Through the Heavenly Mountains

Day 1: Meeting in Bishkek and transfer to the starting place of the horse riding tour

We meet in the early morning in front of the hotel or at the airport in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. We go through the necessary formalities, do the shopping for the ride and drive towards the village of Eki-Naryn. On the way, we stop in Kochkor for lunch. We reach Eki-Naryn in the evening. Overnight stay in yurts.

Days 2-8: Unforgettable horse ride in the Tian Shan mountains (about 230 km)

After meeting our Kyrgyz guides, we pack the equipment and mount the horses. A seven-day ride through the Terskey Alatau waits ahead. The route leads through a varied terrain – wide „gallop” alpine meadows, used by the Kirgiz people as the pastures during summer and also along the mountain paths. We will pass by the yurts of shepherds and the herds of sheep, goats, horses and yaks. We will cross over many streams and nearly 4,000 meters high passes overlooking wonderful alpine views. On the seventh day of the ride, we reach the village of Bokonbajevo near the Issyk-Kul lake called the „Pearl of Kyrgyzstan” or „Sea of Central Asia”. After Titicaca this is the second largest mountain lake in the world. Its warm water, picturesque beaches and marvellous views of the surrounding peaks of the Heavenly Mountains will attract your eye at once.

The route and character of the tour allow even beginning riders to take part in this adventure This does not mean, however, that we will walk all the time. A group of experienced riders under the guidance of a guide can canter ahead, while the less advanced initially go along with the second guide at a slower pace, and when they feel comfortable enough to move on, they can go faster and faster. The tour is not meant only for the seasoned riders, although they will not complain about the lack of emotions. We mount only proven horses that walk well in file. Every day we spend about 5-7 hours on a horseback, taking a few breaks during the ride. We are accompanied by trusted and experienced local guides, and all our equipment is transported by an off-road vehicle. During the tour we sleep in the tents near the shepherds’ yurts. It will be a great opportunity to taste the typical Kyrgyz cuisine, based mainly on meat dishes. On the last day of our adventure we sleep in a guesthouse in Bokonbajevo.

Day 9: Rest by the Issyk-Kul lake

Before noon, we take a car to Issyk-Kul lake to have a break after the horseback tour on the picturesque beach. This is a great opportunity to enjoy sashliks, cool beer or Kyrgyz cognac and some juicy fruit. Eagers can dip into the warm waters of the lake, surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon we head towards the Song-Kol lake. In the evening we reach the lake situated on a vast hillside plain at an altitude of 3016 m above sea level. Overnight stay in yurts.

Days 10-12: Horseback riding tour around the Song-Kol Lake (about 100 km)

We start a three-day horseback tour around the Song-Kol Lake. The route runs along the grassy banks of the lake, perfect for fast gallops. For the brakes we choose places where you can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. On the way we pass by the yurts and herds of grazing animals. Overnight stay in yurts of the local shepherds.

Day 13: Back to Bishkek

Before noon we drive back to Bishkek. After reaching the capital of Kyrgyzstan, we stay in a hostel in the city centre. Then we go for a walk along the main street of Bishkek – Chui Avenue. Overnight stay at the hostel.

Day 14: Highlights of the Kyrgyz capital

We have got the whole day to enjoy Bishkek. We are off to the famous Osh Bazar, where we can buy interesting souvenirs from Kyrgyzstan, we visit the CUM department store, explore the Ala Too and Victory squares. In the evening we will meet at a farewell dinner in the restaurant. Overnight stay at the hostel.