Duration: 10 day
Khan Tengri Ride
Location:Issyk-kol
Activity Level: Demanding Moderate
Group size: 6-12 pax
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TRAVEL DATES
15 - 24 June
1 - 10 July
15 - 24 July
1 - 10 August
1 - 10 July
15 - 24 July
1 - 10 August
A true wild expedition across the heart of the Tien Shan.
This 10-day horseback journey crosses a 4,000-meter pass and one of Central Asia’s longest glaciers — surrounded by giant peaks and endless valleys. Every day brings new challenges, raw beauty, and moments of silence that only wild nature can give.
Far from tourist trails, you’ll meet nomadic families, ride through untouched lands, and feel the spirit of freedom that still lives here. An unforgettable experience at the edge of the known world.
This 10-day horseback journey crosses a 4,000-meter pass and one of Central Asia’s longest glaciers — surrounded by giant peaks and endless valleys. Every day brings new challenges, raw beauty, and moments of silence that only wild nature can give.
Far from tourist trails, you’ll meet nomadic families, ride through untouched lands, and feel the spirit of freedom that still lives here. An unforgettable experience at the edge of the known world.
Tour Highlights
- 6 days Horseback AdventureRide through wild high-mountain trails and remote valleys.
- Stay with Local ShepherdsExperience authentic nomadic life in mountain valleys.
- Cross 4,000 m Mountain PassExperience the challenge and beauty of the Tien Shan.
- Camping in the WildNights under the stars at over 3,000 m elevation.
- Explore Remote AreasDiscover untouched landscapes far from tourist routes.
- Meet an Eagle HunterLearn about the ancient Kyrgyz tradition of hunting with golden eagles.
- Ride by the GlacierPass one of Central Asia’s longest glaciers surrounded by 5,000 m peaks.
- Taste local cuisineLocal family will prepare local dishes
PROGRAM
Early in the morning, we meet in Bishkek and begin our journey east toward Karakol — a scenic drive of around seven hours through changing mountain landscapes.
Participants should arrive in Bishkek the day before or early in the morning to join the departure.
Upon arrival in Karakol, we’ll check in, have a briefing about the route, safety, and expedition plan, and enjoy a welcome dinner together in the town.
Stay at hotel
Participants should arrive in Bishkek the day before or early in the morning to join the departure.
Upon arrival in Karakol, we’ll check in, have a briefing about the route, safety, and expedition plan, and enjoy a welcome dinner together in the town.
Stay at hotel
After breakfast in Karakol, we drive toward one of the most remote regions of Kyrgyzstan — an area that requires special border permits, which we will have arranged in advance.
The road crosses a high mountain pass at 3,822 meters and takes about 4 hours.
Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch and meet our horses waiting for us. The first ride begins — around 10 kilometers (about 2.5 hours) through wild alpine terrain at 3,100 meters, offering breathtaking views of the 5,000-meter peaks and nearby glaciers.
Tonight, we stay with local shepherds who live year-round in this remote mountain valley.
Stay at shepherd house
The road crosses a high mountain pass at 3,822 meters and takes about 4 hours.
Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch and meet our horses waiting for us. The first ride begins — around 10 kilometers (about 2.5 hours) through wild alpine terrain at 3,100 meters, offering breathtaking views of the 5,000-meter peaks and nearby glaciers.
Tonight, we stay with local shepherds who live year-round in this remote mountain valley.
Stay at shepherd house
After breakfast, we continue our ride deeper into the mountains, covering about 20 kilometers through rugged, changing terrain.
The altitude stays around 3,000 meters, with open views of wide valleys, wild rivers, and distant snow-covered peaks.
This part of the journey shows the raw, untouched side of the Tien Shan — where only shepherds and wild horses roam.
Close to Sunset we’ll reach another remote herders’ camp, where we’ll spend the night and experience authentic nomadic life in the highlands.
Stay at shepherd house
The altitude stays around 3,000 meters, with open views of wide valleys, wild rivers, and distant snow-covered peaks.
This part of the journey shows the raw, untouched side of the Tien Shan — where only shepherds and wild horses roam.
Close to Sunset we’ll reach another remote herders’ camp, where we’ll spend the night and experience authentic nomadic life in the highlands.
Stay at shepherd house
We continue our ride deeper into the highlands, covering about 20 kilometers through wild open valleys surrounded by massive peaks.
The trail gradually ascends toward Tuz Pass, reaching area before 4,000 meters in altitude.
The landscape becomes raw and dramatic — endless ridges, glaciers, and the wind of true wilderness.
We set up camp at the base of the pass, under the shadow of the towering mountains, and spend the night preparing for the crossing ahead.
Stay at tent
The trail gradually ascends toward Tuz Pass, reaching area before 4,000 meters in altitude.
The landscape becomes raw and dramatic — endless ridges, glaciers, and the wind of true wilderness.
We set up camp at the base of the pass, under the shadow of the towering mountains, and spend the night preparing for the crossing ahead.
Stay at tent
Today is one of the most demanding days of the expedition.
We cross Tuz Pass at 4,000 meters — a steep and rocky route where in some parts we’ll need to walk beside the horses.
The climb is a bit challenging, but the views from the top are truly unforgettable — vast glaciers and endless mountain ranges of the Tien Shan.
The long, steep descent on the other side leads us into a completely new landscape.
If the weather stays clear, this day will become one of the highlights of the entire journey.
Stay at tent
We cross Tuz Pass at 4,000 meters — a steep and rocky route where in some parts we’ll need to walk beside the horses.
The climb is a bit challenging, but the views from the top are truly unforgettable — vast glaciers and endless mountain ranges of the Tien Shan.
The long, steep descent on the other side leads us into a completely new landscape.
If the weather stays clear, this day will become one of the highlights of the entire journey.
Stay at tent
Another challenging day awaits. We’ll cross a vast, rocky moraine and one of the longest glaciers in Central Asia to reach the opposite side of the gorge.
It’s about 30 kilometers of raw, dramatic landscape — ice, stones, and streams shaped by centuries of wind and meltwater.
Close to sunset, we arrive in the wide valley where wild and herded horses usually graze, surrounded by complete silence and open skies.
Here we’ll rest and recover after one of the most powerful days of the expedition.
Stay at tent
It’s about 30 kilometers of raw, dramatic landscape — ice, stones, and streams shaped by centuries of wind and meltwater.
Close to sunset, we arrive in the wide valley where wild and herded horses usually graze, surrounded by complete silence and open skies.
Here we’ll rest and recover after one of the most powerful days of the expedition.
Stay at tent
Today we cross another mountain pass to reach the final valley — the last inhabited area of our route.
Along the way, we’ll pass a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.
It’s a long day, about 30 kilometers, with a steep and technical descent, but the views make every step worth it.
We’ll travel light, as the vehicle will take our gear in the morning, making the ride easier.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a sauna and stay overnight in a local shepherd’s house — a warm and authentic end to a long day in the wild.
Stay at shepherd house
Along the way, we’ll pass a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.
It’s a long day, about 30 kilometers, with a steep and technical descent, but the views make every step worth it.
We’ll travel light, as the vehicle will take our gear in the morning, making the ride easier.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a sauna and stay overnight in a local shepherd’s house — a warm and authentic end to a long day in the wild.
Stay at shepherd house
Today we leave the remote wilderness behind and make our way back to civilization. After days in the wild, we return to the comfort of a hotel in Karakol. In the evening, we celebrate with a festive dinner together.
Stay at hotel
Stay at hotel
Today we drive back to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan — a scenic six-hour journey along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
On the way, we’ll meet an Eagle Hunter, who will share stories about his life and demonstrate the ancient art of falconry.
By evening, we arrive in Bishkek for our final dinner together and overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
It’s a time to relax, celebrate the journey, and reflect on the adventure we’ve shared across the wild Tien Shan.
Stay at hotel
On the way, we’ll meet an Eagle Hunter, who will share stories about his life and demonstrate the ancient art of falconry.
By evening, we arrive in Bishkek for our final dinner together and overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
It’s a time to relax, celebrate the journey, and reflect on the adventure we’ve shared across the wild Tien Shan.
Stay at hotel
Departure day. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a deep connection with Kyrgyzstan
TOUR PRICE
3100 Euro per person
What included
- Transfers
- Guide
- Meal 3 times in a day
- Accommodation/camping (twin) for single room + 250€
- All camping equipments
(tents, mats, sleeping bag) - Horses with horse guide
- Border permits
- Fee for national park
- Eagle hunting demonstration
- Local Sauna
- Starlink connection
- Special saddle bags (70-80L)
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- First night in Bishkek and airport transfer
Recomendation
-
Passport and necessary travel documents (visa, if required) - Travel insurance
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for layering (considering varying temperatures)
- Sturdy hiking boots or trekking shoes + extra light boots/flip floops
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm layers for cooler evenings and higher altitudes
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat)
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Reusable water bottle and water purification tablets or filter (by option)
- Swimming clothes
- Camera or smartphone for capturing the stunning landscapes + powerbank
- First aid kit
- Headwear or cap + buff
- Backpack around 50-60L
- Rain jacket or large poncho
FAQ
Accommodation includes wild camping, local shepherd houses and hotel in the cities— a mix of adventure and authentic nomadic experience in remote mountain valleys.
It’s recommended to have previous horse-riding experience, but the conditions here are different from regular riding — mountain terrain requires better balance and endurance.
The most important thing is to be physically prepared and comfortable with long days outdoors. Experience in hiking or trekking will be a great advantage.
The most important thing is to be physically prepared and comfortable with long days outdoors. Experience in hiking or trekking will be a great advantage.
In cities, we’ll eat in local cafés and you can choose what you want.
In remote mountain areas, local families will prepare traditional Kyrgyz dishes
During camping days, we’ll have local freeze-dried meals with a variety of simple and tasty options suitable for expeditions.
In remote mountain areas, local families will prepare traditional Kyrgyz dishes
During camping days, we’ll have local freeze-dried meals with a variety of simple and tasty options suitable for expeditions.
Most travelers arrive at Manas International Airport in Bishkek city. Most of the flight from Turkey (Turkish airlines) or Dubai (Fly Dubai) also possible to fly directly to Karakol from Bishkek (domestic flight) but schedule change time to time and usually two times in a week.
For the main part of the tour, we will use a comfortable minibus for group travel between cities For remote off-road areas we switch to 4x4 vehicles like Toyota 4Runner to ensure safe and smooth travel through rugged mountain terrain.
Mountain weather changes quickly, so you can expect a mix of sunshine, wind, and sometimes even a bit of snow at higher altitudes.
In summer, daytime temperatures are usually between +20°C and +28°C, while at night it can drop to +10°C–+15°C.
At high elevations, it can feel much colder, especially near passes around 4,000 meters.
In summer, daytime temperatures are usually between +20°C and +28°C, while at night it can drop to +10°C–+15°C.
At high elevations, it can feel much colder, especially near passes around 4,000 meters.
Cell phone coverage is limited or unavailable in most remote areas of the tour. You will be off the grid for most of the journey, allowing you to fully disconnect and enjoy nature. However, in some locations, there might be weak signals depending on your mobile provider.
But we will have Starlink
But we will have Starlink
To book the tour, you need to make a deposit, provide a copy of your passport, and book your flight ticket. Once we receive the deposit and your details, we will confirm your spot in the group.
Rest of the payment you need to do with cash on arrival
Rest of the payment you need to do with cash on arrival
If you need to cancel your booking, the following refund rules apply:
- More than 30 days before the tour: Full refund (minus transaction fees).
- 15–29 days before the tour: 50% refund.
- 7–14 days before the tour: 30% refund.
- Less than 7 days before the tour: No refund.
We keep the group size small and personal, typically between 6 to 12 people, to ensure a friendly and authentic experience.
Reviews
- Just wanted to thank you again for putting together such an amazing trip. You showed me an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. You’re an amazing person and a wonderful guide. I genuinely look forward to seeing you again in the future.
- We thank you what you did. It was really amazing for us. Not only Kyrgyzstan itself but also your works and meeting other people we don’t know. All these trips give some emotional feeling after it ended:(
- I'm just arriving at the airport, about to board a flight. I'm so nostalgic about leaving this wonderful place. I hope to see you soon. Once again, thank you for the wonderful experience. You are an extraordinary human being. Thank you for your patience and for welcoming me with my 100 kilos in suitcases, haha.
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