A journey through Kyrgyzstan & the Tian Shan Mountains - Son-Kul Lake | Andrew Bain

Local herder in the Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan | Lachlan Gardiner

Expansive views across the steppe, Kyrgyzstan | Maria Torres

Horses above our Yurt camp in the Tian Shan | Lachlan Gardiner

Kyrgyzstan Horse Trek

Ride the Celestial Mountains in Kyrgyzstan - an expedition through time, culture & wild landscapes

11 Days from

$3290 USD

Trip Code: KHT

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single supplement (hotels, yurts & tents)

$360 USD

Duration

11 Days

Activities

8 days horse trekking

Accommodation

5 nights yurt
3 nights tented camping
2 nights hotel

Meals

10 Dinners
10 Lunches
10 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

37kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(407kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Ride through sweeping alpine pastures and high mountain passes in the Tien Shan range
Stay in traditional yurts with Kyrgyz nomadic families samping authentic mountain cuisine
Explore ancient trade routes, hidden valleys and untouched wilderness landscapes
Witness the untouched beauty of Song Kol Lake, riding alongside herds of wild horses
Enjoy warm hospitality in remote camps and experience the rhythm of nomadic life
Journey with local horsemen and expert guides for a rich cultural and scenic adventure

Overview

We’ve worked with experienced Kyrgyz guides to craft a riding journey that feels raw, real and rewarding – perfect for travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature and culture.

Stay in authentic shepherds’ yurts, where warm meals and local traditions bring each day to a memorable close.

This trip is part of our “K Destinations” series, and there’s no place quite like Kyrgyzstan – dramatic, remote, and welcoming.

Small group departures ensure you’re well-supported, while still immersed in the nomadic landscapes of the Tien Shan mountains.

This horse trek through Kyrgyzstan is an unforgettable immersion in Central Asia’s high mountain culture. You’ll journey with local horsemen across alpine meadows, over remote passes, and through broad valleys where snow-capped peaks and endless skies frame the trail. Nights are spent in cosy yurts or wilderness tents, sharing stories and meals with nomadic hosts under star-filled skies.

With highlights including the wild beauty of Song Kol Lake, the challenge of Shamshy and Buchuk Passes, and the cultural depth of Bishkek, this is a ride like no other – rugged, remote, and rich in connection.

Itinerary

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Upon arrival to Manas International Airport, you will be met by the local guide and driver and transferred to Bishkek city. Early checkin is included at your hotel so you can head up to your room to refresh after your flight. There will be a group briefing on Day 1 at 12.00pm before heading out for lunch and sightseeing. We will head to the city centre to begin our walking tour around the main Ala Too Square, the legacy of the Soviet Union. We will pass by the Manas Monument, which is dedicated to the main hero of the Kyrgyz people, witness the State Flag and the ceremony of changing of the Guards of Honour. We will view the monument of the Revolution of 2010, the White House and Lenin statue. Plus walk around old Alo Too Square which has a number of historical buildings such as the fine art gallery and the Kurmanjan Datka monument. From here we will transfer across to the Victory Square dedicated to those who perished in World War Two, before enjoying a welcome dinner. Overnight: Asia Mountains Hotel or similar (700m) Driving: 30kms

Meals: L,D

Leave the capital and drive east toward the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range, part of the vast Tian Shan system whose crystalline rocks date from the Paleozoic Era. At Shamshy Gorge, meet your horsemen and crew. After lunch, mount up for a gentle ride toward Shamshy Pass. There will be 3 river fords. Camp overnight in tents before the pass (3014m / 9888ft). Driving: 3-4 hrs / 120-150 km / 75-93 mi Approx riding distance: ~ 11km / 6.84mi Ascent: 734m / 2408ft Accommodation: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

Ascend over Shamshy Pass (3570m / 11713ft), pausing for sweeping views across the northern Tian Shan. There will be 1 river ford. Descend into Sarala-Saz, where herders greet us with tea in their felt yurts. (2936m / 9633ft) Approx riding distance: ~ 17km / 10.56mi Ascent: 656m / 2152ft Descent: 634m / 2080ft Accommodation: Yurt camp

Meals: B,L,D

Ride through undulating pastures framed by snow-tipped peaks over the Ak-Bel Pass (3041m / 9977ft) to reach Iyri-Suu Jailoo (2484m / 8150ft). There will be 2 river fords. After dinner, enjoy an evening walk into the Kashka-Suu valley. Approx riding distance: ~ 22km / 13.67mi Ascent: 100m / 328ft Descent: 557m / 1827ft Accommodation: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

A long, rewarding day. Cross the Karakol River, then climb 916 metres (3005 feet) to Buchuk Pass (3400m / 11155ft). Picnic with views of glacier-carved peaks before descending into the tranquil Soak Valley - where meltwater streams remind us that the Tian Shan feeds much of Central Asia. (2570m / 8432ft) Approx riding distance: ~ 18km / 11.2mi Ascent: 916m / 3005ft Descent: 830m / 2723ft Accommodation: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today we ascend to the panoramic Kum Bel Pass (3550m / 11647ft) which reveals the glacier-studded Tian Shan interior. Continue along scree slopes to Kolduu Suu and descend into a flower-filled valley. Descend to Kolduu-Suu Valley and onward to Kyzart Pass, where your yurt hosts await. (2567m / 8422ft) Approx riding distance: ~ 23km / 14.3mi Ascent: 980m / 3215ft Descent: 980m / 3225ft Accommodation: Yurt camp

Meals: B,L,D

Traverse the sweeping grasslands of Kyzyl-Kiya Pass (3061m / 10043ft), then descend into Chaar-Archa Valley beneath the sacred peak Baba-Ata (4400m / 14435ft). Arrive at Kilemche Jailoo, a summer gathering place for herders. (2600m / 8530ft) Approx riding distance: ~ 16km / 10mi Ascent: 500m / 1640ft Descent: 460m / 1510ft Accommodation: Yurt camp

Meals: B,L,D

Climb to Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3285m / 10778ft) to enter the Song-Kol basin, an alpine lake frozen for half the year. Descend to the shoreline camp at Zhaman-Echki (3033m / 9951ft). Enjoy the high-altitude serenity and nomadic lifestyle. Approx riding distance: ~ 20km / 12.43mi Ascent: 685m / 2248ft Descent: 252m / 827ft Accommodation: Yurt camp

Meals: B,L,D

Ride along the shimmering lake, witnessing nomadic life and natural beauty on the jailoo. Weather permitting, wade or swim with your horse. Camp at Tulpar-Tash, sharing stories under the stars. (3050m / 10007ft). Approx riding distance: ~ 15-20km / 9.32 - 12.43mi Ascent: 30-40m / 98.5 - 131.2ft Descent: 10-20m / 32.8 - 65.6ft Accommodation: Yurt camp

Meals: B,L,D

Say goodbye to your horses and crew. Drive back to Bishkek (7 hrs), stopping in Kochkor for lunch. Arrive in Bishkek for a farewell dinner celebrating the people and landscapes of the Tian Shan. Overnight: Asia Mountains Hotel or similar (700m) Driving: 7hrs; 300km / 186mi

Meals: B,L,D

Transfer to Manas International Airport for departure. Carry home the silence of alpine valleys and the warmth of Kyrgyz hospitality. Driving: 30kms

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
Bilingual local guide
Accompanied by camp crew, and skilled horse handlers
5 nights yurt accommodation - note there are 4 people in each yurt
3 nights fully supported camping
2 nights in comfortable hotel accommodation in Bishkek on a twin share basis
Two person tents, group camping equipment & mess tent (but NO sleeping bags) whilst on horse trek
Horse rental and handler fees
Bishkek airport transfers, Days 1 & 11 only
Private transportation in quality vehicles
Sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
National Park fees
Medical kit & emergency communications equipment
Helmet

Not included

Sleeping Bags
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, porterage, etc.
Tips and gratuities
International airfares & departure taxes
Visa’s and visa support fees (if necessary)
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Any airport transfers other than days 1 & 11; or any optional activities
Photo/video fees at museums