Kyrgyzstan

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 6 and 8 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 usually a central mess tent for meals but there are no showers or proper loos - on some days pack horses carry the equipment and camps are simpler with no vehicle back up. 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 2011	Issykul to Ak Sai Valley 31st July to 14th August £2250 per person single supplement - £250 Rates include - 14 nights twin accommodation, all riding, guiding and equipment, land transfers and all meals. Rates exclude - International flights / travel to Bishkek, any visa fees, personal medical / travel insurance (which you must have), your bar bill, or any tips you may wish to leave
	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- Issykul to Ak Sai

	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 4 hours to Bokombaevo, on lake Issykul. Dinner and night with a family at Bokombaevo.
Day 2	Breakfast and set off riding southwards, climbing a pass of around 3800 meters then descending a little to camp on the other side.
Day 3	An early start, cross the Ashuluu Tebe river and climb in ot Terskey range, crossing another pass just under 4000 meters. Descend to the Kalcha river and then on to camp in the Burkhan valley.
Day 4	Cintinue south following the Dshaman Ecky valley to another pass. There are incredible views of Jety Bel range. From the pass descend to the headwaters of the Naryn river and folow this to camp set up on the river bank.
Day 5	Breakfast in camp and set off crossing the Naryn river and into the Chakir Korut valley. Another pass and a steep descent to camp in the Djagalmai valley.
Days 6-9	The next 4 days are spent riding from Djagalmai to the great Ak Sai valley. Packhorses will be used for some nights and a base camp will be set up for 2 nights to explore parts of the high wilderness that few people visit. Nights spent in simple camps.
Days 10 & 11	Two days spent riding along the Ak Sai valley, for centuries a corridor to China and part of the old Silk Road. The wide green valley is dotted with yurts and hundreds of animals: horses, cattle, yaks and sheep - this is some of the best grazing in the country. Nights spent in camp.
Day 12	The last days riding, crossing a final pass into the At Bash valley. Leave the horses here and drive to a guest house in At Bash for the night.
Day 13	Leave At Bash and set off driving, first to Naryn and then onto the shores of Issykul where camp is set up by the lake. A last night in the wilderness.
Day 14	Return to Bishkek by car, time for shopping & sightseeing before a farewell dinner. Night in a comfortable hotel.
Day 15	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.