

On the trace of Ella Maillart
Our best horseback riding program. We love every stage, every horse… KAGAN invites you to follow part of the route taken by the famous Swiss explorer Ella Maillart (1932). Nine days of horseback riding in the Tien Shan mountains will help you unwind completely. Freedom, breathtaking landscapes, and untouched wilderness will accompany you for nine unforgettable days. If you’re in Karakol, joining this ride is easy. It’s designed just for that.
Highlights of the tour:
- Best horses: We know the horses from all over the country. There are the best horses for a day ride and the expedition horses. Our horses for this trip are trained for expeditions. Well-maintained, strong, and with comfortable gaits.
- The plateau at over 3600m: At the end of the hike, you will feel like you’re on another planet. The Arabel plateau and its snow-covered peaks are stunning… It’s impossible to describe with words.
- Untamed nature: We camp by the river in tents, pass by nomads, and gallop through the Juuku valley. In short, we fully enjoy a place where there are no rules, and where pristine nature reigns!
We have never had any dissatisfied clients with this program. Below is the map of the itinerary, the day-by-day program, and of course, the prices!

Program by day hr03d9
Day 0 / you should arrive in Chon Kizil Suu village. Briefing with a guide, checking the horses and overnight in the equestrian guide house.
D1 / Pakrovka – Chon Kizil Suu valley: In the morning, we drive 30min. to reach our horses and equestrian team. Start of the horseback riding into the valley of Chon Kizil Suu. Arrival at the camping at 2569m. Overnight and dinner in the tent. 6h or 7h on horseback.
D2 / Kichi 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.
D3 / Juku 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.
D4 / Chon Tash camp: Along the Juuku river, we ride on horseback to reach camp at 3000m Today, there is no pass, but we go up along the river. 5h on horseback.
D5/ Exploring day: 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.
D6 / Jetim bel valley : 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 6h or 7h on horseback.
D7 / Mountain refuge: We cross Jetim Bel pass at 4100m. Down to south Arabel valley. Picnic at Maytor summer pasture. Road to hunting refuge at 3700m. Overnight and dinner in the tent camping. 7h or 8h on horseback.
D8 / Free day at Maytor valley: Exploring on horseback or enjoying day at the beautiful place. Overnight and dinner in the same camping as before.
D9 / Transfer to Bokonbaeva: Meeting with driver. Transfer to Issyk Kul lake. Free time on the beach. Overnight and dinner in the yurt camp. 3h of transfer. End of service.
PRICE PER PERSON IN €: |
|
2 PAX | 1650 €/PER |
3 PAX | 1310 €/PER |
4 PAX | 1160 €/PER |
5 PAX | 990 €/PER |
6 PAX | 900 €/PER |
Price includes:
- Last Transfer from camping to yurt camp on the beach of Issyk Kul lake,
- Guide translator, and equestrian guide,
- Tents 2 people in 1 tents, Accommodation in the yurt camp in Bokonbaeva for 1night,
- Full board, (all meals),
- Hot spring fees
- Rent of horses.
Price excludes:
- Travel insurance.
- International air tickets.
- Alcohol and mineral water.
- Others services non mentioned in the program.

Notes
- The Kyrgyz visa is not required for citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Japan. Simply provide the valid passport within the next 6 months. No need special vaccinations.
- The average altitude during the tours is 3000m.
- Weather: Warm days and cool nights, with colder conditions at higher altitudes such as Arabel valley (3700m)
- The program is provided for informational purposes only. It may be subject to modifications depending on flight schedules, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances
- The program is intended for riders who are in good physical shape.
- The equipment: gloves, rain coats, riding boots and warm hat. For camping (tents, dishes, etc.) is provided by KAGAN. Provide your personal sleeping bag (comfort 0C`) and matrass. You luggage will be carry in the assistance car.
- Health Precautions: Consult your doctor if you have concerns about altitude sickness. Guides carry basic first-aid kits.
- If you have any preference for food, please let us know. Traditional Kyrgyz meals with vegetarian options available upon prior request.
- In the event of a significant change in the Euro rate, the cost of the program will be modified accordingly. The current rate of 1€ = 90 KGS.
- Deposit: A €100 deposit confirms your booking. The remaining balance is due upon arrival in Bishkek via bank transfer 1 week before your arrival in Kyrgyzstan (bank fees are not included in the price). Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to future bookings.
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