Trek and horse
Tian Shan High Peaks 11 days budget

Trek and horse

Horseback riding and trekking in the heart of summer jailoos, between high-altitude lakes and nomadic traditions.

From€1,570per person
15 years of local expertise4.69/5 (21 reviews including 14 Google)

Duration

11 days

From

€1,570/pers.

Ideal seasons

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

budget

Travelers

Solo, With friends, Couple

The spirit of travel

This itinerary offers you a complete immersion in the heart of Kirghizistan, combining horseback riding, trekking and local encounters. In the Chon Kemin national park, you set off on a three-day independent horseback riding expedition, accompanied by an attentive local team, at the pace of horses and vast open spaces. Forests, open valleys and high mountain passes create a setting conducive to disconnection and observation of pastoral life.

The journey continues with a two-day trek discovering the high-altitude lakes of Kol Ukok and Kol Tor, nestled in pristine environments. On the high plateaus, particularly around Son Kul lake, you meet shepherds settled in the jailoos during the summer and share moments of daily life, between traditions and hospitality.

Accessible to false beginners, this itinerary is aimed at travellers in good physical condition, keen to experience a nature adventure combining local immersion, varied landscapes and cultural discovery, without any particular technical difficulty.

The stages of your journey

D1
Bishkek
D2–3
Kol-TorCamping - Sous tentes★★
D4
TamchyGuesthouse à Tamchy★★★
D5
KochkorNight at a Local's Home
D6
Kol'UkokYurt Camp Kol Ukok★★★
D7
Kochkor
D8–9
Lac Son Koul
D10–11
BishkekGrand Hotel

Highlights

3-day Self-Guided Horseback Riding Adventure
High-altitude lakes Kol Ukok and Tor
Encounters with nomadic shepherds
Nights in traditional yurt
Discovery of Son Kul Lake
Kyrgyz folk show

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome and departure for Chon Kemin National Park

Upon your arrival at Manas International Airport, your driver welcomes you warmly and accompanies you as soon as you exit.

You then head out for your transfer to your hotel.

You stop to visit the ruins of the Burana Minaret, an ancient Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during the Tatar invasions. You then climb to the top of the minaret, where you enjoy a clear view of the surrounding countryside. The visit continues with the associated museum, which provides a better understanding of the site's history.

Bishkek → Le parc national Chon-Kemin

2h10145 km

You arrive in the lush landscape, a nature reserve characterized by the diversity of its landscapes, between semi-desert areas, glaciers and gorges. You then take time to stroll around the area, in the heart of this preserved natural environment.

Jour 2
D2

Saddle Adventure in the Toru-Aygyr Gorge

Le parc national Chon-Kemin → Toru-Aygyr

5h25 km

You begin this equestrian adventure by galloping across fields, before venturing into the Toru-Aygyr gorge. As you progress, the landscape transforms, revealing a forest of fir trees dotted with streams. Gradually, you gain altitude and travel over sloping terrain until you reach the pass.

3-day horseback riding independently in Chon Kemin National Park, with logistical equipment and your personal belongings carried by pack horses.

Camping - Sous tentes★★BreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 3
D3

View of the small lake nestled in the mountains

Today, you cross the pass, which offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of Ala Too.

Toru-Aygyr → Kol-tor

5h25 km

After lunch, you continue your progression towards the small glacial lake of Kol-tor, located at 3,000 meters altitude. The camp is set up on the shores of the lake, where you spend the night.

Camping - Sous tentes★★BreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 4
D4

Horseback Ride Along the Shores of Lake Issyk Kul

Kol-tor → Jel-Tiybes

4h20 km

You climb back into the saddle heading towards Jeltyibes, passing through the Kol-Tor pass at 2,200 meters altitude. The route crosses a river and offers the opportunity to meet herders who have settled for the summer in these high-altitude pastures. Along the way, a viewpoint opens up onto the Lake Issyk-Koul.

Jel-Tiybes → Tamchy

1h40 km

At Jeltyibes, you bid farewell to your support team before being transferred to the village of Tamchy. You then spend the rest of the day relaxing and unwinding in the waters of Lake Issyk Kul.

Guesthouse à Tamchy★★★Breakfast
Jour 5
D5

Route to the Kochkor craft village

Tamchy → Kochkor

2h30140 km

You head back to the main road towards the village of Kochkor, recognized for its local development initiatives.

You visit the women's cooperative, where traditional felt carpets (sherdaks) are made, showcasing the region's craftsmanship expertise.

In the evening, you attend a traditional Kyrgyz folk show. On the program: a Manas storyteller, traditional music and songs that immerse you in the country's epic and legends.

Night at a Local's HomeBreakfast
Jour 6
D6

Hiking towards Lake Kol Ukok

Kochkor → Kol Ukok

6h18 km

Early in the morning, you are transferred to the small village of Isakaev, the starting point of your hike. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by your local guide, who accompanies you throughout these two days of trekking. After the logistics are loaded onto pack horses, you begin the hike on a trail crossing fields and streams, before gradually gaining altitude. As you walk, the landscapes evolve and vegetation becomes sparser. Along the way, you can observe herds grazing in the surrounding jailoos. The last hour of the hike is more demanding, with the ascent of the pass located at 3,000 meters altitude, leading to your destination.
The waters of Kol Ukok then appear, whose turquoise hue contrasts with the verdant nuances of the valley.

Installation at your host's place, under the yurt.

2-day trek in self-sufficiency, with logistics and personal belongings transport ensured by pack horses.

Yurt Camp Kol Ukok★★★Breakfast
Jour 7
D7

Hiking to another small lake

Arrival at the small village, then transfer to your guest house for well-deserved rest time. Free evening.

Kol Ukok → Kol-Tor Lake

2h7 km

For those who wish (optional), an excursion allows you to reach Lake Kol Tor, located at 3,500 meters altitude. Departure takes place at dawn for a walk of approximately three hours round trip. The route first runs along the river before reaching a scree slope. Progress continues on increasingly rough terrain, with a steeper slope and taller grass. In case of rain, caution is advised, as the ground can become slippery. After approximately one and a half hours of walking and crossing the pass, this small mountain lake reveals itself.

You return to the road heading towards Kochkor. The descent proceeds at a smoother and faster pace.

Breakfast
Jour 8
D8–9

Relaxation on the shores of Son Koul Lake

Arrival on the shores of Son-Koul Lake, one of the emblematic sites of Kyrgyzstan. This vast alpine lake constitutes the country's main freshwater reserve. Nestled in the heart of the Celestial Mountains, it sits at 3,016 meters altitude and has long nurtured the imagination of travelers. Its clear waters are distinguished by their color variations over time, oscillating between blue and green, and sometimes taking on orange hues depending on the light and climatic conditions.

Day 9

You have the opportunity to relax and discover the lifestyle of the family welcoming you. You can observe the preparation of koumis, the gathering of herds, or even the milking of cows, all moments of pastoral daily life.

After lunch, and depending on your preferences, it is possible to go on a short horseback ride.

During the day, you have the chance to watch the preparation of a traditional dish, a convivial moment that allows you to get your hands dirty and discover new flavors.

Jour 10
D10

On the way to Bishkek and discovering the city

You will discover the Konorchek canyon, a preserved site with rock formations in scarlet hues, evoking certain landscapes of the American Grand Canyon. The red sand columns rising all around create an atmosphere that is both mineral and intimate.

Lac Son Koul → Bishkek

5h295 km

Last day of travel before reaching the Kyrgyz capital. You leave the lush mountains of Kirghizistan, after discovering a welcoming people and traditions still deeply rooted, then arrive in Bishkek. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel, with time scheduled for you to rest.

You head to the Osh Bazaar, the liveliest market in Kirghizistan. Throughout your visit, stalls of dried fruits and spices succeed one another, offering an immersion into the colors of Central Asia. You also find numerous traditional souvenirs from the country.

Stroll through Ala-Too Square, in the center of Bishkek. A meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive each evening with locals coming to walk around. This square has also been the site of many significant episodes and revolutions in the country's history.

Grand HotelBreakfast

Price per person

2 pers.€2,650/pers.
3 pers.€2,100/pers.
4 pers.€1,750/pers.
5-8 pers.€1,570/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • International Transport
  • Passport & Visa Fees
  • Repatriation Insurance
  • Travel insurance
  • Extra beverages / alcohols
  • Meals in Bishkek
  • Phone calls
  • Any excursion not mentioned in the program
  • Supplement for "single" room
  • Early check-in

Included

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport Transfers
  • 1 night in a *** hotel in Bishkek breakfast included
  • 5 nights with a host family, including 3 in a yurt
  • 1 night in yurt camp
  • 2 nights under the tent, in camping
  • 1 night in guest house
  • Full board during the excursion
  • Mineral water
  • Vehicle + driver
  • Essence
  • English-speaking guide
  • Local guide
  • Grooms
  • Pack animals for equipment transport during independent trekking days
  • Equestrian equipment with Kyrgyz trekking saddles
  • I need to translate "Droits d'entrée des parcs et musées mentionnés" to English. Admission fees for the parks and museums mentioned
  • Kitchen equipment (mess tent, camping tables and chairs) and sleeping gear (tent, sleeping bag, ground mat), sanitary tent

Your accommodations

Camping - Sous tentes

Camping - Sous tentes

★★
SGL· 1 night

Guesthouse à Tamchy

★★★
DBL· 1 night

Yurt Camp Kol Ukok

★★★
SGL· 1 night

Grand Hotel

Standard· 1 night

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
  • Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
  • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below concerns entry requirements for tourism stays in Kyrgyzstan. Entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality. We recommend verifying the conditions with the embassy or consulate of Kyrgyzstan in your country of residence, as well as with your own country's authorities, before departure.

Passport

To enter Kyrgyzstan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).

Tourism entry requirements

Entry requirements for tourism stays depend on your nationality and the applicable bilateral agreements between Kyrgyzstan and your country of citizenship.

Verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Kyrgyzstan in your country of residence to determine whether you require a visa or whether an exemption applies, and the maximum duration of stay permitted.

The authorities may request:

  • an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward travel),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,

  • a confirmation of accommodation booking.

Registration with local authorities

Any traveller staying in Kyrgyzstan is required to register with the immigration services within five working days of arrival.

In practice, this registration is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation provider. If staying with a private individual (private rental, host family), it is the responsibility of the host or the traveller to complete this formality at the local registration office (ОВИР).

It is advisable to keep a copy of the registration certificate, which may be requested during police checks or when leaving the territory.

Travel with children

Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.

When a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.

Health and vaccines

No vaccination is mandatory to enter Kyrgyzstan. However, certain vaccinations are recommended for preventive purposes, including:

  • typhoid and hepatitis A, due to local sanitary conditions,

  • rabies, particularly for travellers planning activities in rural or mountainous areas,

  • tick-borne encephalitis, for hikers visiting forested or high-altitude areas.

It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before departure.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have assistance and repatriation insurance as well as medical expense coverage abroad.

Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance policy, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed to travel peacefully!

Choose the plan that suits you best:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complementary Credit Card

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout the duration of their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

To enter Kyrgyzstan, a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date is required. No visa is necessary for short-term tourist stays. Kyrgyzstan offers an accessible destination to discover the Tian Shan and nomadic culture. Check with Kyrgyzstan's consular authorities for entry conditions applicable to your nationality before booking.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 110 and 180 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and guide. International flights (500-900 euros return, often via Istanbul) are additional. Kirghizistan is one of the most affordable mountain destinations in the world.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Nazira, Our travel expert, Nomade
15years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — North and Bishkek

Our travel expert, Nomade, based in Bishkek

“
Kyrgyzstan isn't just visited. It's lived in, over a shared cup of tea in a yurt, at the pace of horses, wind, and human connection.

— Nazira

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance★ 4.69/5