guest house. Horse Riding time 7-8 hours.
DAY 6: Altyn Arashan – Takir Tor Valley – Anyr Tor
Breakfast. Day rides to close valleys: Takir-Tor with possibility to take a bath in natural hot springs or to the typical summer pasture Angir-Tor with its small lakes and panorama point.
Dinner & overnight in tents. Time on horseback 4-6 hours.
DAY 7: Kok Tuz – Karakol Town(1700m)
Return to the horse base down through Altyn Arashan valley and Kok-Tyz (“blue field”) pasture back to Jolgolot.
Time on horseback 4-5 hours. End of tour.
Physical requirements:Â Participants must be in good physical condition, but don’t need any special skills of horse riding. The differences of heights range from 600 m to 850 m in vertical elevation. The maximum elevation is 3 850 m.
Price
Price for this package
on request
The price is influenced by various factors such as group size or season. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a fixed price.Â
Non-binding price information is approx. $ 850 per person for a group of minimum 2 persons.
Price includes:
- All transfers into the start point at the beginning and end of the trekking
- National parks, hot spring and camp sites fees
- Local Guide
- Cook, gas canisters and cooking set.
- Horse rent (all personal)
- Horse for luggage and equipment’s
- Lodging in the tents with all meal and at the trekking time (twin sharing)
- Lodging guest house at Hot Springs
Not included:
- Riding clothes and helmet
- Sleeping bag and mat
- International flights
- Kyrgyz visa (if needed)
- Medical/evacuation insurance
- personal expenses
Notes:
- The offered program can be conducted from early June till early September.
- The horse riding program must be booked in advance at least 7 days before arrival dates to Shamshy Gorge. Otherwise we can’t guarantee arrangement of the horse riding tour for such long days
- Cook is provided for a group of more than 4 persons. For smaller group up to 3 persons meals are prepared by horseman assistant and guide
- Meals in the mountainous region are included because there are no options to get some food.
- Weather in the mountain even in August is quite cold at night and it is highly recommended to have warm clothes and raincoat.
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:Â 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.