Kyrgyzstan on Horseback

A demanding 15-day journey through Kyrgyzstan, combining long horseback days with mountain transfers, traditional yurts, local guesthouses and remote camps.

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📅 15 Days

🏇🏼 11 Days on horseback

🏔️ Up to 4,000 m

Across Kyrgyzstan, one mountain range at a time

This is one of KAGAN’s most demanding horseback journeys, designed for travelers who want to experience Kyrgyzstan beyond the main tourist routes.

The route combines long days in the saddle with high mountain passes, remote valleys, alpine lakes, nomadic camps and encounters with local communities. You will learn how to ride in the Kyrgyz way, experience horse care, sleep in tents and yurts, and travel through landscapes that change dramatically from one region to the next.

Highlights

Issyk-Kul
Ride along the shores and mountain landscapes surrounding Kyrgyzstan’s largest lake.

High mountain passes
Cross passes reaching 3,200–4,000 m and ride through remote alpine terrain.

Son-Kul
Reach the famous high-altitude lake on horseback and spend the night in a traditional yurt camp.

Nomadic culture
Meet local communities, visit a yurt artisan and craft center, and experience traditional mountain life.

Remote valleys
Explore Boz Salkyn, Tong, Bolgart, Kanachu and the valleys around Kapka and Kara-Suu.

Route: Bishkek → Bokonbaeva → Boz Salkyn → Tong Valley → Teshik Kul → Bolgart Valley → Kochkor → Kyzart → Son-Kul → Kazarman → Kanachu Valley → Kapka Lake → Kara-Suu Lake → Jetigen → Toktogul → Bishkek

Route map of the Kyrgyzstan on Horseback tour

Horseback riding tour

from €2,235
/ person · group 10 people

Duration

15 days

Horseback riding

Maximum Altitude

Up to 4,000 m

Season

End of June – mid September

Difficulty

Physically demanding; Confident riders

Book This Tour

Day by day

Detailed Program

1 Day. Bishkek → Bokonbaeva

BISHKEK → BOKONBAEVA

Meet your guide, translator and driver at Manas Airport. Transfer to the guesthouse for breakfast, a shower and some rest before heading east toward Lake Issyk-Kul. After lunch on the way, continue to Bokonbaeva village and settle into a yurt camp for dinner and the night.

280 km by car · Issyk-Kul region · Yurt camp · Transfer day

2 Day. Horseback Riding Around Bokonbaeva

BOKONBAEVA → ISSYK-KUL → BOKONBAEVA

After breakfast, drive to the hippodrome for a traditional golden eagle hunting demonstration. Then mount your horse and ride toward a panoramic viewpoint over Lake Issyk-Kul. Enjoy a picnic on the beach before riding back to the same yurt camp.

4–5 h on horseback · Golden eagle hunting · Issyk-Kul · Yurt camp

3 Day. Horseback riding to Boz Salkyn valley

ISSYK-KUL → BOZ SALKYN

Start riding from the yurt camp, passing through the village and along the lakeshore before climbing toward the mountains. The landscape becomes increasingly wild and dry. After a picnic, cross a pass at around 2,400 m and continue to Boz Salkyn Valley.

6–7 h on horseback · Pass 2,400 m · Boz Salkyn Valley · Tent at 2,500 m

4 Day. Horseback riding to Tong valley

BOZ SALKYN → TONG PASS → TONG VALLEY

Ride toward the foot of Tong Pass, reaching the high mountain terrain around 4,000 m. Cross the pass at 3,200 m and stop for a picnic overlooking the village and snowy peaks. Continue toward the camping area beneath peaks rising to around 4,300 m. Spend the night in tents at 3,300 m.

6–7 h on horseback · Tong Pass · 3,200 m crossing · Camp at 3,300 m

5 Day. Horseback riding to Teshik Kul lake

TONG VALLEY → HOT SPRINGS → TESHIK KUL

Cross the high pass at around 4,000 m and enjoy spectacular mountain views. Descend toward hot spring waters, where you stop for a picnic and have time to relax in the springs. Continue riding toward Lake Teshik Kul and settle into camp near the lake. Dinner and overnight stay are at approximately 3,500 m.

6–7 h on horseback · Pass up to 4,000 m · Hot springs · Teshik Kul · Camp at 3,500 m

6 Day. Horseback riding to Bolgart valley

TESHIK KUL → BOLGART VALLEY

Continue deeper into remote mountain country. The route becomes increasingly wild, with rocky and snowy peaks surrounding the trail. After lunch, arrive at a nomadic camp where the support vehicle joins the group. The horses stay behind as you spend the night in a tent at 2,800 m.

6–7 h on horseback · Remote mountain terrain · Nomadic camp · Tent at 2,800 m

7 Day. Transfer to Kizart village

BOLGART VALLEY → KOCHKOR → KYZART

Leave the mountains and travel toward Kochkor. Along the way, pass remote villages and cross Jalpak Bel Pass at 3,300 m. Arrive in Kochkor for lunch and visit a local handicraft center before continuing approximately 70 km by road to Kyzart. Spend the night with a local family in a guesthouse.

3,300 m pass · Kochkor · Handicraft center · 70 km transfer · Guesthouse

8 Day. Horse riding at Son-Kul lake

KYZART → SON-KUL

After a good night’s rest, return to the saddle and ride toward Lake Son-Kul at 3,016 m. Cross the mountain pass and stop for a picnic at approximately 3,200 m. Continue to the yurt camp beside Son-Kul. The afternoon is free for walking, reading or simply enjoying the high-altitude landscape.

4 h on horseback · Pass 3,200 m · Son-Kul 3,016 m · Yurt camp

9 Day. Horseback riding to the south shore of the Son Kul lake

SON-KUL → SOUTH SHORE

Ride across the open landscapes of Son-Kul toward its southern shore. This is another opportunity to experience the lake at riding pace, meet nomadic families and see animals grazing around the yurts. Enjoy a picnic at a yurt camp before continuing the ride in the afternoon.

5 h on horseback · Son-Kul · Southern shore · Nomadic communities

10 Day. Transfer to Kazarman

SON-KUL → MOLDO-ASHU PASS → AK-TALAA → KAZARMAN

Leave Son-Kul early and cross Moldo-Ashu Pass at 3,150 m. Follow the river down toward the Ak-Talaa Valley and continue to Togolok Moldo village, where you visit a local mausoleum.

3,150 m pass · Togolok Moldo · Mausoleum · 240 km transfer · Local family house

11 Day. Horse riding to Kanachu valley

KAZARMAN → KANACHU

After a short transfer, meet the new equestrian team and begin riding in Kanachu Valley. Ride toward the bottom of the valley, surrounded by remote mountain landscapes. Spend the night in a tent camp at 2,600 m.

6–7 h on horseback · Kanachu Valley · 2,600 m · Tent camp

12 Day. Horseback riding to Kapka lake

KANACHU → CHECHEKTY PASS → KAPKA LAKE

Continue through the mountains toward Chechekty Pass at 3,300 m. From the pass, enjoy views of snow-covered peaks before descending toward Kapka Lake at 2,300 m. Arrive at the lake and enjoy free time in the afternoon. Overnight in a tent camp beside the water.

4 h on horseback · Chechekty Pass 3,300 m · Kapka Lake 2,300 m

13 Day. Horse riding to Karasuu lake

KAPKA LAKE → KARA-SUU

Ride toward Lake Kara-Suu, surrounded by mountains and known for its fish. Local Kyrgyz fishermen come to the lake, especially on weekends. Have lunch along the route before reaching the camping area at the end of the lake. In the afternoon, there is time to swim or fish.

6 h on horseback · Kara-Suu Lake · Fishing · Camping at 2,000 m

14 Day. Horseback riding to Jetigen village

KARA-SUU → TAKTALIK → JETIGEN → TOKTOGUL

Your final day on horseback. Climb toward the Taktalik mountain and enjoy a final panoramic view over the lake before descending toward Jetigen village. Meet the driver and transfer to Toktogul, where you spend the night in a guesthouse.

5–6 h on horseback · Taktalik mountain · Jetigen village · 60 km by car · Guesthouse

15 Day. Transfer to Bishkek

TOKTOGUL → BISHKEK

After breakfast, leave Toktogul and drive back to Bishkek. The journey takes around four hours. After arriving in the capital, check into the guesthouse and have lunch in the city center. The afternoon is free to explore Bishkek. Finish the journey with dinner at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant.

4 h transfer · 280 km · Bishkek · City dinner · Final overnight

2027 prices

Price depends on group size

€2,950/person

4 travellers

€2,715/person

5 travellers

€2,555/person

6 travellers

€2,445/person

7 travellers

€2,360/person

8 travellers

€2,290/person

9 travellers

€2,235/person

10 travellers

What’s included

Pickup at Manas Airport
Transportation throughout the program
English-speaking guide; Equestrian guide
Accommodation according to the itinerary: Guesthouses, tents, yurts
Tents — 2 people per tent
Meals
Horse rental; pack horses
Visit to a yurt artisan, local craft center

Not included
Travel insurance, baggage insurance
International flight tickets
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 without a visa for up to 60 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If you are from another nationality, please check https://evisa.e-gov.kg for your country.

How difficult is this horseback expedition?

This is a physically demanding mountain horseback tour. You do not need to be an advanced or professional rider, but you must feel confident on a horse and be able to control it.

Expect approximately 5–7 hours of riding per day on several days. Good physical condition is important.

The route reaches altitudes of up to 4,000 m, including several high mountain passes.

The minimum recommended age is 19. Younger travelers should contact KAGAN in advance.

What safety and medical support is available?

The route passes through remote mountain areas, but local people are present along parts of the route and can assist with evacuation in case of a serious injury.

Your guide carries a satellite phone and a basic first-aid kit.

You should bring all personal medication you may need during the journey.

Where will we sleep during the tour?

Accommodation changes depending on the location.

You will stay in:

Local guesthouses and family homes
2–3 person tents
Traditional yurts

Guesthouses can be very simple: at some locations you stay in the home of the local horse guide, several guests may share one room, and beds may not always be available.

Tents are generally shared by 2–3 people, with toilets in nature. Yurts have shared bathrooms.

This is a remote mountain expedition, so accommodation is intentionally simple and depends on the route.

What food is provided?

Meals are based on traditional Kyrgyz cuisine, including meat, rice, noodles and vegetables. All meals are Halal.

Breakfast usually includes tea or coffee, jam, bread, butter, eggs, vegetables and fruit.

Lunch may include salad, sandwiches, bread, dried fruit and vegetables.

Dinner is a hot meal with traditional dishes, bread, butter, jam, dried fruit and tea.

Vegetarian meals are available. If you have strict dietary requirements, KAGAN recommends bringing your own suitable food for the mountain sections. Gluten-free options are available in larger cities.

Water is not included.

What should I pack for the horseback expedition?

Mountain weather can change significantly depending on altitude and location. Check the weather along your route before departure.

Bring:

Base layers
Warm layer
Waterproof jacket
Gloves
Warm hat
Extra socks and underwear
Riding boots
Comfortable campsite shoes — Crocs are recommended
Headlamp
Sunscreen
Sunglasses

What equipment does KAGAN provide?

KAGAN provides:

Tents
Kitchen staff
Riding helmets

You should bring:

Sleeping bag
Filter bottle
Mattress

How much luggage can I bring?

You should carry a 20–30 L backpack with your personal essentials such as sunscreen, rain protection, snacks and water.

Your main luggage will be transported by jeep and horses, so you do not need to carry it throughout the horseback sections.

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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