This Kyrgyzstan horseback tour takes you 78 km across the remote mountains between Toktogul and Arslanbob — a route few travellers ever see. Of the 8 days, 5 are spent in the saddle: over the Oro-Bashy pass (2,930 m) to a camp at Kara-Suu Lake, across the Bel-Monchok pass (3,190 m), the highest point of the trip, down red canyons to the village of Kyzyl-Unkur and through the world’s largest natural walnut forest to Arslanbob. Your guide Nurlan and his family from Ozgorush village run the trek, so every day ends with home cooking, music by the fire and real nomadic hospitality. No riding experience is needed, but you should be physically strong and fit.
Price per person, depends on group size
Included • Transfer Bishkek → Ozgorush village • 4 nights in homestays and guesthouses (Ozgorush, Kyzyl-Unkur, Arslanbob), 3 nights in tents • All meals during the tour • Horses, horsemen and pack horses • English-speaking guide from Bishkek • Tents and sleeping mats (2 people per tent) • Entrance fees according to the program Not included • Hotel in Bishkek • Single tent: $90 • Sleeping bag rental: $10 per day • Transfer from Arslanbob after the tour • Personal expenses
Season and weather June to September. Days in the valleys are warm; at the camps (1,800–2,300 m) nights can drop close to freezing, and the weather on the passes changes quickly. What to bring • Warm sleeping bag (or rent one for $10 per day) • Layers: fleece, down jacket, waterproof jacket and trousers • Long trousers for riding, closed shoes, gloves • Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen • Water filter or purification tablets • Headlamp, power bank, personal medication Water There is no bottled water on the trail. Locals drink from springs and streams, but we recommend a filter or tablets; boiled water is available at camp in the evening. Luggage Pack horses carry what you need on the trail; your main bags go by car to Arslanbob. Riding tips • Never walk directly behind a horse — keep 2 m distance • Sit straight, feet in the stirrups; lean forward uphill and back downhill • Say «chu» or squeeze gently to move on, and don’t let the horse stop to graze • Tell your guide before you take off a jacket on horseback After the tour The tour ends in Arslanbob. We can arrange a transfer to Osh or Bishkek or add more days — for example Song-Kol lake.
Nurlan grew up in Ozgorush and has ridden these mountains with local hunters since childhood; he has guided travellers since 2019. A former PE teacher and father of seven, he is an easygoing host — in the evenings he often plays the komuz and the accordion by the fire.
No. Day 2 is a riding lesson with the horsemen, and the local horses are calm and sure-footed. You do need to be physically strong and have good stamina: 5–7 hours in the saddle five days in a row, with steep pass climbs. The age range is 18–60.
4 nights in village homestays and guesthouses and 3 nights in tents by the lake and the river (2 people per tent, sleeping mats included). A single tent costs $90; a sleeping bag can be rented for $10 per day.
The highest point is the Bel-Monchok pass at 3,190 m. The camps lie at 1,800–2,300 m, and even in summer nights there can be close to freezing — bring warm layers and a good sleeping bag.
The price per person depends on group size: $1,450 for 2 travellers, $1,150 for 6 and $850 for 12. It includes the transfer from Bishkek, all meals, horses, the guide and camping gear — see the price table above.
Yes — write to us with your dates. We will send you a solo price or let you know whether you can join other travellers on similar dates.
The tour ends in Arslanbob. The onward transfer to Osh or Bishkek is not included, but we can arrange it or extend your trip, for example to Song-Kol.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
