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Horse Trail | Kirgistan glacier tours

Discover the mountains and glaciers of Karakol Region (8/ 13 days)
Crossing Tien Shan mountains (10 days)

Horse Trail | Kirgistan glacier tours

Discover the mountains and glaciers of Karakol Region (8/ 13 days)
Crossing Tien Shan mountains (10 days)


In a nutshell

Webcode: KIR013

Program Type: Horse Trail
Travel Time: June and July
Lodging: Yurts, guestrooms and tents
Catering: full board
Language: englisch
Non Riders: no
Kids: no
Own Horse: no

Group Size
Min: 4
Max: 10

Adventure in Kirgyz mountains


Your Expert:

Questions? Contact us


Tours though the Alpine Region of Karakol

Explore the alpine mountains of Karakol on horseback in 8 or 14 days. Experience the picturesque nature of the high mountains with mystical fir forests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and snow-covered mountain peaks. An experienced guide will show you the various valleys and passes of the Karakol highlands on horseback. Ride over passes at altitudes of up to 4000 meters. In the middle of the rugged and rugged mountain landscape, however, there is also the opportunity to relax at one or two hot mountain springs and let the untouched nature work its magic on you. Kyrgyzstan's wilderness is no longer an insider tip, but on these tours you have the opportunity to explore the traditional riding trails that have connected the various mountain valleys for hundreds of years.

Tien Shan Crossing:

Ten days in the saddle, far from civilisation: this challenging riding expedition takes experienced riders through the remote mountainous landscape of the Tien Shan, north of Lake Issyk-Kul. From Chon Kemin to Kyrchyn, you’ll follow ancient mountain trails through secluded valleys, coniferous forests and over high passes. You’ll spend the nights in tents, right in the heart of the wilderness. A true expedition for adventurers seeking a challenge and wishing to experience Kyrgyzstan’s unspoilt nature and nomadic culture at first hand.



Itinerary

Nomad Tour (8 days)
Day 1: Arrival in Karakol, overnight stay in a guesthouse (dinner not included).
Day 2: After breakfast the tour starts at 8 a.m. towards Jyrgalan Gorge. Lunch is a picnic in the beautiful mountain landscape. In the afternoon, a scenic route along the mountain river awaits you. You will see pristine alpine meadows and mountain springs. Riding distance approx. 16 km.
Day 3: Breakfast at 8:30 a.m., departure at around 9:30 a.m. You will ride up to the Terim-Tor Pass (3,467 m) and then descend back into the Turgen Valley. Here you will see the famous Quiet Water River. After lunch, you will continue to the next pass, Boz-Uchuk (3,362 m). You will arrive at the mountain lakes at 3,500 m where you can also swim. You will spend the night in yurts and have dinner around an open fire. Riding distance 18 km.
Day 4: After breakfast, we continue towards Almaluu at 9:30 a.m. On the way, we pass a waterfall surrounded by a picturesque mountain panorama. After lunch, we continue to the Ailanysh Pass (3,516 m). Here we have a view of the Tien Shan mountain ranges. Descent to the Ak-Suu Valley. Dinner and overnight stay in yurts. Riding distance 18 km.
Day 5: After breakfast you will  depart for Altyn Arashan Valley and ride through alpine coniferous forests and cross a river. Along the way, you will have views of various glaciers. After crossing a pass, you will arrive in the idyllic Altyn Arashan Valley. There you can bathe in hot springs. Overnight stay in a guest house. Riding distance approx. 13km.
Day 6: Departure for Ala Kol Lake at an altitude of almost 4,000 meters. Along the route, you will have impressive views of the high mountains. You will see many waterfalls and the Eki-Chat Glacier. Return to the guest house.
Day 7: After breakfast you can relax in the hot mountain springs. After lunch, you will ride downhill along the Ak-Suu River through a picturesque gorge. You will say goodbye to the horses and drive back to Karakol.
Day 8: Breakfast and departure.

Glacier Tour (13 days)
Day 1: Pick up from Bishkek airport or hotel in the morning. Transfer to Karakol. Lunch on the way. Then continue to Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon. In the evening, arrive in Karakol, dinner and accommodation in a guest house.
Day 2: After breakfast explore Karakol. Visit the local markets and sights, including an Orthodox church and the Dungan Mosque. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon enjoy a panoramic view of the city and prepare for the upcoming horseback tour. Overnight stay and dinner at the guest house.
Days 3-11: Transfer to Karkyr Valley with views of various glaciers. You will meet the horses and start the tour. Lunch will be a picnic on the way. Experience the life of the nomads, which has remained unchanged for 1000 years. Visit the Sarah Jazz Valley and the closed city of Enilchek next to the glacier of the same name. Swim in hot springs. You will ride at an altitude of 2000 to 4000 m. Clear skies, mountain air, a sea of emotions, and complete unity with nature. Overnight stay in tents and yurts.
Day 12: After breakfast, transfer back to Karakol. Bath in hot springs. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight stay in a guest house.
Day 13: After breakfast, transfer back to Bishkek. On the way, stop for lunch and a swim in Lake Issyk-Kul. Arrival in the evening.

Tien Shan Crossing (10 days):

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek – Journey to the Chon-Kemin Valley

Following your arrival at the airport or collection from your hotel, we will set off in the morning for the Chon-Kemin Valley, some 150 km away. On the way, you will enjoy traditional Kyrgyz specialities at a local café, including katama, a layered flatbread. In the afternoon, at our guesthouse in the valley, you’ll get to know the expedition team, the guides and your horses. A short introductory ride will give you the chance to familiarise yourself with the horses and the equipment. Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse.

Days 2–8: Horse-riding expedition through the Tien Shan – from Chon-Kemin to KyrchynYour expedition adventure begins after breakfast. Over the next seven days, you will delve deep into the remote mountainous world of the Tien Shan, gradually leaving roads, villages and the familiar trappings of civilisation behind. On horseback, you’ll follow ancient mountain trails through the Chon-Kemin National Park and experience Kyrgyzstan at its most unspoilt. The landscape changes with every metre of altitude. From the wide Chon-Kemin Valley, you’ll ride through vast coniferous forests up to open alpine meadows and traditional summer pastures, known as ‘jailoo’. Horses, sheep and cattle graze here, and depending on the season, you’ll encounter nomadic herders and their yurts. Life in the mountains here is not a show put on for visitors, but everyday reality. Your route takes you alongside rushing mountain rivers and through secluded high valleys, where nature sets the pace. Time and again, impressive views of the Tien Shan mountain ranges open up before you. A particular highlight is the crossing of a mountain pass at an altitude of around 4,000 metres. As the altitude increases, the forests give way to alpine meadows, rocky slopes and a vast, almost untouched high-mountain landscape. In the evenings, you’ll set up camp in secluded spots. You’ll spend the night in tents and enjoy the special atmosphere in the heart of the wilderness. Meals are prepared together with the expedition team; weather and conditions permitting, the day draws to a close around the campfire. On clear nights, you might even have the chance to sleep under the starry sky. Comfort and infrastructure are left behind – instead, you can expect genuine expedition conditions, intense encounters with nature and the unique experience of spending several days far from civilisation.On the final leg of your riding expedition, you’ll reach the impressive Chon-Ak-Suu Valley and ride on into the Kyrchyn Valley. This place is closely linked to Kyrgyz nomadic culture and gained international recognition through the World Nomad Games. This is where your journey on horseback ends. You’ll say goodbye to your horses, guides and the support team before travelling on by vehicle to Karakol. After your days in the wilderness, you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse, where you can reflect on the experiences of your expedition at your leisure.

Day 9: Karakol – Cultural and Culinary Discoveries
After breakfast, you’ll explore Karakol, one of the most culturally diverse towns in eastern Kyrgyzstan. On a walking tour, you’ll discover the fascinating blend of different traditions and influences. You’ll visit the ornate Dungan Mosque, the historic Russian Orthodox Trinity Cathedral and the lively local market. You can also browse for typical local souvenirs in a traditional souvenir shop. Karakol has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine too: take the opportunity to sample traditional Kyrgyz cuisine and Dungan cuisine, renowned for its distinctive flavours. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Karakol.

Day 10: Karakol – Jeti-Oguz – Skazka Canyon – BishkekAfter breakfast, you will set off on your return journey to Bishkek along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Along the way, you will once again encounter some of Kyrgyzstan’s most impressive natural landscapes. Your first stop is Jeti-Oguz, renowned for its striking red sandstone formations and the picturesque valleys that wind their way through the mountainous landscape. You will then visit the fascinating Skazka Canyon, known as the ‘Fairy-Tale Canyon’. Over thousands of years, wind and erosion have sculpted bizarre rock formations here in vibrant shades of red and orange, reminiscent of towers, castles and fantastical figures.

Subject to change at any time.


Accomodation
You will stay in guest houses, yurts, and tents. Double and shared rooms.


Saddle & Tack: local saddles and bridles

Experience: Sicher in allen Gangarten und Gelände. Die Ritte finden im Hochgebierge statt, Trittsicherheit im alpinen Gelände.

Horses: Kyrgyz horses, very enduring and sure-footed


In a nutshell

Webcode: KIR013

Program Type: Horse Trail
Travel Time: June and July
Lodging: Yurts, guestrooms and tents
Catering: full board
Language: englisch
Non Riders: no
Kids: no
Own Horse: no

Group Size
Min: 4
Max: 10

Adventure in Kirgyz mountains


Your Expert:

Questions? Contact us

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All itineraries, prices & dates subject to changes © EQUITOUR International Riding Vacations, Switzerland

 



Horse Trail | Kirgistan glacier tours

Discover the mountains and glaciers of Karakol Region (8/ 13 days)
Crossing Tien Shan mountains (10 days)


Kurzinformation

Webcode: KIR013

Programmart: Horse Trail
Reisezeit: June and July
Unterkunft: Yurts, guestrooms and tents
Verpflegung: full board
Sprache: englisch
Nichtreiter: no
Kinder: no
Eigenes Pferd: no


Gruppengrösse / Mitreiter
Min: 4
Max: 10
Adventure in Kirgyz mountains
 

Beschreibung & Reiseverlauf




Tours though the Alpine Region of Karakol

Explore the alpine mountains of Karakol on horseback in 8 or 14 days. Experience the picturesque nature of the high mountains with mystical fir forests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and snow-covered mountain peaks. An experienced guide will show you the various valleys and passes of the Karakol highlands on horseback. Ride over passes at altitudes of up to 4000 meters. In the middle of the rugged and rugged mountain landscape, however, there is also the opportunity to relax at one or two hot mountain springs and let the untouched nature work its magic on you. Kyrgyzstan's wilderness is no longer an insider tip, but on these tours you have the opportunity to explore the traditional riding trails that have connected the various mountain valleys for hundreds of years.

Tien Shan Crossing:

Ten days in the saddle, far from civilisation: this challenging riding expedition takes experienced riders through the remote mountainous landscape of the Tien Shan, north of Lake Issyk-Kul. From Chon Kemin to Kyrchyn, you’ll follow ancient mountain trails through secluded valleys, coniferous forests and over high passes. You’ll spend the nights in tents, right in the heart of the wilderness. A true expedition for adventurers seeking a challenge and wishing to experience Kyrgyzstan’s unspoilt nature and nomadic culture at first hand.


 

Reiseverlauf





Nomad Tour (8 days)
Day 1: Arrival in Karakol, overnight stay in a guesthouse (dinner not included).
Day 2: After breakfast the tour starts at 8 a.m. towards Jyrgalan Gorge. Lunch is a picnic in the beautiful mountain landscape. In the afternoon, a scenic route along the mountain river awaits you. You will see pristine alpine meadows and mountain springs. Riding distance approx. 16 km.
Day 3: Breakfast at 8:30 a.m., departure at around 9:30 a.m. You will ride up to the Terim-Tor Pass (3,467 m) and then descend back into the Turgen Valley. Here you will see the famous Quiet Water River. After lunch, you will continue to the next pass, Boz-Uchuk (3,362 m). You will arrive at the mountain lakes at 3,500 m where you can also swim. You will spend the night in yurts and have dinner around an open fire. Riding distance 18 km.
Day 4: After breakfast, we continue towards Almaluu at 9:30 a.m. On the way, we pass a waterfall surrounded by a picturesque mountain panorama. After lunch, we continue to the Ailanysh Pass (3,516 m). Here we have a view of the Tien Shan mountain ranges. Descent to the Ak-Suu Valley. Dinner and overnight stay in yurts. Riding distance 18 km.
Day 5: After breakfast you will  depart for Altyn Arashan Valley and ride through alpine coniferous forests and cross a river. Along the way, you will have views of various glaciers. After crossing a pass, you will arrive in the idyllic Altyn Arashan Valley. There you can bathe in hot springs. Overnight stay in a guest house. Riding distance approx. 13km.
Day 6: Departure for Ala Kol Lake at an altitude of almost 4,000 meters. Along the route, you will have impressive views of the high mountains. You will see many waterfalls and the Eki-Chat Glacier. Return to the guest house.
Day 7: After breakfast you can relax in the hot mountain springs. After lunch, you will ride downhill along the Ak-Suu River through a picturesque gorge. You will say goodbye to the horses and drive back to Karakol.
Day 8: Breakfast and departure.

Glacier Tour (13 days)
Day 1: Pick up from Bishkek airport or hotel in the morning. Transfer to Karakol. Lunch on the way. Then continue to Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon. In the evening, arrive in Karakol, dinner and accommodation in a guest house.
Day 2: After breakfast explore Karakol. Visit the local markets and sights, including an Orthodox church and the Dungan Mosque. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon enjoy a panoramic view of the city and prepare for the upcoming horseback tour. Overnight stay and dinner at the guest house.
Days 3-11: Transfer to Karkyr Valley with views of various glaciers. You will meet the horses and start the tour. Lunch will be a picnic on the way. Experience the life of the nomads, which has remained unchanged for 1000 years. Visit the Sarah Jazz Valley and the closed city of Enilchek next to the glacier of the same name. Swim in hot springs. You will ride at an altitude of 2000 to 4000 m. Clear skies, mountain air, a sea of emotions, and complete unity with nature. Overnight stay in tents and yurts.
Day 12: After breakfast, transfer back to Karakol. Bath in hot springs. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight stay in a guest house.
Day 13: After breakfast, transfer back to Bishkek. On the way, stop for lunch and a swim in Lake Issyk-Kul. Arrival in the evening.

Tien Shan Crossing (10 days):

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek – Journey to the Chon-Kemin Valley

Following your arrival at the airport or collection from your hotel, we will set off in the morning for the Chon-Kemin Valley, some 150 km away. On the way, you will enjoy traditional Kyrgyz specialities at a local café, including katama, a layered flatbread. In the afternoon, at our guesthouse in the valley, you’ll get to know the expedition team, the guides and your horses. A short introductory ride will give you the chance to familiarise yourself with the horses and the equipment. Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse.

Days 2–8: Horse-riding expedition through the Tien Shan – from Chon-Kemin to KyrchynYour expedition adventure begins after breakfast. Over the next seven days, you will delve deep into the remote mountainous world of the Tien Shan, gradually leaving roads, villages and the familiar trappings of civilisation behind. On horseback, you’ll follow ancient mountain trails through the Chon-Kemin National Park and experience Kyrgyzstan at its most unspoilt. The landscape changes with every metre of altitude. From the wide Chon-Kemin Valley, you’ll ride through vast coniferous forests up to open alpine meadows and traditional summer pastures, known as ‘jailoo’. Horses, sheep and cattle graze here, and depending on the season, you’ll encounter nomadic herders and their yurts. Life in the mountains here is not a show put on for visitors, but everyday reality. Your route takes you alongside rushing mountain rivers and through secluded high valleys, where nature sets the pace. Time and again, impressive views of the Tien Shan mountain ranges open up before you. A particular highlight is the crossing of a mountain pass at an altitude of around 4,000 metres. As the altitude increases, the forests give way to alpine meadows, rocky slopes and a vast, almost untouched high-mountain landscape. In the evenings, you’ll set up camp in secluded spots. You’ll spend the night in tents and enjoy the special atmosphere in the heart of the wilderness. Meals are prepared together with the expedition team; weather and conditions permitting, the day draws to a close around the campfire. On clear nights, you might even have the chance to sleep under the starry sky. Comfort and infrastructure are left behind – instead, you can expect genuine expedition conditions, intense encounters with nature and the unique experience of spending several days far from civilisation.On the final leg of your riding expedition, you’ll reach the impressive Chon-Ak-Suu Valley and ride on into the Kyrchyn Valley. This place is closely linked to Kyrgyz nomadic culture and gained international recognition through the World Nomad Games. This is where your journey on horseback ends. You’ll say goodbye to your horses, guides and the support team before travelling on by vehicle to Karakol. After your days in the wilderness, you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse, where you can reflect on the experiences of your expedition at your leisure.

Day 9: Karakol – Cultural and Culinary Discoveries
After breakfast, you’ll explore Karakol, one of the most culturally diverse towns in eastern Kyrgyzstan. On a walking tour, you’ll discover the fascinating blend of different traditions and influences. You’ll visit the ornate Dungan Mosque, the historic Russian Orthodox Trinity Cathedral and the lively local market. You can also browse for typical local souvenirs in a traditional souvenir shop. Karakol has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine too: take the opportunity to sample traditional Kyrgyz cuisine and Dungan cuisine, renowned for its distinctive flavours. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Karakol.

Day 10: Karakol – Jeti-Oguz – Skazka Canyon – BishkekAfter breakfast, you will set off on your return journey to Bishkek along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Along the way, you will once again encounter some of Kyrgyzstan’s most impressive natural landscapes. Your first stop is Jeti-Oguz, renowned for its striking red sandstone formations and the picturesque valleys that wind their way through the mountainous landscape. You will then visit the fascinating Skazka Canyon, known as the ‘Fairy-Tale Canyon’. Over thousands of years, wind and erosion have sculpted bizarre rock formations here in vibrant shades of red and orange, reminiscent of towers, castles and fantastical figures.

Subject to change at any time.

 

Unterkunft



You will stay in guest houses, yurts, and tents. Double and shared rooms.

Pferde, Reiten & Zaumzeug


Pferde: Kyrgyz horses, very enduring and sure-footed

Sattel & Zaum: local saddles and bridles

Reiterfahrung: Sicher in allen Gangarten und Gelände. Die Ritte finden im Hochgebierge statt, Trittsicherheit im alpinen Gelände.

Kundenmeinungen & weitere Informationen

Kundenmeinungen, Informationen zum Land (wie z.B. Visabestimmungen) und Wetterinfos finden Sie bei und nur online, da sich diese täglich ändern können. Gehen Sie dafür bitte online auf www.equitour.com/kir013.htm

 

Preise & Termine


2027



Dates, prices, prestations

Kirgistan glacier tours

To book, please click on the date or period. Red: fully booked! Yellow: limited availability!

Dates

Kyrgyzstan Tien Shan Crossing

09.06. - 18.06.

23.06. - 02.07.

21.07. - 30.07.

04.08. - 13.08.

18.08. - 27.08.

01.09. - 10.09.

Kyrgyzstan glacier ride

08.07. - 21.07.

08.08. - 21.08.

28.08. - 10.09.

Kyrgyzstan nomad tour

13.06. - 20.06.

27.06. - 04.07.

11.07. - 18.07.

25.07. - 01.08.

08.08. - 15.08.

22.08. - 29.08.

05.09. - 12.09.

Services and notations

Included: 13/8 days, 12/7 nights, full board Accommodation in guesthouses, otherwise in tents, yurts, full board, English-speaking guide


Arrival / departure: 8-day tour starts in Karakol, 13 day tour starts in Bishkek

Bishkek

Not included in package: For the 8-day tour: independent transfer to Karakol

Prices

Code

Euro

UK £

US$

KGT10D

Tien shan, 10 days

1600.-

1345.-

1818.-

KGE13D

glacier ride, 14 days

coming soon

coming soon

coming soon

KGN8D

nomad tour, 8 days

1200.-

1008.-

1364.-

2027 

4-day short program through Altyn Arashan can be booked. A visa is currently not required for travelers from more than 44 countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, etc.). Please check with the Kyrgyz embassy.




2026



Dates, prices, prestations

Kirgistan glacier tours


Space available? Click on a date and see. Afterwards you can book directly online!

Dates

Kyrgyzstan glacier ride

15.06. - 28.06.

30.06. - 13.07.

15.07. - 28.07.

30.07. - 12.08.

Kyrgyzstan nomad tour

01.06. - 08.06.

08.06. - 15.06.

15.06. - 22.06.

22.06. - 29.06.

06.07. - 13.07.

12.07. - 19.07.

19.07. - 26.07.

26.07. - 02.08.

Services and notations

Included:

Arrival / departure:





Not included in package:

Prices

Code

Euro

UK £

US$

KGE13D

glacier ride, 14 days

2000.-

1639.-

2222.-

KGN8D

nomad tour, 8 days

999.-

819.-

1110.-