Horse riding in Kyrgyzstan is not a day trip on a rented horse. On our 7-day horse trek you ride for five of the seven days, cover about 250 km and spend more than 40 hours in the saddle, across the Naryn highlands at 2,500 to 3,500 metres. This guide walks through the week so you know what to expect before you book.
The short version
- Length: 7 days, 6 nights, 5 days of riding
- Distance and time in the saddle: around 250 km and 40+ hours. On riding days the average works out to about 8 hours and 50 km. That is a calculation, not a promise: weather, the group and the terrain change it.
- Altitude: between 2,500 and 3,500 metres
- Group: 6 to 12 riders with local guides
- Nights: village homestay, yurts and A-frame cabins, all included in the price
- Luggage: a support vehicle carries your bags, so in the saddle you only take what you need that day
- Price: €1,500 per person for the 7-day trek, and a 5-day option at €1,300 per person for groups of at least 6
Day by day
Day 1, Bash-Kaiyndy. You are met at Bishkek airport and driven to Bash-Kaiyndy, a small village in the Naryn region. You settle into a village homestay, have dinner with the family and meet your fellow riders, your guides and the horsemen before the trail begins.
Day 2, Saar Waterfall. After breakfast you are matched with your horse and ride up the valley towards Saar Waterfall. At lunch the support vehicle meets you with a hot, traditional Kyrgyz meal, and in the afternoon you ride on to your overnight stay. This is the long, hard day of the trek, around 7 to 8 hours in the saddle, and the one most riders remember.
Day 3, Sar-Tal Plateau. The ride climbs onto the Sar-Tal Plateau. The open grassland is good for long canters, and lunch is a picnic on the plateau.
Day 4, Kol-Tor Lake. A longer day in the saddle up to Kol-Tor Lake at 2,720 metres. Lunch is a picnic by the water, with time to rest before riding on.
Day 5, Tuz-Ashuu. You cross towards Tuz-Ashuu through high mountain pastures, passing herders and their animals. The support vehicle brings a hot lunch to the midday stop. Some evenings drinks are served around the campfire.
Day 6, Kel-Suu Lake. The ride ends at Kel-Suu Lake, with a hot Kyrgyz lunch on the way. After you arrive there is a boat trip on the lake between canyon walls.
Day 7, Tash Rabat. The last part of the trek takes you to Tash Rabat, a stone caravanserai on the old Silk Road. You watch an eagle show with a local hunter before a farewell dinner.
Every stop has its own page with photos and details: you can read about Saar Waterfall, Kol-Tor, Kel-Suu and Tash Rabat, or see the whole route on the day-by-day itinerary.
Do you need to be an experienced rider?
Five riding days with around eight hours in the saddle on the long ones is a real commitment, so stamina for long days helps. If you are unsure about your level, write to us before booking and we will look at it together. When you reserve a spot you tell us your riding experience: first time on a horse, ridden a few times, ride regularly, or advanced.
What the days feel like
Mornings start with breakfast and getting to know your horse. A support vehicle reaches each stop ahead of you, so when you arrive the table is set and the tea is hot. Meals are included, three a day, and every day brings a different traditional Kyrgyz dish such as beshbarmak, manpar or samsa. On some evenings we share a few drinks around the campfire.
Who the group is
Groups are 6 to 12 riders, deliberately small, with local guides who know the land and the families along the route. A departure is confirmed once 6 riders have booked.
Dates and booking
The 2027 season runs from May to September with ten departures, listed with prices on the dates and prices page. To hold your place you pay a €500 deposit, and the remaining balance is due at least a month before the tour. Please do not book flights before your departure is confirmed.
If you would rather ride with your own group on your own dates, there is also a private tour. Message us on WhatsApp and we will plan it with you.