This 7-day horse riding tour takes you to Lake Sary-Chelek, the jewel of a UNESCO biosphere reserve in western Kyrgyzstan, by a route few travellers know: up the wild Aflatun valley. In six days you ride about 61 km through walnut and fruit forests, past nomad families and beekeepers, over three passes up to 2,847 m, and camp by three mountain lakes. Five nights in tents, a small private group of 2–6 riders and local horsemen who know every trail. Basic riding experience helps, but fit beginners can join. June to September.
The price is calculated individually: it depends on group size, dates and accommodation level. Send a request and we will prepare an offer for your group.
Private tour on your dates from June to September for 2–6 riders. Price on request — it depends on the group size; send us your dates and we reply within 24 hours. Included
Not included
Moments that stay with you
Getting home
The tour ends in the village of Arkyt after lunch on day 7. You can stay the night in a local guesthouse (not included) or take a local taxi to Jalal-Abad, the nearest city. We can help you arrange either.
Luggage
Everything travels on pack horses, so no suitcases. Bring a soft waterproof duffel or backpack and leave the rest in Bishkek.
Riding
The horses are calm local Kyrgyz horses. Wear closed shoes and long trousers, use the helmet and follow the horseman: keep distance, do not overtake and get off on steep descents when asked.
What to bring
Sleeping bag (comfort −1 °C or lower, or rent one for 10 $ a day), warm layers, rain jacket, hat, sunglasses and sun cream, head torch, power bank, insect repellent and some cash.
Basic experience helps, but it is not required. The horses are calm, the pace is a walk and the horsemen stay with you. You should be fit enough for 4–6 hours in the saddle and to walk beside your horse on the steepest parts of the passes.
The first night is in a family guesthouse in Kara-Suu, then five nights in tents by rivers and lakes. Tents and camp equipment are included; bring or rent a sleeping bag. All meals from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 7 are included.
Days in summer are warm, but nights in the mountains are cool, especially at the camp below Kuldanbes pass. Bring a sleeping bag with comfort −1 °C or lower, warm layers and a rain jacket.
Our services end in the village of Arkyt on day 7. Stay the night in a local guesthouse or take a local taxi to Jalal-Abad, the nearest city. Tell us your plans and we help you arrange it.
This is a private tour for 2–6 riders, and the price per person falls as the group grows, so we quote it for your dates and group size. Travelling alone? Write to us — we can look for other riders or quote a solo price.
This tour is the wild route through the Aflatun valley with three passes and five nights in tents. For a shorter trip that adds Lake Alatay, see the 6-day Alatay & Sary-Chelek horseback expedition. For more lakes and the walnut forests of Arslanbob, see the Toktogul to Arslanbob horseback tour.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
