Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan - Horse trekking on the Silk Road
Kyrgyzstan - Horse trekking on the Silk Road
Duration
15 days
Start/End
Bischkek
Tour type
Group
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
Tent, guesthouse, hotel
Overview
On this riding trip you explore Central Asia's mountains with your horse – from the Barskoon Canyon via Sary-Tor and the Kok-Jar gorge to the Arabel Pass. You ride at a calm pace through remote valleys, experience nomad life and need riding experience in rough terrain as well as very good fitness.
On this unforgettable horseback riding tour, you'll immerse yourself in the captivating mountain world of Central Asia. With your trusty steed, you'll explore breathtaking landscapes characterized by rugged peaks, sweeping valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. As you ride through remote mountain passes and pristine wilderness, you'll experience the simple yet awe-inspiring nomadic way of life. This journey requires not only riding experience but also a good level of physical fitness, as you'll be traveling at altitudes of over 4,000 meters. At a leisurely pace and with mindful awareness, you'll experience the diversity and beauty of Kyrgyzstan from a unique perspective.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Bishkek
Guesthouse
5-6 h
After arriving at Bishkek airport early in the morning, we'll have a short drive to the capital. Following a hearty breakfast, we'll set off for the picturesque Barskoon region, where a five- to six-hour drive through breathtaking landscapes awaits us. We'll reach our destination: a comfortable, privately run guesthouse where we'll spend the night and relax after our journey.
Arrival in Bishkek
Day 1
Guesthouse
5-6 h
After arriving at Bishkek airport early in the morning, we'll have a short drive to the capital. Following a hearty breakfast, we'll set off for the picturesque Barskoon region, where a five- to six-hour drive through breathtaking landscapes awaits us. We'll reach our destination: a comfortable, privately run guesthouse where we'll spend the night and relax after our journey.
Day 2
The natural wonder of Barskoon Canyon
Tent
After a refreshing night, we drive a short distance to Barskoon Canyon, one of the region's most impressive natural wonders. Here, we load our horses and begin our journey through dense forests, encountering herds of cattle, sheep, and horses. The day is characterized by a mix of gentle climbs and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
The natural wonder of Barskoon Canyon
Day 2
Tent
After a refreshing night, we drive a short distance to Barskoon Canyon, one of the region's most impressive natural wonders. Here, we load our horses and begin our journey through dense forests, encountering herds of cattle, sheep, and horses. The day is characterized by a mix of gentle climbs and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 3
Today we're going to great heights!
Tent
The day begins with breakfast in the crisp, fresh mountain air, fortifying us for the adventure ahead. We ride on into the higher vegetation zone of the mountains, where the forests thin out and nature rewards us with open expanses and breathtaking views. The air grows thinner, and we feel ourselves venturing ever deeper into the wilderness.
Today we're going to great heights!
Day 3
Tent
The day begins with breakfast in the crisp, fresh mountain air, fortifying us for the adventure ahead. We ride on into the higher vegetation zone of the mountains, where the forests thin out and nature rewards us with open expanses and breathtaking views. The air grows thinner, and we feel ourselves venturing ever deeper into the wilderness.
Day 4
View into the Kerege Tash Valley
Tent
We slowly reach the first pass of our journey, the 3,900-meter-high pass, which offers us a spectacular view of the Kerege Tash Valley. The snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains captivate us and allow us to truly feel the immense vastness of the landscape. The ride continues uphill, and the view becomes ever more magnificent.
View into the Kerege Tash Valley
Day 4
Tent
We slowly reach the first pass of our journey, the 3,900-meter-high pass, which offers us a spectacular view of the Kerege Tash Valley. The snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains captivate us and allow us to truly feel the immense vastness of the landscape. The ride continues uphill, and the view becomes ever more magnificent.
Day 5
Originality at the Sary Gate
Tent
Today's challenge involves a river crossing before we descend into the Sary-Tor high valley, which welcomes us with its pristine beauty. After a long ride, we return to the valley in the afternoon, where we set up camp right on the banks of the Kerege-Tash River. The campsite is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers us a peaceful retreat.
Originality at the Sary Gate
Day 5
Tent
Today's challenge involves a river crossing before we descend into the Sary-Tor high valley, which welcomes us with its pristine beauty. After a long ride, we return to the valley in the afternoon, where we set up camp right on the banks of the Kerege-Tash River. The campsite is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers us a peaceful retreat.
Day 6
Experience nomadic life up close
Tent
The trail leads us downhill through the wide Uch-Emchek Valley, which enchants us with its tranquility and vastness. We reach a campsite near the shepherds' huts, where we spend the night. The day is characterized by the unspoiled nature and the proximity to the nomads who have inhabited the area for centuries.
Experience nomadic life up close
Day 6
Tent
The trail leads us downhill through the wide Uch-Emchek Valley, which enchants us with its tranquility and vastness. We reach a campsite near the shepherds' huts, where we spend the night. The day is characterized by the unspoiled nature and the proximity to the nomads who have inhabited the area for centuries.
Day 7
Into the wilderness of the Kok Jar Gorge
Tent
Today we continue our descent into the lower mountain regions, where we are surprised by the complete isolation of the area. We encounter only the nomads' herds of animals: yaks, horses, cows, sheep, and goats graze peacefully across the pastures. At the end of the day, we set up camp near the Kok Jar Gorge, an idyllic spot enveloped by nature.
Into the wilderness of the Kok Jar Gorge
Day 7
Tent
Today we continue our descent into the lower mountain regions, where we are surprised by the complete isolation of the area. We encounter only the nomads' herds of animals: yaks, horses, cows, sheep, and goats graze peacefully across the pastures. At the end of the day, we set up camp near the Kok Jar Gorge, an idyllic spot enveloped by nature.
Day 8
In the face of the Jaman-Echki massif
Tent
Our ride takes us along the Burkan River, and we approach the imposing Jaman Echki massif. We feel how the vastness of the landscape makes us one with nature. We set up our camp on the banks of the Jaman Echki River, where we can enjoy the silence amidst the mountains.
In the face of the Jaman-Echki massif
Day 8
Tent
Our ride takes us along the Burkan River, and we approach the imposing Jaman Echki massif. We feel how the vastness of the landscape makes us one with nature. We set up our camp on the banks of the Jaman Echki River, where we can enjoy the silence amidst the mountains.
Day 9
Expansive views
Tent
Today's ride takes us through a picturesque valley fringed by snow-capped peaks. The silence and pristine beauty of nature captivate us as we draw ever closer to the majestic mountains. It's a day of enjoyment and wonder as we delve into the depths of this enchanting region.
Expansive views
Day 9
Tent
Today's ride takes us through a picturesque valley fringed by snow-capped peaks. The silence and pristine beauty of nature captivate us as we draw ever closer to the majestic mountains. It's a day of enjoyment and wonder as we delve into the depths of this enchanting region.
Day 10
At the summit of the trek - Arabel Pass (3,850 m)
Tent
Today we cross the Arabel Pass at 3,850 meters, a true highlight of the trip. Afterwards, we reach the lake district before the Juuku Pass and set up camp beside the Arabel-Suu River. The scenery is breathtaking, and we enjoy the ride through this stunning mountain landscape, surrounded by pristine nature.
At the summit of the trek - Arabel Pass (3,850 m)
Day 10
Tent
Today we cross the Arabel Pass at 3,850 meters, a true highlight of the trip. Afterwards, we reach the lake district before the Juuku Pass and set up camp beside the Arabel-Suu River. The scenery is breathtaking, and we enjoy the ride through this stunning mountain landscape, surrounded by pristine nature.
Day 11
Passing the Juuku Pass
Tent
Our ride continues over the Juuku Pass at 3,633 meters and down into the Juuku Valley, where the region's breathtaking landscape enchants us. Surrounded by towering mountain ranges, we enjoy the vastness of the mountain plateau, where the natural rhythm of life unfolds.
Passing the Juuku Pass
Day 11
Tent
Our ride continues over the Juuku Pass at 3,633 meters and down into the Juuku Valley, where the region's breathtaking landscape enchants us. Surrounded by towering mountain ranges, we enjoy the vastness of the mountain plateau, where the natural rhythm of life unfolds.
Day 12
On the return journey to Barskoon
Tent
Today, the last mountain pass crossing of our journey awaits us: the Dunguromo Pass at 3,773 meters. After this challenging section, we reach the Sary Moinok Valley, a vast and beautiful valley that opens the way back to Barskoon. Once there, we'll have the opportunity to reflect on the experiences of the past few days before we return.
On the return journey to Barskoon
Day 12
Tent
Today, the last mountain pass crossing of our journey awaits us: the Dunguromo Pass at 3,773 meters. After this challenging section, we reach the Sary Moinok Valley, a vast and beautiful valley that opens the way back to Barskoon. Once there, we'll have the opportunity to reflect on the experiences of the past few days before we return.
Day 13
Return to Bishkek
Hotel
5-6 h
We begin our return journey to Bishkek. During the five- to six-hour drive, we once again enjoy the expansive views of Kyrgyzstan's breathtaking landscape. After arriving, we spend the night in a hotel and have time to relax.
Return to Bishkek
Day 13
Hotel
5-6 h
We begin our return journey to Bishkek. During the five- to six-hour drive, we once again enjoy the expansive views of Kyrgyzstan's breathtaking landscape. After arriving, we spend the night in a hotel and have time to relax.
Day 14
Souvenir shopping at the bazaar
Hotel
The last day of our trip takes us through the capital city of Bishkek. A city tour will allow us to soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating city one last time. The afternoon will be free for some final shopping and sightseeing before we prepare for our flight home.
Souvenir shopping at the bazaar
Day 14
Hotel
The last day of our trip takes us through the capital city of Bishkek. A city tour will allow us to soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating city one last time. The afternoon will be free for some final shopping and sightseeing before we prepare for our flight home.
Day 15
Return journey
After a final breakfast, it's time to say goodbye and we begin our journey home.
Return journey
Day 15
After a final breakfast, it's time to say goodbye and we begin our journey home.
Price from
€2,385.00
Services
What's included
Overnight stays as per program
Full board during the trail (lunch as a picnic), breakfast at the hotel in Bishkek
Airport transfers
Luggage transport in provided saddlebags
English-speaking riding guide
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Riding helmet (mandatory)
Sleeping bag (comfort zone down to -10 degrees)
sleeping mat
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
High
Culture / nature
Nature-led
The horses are easy to ride, but due to the rugged terrain, you should be confident riding uphill and downhill. This means you should have experience riding in varied terrain and be able to ease the load on your horse. For this ride across the high plateaus (up to over 4000 m), it is essential that you are very physically fit and have good stamina. The rides themselves take place at a leisurely pace due to the high mountain landscape.
Dates and prices
There are no departures available at the moment. Send a request and we will find a suitable date.
RequestNotes on the trip
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
The safety of our participants is our top priority on our active tours. Since we often travel in alpine or remote regions, weather conditions such as strong winds, fog, persistent rain or snowfall, as well as other unforeseen circumstances, can affect the execution of the planned route. In such cases, our experienced local guide will react flexibly and adjust the route or program accordingly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. These decisions are always made in the best interests of all participants, so that the tour remains safe and as enjoyable as possible. Any claims for compensation are excluded in such cases.
Kyrgyzstan Climate
Kyrgyzstan is characterized by a dry continental climate with pronounced temperature fluctuations. While summer heat with temperatures up to 45 °C is not uncommon in the south of the country, temperatures in winter often drop below -10 °C, even in lower-lying regions. Sunny weather dominates during July, August, and September – with an average of 250 sunny days a year, Kyrgyzstan offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities. During this time, daytime high temperatures reach around 35°C in Bishkek, approximately 30°C at Lake Issyk-Kul, and a pleasant 15°C at Lake Son-Kul. However, nights cool down considerably, especially at higher altitudes, and even in summer, temperatures in the high mountains can drop close to freezing.