“Heart of the Tien Shan”
Starting from
Direct nomadic local support
👥 Group Pricing
Overview
This is an exciting and diverse itinerary that covers the most scenic parts of northern and central Kyrgyzstan. You have combined cultural landmarks with a true immersion in the wilderness.
Below is a detailed plan of your horse trekking tour with logistical notes:
Itinerary
|Bishkek | City tour
City tour: Ala-Too Square, Osh Bazaar, Panfilov Park. |Hotel
Bishkek — Chon-Kemin
Bishkek — Chon-Kemin | Transfer. Visit to Burana Tower (10th–11th centuries). Arrival in the village of Kara-Oy (Karaal-Dobo). | Guesthouse
Karaal-Dobo — Toru-Aygyr
Start of the horse trek. Ascent through conifer forests to high-altitude pastures. Tents
Toru-Aygyr — Kol-Kogur Lake
Trek to the “turquoise mirror” of Chon-Kemin. The lake is surrounded by Tien Shan spruces. | Tents
Kol-Kogur — Karakol | Toru-Aygyr Pass
Descent toward Issyk-Kul (village of Toru-Aygyr). Transfer by vehicle to Karakol. | Guesthouse
Karakol — Bokonbaevo
Visit to the “Fairy Tale” Canyon and the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. Hunting bird show. | Yurt camp / Guesthouse
Bokonbaevo — Kyzart
Long transfer via Orto-Tokoy Reservoir and Kochkor to the village of Kyzart (Jumgal District). | Guesthouse
Kyzart — Kilemche
Second stage of the horse trek. Crossing the Kilemche Valley (“carpet valley”). | Yurt / Tent
Kilemche — Son-Kul
Ascent of the Jalgys-Karagay Pass. Descent to the northern shore of Son-Kul Lake (Zhaman-Echki). | Yurt
Son-Kul (Radial ride)
Ride along the shore: Zhaman-Echki — Tulpar-Tash — Tash-Dobo. Enjoy panoramic views. | Yurt
Son-Kul — Kochkor
Crossing via Kumduu-Suu. End of the horse trekking part. Transfer to Kochkor. | Guesthouse
Kochkor — Bishkek
Visit to a felt cooperative (workshop). Return to the capital.
🎒 What to Take
• Equipment:
• For the horses: Make sure the saddles are fitted with tashuur (soft saddle pads), as you will spend 5–7 hours a day in the saddle.
• For you: Be sure to bring high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+), as the sun at Son-Kul (3,016 m) is very strong, and warm clothing (night temperatures can drop to around 0°C even in summer).
Important recommendations for your trip:
• Logistics (Days 5 and 7):
Please note that the sections between Kol-Kogur Lake and Karakol, as well as from Bokonbaevo to Kyzart, require vehicle support to transport both luggage and travelers between locations.
• Son-Kul location:
The stretch from Tulpar-Tash to Tash-Dobo is one of the most beautiful sections, where you can see edelweiss flowers and herds of wild horses.