A nation of horsemen par excellence, Kyrgyzstan is a perfect destination for equestrian lovers, as well as for those just starting out. In any case, it would be a shame not to ride horses during your stay in Kyrgyzstan, so here are some horseback riding ideas to add to your travel plans.

A Bit of History

The Kyrgyz have always spent their lives on horseback, and even today, it holds an important place in their daily life and culture. During your trip to Kyrgyzstan, you'll see many equestrian statues, notably the immense statue of Manas on his horse in Bishkek's central square, Ala-Too. Manas's horse is almost as revered as the hero who rides it; the Kyrgyz have countless poems and songs in its honor or dedicated to the horse in general.

Of nomadic origin, this people traveled exclusively on horseback, sometimes by camel, until modernization brought by the Soviet Union. In fact, at the beginning of the 20th century, Kyrgyzstan remained a country without cities and villages, an entirely nomadic country, where families moved with their yurts and herds from valley to valley. At the same time, neighboring Uzbekistan, for example, already boasted major cities and splendid buildings, as you can observe in Ella Maillart's photographs at Karakol's historical museum.

Nowadays, the Kyrgyz are largely sedentary, or semi-nomadic for shepherds, but they remain excellent horsemen. Here, it's even said that a man who cannot ride a horse is not a man. In villages, all young Kyrgyz know how to gallop; and you'll be amazed seeing small children standing upright on their mounts. Many shepherds have vehicles accompanying them during transhumance, but the horse remains a widely used means of transport, especially in the country's isolated villages.

The Kyrgyz are also known for their many equestrian games, including the famous kok boru, where two teams compete for a dead sheep on horseback. Men play it every Saturday in autumn and spring. If you have the chance to watch a kok boru match, you'll understand why the Kyrgyz are said to be among the world's best horsemen, and why horses are accustomed to firm commands!

But don't be afraid—Kyrgyz horses are used to being ridden and following the group's leader, your equestrian guide. Plus, they are small and sturdy, making them pleasant to ride for beginners! Don't miss your chance to experience nomadic life by going horseback riding in the Tian Shan mountains.

In the Chon Kemin Mountains

The beautiful valley of Chon Kemin, located in the north of the country between Bishkek and Lake Issyk Kul, is an ideal place to start horseback riding. You can go on multi-hour rides on very well-trained horses, through forests, rivers, and Chon Kemin peaks. The landscape is breathtaking and offers a very peaceful setting. In short, a perfect place to rest, breathe fresh air, and venture into horseback riding without too much difficulty.

Horseback Riding to Son Kul

Son Kul Lake displays the most typical landscape of nomadic Kyrgyzstan: here, dozens of shepherd families ascend with their herds of yaks, horses, and sheep during the warm summer months. They sleep in yurts (there are no concrete structures around this lake situated above 3,000 meters in altitude), eat natural products, watch over their livestock, and entertain themselves with equestrian games. So to experience it fully, nothing beats traveling to the lake on horseback.

From Kochkor or Kyzart, the horseback ride takes approximately one day. Spend the night in a yurt camp before heading back down: it's one of those things to do at least once in a lifetime, and besides, the magnificent starry sky and the Milky Way on Son Kul nights will astound you.

If you drive to Son Kul, you can go horseback riding around the lake, a great opportunity to discover the surroundings and local life.

For experienced riders, our Kyrgyz What agency proposes an unusual adventure to immerse yourself in nomadic life: a 9-day horseback trek to Son Kul Lake. It's an opportunity to venture into wild Kyrgyz nature, discover unexplored landscapes, and experience unique moments with your horse and companions.

Rides Near Karakol

The town of Karakol is known for its many trekking opportunities, for example to Ala Kul. But this region also offers magnificent horseback rides, of varying lengths. You can ride for just a few hours close to town, take a full-day ride to the Altyn Arashan hot springs, trek through the meadows of Jyrgalan or Djety-Oguz... Even in winter you can enjoy interesting routes there, and for the more adventurous, freeride skiing in the middle of nowhere with horseback ascents and nights in yurts.

As you'll have gathered, Kyrgyzstan is the ideal country for horseback riding, whether for a few hours or several days. Don't hesitate to combine horseback riding and trekking for a sporty vacation in harmony with nature!