On The Trace of Ella Maillart

Follow the route inspired by Swiss explorer Ella Maillart’s 1932 journey through the Tien Shan. Ride across high mountain valleys, remote plateaus and dramatic passes, camping beside rivers and meeting nomadic families along the way.

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📅 11 Days

🐎 8 Days Horseback Riding

🏔️ Up to 4,100 m

The circuit

On The Trace Of Ella Maillart

Follow the Trail of a Legendary Explorer.

On The Trace Of Ella Maillart is a horseback journey inspired by the famous Swiss explorer’s route through Kyrgyzstan in 1932. The tour takes riders deep into the Tien Shan, through high mountain passes, remote valleys, alpine lakes and traditional nomadic pastures.

The route combines long days in the saddle with time to explore, relax at natural hot springs and experience life in the mountains. The journey reaches the Arabel Plateau, Juuku Valley and Jetim Bel Pass, with altitudes reaching up to 4,100 m.

Route: Bishkek → Kyzyl Suu → Chon Kizil Suu → Kichi Kizil Suu → Jukuchak → Juuku Valley → Jetim Bel Pass → Arabel Valley → Maytor Valley → Issyk Kul → Bokonbaeva → Bishkek

Route map of the On the Trace of Ella Maillart tour

Horseback riding tour

from €1,110
/ person · group 10 people

Duration

11 days

Activities

Maximum Altitude

4,100 m

Season

Mid-June–Mid-September

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Detailed Program

1 Day. Arrival in Bishkek → Kyzyl Suu Villag

BISHKEK → KYZYL SUU

Pick-up from the airport or in Bishkek. We transfer 380 km toward Pokrovka, stopping for lunch on the way. We then have time to swim on the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake before arriving late at the guest house. Overnight and dinner at the family house of the equestrian guide in Kyzyl Suu village.

🚗 380 km · Transfer · 🏔️ Issyk Kul · 🏡 Homestay

2 Day. Horseback Riding to Chon Kizil Suu Valley

KYZYL SUU → CHON KIZIL SUU

In the morning, we ride up to a mountain lake. We then ride back along the Chon Kizil Suu River and have a picnic in the valley. Continuing through meadows and forest, we reach Chon Kizil Suu Valley. Overnight and dinner in the tent camp at 2,600 m.

🐎 4–5 h · Horseback riding · 🏔 2,600 m · Tent camp

3 Day. Horseback Riding to Kichi Kizil Suu Valley

CHON KIZIL SUU → KICHI KIZIL SUU

We continue riding through meadows toward Kichi Kizil Suu Valley. The route follows the mountain landscape before reaching our campsite at 2,600 m. Overnight and dinner in the tent camp.

🐎 6–7 h · Horseback riding · 🏔 2,600 m · Camping

4 Day. Horseback Riding to Juku Valley

KICHI KIZIL SUU → JUKUCHAK → JUUKU VALLEY

We ride through the Jumatay Pass at 3,325 m and descend into Jukuchak Valley. A natural hot spring is located not far from our camp. Overnight and dinner at 2,308 m.

🐎 5–6 h · 3,325 m pass · ♨️ Hot spring · 2,308 m

5 Day. Horseback Riding in Chong Tash

JUKUCHAK VALLEY → ASHU KASHKA SUU → JUUKU VALLEY

We ride up the Jukuchak Valley and tackle the Ashu Kashka Suu Pass at 3,636 m. The ascent and descent are steep. We have a picnic lunch by the river at Ashu Kashka Suu before continuing down to Juuku Valley. In the late afternoon, we reach our camp and spend the night in tents at around 2,700 m.

🐎 5–6 h · 3,636 m pass · 🏔️ Steep ascent/descent · ⛺️ 2,700 m camp

6 Day. Exploring Day

DUNGUROMO VALLEY

This is a flexible exploration day. In case of bad weather, or if you or the horses are tired, the day can be used at a suitable location. We ride into Dunguromo Valley and enjoy views of the glacier before returning to the same campsite. Overnight and dinner at the camp.

🐎 5–6 h · Glacier views · Flexible day

7 Day. Horseback Riding to Arabel Valley

JUUKU PASS → JETIM BEL PASS → ARABEL VALLEY

We ride along the Juuku Pass and visit the beautiful Juuku Lake. We have a picnic at the Juuku Pass at 3,800 m before continuing toward our campsite at the foot of Jetim Bel Pass. Overnight and dinner in the tent camp at 3,800 m.

🐎 5–6 h · 3,800 m · Juuku Lake · ⛺️Tent camp

8 Day. Horseback Riding at 4,100 m

JETIM BEL PASS → SOUTH ARABEL VALLEY

We cross Jetim Bel Pass at 4,100 m and descend into the southern Arabel Valley. We have a picnic at the South Jetim summer pasture, with the option to stop at a nomad yurt. We continue to our camp at 3,700 m by the Arabel River. Overnight and dinner in the tent camp

🐎 7 h · 4,100 m pass · Nomad pasture ⛺️ 3,700 m camp

9 Day. Free Day at Maytor Valley

ARABEL VALLEY → MAYTOR VALLEY

A day to explore on horseback or simply enjoy the spectacular mountain surroundings. The route reaches high-altitude landscapes around 4,100 m before continuing through the remote Maytor Valley.

🐎 Horseback riding · 4,100 m · Exploring · Free time

10 Day. Transfer to Bokonbaeva

MAYTOR VALLEY → ISSYK KUL → BOKONBAEVA

We meet our driver and transfer toward Issyk Kul Lake. We have lunch in a local restaurant in Barskoon village and meet a traditional hunter with an eagle. We then arrive at the yurt camp, where there is free time on the beach. Overnight and dinner in the yurt camp.

🚗 3 h transfer · Barskoon · 🦅 Eagle hunter 🛖 Yurt camp

11 Day. Transfer to Bishkek

BOKONBAEVA → BISHKEK

Morning departure to Bishkek. We travel approximately 280 km and arrive in time for lunch. Afterward, there is free time to walk around the city center and visit the famous Osh Bazaar. Overnight in the hotel. Free dinner. End of service.

🚗 280 km · Bishkek · 🛍️ Osh Bazaar · 🏨 Hotel

2027 prices

Price depends on group size

€1,600/person

4 travellers

€1,450/person

5 travellers

€1,315/person

6 travellers

€1,245/person

7 travellers

€1,200/person

8 travellers

€1,140/person

9 travellers

€1,110/person

10 travellers

What’s included

Pick-up and drop off from the airport
Transfers
Guide/translator
Equestrian guide
Tents — 2 people per tent
Accommodation in the local family house
Accommodation in the yurt camp in Bokonbaeva
Guest house in Bishkek
Full board — all meals
Hot spring fees
Horse rental

Not included
Travel insurance
International air 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.

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 5–7 hours of riding per day, so good physical condition is important. The route reaches up to 4,100 m and the tour is for participants aged 19 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 guest houses, tents and yurts with shared bathrooms. At the local horse guide’s home, several guests may sleep in the same room and beds may not always be available. In remote areas, conditions are simple and accommodation depends on the route.

What meals are provided?

The tour serves traditional Kyrgyz meals including 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 needs are advised to 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. A 20–30 L backpack is recommended for personal items such as sunscreen, raincoat, snacks and water. Your main luggage will be 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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