Day 1 - Bishkek - Chong Kemin
Riding: No riding.
Arrive at Bishkek airport where you will be met by your driver and transferred to the city.
Those arriving early in the morning will be accommodated in a city centre hotel (at extra cost) to rest and have some breakfast. If time allows, you will enjoy a city tour of central Bishkek to learn a little about its history and modern development. You will then head to a restaurant in the city for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will begin the 3-hour drive towards the Chong Kemin valley and National Park. On arrival at the family guesthouse at the entrance to Chong Kemin national park, there is time to relax or take a short walk around the village. In the evening you will enjoy a tasty home-cooked dinner at the guesthouse.
Day 2 - Kayindi - Chelek Lake
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
After breakfast, at around 09:00 am, you will begin your first day of riding in Kyrgyzstan! Following the Chong Kemin valley to its very end, you will begin to ascend into the mountains beyond. After a morning in the saddle, you will stop for a picnic lunch at the entrance to Chong Kemin Park before continuing your climb. You will arrive in the mountain pasture of Toru Aigur which is situated 2200m above sea level, which is the spot for your first campsite. It's time to put up the tents and prepare dinner, which will be eaten around a big campfire (conditions allowing).
Day 3 - Chelek Lake to Ayuluu-Tor Valley
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
After a hearty campfire breakfast, it's time to catch your horses and prepare for your next day of riding. Today you will cross the Toru Aigur meadow and continue to climb up to 2500 - 2600m above sea level. Rising up and over the mountain passes, you will eventually arrive at the secluded and picturesque view of Kol-Kogur lake. Here you will help to set up camp whilst the cook prepares a picnic lunch at the edge of the lake. The afternoon is free - you can spend this time swimming in the lake!
Day 4 - Ayuluu-Tor Valley - Karakol
Riding: 3 - 4 hours
After an early breakfast this morning, you will ready the horses to head over the Ak-Suu pass at 3200m above sea level. In the earlier and later months, you might see snow as you head over the pass and an amazing view on the other side. After a short break, you will continue to head down the side of the mountain and leave the Chong Kemin National Park. You will pass herds of sheep, cattle and horses once more and eventually arrive at a shepherd's station after around 1 hour. Here you will say goodbye to your horses and horsemen who have taken your safely through the mountains these last few days. You will continue your journey down the mountains in an ex-military jeep (a 4x4 experience like no other!).
Eventually, you will arrive near the shores of Issy-Kul lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world, where you will be met by your driver and taken to a guesthouse in the next town for a late lunch. In the afternoon you will be driven to Karakol (about 3 - 4 hours drive). Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant and overnight is in Askar Guest House.
Day 5 - Karakol - Bokonbaev Village
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast today you will visit the Duncan Mosque (one of the first built in Kyrgyzstan) and the Holy Trinity Cathedral in order to better understand the life of Kyrgyz people in the 19th century. After lunch in Karakol, you will drive to Jeti Oguz Valley - the valley of the Seven Bulls - then on to the 'Fairytale Canyon' where you can walk and climb amongst the unusual red sandstone formations. Finally, you will have dinner and spend the night in Gulmira guesthouse.
Day 6 - Bokonbaeva - Kochkor - Kyzart
Riding: No riding.
This morning you will visit an ancient family of eagle hunters and will have the chance to take a photo with their eagles and falcons. From there you will head to Kochkor where you will take lunch at a local restaurant, In the afternoon you will visit a handicrafts and women's cooperative centre to see a show of traditional Kyrgyzstan felt art making. The centre has a small shop where you can purchase a few of these handmade goods. You will then continue to your next stop at a family guesthouse in Kyzart.
Day 7 - Kyzart - Song Kul
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
After breakfast today you will head 1 hour by road to meet your new herd of horses and the local team who will accompany you. Once safely mounted, you will begin your climb up the mountains surrounding Song-Kul lake, at 3000 m above sea level. You will climb steep mountain roads and descend along ancient sheep trails as you make your way toward the lake. On the way, you will stop for lunch with a local nomadic family. The afternoon ride will see you finally descend into the Song Kul caldera and your first view of the lake. Dinner and overnight in a tourist yurt camp with the possibility of booking a traditional Banya (woodfired bath) at extra cost.
Day 8 - Tash Dobo - Tulpar Tash
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
After breakfast this morning, you will rejoin your horses and enjoy a full day of riding around the shores of Song Kul. Following the ancient roads of this area, you will head west and continue to explore the amazing culture of the semi-nomadic people who live here. After three hours of riding, you will stop for lunch with a nomadic family. In the afternoon you will continue your journey through Song Kul until you eventually arrive at the tourist yurt camp where you will be spending the night. Some free time before dinner may see you taking a walk down to the lake shore or watching the sun setting low in the sky.
Day 9 - Tulpar Tash - Tuz Ashuu
Riding: 3 - 4 hours
After breakfast, you will have another three to four hours of riding this morning as you continue to follow ancient nomad pathways along the shores of Song Kul. Now heading towards the southern shores, you will stop for lunch at a tourist yurt camp on the way. In the afternoon you will wind your way towards the yurt camp of a nomadic family, where you will be spending this final night in Song Kul. Final dinner and overnight in yurts.
Day 10 - Tuz Ashuu - Kochkor
Riding: 3 - 4 hours
Today will be your final day of riding. After breakfast, you will mount your horses and complete the final leg of your nomadic journey. Following the main road, you will enjoy a long morning ride of approximately 3-4 hours. You will arrive at a tourist yurt camp in time for lunch and will say goodbye to your horses and team here. In the afternoon you will come down the Kalmak-Ashuu pass by bus, before continuing to Kochkor village where you will soned the night in a guesthouse. Dinner in Kochkor village with a traditional folk music show.
Day 11 - Kochkor - Bishkek
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast, you will transfer to Bishkek. On the way, you will stop to visit the Burana Tower, an architectural complex from the 10th to 11th century and an important point on the Great Silk Road. You will arrive at the hotel around 12:00 and will be able to drop your bags in your rooms before heading out to lunch at a restaurant in the city. In the afternoon you will have a few hours free to shower and relax or perhaps visit the famous Osh-Bazaar market to purchase some souvenirs of your time in Kyrgyzstan. In the evening you will explore Bishkek by night, taking dinner in a local restaurant and bar. Overnight in a 3* hotel.
Day 12
Riding: No riding.
Transfer to the airport for departure in the morning.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.
