Next departure: 10.05.2027
Meeting point: Manas International Airport
We designed this off-season tour for travelers who want to skip the crowds, the high flight prices, and the busy roads — but even more so, for those who want to experience Kyrgyzstan authentically. There’s time to talk with locals, learn their customs, and join them in the fields with their animals, all on top of two unforgettable treks through fields in bloom. We’ve kept driving time to a minimum, packing this short trip with nature, impressions, and genuine encounters.
Suitable also for relatively inexperienced riders, outdoor enthusiasts, and hikers alike. Throughout the tour you can choose to ride or hike — and you’re free to switch between the two whenever you like, whether your legs need a break from the saddle or your seat needs a break from the trail.
This trip isn’t for hardcore riders chasing fast-paced rides, nor for those seeking luxury or a tightly fixed itinerary. Here, we go with the flow and let our local guides show us their world. Expect the unexpected — and enjoy the ride.
Day 1 — Departure
Fly out towards Bishkek, the gateway to the Tien Shan mountains.
Day 2 — Arrival & Chon Kemin Valley
Land in Bishkek and transfer roughly 2 hours to the Chon Kemin Valley. Ease into the trip with a relaxed first day surrounded by farm life, settling into a comfortable guesthouse for the night.
Day 3 — Into the Mountains
A day ride or hike up into the surrounding mountains — a chance to stretch your legs (or get acquainted with your horse) before the trek begins.
Day 4–7 — Four-Day Horse Trek to Issyk-Kul
Set off on a four-day trek through ever-changing landscapes: lush forest trails, nights camped in the woods and beside a beautiful alpine lake, and a mountain pass at 2,800m (no high-altitude trekking involved). On the fourth day, after a final ride, say goodbye to the horses and continue on to your second base, Kök-Sai, where you’ll spend the night in yurts. ( 2.5 hrs driving)
Day 8 — Rest Day at Kök-Sai
A free day to recover and prepare for the next stretch. Options include a traditional shyrdak felt-rug workshop and a visit to the Ak-Say Canyon — the day’s pace stays flexible and can be shaped around the group’s wishes. Another night in the same yurts.
Day 9–11 — Three-Day Trek, Fixed Base Camp
Head out for three more days on foot and horseback. Two nights are spent at the same high campsite, which opens up options for day two: ride without luggage, rest the horses and hike toward a glacier of your choice, or split into smaller groups depending on interests and pace. Daily distances run around 20km, except for the second day, with a shorter outing of about 4 hours. Camp is pitched beside a local shepherd’s yurt, where you can watch the mares being milked. On the third day, return to the yurt camp at Kök-Sai for a final overnight.
Day 12 — Return to Bishkek
A scenic 4-hour drive back to Bishkek.
Day 13 — Departure
Fly home.
We’ll be a lot outside in nature. We can encounter lovely spring weather but also thunderstorm, hail, rain, wind.
As we’ll be mostly sleeping in tents, the comfort is basic. Luckily we do not need to carry any gear, our horses help us with that.
We’ll be traveling on altitude but at low intensity. We’ll be riding or hiking.
No advanced horse riding skills necessary on this trip. We’ll be traveling in walking pace. This trip is also suitable for fit hikers.
A detailed pack list will be provided.
The following equipment can be rented from us.
The following equipment can be rented from us.
Manas International Airport
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.
Full travel information for
Up to 120 days before departure
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.
14 days · 4-6 pers. · from CHF 2500.-
tunduk is a small team. We respond personally – usually within 48 hours, sometimes a little longer when we’re travelling.
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