On the trace of Ella Maillart

On The Trace Of Ella Maillart is our best horseback riding program, inspired by the famous Swiss explorer’s route from 1932. For nine days, you’ll ride through the Tien Shan mountains, surrounded by freedom, breathtaking landscapes, and untouched wilderness. If you’re in Karakol, joining is easy — the tour starts right nearby.

We use the best horses, trained for long expeditions, strong and comfortable for riding every day. You’ll cross the Arabel plateau at over 3600 meters, a place so stunning it feels like another planet. Along the way, camp by rivers, ride through the Juuku valley, and meet nomads — experiencing truly wild nature.

This program is perfect for anyone who wants adventure, freedom, and the spirit of exploration. Riders always leave with unforgettable memories.

The best Travel Experiences in Kyrgyzstan with Kagan!

FROM

 920.00

tour features

Duration

11 Days

Highlights

Sightseeing ● Horseback riding

Best season

Mid June till mid September

Code

HR03D11EN

Here is the program by day

Day 1 / Arrival in Bishkek - transfer to Kizil Suu village Pick up from the airport or in Bishkek. Transfer to Pakrovka, 380km. On the way, we stop for the lunch. Then, we have time to swim on the south shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Late arrival in the guest house. Overnight and dinner in the family house of equestrian guide in Kyzyl Suu village.
In the morning, we ride up to the mountain lake. Then, riding back along the Chon Kizil Suu river. Picnic in the valley of Chon Kizil Suu. Throughout the meadow, forest, we reach Chon Kizil Suu valley. Overnight and dinner in the tent camping at 2600m. 4h or 5h on horseback. Day 2 / Horseback riding to Chon Kizil Suu valley In the morning, we ride up to the mountain lake. Then, riding back along the Chon Kizil Suu river. Picnic in the valley of Chon Kizil Suu. Throughout the meadow, we reach Kichi Kizil Suu valley. Overnight and dinner in the tent camping at 2600m. 6h or 7h on horseback. Day 3 / Horseback riding to Kichi Kizil Suu valley Horseback riding through the Jumatay pass at 3325m. Down to the Jukuchak valley. Overnight and dinner in the camping at 2308m. Natural hot spring not far from our camp. 5h or 6h on horseback. Day 4 / Horseback riding to Juku valley We ride up the Jukuchak Valley. We then tackle the Ashu Kashka Suu pass at 3636m. The ascent and descent are steep. We have a picnic lunch by the river at Ashu Kashka Suu. Afterwards, we continue down to the Juuku Valley. In the late afternoon, we reach our camp. We spend the night and have dinner in tents at around 2700m. 5 or 6 hours on horseback
Day 5 / Horseback riding in Chong Tash
In case of bad weather, or if you (or horses) tired, we can use this day in any places. Horseback riding into the Dunguromo valley. View of the glacier. Back to same camping as before for the overnight and dinner. 5h or 6h on horseback. Day 6 / Exploring day Horseback riding along the Juuku pass. Beautiful lake of Juuku. Picnic at the pass of Juuku at 3800. Following of the riding day to reach the camping on the foot of Jetim Bel pass. Overnight and dinner in the tent at 3800m 5h or 6h on horseback. Day 7 / Horseback riding to Arabel valley We cross Jetim Bel pass at 4100m. Down to south Arabel valley. Picnic at south Jetim valley, summer pasture. Or we stop in the yurt of nomads. Road to the camp at 3700m, by river of Arabel. Overnight and dinner in the tent camping. 7h on horseback. Day 8 / Horseback riding at 4100m. Exploring on horseback or enjoying day at the beautiful place. Overnight and dinner in the same camping as before. Day 9 / Free day at Maytor valley Meeting with driver. Transfer to Issyk Kul lake. Lunch in the local restaurant of Barskoon village. Meeting with a traditional hunter with eagle. Arrival in the yurt camp. Free time on the beach. Overnight and dinner in the yurt camp. 3h of transfer.
Day 10 / Transfer to Bokonbaeva
Morning departure to Bishkek. 280km. Arrival for the lunch in Bishkek. Free time to walk in the city center and visit the famous Osh Bazar. Overnight in the hotel. Free dinner. The end of service.
Day 11 / Transfer to Bishkek

This 11-day tour is a true adventure for lovers of mountains and nature. You will go on a trek through the beautiful Jyrgalan Valley, cross high mountain passes, visit crystal-clear lakes like Boz-Uchuk, Ailanysh, and Ala-Kul, and enjoy the hot springs in Altyn-Arashan.

Along the way, you will learn about Kyrgyz nomadic culture, see ancient landmarks like the Burana Tower, walk along glaciers and rivers, and spend nights in cozy guesthouses, tents, and yurts under the stars. You will experience amazing mountain views, green valleys, wild horses, and the clear waters of alpine lakes.

The tour starts in Bishkek and takes you through remote valleys, high passes, and charming mountain villages, letting you feel the true spirit of Kyrgyz nature and culture. KAGAN invites you on this unforgettable journey — create memories that will last a lifetime!

transport & guide

Private Car with Driver for Journey

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accommodation

Stay in a 4 Star Hotel incl. Breakfast

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other tour services

Enjoy Natural Scenery & Local Life

  • Features:

    This program is for travellers who will rent a car and do not have a fixed plan for their trip.

    Offroad Nomad is a 13-day self-drive itinerary designed for 4x4 travel in Kyrgyzstan. It provides a structured route, daily driving guidance, and logistical support for the full journey.

    The itinerary covers mountain roads, valley routes, high passes, and remote unpaved sections. It includes a mix of long driving days, shorter transfer days, and selected free or flexible days. Each stage includes planned overnight stops in hotels, guesthouses, and traditional yurt camps.

    Support is provided through daily briefings with a tour manager, including information on road conditions, fuel availability, and connectivity. Some areas on the route have limited or no mobile network coverage, so key arrangements are discussed in advance.

    The program includes stops for walking, short hikes, horseback riding, and cultural activities depending on location and conditions. Certain sections of the route pass through remote areas where services are limited, so fuel and supplies are planned in advance through main towns along the route.

    The tour starts and ends in the capital city, where the vehicle is collected and returned according to the agreed procedure.

    Price Per Person:  

     520.00

  • Features:

    Across the Tien Shan on Horseback is our signature horseback journey, designed for those who want to experience the true spirit of the mountains. Over ten days, you’ll travel across the wild landscapes of Kyrgyzstan — from high alpine passes to vast open valleys — guided by the rhythm of your horse and the traditions of nomadic life.

    From the green expanses of Suusamyr to the remote shores of Lake Son Kul and the blue waters of Lake Issyk Kul, each day brings a new horizon. You’ll ride through untouched valleys, cross high mountain passes above 3000 meters, and share moments with nomadic families living in yurts, far from modern life. Nights are spent under the stars, in tents or traditional yurts, surrounded by silence and nature.

    Our horses are carefully selected for endurance and comfort, perfectly adapted to long days in the mountains. Supported by an experienced local team, you can fully enjoy the journey — whether riding across rolling hills, following rivers, or climbing toward panoramic viewpoints.

    This adventure is made for travelers seeking authenticity, freedom, and connection with nature. It’s more than a trip — it’s a journey into the heart of nomadic Kyrgyzstan, where every day leaves a lasting impression.

    Price Per Person:  

     1,180.00

  • Features:

    Horseback Riding Expedition / Central Tien Shan is our most complete horseback riding expedition, following remote valleys and high mountain plateaus in the heart of the Central Tien Shan. For 17 days, you’ll ride through wild landscapes, surrounded by freedom, breathtaking scenery, and untouched wilderness. Perfect horseback riding expedition for a small group from 4 till 6 people.

    We use strong, well-trained horses, perfect for long expeditions and daily riding. You’ll cross high passes and alpine plateaus, camp by rivers, ride through Juuku Valley, Arabel Plateau, Kel Suu Lake, and Son Kul Lake, and meet nomads — experiencing real mountain life. If you are looking for the remote areas, that is right itinerary.

    This expedition is perfect for riders seeking adventure, remote area, freedom, and exploration. Everyone finishes this tour with unforgettable memories.

    Price Per Person:  

     1,680.00

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