Excursion «Kyrgyzstan Horseback Riding (without flights)»

Kyrgyzstan is an amazing and unique in its beauty country. This small oasis in the heart of Central Asia impresses with its huge variety of landscapes and unique Son Kul Lake plays considerable role. Only in Kyrgyzstan during summer period you will see yurts – nomadic portable dwellings, decorated with felt carpets. Meet nomads, who will welcome you and invite to their yurt to try traditional Kyrgyz drink kymyz.

DAY 1. (SUN) BISHKEK CITY. (30 KM/45 MIN)

Arrival in Bishkek early in the morning, transfer to the city. Visit the Manas Monument, walk around Ala Too Square to watch the changing of the Guard of Honor, visit the Kurmanzhan Datka Monument and main governmental buildings. Excursion to Victory Square and visit Osh market. Return to the hotel. Dinner is not included.

DAY 2. (MON) BISHKEK CITY – BURANA TOWER - KYZART VILLAGE (280 KM/ 6-7 HOURS)

Drive to Kyzart village. On the way, visit Burana Tower, an ancient minaret near Tokmok town. Explore the ruins of this significant trading point along the Great Silk Road and visit a local museum showcasing the civilization of that era, along with a collection of Balbals, Turkic ancient tombstones. Upon arrival, you'll be accommodated in a local homestay. Take a stroll in this typical Kyrgyz village, receive instructions and preparation for horse riding. Dinner and overnight stay at the homestay.

DAY 3. (TUE) KYZART VILLAGE– CHAAR ARCHA PASTURE– TUZ ASHUU PASTURE (16 KM ON HORSEBACK/APPROX 4-5 HOURS)

Today, after breakfast, we drive by vehicle to the bridge (14 km), the starting point of our horseback riding journey to the Tuz Ashuu pasture. During the ride, we enjoy magnificent views of the Chaar Archa pastures. Along the way, we stop for a picnic lunch with boxed meals. Then, we ascend to the Tuz Ashuu pass (3228 m) to admire the beautiful Son Kul lake. Descending to the Tuz Ashuu pastures (3050 m), we encounter herds of cattle and sheep on our path. Upon arrival, we are greeted by a shepherd family who invites us for dinner at their yurt camp.

DAY 4. (WED) TUZ ASHUU PASTURE – TULPAR TASH PASTURE (14 KM ON HORSEBACK / APPROX. 3-4 HOURS)

After breakfast, we take the west direction of the lake and horse riding along the shore of the lake. Small climbs and descents (max 100 m) await you before arriving at Tulpar Tash yurt camp.Lunch in a yurt camp. The shore of the lake is beautiful with the herds of horses, cows, sheep and goats. Possibility to go to the shepherds and taste fermented mare's milk, kurut -cheese balls, and simply tea with cow's milk ... Dinner and overnight at yurt camp (4-6 person in a yurt). Horse riding distance: 14 km, including 100m uphill and 100m downhill.

DAY 5. (THU) TULPAR TASH PASTURE – KAMBAR ATA PASTURE – TUULGA TASH PASTURE (18 KM ON HORSEBACK / APPROX. 5 HOURS)

On this day, we will cover 18 km along beautiful landscapes with the shepherds' yurts. Lunch will be at the Kambar Ata Yurt Camp. During the hike, you can enjoy the sights of edelweiss and forget-me-nots, as well as observe various birds, including ducks, cranes, storks, and many others. We will continue horse riding until we reach the Tuulga Tash pasture, where dinner and overnight accommodation in a yurt camp await us.

DAY 6. (FRI) TUULGA TASH – BISHKEK (350 KM / 6-7 HOURS)

After breakfast we will take another beautiful drive to Bishkek city. We leave Song Kul Lake and will take the road in the morning through one of the most spectacular areas of Tien Shan, Kalmak Ashu Pass (3446m), towards Bishkek city. Lunch – en route.Arrival in Bishkek, check-in.If time permits, you may go shopping in the largest department store in the city – ZUM.

Optionally (for supplement): Folklore show at a local restaurant.Especially for you musicians will play national melodies of Kyrgyz people and show you musical instruments. You will listen to a singing and enjoy the charming melodies of our ancestors.Folklore show is possible if whole group participates.

DAY 7. (SAT) BISHKEK CITY – AIRPORT “MANAS”. (30 KM/45 MIN)

Breakfast. Morning transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home. End of tour 

The price is per person based on double occupancy.

Minimum group size: 4 people.

Cancellation conditions: Specify when booking

The cost includes:
* Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing in hotel and homestay and 4-6 people sharing in yurts (except Tuulga Tash yurt camp, in this yurt camp accommodation is 2-4 pax in a yurt) – 6 nights 
* local english speaking guide (for days 1-6) except the 7th day
*meals: as per program (B- 6, L- 3, D- 4)
* entrance and ecological fee according to the program 
* transport services during all tour
* drinking water (1 liter per person a day, please take your flask which you’ll use during horse riding part) boiled water 
* rent of horses for riding, horseman services and his assistant (s) on days 3, 4, and 5
 * horses for portering on days 3,4,5
The cost does not include:
* single supplement
* folklore show
* personal expenses 
* tips for driver and guide
* international and domestic flights
  * alcohol and soft drinks

Clothes and equipment:

You can take all necessary things. Please take into consideration that in summer time the temperature in Bishkek city reaches up to 40 C° and in the mountains the temperature decreases to 10 C°. Be prepared for unexpected changes of the weather.

Recommended:

• Rain-coat Sweater/fleece

• Wind-stopper

• Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking something with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)

• Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)

• Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)

• Insect repellent (skin + clothes)

• Good trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains.

• Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks

• Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions). 

• Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper. 

• A small towel

• Swimming suit (for Issyk-Kul)

• Sunglasses

• Photo camera  

• A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.

• Flash light (torch)

• Walking poles if needed

Money exchange - if you plan to exchange dollars /euro/ to KGS, we recommend to take the notes of 50, 100 USD without stamps, inscriptions and other any damage, because damaged banknotes are not accepted by banks and exchange office.