Kyrgyzstan

Our guide in Kyrgyzstan is taking a break for 2010 and there will be no set date rides. We expect to be running the rides again in 2011 so have left the web page active - the pdf information relates to 2009 and should give an idea of the possible itineraries.

Part of the exotic Silk Route and close neighbour to the bustling markets and splendid temples of Samarkand and Bokhara, the Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan is reknown for its tradition of horsemanship. Your guide on these rides is an Italian, now living in Kyrgyzstan and married into a Kyrgyz family and together with a team of Kyrgyz horsemen, he will lead you through the pristine Tien-Shan (‘celestial’) mountains, exploring their flower filled valleys, crossing high passes and picnicing on lakeshores surrounded by larch forest. Nights are spent camping amongst the high alpine pasture where nomadic people still live in felt ‘yurts’ herding their stock on the steppe. The rides are for the hardy and adventurous who are willing to trade luxuries for the thrill of visiting a little touristed area that has only recently emerged from communism. The rewards - the magnificent alpine and mountain scenery, the unspoilt nomadic people and their fascinating culture - are memorable and make any sacrifice of comfort worthwhile.

Private departures and tailor-made rides may be arranged for groups (usually minimum 8) on request.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: 4-7 hours a day.

Horses: Kazakh ponies.

Pace: mainly slow with terrain rough and steep in parts, moderate in places.

Riding ability: suits all abilities if reasonably fit - the horses are small and the riding style is different from ours and easy to learn, however hours can be long and the area is very remote so a reasonable level of general fitness and some previous riding experience are required.

Weight limit: about 90 kgs (14st 2lbs) but please call to discuss if you are over 83kg (13 stone).

Accommodation: 2∆ camping, local 3* or 4* hotels, local yurts.

Group size: max 10.

For Kyrgyzstan testimonials click here

The horses are of the tough local Kyrgyz breed, which are similar to Mongolian ponies although a little taller and finer often with some Akhal Tekhi blood. They are around 13.2hh to 15hh, sturdy, sure-footed and used to rough mountain terrain. They are easy and fun to ride and willingly canter for miles through open grassy meadows. Tack is local style and local horsemen are on hand to tack up, untack and look after the horses. Groups are normally a maximum of 10.

Hours: There is between 4 and 7 hours riding a day, moving from camp to camp, with breaks to rest and for lunch.

Pace and experience required: These rides suit riders of various abilities. The horses are small, easy and fun to ride so riders of all experience levels can take part although a reasonable level of experience and riding fitness means you will enjoy the rides all the more and will cope well with the hours in the saddle. The pace is varied though often slow as you ride through rugged terrain.

Accommodation is in good quality hotels in Bishkek and in simple temporary camps or traditional felt 'yurts' when riding. Hotels in Bishkek are an international 3 - 4* standard. Facilities at camps and when staying with local people are very basic. Where tented camps are set up, lightweight 2 man 'dome' tents are provided with karrimats for sleeping. You will need a sleeping bag. There is a central mess tent for meals but there are no showers or proper loos. This is a holiday for adventurous people who wish to experience nature and an untouristed destination. You must be prepared to 'rough it' and enjoy exploring off the beaten track where there are few tourist facilities.

Rates & dates 2010	No set date rides for 2010
	Private rides may be arranged for groups of 8 depending on dates. Prices on application.

Season:	May to September

The meeting point for the rides is Bishkek, capital of Kyrghyzstan. British Midlands have a direct flight from London to Bishkek 3 times a week. For flights from London budget around £750 to £850 economy return (varies with the season / availability).

Itinerary in Brief (Celestial Mountains and Silk Road Ride)

	Depart London (eg British Midlands flight)
Day 1	Arrive Bishkek early morning and transfer to a hotel. The morning to relax, time to explore the town, for sightseeing and shopping before driving about 3 hours to Choch Korka, on the way to Issy Kul. Dinner and night at a guesthouse in Choch Korka.
Days 2	Breakfast and drive to Lake Son Kul, arriving about midday. Time to try the horses for a short ride. Dinner and night in a Yurt camp at Son Kul.
Day 3	Ride over the Kuzun Bulak pass, then down to the Naryn river valley. The night is spent at a private house in the village of Dshani Talap, next to the Naryn River.
Day 4	Crossing a bridge over the Naryn, set off riding towards Black Lake, stopping for a picnic lunch on the way. Dinner and night at camp set up by Black Lake.
Day 5	Breakfast in camp and set off riding over a pass, with stunning views. A picnic lunch and descend to the hamlet of Ort Sirt. Camp is set up close to the hamlet.
Days 6-9	The next 4 days are spent riding from Oirt Sirt to the Tuz Asuu Pass. The route may vary, perhaps using packhorses and camping without back up on some nights. On the 4th day arrive below the pass where camp is set up. Night spent camping.
Day 10	Climb over the pass and descend to At Bashi valley. Cross the main road to China and the Kara Suu River where you stop for a picnic. Ride on the Tash Rabat, a famous caravanserai used for hundreds of years by travellers on the Silk Road. Dinner and night in a yurt camp.
Day 11	A rest day in Tash Rabat, perhaps exploring the valley by foot, visiting the families who are camped in yurts with their sheep and cattle for the summer months. Dinner and night in camp.
Day 12	Return to Bishkek by car, perhaps time for shopping & sightseeing before a farewell dinner. Night in a comfortable hotel.
Day 13	Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and if you have any questions.