Bishek, KyrgyzstanDesigned for complete beginners, this is more than a horse riding holiday—it's a journey that takes you from your very first lesson to confidently exploring Kyrgyzstan's breathtaking mountain landscapes on horseback. Over nine days, you'll progress from learning the fundamentals at a professional riding school to riding through forest trails, alpine valleys and the vast grasslands of Song-Kul Lake. Along the way, you'll stay in traditional yurts, experience authentic nomadic hospitality, relax in a mountain banya, and discover one of the last places on Earth where horses remain a true way of life. Leave with more than incredible memories—you'll return home with a new skill, newfound confidence, and a deeper connection to nature.
core memories
trip category
learn new skills together in a space of no judgement — a sport, matcha farming, even horse-riding.
4/5 · demanding — long, demanding days; regular training beforehand recommended
2/5 · busy — most days are full, with the odd pocket of free time
a little preparation, a lot of possibility
No riding experience needed, but long saddle days need leg and core stamina.
From your first riding lesson to a full day in the saddle in one week — built for complete beginners, with yurt-camp nights under big skies.
First lesson
Day 2
Day 3 ride
3–4 h
Day 5 ride
2.5–3 h
Day 7 ride
Full day
Altitude
Above 3,000 m
Yurt-camp nights
3 nights
This is a horse trek, not a walking trek. Long hours in the saddle and altitude are the main demands; fitness at sea level doesn't prevent altitude sickness.
what the rating really means
Fitness
Think a long bike ride or spin session: your thighs and core keep working while you're sitting, and you do it again on another day.
Technical
Learn to mount, balance and follow the guide's riding instructions on mountain trails. Riding downhill still needs control and attention.
Comfort zone
Large animals, heights above 3,000 m, saddle soreness and yurt nights with shared bathrooms, limited power and little signal.
Your first lesson comes before the big landscapes: riding school on Day 2, a 3–4 hour trail ride on Day 3, a 2.5–3 hour ride with gentle mountain climbs on Day 5, then a full-day ride around Song-Kul Lake on Day 7. Sitting doesn't mean resting — your thighs and core work to keep you balanced, including when the trail goes downhill. Expect some saddle soreness as you get used to it. We go above 3,000 m, where headaches or unusual breathlessness need to be flagged to your guide, not pushed through. Most days start around 8am with a drive. Three nights are in yurt camps with shared bathrooms, limited electricity and little to no signal — a lovely change of pace, if you're comfortable leaving a few home comforts behind.
Home checks can't recreate a horse or altitude. If you're nervous around large animals, or these movements cause pain, chat with us before booking.
Before Kyrgyzstan, we recommend joining a training hike with us — build leg stamina, spend a longer day outdoors and get to know your pace with the crew.
Arong is the gentlest, Angsi is a step up, and Datuk is the steepest. Check each trip's conditions before choosing. A training hike helps general fitness, but doesn't replace riding practice or prepare you for altitude.
The whole trip is built for complete beginners. Your guides set the pace, and cantering on the final ride is only for those who feel ready.
where you sleep
Rooms shown are a reference for their class and standard. Depending on availability we may assign a different room of a similar class and accommodation, at our discretion — we'll always make sure your stay experience is up to our standards and isn't compromised.
Your sharing choice applies to every stay on this trip. Pick single once and every hotel on the itinerary gives you your own room. Pick twin share once and we pair you across every stay.
This family-run guesthouse in Chon-Kemin Valley is surrounded by forests and mountain scenery, it's the perfect place to unwind after your very first trail ride.
Twin Share Room
defaultTwin beds with ensuite bathroom
Conveniently located for both the riding school and airport, and a relaxing place to recharge before and after your journey through the mountains.
Twin Share Room
defaultTwin beds with ensuite bathroom
At Issyk-Kul, it's a peaceful retreat after a rewarding day exploring Jeti-Oguz on horseback.
Twin Share Room
defaultTwin beds with ensuite bathroom
This authentic yurt camp offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from modern life and experience the simplicity of life on the jailoo.
Twin Share Room
defaultTwin beds with shared bathroom.
Kara Bulak Eco Resort is a serene mountain retreat, featuring traditional yurt-inspired cottages and traditional ethnic baths at 1,800 meters above sea level.
Twin Shared Room
defaultTwin Share Room with ensuite bathroom
Wake up beside the crystal-clear waters of Issyk-Kul, one of the world's largest alpine lakes.
Twin Share Room
defaultTwin beds with ensuite bathroom
Flights are not included for any of our trips. Please refer to the How to Get There slide above to plan arrival and departure dates for your flights.
what's inside
what's not
after you book
after booking, everyone answers six short questions anonymously — the crew reads them, nobody else. it's how strangers become a group before day one.
anonymous · crew-only · revealed at the trip
choose your departure
small crews · ~95% of departures confirm
SGD 3,898
SGD 3,898
Only what you need to know before you book.
Pay in two parts
SGD 975 deposit now. SGD 2,923 balance before departure.
48-hour free cancellation
Change your mind within 48 hours of booking and get a full refund.
Travel insurance required
You choose the provider. We strongly recommend cover for cancellation, medical, and baggage.
before you ask
Not at all! This trip is designed specifically for complete beginners. You'll spend your first full day learning the fundamentals at a professional riding school before heading into the mountains with experienced local horsemen.
Expect to spend approximately 4–6 hours on horseback during the expedition days, with regular breaks for photos, snacks and lunch.
Our riding progression is designed to build your confidence throughout the trip. Depending on your ability, your guide's assessment and trail conditions, riders who are ready may have the opportunity to experience a supervised canter or gallop during the final ride.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. You'll spend several hours in the saddle each day and may experience some muscle soreness, especially if it's your first time riding. No previous horse riding experience is required.
Our yurt camps are simple, comfortable and authentic. You'll sleep in traditional nomadic yurts with shared bathroom facilities. Electricity and mobile reception may be limited, but that's all part of the experience.
No. Your main luggage will be transported by vehicle while you're riding. You'll only need to carry a small daypack with your daily essentials.
Hotels in Bishkek offer Wi-Fi, but mobile reception and internet access may be limited during the horse trek. It's the perfect opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
Tipping is optional, but we recommend for the guide: USD 5–7 per person per day and the driver: USD 3–5 per person per day as they work really hard!
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