JOL
Planned
Seats Available
Signature
Kyrgyzstan

Yurt based horse riding

Experience day rides across Kyrgyzstan’s stunning landscapes, exploring different landscapes and staying in traditional yurts for a comfortable, authentic adventure.

Next departure:

Duration: 10 days
Group size: 4 – 6
From: CHF 1850.-

Meeting point: Bishkek

About this trip

The trip in brief.

Experience Kyrgyzstan on horseback with five completely different guided day rides through breathtaking landscapes, from alpine valleys to sandstone canyon racing. Ride different local horse, while enjoying the safety and support of experienced Kyrgyz guides. After each ride, we’ll stay in authentic yurts accomodations, with hearty meals and genuine Kyrgyz hospitality. This journey is designed for confident riders who value adventure combined with comfort — no long treks, just memorable daily rides. Immerse yourself in the culture, nature, and tranquility of the Kyrgyz country.

What makes this trip

Good reasons to join.

Riding in 5 different locations

Galloping the Ak-Sai canyon

Authentic Encounters with Local Life

Guest profile

Is this trip for you?

This trip is for you if...

This trip is perfect for experienced riders who enjoy galloping and trying different horses. It’s also an excellent choice for rider/non-rider couples, offering a memorable experience for both. Guests stay in comfortable accommodations with showers and toilets. Riders should be confident at all gaits and able to handle outdoor, varied terrain with control. Maximum rider weight: 85 kg, maximum height: 185 cm ( as the local horses are rather small)

This trip is probably not for you if...

This trip is designed for confident riders and is not suitable for beginners. It focuses on authentic local experiences rather than remote wilderness trails or luxury accommodations. Guests should be prepared for traditional, shared yurts and locally prepared meals rather than à la carte dining.

Your guides

Who is taking you there.

Guide, Bike Mechanic, Art Director and Backoffice Workhorse
Klosters, Switzerland
“Only dead fish follow the stream.”
Guide, emergency back-up contact
Belgium
Day by day

The itinerary.

Day 1 – Flight

Fly via Istanbul to Bishkek.

Day 2 – Arrival & Cultural Welcome

Arrive in Bishkek early morning. Transfer by minibus to your first yurt camp (approx. 4 hours), with stops for restroom breaks and a quick supermarket visit. Experience a private eagle show in the evening. Overnight in shared yurts (max 4 per yurt) with basic facilities, and enjoy dinner at the camp.

Day 3 – Mountain Day & Cultural Activities

Today the riders will set out for a day ride into the mountains (1,000 m ascent/descent) with a picnic in the high valleys. ( 6hrs of riding)

Day 4 – Ride to Issyk-Kul Lake & Canyon Adventure

Riders embark on a spectacular 25 km ride through Ak Sai Canyon to Issyk-Kul Lake, including picnic stops and opportunities for galloping. Evening campfire and overnight in shared yurts at a natural, phone-free setting. ( 4- 5hrs of riding)

Day 5 – Barskoon Visit

We’ll drive to the next ride location. where our guide his family welcomes everyone for lunch. We’ll go for a 4–5 hour afternoon ride, mostly in the forest. Dinner and overnight in a yurtcamp at the Issyk Kul shore or in the Barskoon valley.

Day 6 – Horseriding & Karakol Exploration

Our car brings us to a tiny unknown village, named Kerege Tash, for a wonderfull ride in the fields off the local sherpherds. We ride along the shepherds, between the big mountains, this ride includes gallop opportunities. Overnight in lovely yurts in the city center of Karakol. ( 3 – 4 hrs of riding)

Day 7 – Chon Kemin Valley Transfer

After breakfast, transfer to Chon Kemin Valley (approx. 5 hours), with picnic stops and optional swimming en route. Check into the new guesthouse Kordon (twin rooms) and enjoy a sunset walk in the valley. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 8 – Day in Chon Kemin National Park

Spend a full day enjoying Chon Kemin National Park. Riders enjoy a guided day ride in the mountains. Overnight in a guesthouse. ( 5 hrs of riding)

Day 9 – Return to Bishkek & Farewell Dinner

Drive back to Bishkek (approx. 2 hours). After checking in our hotel, guided city tour or free time to explore Osh Bazaar and purchase souvenirs / check out the local horse tack shops. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10 – Departure

Transfer early to the airport for your flight home.

Notes:
– Non riders are very welcome on this program. A additional guide can be booked or we can provide you with a non riders program to choose from on your own. Please contact us for our non rider discounted pricing.
– This ride is also possible in spring and autumn, requiring staying in guesthouses rather then yurts due to the temperatures.

Trip profile

What to expect.

Outdoor

We’ll not be camping but still we’ll be riding in different weather conditions and might be outdoors for a full day.

Comfort

We’ll sleep in lovely authentic accomodations, yurts. Your yurt is shared with others so is the bathroom. No single room option available.

Physical

We’ll be riding on almost all days on this tour.

Technical

For outdoor riders, being able to ride and control different type of horses.

What's covered

Included & excluded.

Included

  • All land transport in Kyrgyzstan
  • Airport transfers in Bishkek
  • Trip logistics and coordination
  • Guiding incl daily group briefings
  • All accommodation
  • Use of front saddle bags during the rides
  • All meals

 

Not included

  • International flights
  • Personal riding equipment/clothes
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses ( souvenirs, tips,…)

 

On the ground

Food & Accommodation.

Food

Whenever possible, we eat local food. Expect a mix of traditional Kyrgyz cuisine and occasional restaurant meals in larger villages and towns. Dietary requirements and allergies must be communicated well in advance. We are happy to discuss the details and will find a workable solution in almost every case.

Accommodation

We’ll stay in small guesthouses, family-run lodges, and selected local accommodations. The places are simple, authentic, and functional – chosen for their location and logistical suitability rather than comfort.
What to pack

Gear & Equipment.

What to bring

A packlist will be provided.

Bring outdoorsy riding clothes:

including rainclothes, warm clothers for fresh evenings.

(possible to travel with handluggage only – no camping gear necessary)

Rental gear

The following equipment can be rented from us.

The details

Practical Information.

Dates

mid May – October 2027, on demand

Duration

10 days

Group Size

4 – 6 riders ( additional non riders are welcome too)

Pricing

6 Personen: CHF 1850.-
5 Personen: CHF 1900.-
4 Personen: CHF 2000.-

Meeting Point

Bishkek
Manas international airport – Bishkek

Nearest Airport

Luggage Transport

All luggage and paragliding equipment is transported by vehicle between the different accommodations.

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers from and to Manas International Airport in Bishkek are included. We recommend arriving on the official arrival day.
Safety first

Safety & insurance.

tunduk operates a structured risk management concept that applies to every trip. Prevention is the priority – we mitigate risk with conservative route decisions, timing, and group management. When conditions change, plans change.

All participants are required to read the tunduk Emergency Concept. It covers prevention, decision-making in the field, and emergency procedures.

On all trips in remote areas without mobile coverage we carry a Garmin inReach satellite communicator for emergency communication.

general travel safety information on our destination pages →

Insurance is the responsibility of each participant. Coverage must include health (illness and accident), rescue and evacuation in the destination country, and repatriation. We may ask for proof of insurance prior to departure.

Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. It should cover trip cancellation, lost equipment, and any activity-specific risks relevant to the trip.

Participants are responsible for their own insurance (rescue, evacuation, health, travel cancellation, etc.) and a proof has to be presented to the organizer prior to the trip.

travel info

Visa & entry.

Most nationalities can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for stays up to 30 days. Participants are responsible for checking visa requirements for their nationality.

Full travel information for 

changing plans

Cancellation Policy.

Up to 120 days before departure

20%

Up to 60 days before departure

50%

Up to 30 days before departure

80%

Less than 30 days before departure

100%

Any costs already incurred on your behalf at the time of cancellation – such as for train tickets, reservations, or permits – will be charged in full, regardless of the above schedule. In exceptional cases tunduk may offer a full refund minus a handling fee of CHF 200 at its discretion. Only upon request and without guaranteed right.

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Ready to go?

Join this adventure.

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Yurt based horse riding

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Yurt based horse riding

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