Packing for a horse trek is different from any other kind of travel. Space is limited to what fits in your saddlebag. Weight matters, your horse carries it all day. And the conditions can shift from warm sun to cold wind within an hour.
After years of guiding riders through the Naryn highlands, here's what we've learned works.
The Golden Rule: Less is More
You'll be on horseback for 6–8 hours a day. Everything you pack either goes in your saddlebag (limited to ~10kg) or into the support vehicle. If you're unsure about an item, leave it out.
Clothing
Layers are everything. The highlands swing between 5°C at dawn and 25°C by midday.
- Base layer: merino wool, not cotton. Cotton stays wet; wool dries and regulates temperature.
- Mid layer: a light fleece or down jacket. Packable is ideal.
- Outer layer: a windproof, waterproof shell. Rain comes fast and unexpectedly.
- Riding trousers: padded cycling shorts underneath regular trousers work well. Avoid jeans, they chafe badly.
- Gloves: thin liner gloves for morning starts and windier days.
- Hat: both a sun hat and a warm beanie. The sun at altitude is intense; evenings get cold fast.
Footwear
Boots with a small heel are best for riding, they prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup. Ankle support matters when you're walking sections of rocky terrain. A pair of lightweight camp shoes (sandals or slip-ons) for evenings.
Riding Gear
We provide helmets and can lend basic riding gloves. However:
- Sunglasses: essential. Dust and altitude UV are serious.
- Sun cream SPF 50+: reapply every two hours at altitude.
- Lip balm with SPF: often forgotten, always regretted.
Sleeping & Camp
Our itinerary includes yurt stays and wild camping. Bring:
- Sleeping bag liner: we provide sleeping bags, but a liner adds warmth and feels cleaner.
- Headtorch: essential for night camps.
- Earplugs: nomadic dogs are enthusiastic and vocal.
Health & Hygiene
- Personal medications and a small first aid kit
- Blister plasters, even experienced riders develop saddle soreness on day one
- Hand sanitiser and biodegradable wet wipes
- Altitude headache relief (ibuprofen works fine)
What NOT to Bring
- Hard suitcases, soft duffels only
- More than two pairs of shoes
- Anything valuable you'd be upset to lose to dust or rain
- Heavy camera equipment unless you're an experienced rider, a phone or mirrorless camera is plenty
The One Thing Most Riders Forget
A small drybag or ziplock bags. Rain arrives fast. Electronics, documents, and snacks need to stay dry. Pack everything assuming it will get wet at some point.
Our team does a pre-departure kit check in Bishkek. We'll flag anything missing and can help source last-minute items in the city before we head to the mountains.