$1 / person
11
Meduim
Kyrgyzstan
Highlights
Type: Cultural Tour & Horseriding
Duration: 11 days
Difficulty: medium+
Trip season: May – September
Accomodation: Guesthouses, Yurt Camps
Â
- Kaldama Pass
- Son-Kol Lake & Yurt Camp
- 2 days HorseridingÂ
- Skazka Canyon
- Jety Oguz
- 3 days Trekking to Ala-Kol Lake
Overview
Description: Discover Kyrgyzstan on a journey from Osh to Bishkek, passing through Kochkor, Skazka Canyon and along Issyk-Kul Lake. Enjoy a 3-day horsetrekking adventure around Altyn Arashan and Keldike Valley from Karakol before continuing along the northern shore to Bishkek.
This tour offers an active vacation with fresh mountain air, stunning views and cool rivers. Explore the Central Tien-Shan Mountains, experience Kyrgyz hospitality and savor Oriental cuisine. Immerse yourself in Eastern culture, visit villages and bazaars and learn about Kyrgyz arts and nomadic traditions. Recharge with positive energy and take home unforgettable memories.
Itinerary: Osh – Kaldama Pass – Kazarman village – Son Kol – Horse Trekking – Kochkor – Karakol – Trekking – Bishkek
Program
DAY 1: Osh - Kaldama Pass - Kazarman Village (300 km, 8 hrs driving)
Before departing the city, explore the highlights of Osh like the old bazaars or the holy Sulaiman Mountain and its museum. Settle down in your comfortable bus and enjoy the scenic view along the way to Kazarman village. Lunch en route.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 2: Kazarman Village - Son-Kol Lake (151 km, 3 hrs driving)
Today we will begin our journey along the Naryn River, passing through numerous picturesque small passes with breathtaking views of the vibrant white and red mountains en route to Son Kol. Situated at an elevation of 3000m in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, Son Kol is an enchanting alpine lake renowned for its stunning landscapes and traditional nomadic way of life. Upon reaching the yurt camp, we will enjoy a delicious lunch before taking a leisurely stroll around the lake to immerse ourselves in the rich nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz people.
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 3 - HORSERIDING: Son-Kol Lake - Kilemche (4 - 5 hrs riding)
After breakfast, join the team of horseback riders to receive instructions for your ride. Prepare all necessary equipment and commence your trek towards Kilemche Valley. Today’s adventure features a horseback riding tour around the scenic Son Kul Lake. Conclude the day with dinner and overnight accommodation at the Yurt Camp.
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 4 - HORSERIDING: Kyzart Village - Kochkor (4 - 5 hrs riding)
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 5: Kochkor - Karakol (270 km, 5 hrs driving)
Breakfast. Drive towards Karakol. On the way visit Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale). The whole originality of the place is the frozen in bizarre forms colorful red rocks, like after the eruption
Drive to Barskaun gorge, famous for cascading waterfalls with interesting names: “Beard of old man”, Tiers of Snow Leopard” and “Cup of Manas”. Lunch-picnic near the waterfall.
Drive to Jety-Oguz Gorge, by nickname as Switzerland thanks to beautiful fir, junipers, and birch tree forests covered valley. Jety-Oguz Gorge valley with seven red stones rock formation where you can see famous mountains “Broken Heart” and “Seven Bulls”.
Upon our arrival in Karakol, check-in at the Guesthouse and have some free time to relax and refresh.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Â
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 6 - TREKKING: Karakol - Sirota Camp Site (14 km, 5 -6 hrs trekking, Elevation: +1000m)
After breakfast, you will drive to the beginning of Karakol Gorge. Your hiking journey starts from the bridge, where the trail begins to climb gently along the western bank of the Karakol River. You will hike through a variety of landscapes, including forest cover, open pastures, and areas affected by landslides. The trail follows peaceful stretches of the river, where you might encounter horses grazing during the summer months.
More than half of the ascent remains within the tree cover, with the trail zigzagging up a lush green hillside. Eventually, you will emerge into a more open plain for the final kilometer to reach Sirota Hut. Along the way, you will start to witness the rugged terrain leading up to the lake, characterized by sharp peaks and tumbledown rock piles. Just before the path becomes more challenging in the rocky section, you will arrive at Syrota Camp site, your Yurt Camp for the night.
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 7 - TREKKING: Sirota Camp Site - Keldike Valley (10 km, 6 - 7 hrs trekking, Elevation: +1200m)
After a hearty breakfast, we will begin our ascent to Ala-Kol Lake (3500m), a breathtaking natural wonder nestled amidst the majestic Terskey Ala Too Mountains. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of this hidden gem, as it is formed by a natural rock dam. As we make our way, we will enjoy a delicious lunch along the route. The adventure continues as we trek to Keldike Valley situated at an elevation of 3400m, we will take Ala Kol Pass 3860m (this our highest point on this trek).Â
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 8 - TREKKING: Keldike Valley - Altyn Arashan (11 km, 3 - 4 hrs trekking, Elevation: +1100m)
After a satisfying breakfast, our trekking adventure continues towards our next destination: Altyn-Arashan valley. Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of this picturesque valley, which attracts a multitude of tourists. One of the highlights of Altyn-Arashan is its renowned hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. You will have the opportunity to indulge in a rejuvenating bath in the radon water pool, surrounded by the stunning natural scenery.
For lunch and dinner, we will enjoy delicious meals and spend the night in traditional yurts, immersing ourselves in the authentic nomadic experience.
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 9 - TREKKING: Altyn Arashan - AkSuu Village (16 km, 4 - 5 hrs trekking, Elevation: -800m)
After breakfast, we will embark on an easy hiking adventure down the valley. As you explore, you’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning photos of horses, goats, and shepherds in their natural habitat. In the middle of the day, we will meet with the transport and transfer to Karakol.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 10 - Karakol - Bishkek (400 km, 5 - 6 hrs driving)
Embarking on a scenic drive from Kochkor to Bishkek, travelers can enjoy a refreshing break at the Konorchek canyons, nestled halfway between the two cities. These stunning canyons, located 225 kilometers from Bishkek, offer captivating landscapes of red sandstone columns and an ancient extinct volcano, providing a serene retreat amidst Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty. After a small lunch stop, continue the journey to Bishkek. Depending on your further plans drop off can be at the Airport or in the City center.
Dinner at a local restaurant
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: B / LÂ
DAY 11 - Bishkek - Manas Airport (40 km, 30 min driving)
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the Airport.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals included: B
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
$ 1550/person
This price is indicative for a group of 4 people and vary depending  on season, group size or individual changes. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a fixed price.Â
Included:
- Accomodation based on twin/double sharing room
- Accomodation Yurt Camps on sharing bases 4-5 people/yurt
- Meals: full board
- Excursions and entry fees like mentioned in the program
- Transfers for horseriding, trekking and to airport
- Guide
- Local taxes
Not included:
- Kyrgyz Visa – if needed
- International flights
- medical/evacuation insurance
- soft & alcoholic drinks
- personal expenses
- tipping
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.