Tien Shan Horse Trek

Horse trek in remote mountain pastures

Snow-capped Mountains

South of the great inland sea of Issyk-Kul, the mountains of the Tien Shan stretch across the border into China. From Bishkek you'll travel to Barskoon and be welcomed into a local home. You'll be introduced to your mounts and then travel by horse-back to discover this remarkable and untouched world of Kyrgyz shepherds, their yurt homes, horses and exquisite surroundings.

High Trails and Shepherds

You pick your way through valleys dotted with groves of walnuts and juniper and then cross a high mountain pass to enter a hidden wilderness. Your journey is full of interest enjoy the company of shepherds, share a cup of legendary kumis (fermented mares milk), soak off the trail dust in a hot spring and maybe witness hunting with falcons from the hand. Life moves at a different pace here!

What's it really like?

The horses we use are small (roughly 14 hands), remarkably sure-footed, and generally easy to handle. However this trip is for people who have some previous experience You must be able to control a horse at all gaits and be confident on rough and steep terrain, although the majority of the time you will ride at walking pace. At times we cross metre-deep rushing mountain rivers on horseback. We ride on eight consecutive days - Kyrgyz saddles are similar to Western saddles.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 - Overnight flight to Bishkek

Day 2 - Round Issyk-Kul to Barskoon

Day 3 - In Barskoon village

Day 4-11 - Horsetrek to the high pastures across passes of up to 3900m

Day 12 - Return to Bishkek via Karakol

Day 13 - Free in Bishkek

Day 14 - Fly to London

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Chartered minibus, public bus,
horse, on foot.
Hotel (3nts), private house (3nts),
camping (7nts).
12 breakfasts, 9 lunches &
10 dinners included.