Day 1 – Horse’s head:
We’ll meet you in the morning in Bishkek. Today, we head to At-Bashi (meaning“Horse’s Head”), a name that already gives a sense of this wild, rugged corner of Kyrgyzstan, deeply connected to the spirit of the horse. This is one of the country’s most livestock-heavy regions, right at the border with China. We’ll arrive in time
for afternoon chai with Eshenbek, a local saddle maker, where we’ll dive into Kyrgyz horse culture. We’ll learn about traditionalsaddles and gear, riding style, and a few essential Kyrgyz words (needed to communicate with the shepherds). In the evening, we will meet with the shepherd family we’ll work with during the transhumance.
Driving time: 6-7 hours (400km)
Accommodation: Local Kyrgyz house (hot water and shower)

Day 2 – Learn the job:
Today we will meet the horses and learn the basics of Kyrgyz riding style, including a few tricks that will be useful during the transhumance. The shepherds will gather the herd and prepare for the movement, and we will assist them. In the afternoon, Aidana, our second guide, will join us. Aidana is part of the Kyrgyz national horseback riding archery team. With her, we will learn hands-on the basics of the sport.
Riding time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Local Kyrgyz house (hot water and shower)

Day 3 – The Transhumance:
We start moving the herd at dawn, usually around 150–200 horses. We will ride all day and cross a mountain pass at 3,500 m. If anyone gets tired, there is a truck at the back, and you can join it at any time. Today’s ride can be up to 70–80 km. We will move the herd all the way to the summer pasture, where we will settle for the night.
Riding time: as much as you want (total ride can be up to 15 hours)
Accommodation: Tents or yurt (depends on local factors)

Day 4 – Jailoodo:
On this day, we’ll assist the shepherds in settling the horses into their summer grazing grounds. It’s a well-earned rest day, allowing us to soak in the serene beauty of the Kyrgyz highlands and delve into the traditions of nomadic life. We will ride toward Kel Suu Lake, by the border with China. Expect to see yaks, some lonely shepherds, and a very rugged landscape that showcases the raw beauty of this remote region away from everything.
Riding time: 4-5 hours (20km)
Accommodation: Shepherd’s yurt

Day 5 – Kel Suu:
Today, we’ll reach Kel Suu, a remote alpine lake surrounded by rugged cliffs. Here, we’ll meet Meder, a yak breeder who lives year-round in this isolated area with his family.
Riding time: 4-5 hours (20km)
Accommodation: Yurt camp (hot water and Sauna)

Day 6 – To the Chinese border:
Today, we’ll go with Meder to check on his yaks and visit the site where a Soviet helicopter crashed years ago, learning about the challenges of life in this rugged region. Our campsite tonight is just next to the border with China.
Riding time: 5 hours (30km)

Day 7 – Ak-Sai Ruh:
In the morning, we’ll reach the border with China before returning to Meder’s Yurt camp. After lunch, we will leave for Naryn, the capital of the province.
Riding time: 4 hours (20km)
Driving time: 4 hours (120km)
Overnight: Guest House (twin rooms with shower)

Day 8 – Eagles:
Today we’ll meet Aman, one of the few remaining eagle hunters in the Naryn region. We will join him as he trains his three eagles and learn about the art of eagle hunting, exploring the balance between tradition and modern life in nowadays Kyrgyzstan. We then drive back to Bishkek, where we will meet Albina, a 23-year-
old designer, blends traditional wool-making with modern art. Next, we’ll try our hand at pottery and dive into the flavours of Central Asian cuisine at Dari Kuduk – a Tajik restaurant in downtown Bishkek – good party spot!
Driving time: 5 hours (350km)
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel