Horse riding in Kyrgyzstan, Truly Nomadic Land

5.0 (76 reviews) 5 days Free cancellation

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76 reviews

5.0

Sitting high up in the horse is the best way to explore Alay Mountains — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Horse riding in Kyrgyzstan, Truly Nomadic Land, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Spend five days on horseback like a Kyrgyz nomad, exploring the heart of the rugged Alay mountains in the south of Kyrgyzstan. Spend four nights in yurts with Kyrgyz host families who spend their summers tending and protecting their herds of sheep, cattle, and horses. On the fourth day, summit Ak Tor Pass and enjoy the sweeping expanse of the Alay Valley unfolded on all sides.

-Scenic mountain views at Airy Bell (2956 m) and Ak Tor (4,185 m) mountain passes where you’ll feel as though you’ve landed on another planet.

-Sleeping in a traditional yurt where you’ll have an opportunity to meet Kyrgyz shepherds, learn about traditional nomadic culture, and enjoy home-cooked meals.

-Community-Based Tourism. Your use of us will contribute to local communities.

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At a glance

Duration: 5 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: Russian, English
Operated by: Visit Alay - Travel Company

Ages: Adults (15–60 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Horseman
Included: Horses
Included: English speaking guide
Included: Lunch
Included: Dinner
Included: Breakfast
Included: Gas with stove for hot tea/coffee
Included: Horse to carry your gear 15 kg/person

Not included

Not included: Hotel and meals in Osh city
Not included: Services outside of the standard program
Not included: Alcoholic drinks
Not included: Travel and health Insurance
Not included: Flights or other domestic/international transport
Not included: Tips
Not included: Sleeping bags

Itinerary

Day 1 · Osh City – Kara Bulak Village – Tepshi Camp

Alay Mountains

4 hours

Distance: 12 km riding.

Ascent: 1218 m; Descent: 154 m.

Start your ride up a dirt road after driving to Gulcha from Osh along the Pamir Highway. The road follows the Kara Bulak stream towards the Tepshi camp, passing shepherds’ yurts set up among junipers. Near the top of the climb, you will leave the road for a trail ascending the ridge on the left. Here, you will eat lunch and enjoy the rugged mountains of the Alay across the gorge formed by the Gulcha river. At the end of the ridge, you will descend into the Tepshi camp to meet with your host for the night. Dinner.

Overnight in yurt camp

Day 2 · Tepshi Camp – Airy Bell Pass – Sary Oi Camp

Alay Mountains

5 hours

Distance: 14 km.

Ascent: 613 m; Descent: 1087 m.

Breakfast. Start the day heading up to Airy Bell Pass on a small trail starting from your yurt. A steep, hour-long ride will bring you to the summit and an impressive panorama of the Kum Bell Mountains to the west. Descend to the Cholo Kaiyng Gorge and stop for lunch. In the gorge, a dirt road follows a small river to the Sary Oi camp. Arrive at your yurts and join your hosts in the daily activities of nomads. Dinner.

Overnight in yurt camp

Day 3 · Sary Oi Camp to the foot of Ak Tor Pass

Alay Mountains

5 hours

Distance: 13 km.

Ascent: 1020 m; Descent: 223 m.

Breakfast. The third day starts with a demonstration of milking and making dairy products from horse and cow milk. After an easy morning, descend from Sary Oi summer camp to the river and turn upstream, skirting a precipitous gorge. Eat lunch near a shepherd’s tent with a new view of the craggy mountain ridge you descended the previous day. Continue along meandering trails through a pine forest towards the foot of Ak Tor Pass. Arrive at a private yurt. Dinner.

Overnight in yurt camp

Day 4 · Ak Tor Pass – Murdash Valley – Uch Chat Camp

Alay Mountains

6 hours

Distance: 14 km.

Ascent: 757 m; Descent: 1283 m.

Breakfast. Cross the headwaters of the river and ride south towards the entrance of the pass. A short, but steep 500 meters ride up brings you to the summit of Ak Tor Pass. On the way up, admire the sharp rock walls of the Asan Korgon range. At the highest point of your horseback ride, rest for a lunch with a side of the majestic Alay mountain ranges. Descend from the pass along a new stream to a final dirt road. Near the end of the day, ride on to Uch Chat summer camp and your host’s yurt. Dinner.

Overnight in yurt camp

Day 5 · Ak Tor Pass – Murdash Village – Osh City

Alay Mountains

6 hours

Distance: 18 km.

Ascent: 846 m; Descent: 1515 m.

Breakfast. The final day of riding follows the road to Murdash village. Start by riding up to Kosh Moinok Pass. Once past the final rise, snake down through Murdash valley toward your lunch among numerous shepherds’ yurt and shelters. Early in summer, herds of horses, cattle, and sheep laze in the grass on the sides of the road. At the end of summer, locals mow the grass with a scythe. Finally, arrive at end drive back to Osh city.