Across the Tien Shan On Horseback

Our signature horseback journey through the wild landscapes of Kyrgyzstan — from the green expanses of Suusamyr to the remote shores of Son-Kul and the blue waters of Issyk-Kul.

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📅 10 Days

🐎 Horseback Riding

🏔️ Up to 3,325 m

The circuit

Ten Days Across the Eastern Tien Shan

From Suusamyr to Son-Kul and Issyk-Kul

Across the Tien Shan on Horseback is a 10-day journey through Kyrgyzstan’s mountain landscapes and nomadic culture. The route combines horseback riding, remote valleys, high passes, alpine lakes and encounters with families living in traditional yurts.

The journey begins in Bishkek and moves into the Suusamyr Valley, continuing through Aramza and Kichi Suusamyr before reaching Son-Kul Lake and finally the shores of Issyk-Kul.

Route: Bishkek → Suusamyr → Aramza Valley → Kichi Suusamyr → Kyzyl-Oy → Son-Kul → Kochkor → Issyk-Kul → Bishkek

Route map of the Across the Tien Shan on Horseback tour

Horseback riding tour

from €1,400
/ person · group 10 people

Duration

10 days

Horseback riding

Maximum Altitude

3,325 m

Season

Mid-June–mid-September

Book This Tour

Day by day

Detailed Program

1 Day. Arrival in Bishkek

BISHKEK

Arrival in Bishkek and check-in at a hostel in the city center. Spend the day walking around and visiting the Kyrgyz capital. Meals are on your own. In the evening, meet the guide for a briefing about the expedition.

🌆 Bishkek · 🚶 City walk · 🏨 Guide briefing · Hostel

2 Day. Transfer to Suusamyr Valley

BISHKEK → SUUSAMYR

We leave Bishkek and drive toward Suusamyr. The drive takes about 3 hours and crosses a mountain pass and tunnel at 3,200 m. We have a picnic outdoors with the horse guide team before starting our first 2-hour horseback ride. The afternoon is easy and relaxed. Overnight and dinner in a tent at 2,200 m.

🚗 3 h transfer · 🐎 2 h horseback · 🏔 3,200 m pass · 2,200 m camp

3 Day. Horseback Riding in Suusamyr Valley

SUUSAMYR VALLEY

This is a full day of exploration on horseback. The goal is to acclimatize and get to know the horses and horse guides. Overnight and dinner at the same camp.

🐎 Horseback riding · 🏔 Acclimatization · Mountain valley · Camping

4 Day. Horseback Riding to Aramza Pass

SUUSAMYR VALLEY → ARAMZA PASS

In the morning, we get back on our horses and ride up the valley along the river of the same name. We meet nomads in their yurts and tents and have a picnic along the way. In the mid-afternoon, we arrive at camp at 3,000 m, at the foot of Aramza Pass. Overnight and dinner in a tent.

🐎 4–5 h horsebac · 🏔 3,000 m · Aramza Pass · Nomadic yurts

5 Day. Horseback Riding in Kichi Suusamyr and Aramza Valley

ARAMZA VALLEY → KYZYL-OY

We descend into the Aramza Valley, with several ascents and descents over hills through bushes. We have a picnic en route and encounter nomads again in their yurt camps with their livestock. Overnight and dinner in a tent around 2,500 m.

We then continue through the Aramza Valley. We climb Balyk Kol Pass at 3,300 m and have a picnic after the pass. We descend toward the village of Kyzyl-Oy, where the landscape changes from green to more arid. Our horses leave us here. Overnight and dinner with a local family.

🐎 About 5 h horseback · 🏔️ 3,300 m pass · Kyzyl-Oy · 🏡 Homestay

6 Day. Transfer to Son-Kul Lake

KYZYL-OY → SON-KUL

We take the vehicle again to reach the lake. On the way, we pass a “lost lake” in the middle of the Tien Shan, a small oasis. We continue to Chaek village for lunch and then drive to Son-Kul Lake via Kara Keche Pass at 3,325 m. We arrive on the southern shore of the lake. Overnight and dinner in a yurt.

🚗 150 km · 🏔️ Kara Keche Pass · 3,325 m 🛖 Son-Kul · Yurt

7 Day. Horseback Riding Around Son-Kul

SOUTHERN SON-KUL → NORTHERN SHORE

In the morning, we ride horses toward the northern side of Son-Kul Lake. We walk and gallop from yurt to yurt, experiencing the open landscapes and nomadic life around the lake. We have a picnic along the way and arrive at a yurt camp by the lake in the late afternoon.

🐎 5–6 h horsebac · 🛖 Son-Kul · Nomadic yurts · Yurt camp

8 Day. Son-Kul → Kochkor → Issyk-Kul

SON-KUL → KOCHKOR → ISSYK-KUL

We leave Son-Kul lake early in the morning and travel towards Kochkor. We stop in Kochkor village for the market and lunch before counting toward Issyk-Kul. We arrive at the yurt camp around 3:00 PM and have free time on the beach.

🏘️ Kochkor · Market · 🏔 Issyk-Kul · Beach · Yurt campr

9 Day. Issyk-Kul → Bishkek

ISSYK-KUL → BISHKEK

In the morning, we meet an eagle hunter at 8:30 AM. We then visit a yurt artisan before having lunch in the town of Balykchy. After lunch, we continue toward Bishkek. The drive takes approximately 3 hours. Check-in at the guest house and free time before dinner.

🦅 Eagle hunte · 🛖 Yurt artisan · Balykchy · 🏡 3 h transfer · Guest house

10 Day. Departure from Bishkek

BISHKEK

Free time in Bishkek before departure. End of service.

2026-2027 prices

Price depends on group size

€1,400/person

10 travellers

€1,445/person

9 travellers

€1,500/person

8 travellers

€1,545/person

7 travellers

€1,630/person

6 travellers

€1,740/person

5 travellers

€1,900/person

4 travellers

What’s included

Bishkek airport transfers
Local transport throughout the tour
Guide/translator
Accommodation in a local family house
Accommodation in the yurt camp in Bokonbaeva
Guest house in Bishkek
Full board — all meals
Horse rental

Not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Alcohol and mineral water
Other services not mentioned in the program

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan?

Citizens of the EU, Canada, Japan, Singapore and some other countries can enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa for up to 60 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Other nationalities should check the Kyrgyzstan e-visa system..

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

You do not need to be an experienced rider, but you must feel confident on a horse and be able to control it. The tour includes around 4–6 hours of riding on riding days, so good physical condition is important. The route reaches up to 3,300 m and the current page states that the tour is for participants aged 18 and older.

What should I know about safety and medical requirements?

Local people around the route can help with evacuation if someone is seriously injured. The guide carries a satellite phone and a simple first-aid kit. Bring any personal medication you need.

Where will I stay?

Accommodation includes guesthouses, tents and yurts. At the local horse guide’s home, several guests may sleep in the same room and beds may not always be available. Tents are generally for 2–3 people, with toilets in nature, while yurts have shared bathrooms. Conditions are simple in remote areas.

What meals are provided?

Traditional Kyrgyz meals include meat, rice, noodles and vegetables. All meals are Halal. Breakfast includes tea or coffee, jam, bread, butter, eggs, vegetables and fruits. Lunch includes salad, sandwiches, bread, dried fruits and vegetables. Dinner includes a hot meal, dried fruits, jam, butter, bread and tea. Vegetarian meals are available, while guests with strict dietary requirements should bring their own special food for the mountain sections. Gluten-free food is available in larger cities. Water is not included.

What should I pack?

Temperatures vary depending on location and altitude. Wear layers including a base layer, warm layer and waterproof jacket. Bring gloves, a warm hat, extra socks and underwear, riding boots and campsite footwear such as slippers or Crocs. Also bring a headlamp, sunscreen and sunglasses.

What equipment does KAGAN provide?

KAGAN provides tents, kitchen staff and helmets. You should bring your own sleeping bag, filter bottle and mattress.

How is luggage transported?

You carry a small 20–30 L backpack for personal items such as sunscreen, raincoat, snacks and water. The main luggage is transported by jeep.

What are the booking and payment conditions?

A €300 deposit is required to confirm the booking. The remaining amount can be paid in cash upon arrival in Bishkek. Bank transfer and credit card payment are also possible, with bank fees not included. The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for a future trip.

Golden Book / Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 21 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jérémy Mertens 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Si vous cherchez une agence de voyage pour des tours organisés au Kirghizistan n'hésitez pas et choisissez KAGAN ! L'organisation est parfaite, les lieux visités incroyables et le contact avec la population Kyrgyz est rendue très facile par le guide qui accompagne le groupe, un gros point positif pour Aimara la meilleure guide francophone 😁. Certainement l'un des meilleurs rapports qualité/prix au Kirghizistan !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karine Malouin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous recherchions une agence pouvant nous fournir un guide francophone, mais aussi une expérience immersive selon nos goûts, nos besoins et en très petit groupe. Ils ont répondu à toutes nos attentes, et même au delà, avec ouverture et flexibilité. Nous avons créé quelque chose de magique avec notre guide et notre chauffeur et avons vécu l'un des plus beau voyage de notre vie.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alicia Verlinden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous sommes partis au Kirghizistan ce mois de juin 2026 avec Kagan et leur guide Nurtilek (Rick pour les intimes). Tout était vraiment parfait! Le voyage était bien organisé, les logements de bonne qualité, le programme correspondait à nos attentes et les activités étaient supers. Étant donné notre manque de connaissance en russe, c’était pratique d’avoir un guide avec nous!
L’équipe de Kagan était à l’écoute et nous avons vraiment eu un voyage super, je recommande ☺️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Valentin Goncalves 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous venons de réaliser un voyage de 12 jours au Kirghizstan entre amis.
Tout a été parfait du début à la fin.
L’agence est organisée, et à l’écoute. Aimira est très réactive.
Notre guide Azamat, par sa gentillesse, sa disponibilité, son professionnalisme et sa connaissance du pays, a largement contribué à rendre notre expérience inoubliable. Notre chauffeur Akil a également été irréprochable tout au long du voyage.

Nous recommandons cette agence les yeux fermés à tous ceux qui souhaitent ce magnifique pays!
Merci encore.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicolas Brunaut 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons fait 15 jours de voyage au Kirghizistan via Kagan en auto-tour, l'un des premiers qu'ils proposaient.

Nous avons apprécié le fait d'être en autonomie pour découvrir le pays, tout en n'ayant pas à se préoccuper du planning et des activités et des commodités ennuyantes (aller-retour à l'aéroport).

Nous avons été accueilli dans cette agence à taille humaine, qui nous a présenté notre tour, puis avons eu les clefs de notre 4X4, et c'était parti pour 15 jours en autonomie, avec des check réguliers a distance avec nos guides (anglophone puis francophone).

Pour une des premières proposées par l'agence, rien à redire, tout s'est bien passé, chaque stop avait son intérêt, chaque lieu valait la peine d'être vue afin de bien profiter du Kirghizistan.

Nous avons pu également adapter le séjour initial proposé puisque nous restions quelques jours en plus.

Lors de notre séjour, un voyant moteur s'est allumé sur la voiture, l'agence Kagan a su réagir et nous trouver un mécanicien à notre étape, qui a réparé la panne (injecteur mort), sans le moindre frais pour nous, et sans la moindre contrainte car le mécanicien s'est déplacé jusqu'à notre logement.

Il ne manque qu'un petit livret à recevoir au départ pour être encore plus autonome, et tout serait parfait !

Pour info, ils sont en partenariat pour ce trajet avec My Kirghiz Friends, qui aura le même commentaire.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nathan Fellous 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons effectué un roadtrip de 12 jours organisé par KAGAN.
Tous les membres de l'agence était courtois, professionnels et disponibles.
Ce tour était inoubliable !
Je recommande fortement de voyagzr avec KAGAN !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Grace Foster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Azamat guided a small group of us women through the backcountry on horseback with a team of two other Kyrgyz guides. We were able to have all of our needs met throughout the trip between weather preparedness, a flexible schedule and accommodations. We will miss our time with them in the mountains deeply.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anne Madies 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons passé 3 semaines au Kirghizstan cet été. Nous voulions voir la diversité du pays et faire des treks. Kagan a parfaitement répondu à nos attentes. Nous avons fait un voyage extraordinaire, très varié et avons pu avoir un aperçu de la vie quotidienne du pays. Les treks étaient splendides et Kagan a su très bien gérer les imprévus du voyage. Notre guide francophone Sergey a aussi contribué à sa réussite en sachant adapter le programme à nos souhaits.  En résumé, Je vous recommande cette petite agence locale!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Julien Altacima 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons fait un voyage de 11 jours en juin 2025 avec un groupe de 10 personnes. L'équipe locale était très professionnelle et attentive à nos souhaits (guide francophone et chauffeur/mécanicien). Les 4x4 que nous avons loués étaient en parfaits états et adaptés au parcours. Nous remercions Aydana et Azamat pour leur organisation sans faille et leur disponibilité avant, pendant et après le voyage. Un grand merci à KAGAN.

Our customers regularly share their experiences, whether on our Google page or our Facebook page. The feedback is varied – some highlight our hospitality in the guesthouse, our availability or the quality of our services when traveling in Kyrgyzstan, others help us to improve. And it’s precisely thanks to this feedback that KAGAN evolves every day.

Thank you to all those who put their trust in us!

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