Guide to Horseback Riding in Kyrgyzstan: Tips from a Horse Girl
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Picture yourself galloping fearlessly along endless grassy plains or riding steadfastly up steep, jagged mountain passes.
Breathtaking views surround you from all sides. No two landscapes look the same.
Kyrgyzstan is a bucket list destination for any adventurer, whether or not you’ve got experience under the saddle.
There’s no better place to try horseback riding than around Central Asia’s unique, awe-inspiring landscapes.
Horses are rooted deep in the nomadic history of Central Asia, playing a vital role in nomadic traditions and transportation (who needs cars?).
The majestic animals that were mainly used in the past for transportation, cultural traditions, and even nourishment have now become a symbol of Kyrgyzstan, representing strength and nomadic pride.
Travelers from all over the world visit this Central Asian destination to become one with the horse by participating in nomadic-like treks and multi-day horseback riding excursions.
After spending twelve days exploring Kyrgyzstan on horseback, I developed both an appreciation for the nomadic tradition that has persisted for thousands of years and a relentless astonishment of the strength required to ride horses.
This is my ultimate guide to horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan including where to ride, what to expect on your ride, and what to pack for horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan!
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From one equestrian to soon-to-be another equestrian, don’t miss out on that bucket list horseback adventure in Kyrgyzstan…even if it is a little outside your comfort zone!
Why Horseback Riding in Kyrgyzstan is a Bucket List Activity
The best way to truly experience a country is to immerse yourself in the local culture. Horses are an integral part of Kyrgyz culture.
From their use as “taxis” to and from local yurt camps in the remote regions of Kyrgyzstan, to their prevalence in Kyrgyz national dishes, horses are woven into the culture of Central Asia.
And yes, you should try horse meat when you visit Kyrgyzstan.
The opportunity to horseback ride in Kyrgyzstan is an experience that forces many travelers outside of their comfort zones – many people who visit Kyrgyzstan for horseback riding have never ridden a horse before.
But you’ll learn how to control your horse as quickly as you learned to ride a bike.
If it doesn’t come easy, just follow the herd – many horses along the treks know the routes surprisingly well.
There were times when it was just the four of us – myself, my sister, our German friend, and our local guide – riding along the remote landscapes of Kyrgyzstan.
With no cell phone service and endless stunning landscapes to traverse, the feeling of being “the only people in the world” was both exhilarating and daunting.
Beyond the chance to get unplugged and try something outside of your comfort zone, experiencing Kyrgyzstan like the locals do is the best way to learn about Central Asia’s hidden gem. This authentic nomadic experience is the best way to see the vast landscapes of Kyrgyzstan!
Best Places for Horseback Riding in Kyrgyzstan
1. Song Kul Lake
With expansive pastures and rolling green hills to gallop across, Song Kul lake is the BEST place to horseback ride in Kyrgyzstan.
Many travelers who book local tours starting from Bishkek will include a trek to Song Kul lake.
The trek to Song Kul lake is a beginner-friendly ride offering travelers the chance to familiarize themselves with horseback riding and stay at local yurt camps along the way.
My twelve-day horseback riding adventure in Kyrgyzstan included a four-day trek to and around Song Kul.
We started in Kyzart village – a local village where many Song Kul horseback rides begin – ventured to Kilemche pasture, then traversed a 3400 meter mountain pass (Jalgyz-Karagay) with breathtaking views of the lake.
This was my favorite ride in Kyrgyzstan because of the mix of easy, rolling hills and challenging, mountainous terrain. In places with limited cell phone service, there was no distraction from nomadic traditions and exchanging stories with other travelers.
If there’s one ride you plan in Kyrgyzstan, make it the Song Kul lake trek.
2. Kel Suu and Kok Kiya Valley
If you’ve already logged some hours researching Kyrgyzstan, chances are you’ve stumbled across the postcard-worthy Kel Suu lake – a breathtaking turquoise lake surrounded by jagged, monumental peaks.
Kel Suu and the neighboring Kok Kiya Valley is a must-visit place in Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn region if you have the time in your Kyrgyzstan itinerary.
Because of its remote location in southeastern Kyrgyzstan, Kel Suu is one of the less-visited destinations in Kyrgyzstan, though it is becoming RAPIDLY popular.
For more information about Kel Suu, check out my ultimate guide to Kel Suu – a detailed guide containing information about how to get permits, where to stay, and MORE!
This remote lake is several hours from the village of Naryn – five hours if the road conditions are good – and requires permits in advance to pass the border checkpoint.
Kel Suu lake can be visited on foot or on horseback.
The ride itself is fairly easy from Kok Kiya valley, a homebase for exploration of Kel Suu lake. But what it doesn’t account for in riding duration, it does in breathtaking views. You won’t be paying too much attention to your horse as you ride towards the unforgettable Kel Suu lake.
3. Altyn Arashan
Altyn Arashan is an awe-inspiring valley in the eastern part of Kyrgyzstan.
From Karakol – the gateway to many of Kyrgyzstan’s ski resorts in the wintertime – many travelers often make the choice to hike or horseback ride to Altyn Arashan.
In the spirit of Kyrgyz culture, I chose the latter.
The hike or horseback ride to Altyn Arashan from Ak Suu village is about 15km and takes about 5-6 hours on foot or 2-3 hours on horseback.
From Altan Arashan, you’ll ride to the Keldike Gorge, leave the horses at camp, and start the nerve-wracking, vertical ascent up to Ala Kul pass on foot.
The reward for the 600 meters of elevation gain in 1km (nearly vertical!) is a breathtaking view of Ala Kul, a surreal alpine lake with shimmering teal water.
The hike to Ala Kul on foot is a bit different from the ride from Ak Suu to Altan Arashan to Kelidke Gorde. On foot, the trek to Ala Kul takes 3-4 days and covers about 55km steep ascents and rocky terrain.
If you have limited time, I recommend a two-day horseback ride from Karakol to Altyn Arashan. This will give you enough time to enjoy the serene valley and its relaxing hot springs while also traversing the treacherous landscapes up to Ala Kul pass.
Types of Horseback Riding Experiences in Kyrgyzstan
Half- and Full-day Rides
For adventurers who want to experience the nomadic horseback riding traditions but would rather not spend several days on a horse, the best option is to book a half- or full-day horseback ride in Kyrgyzstan.
There are several options for day rides at Song Kul lake. Combining rolling green hills decorated with wildflowers and endless pastures, Song Kul is the perfect place for beginner riders.
Multi-day Treks
Daring adventurers will enjoy spending several days experiencing nomadic horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan. A multi-day horse trek is the best way to explore Kyrgyzstan’s beautiful landscapes and immerse yourself in the nomadic culture.
I booked my multi-day trek with Kyrgyz Riders, a local tour company that helps you tailor the perfect itinerary for your time in Kyrgyzstan.
What to Expect on Your Horseback Ride in Kyrgyzstan
Adventurers traveling to Kyrgyzstan to experience nomadic horseback riding can expect to fall in love with beautiful landscapes of Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan stole my heart…and I’m already planning my trip back to traverse the rugged landscapes to look for it!
Your first day on horseback will be slower-paced to get you acquainted with your horse.
The longer you spend with your horse, the easier it will be to understand their body language. After several days, horse and human bond – you’ll recognize subtle cues your horse showcases you didn’t see before!
If you’re comfortable, you’ll have the opportunity to gallop along flatter terrain – Song Kul is a great place to gallop in the Kyrgyz sunshine.
With a variety of stunning, rugged landscapes, the terrain in Kyrgyzstan is incredibly unique. You’ll ascend mountain passes high over villages, trusting your horse to navigate rocky terrain, and enjoy slow walks through yurt-dotted plains.
Long hours in the saddle can oftentimes lead to saddle soreness!
After the first few days of riding, you can definitely expect to feel sore. You’ll need time to get your “land legs” back and ditch the “cowboy waddle”.
Many of the yurt camps and guesthouses have limited cell phone service. Where the landscape is rugged, electricity is a rare commodity! It’s not unusual to “rough it” in Kyrgyzstan!
By the end of your horseback riding adventure in Kyrgyzstan, you’ll feel much more confident on horseback than you did when you started! This experience is both confidence-boosting and memorable!
What to Pack for Horseback Riding in Kyrgyzstan
A twelve-day horseback riding adventure forces you to pack lightly.
And as someone who usually tends to overpack, tetris-ing the things I thought I needed to pack with the things I actually needed to pack was a challenge!
The most used items in my daypack were my Blue Lizard mineral sunscreen, my Solibari UPF driving gloves that I brought for horseback riding, and my lightweight Anker powerbank.
In the high elevation regions of Kyrgyzstan, my fleece-lined hiking pants became my best friend – I didn’t wear much of the other clothes I packed, but instead opted for warm layers and my long-sleeved shirts.
You’ll want to bring both a large backpack and a small daypack for your trip to Kyrgyzstan. Leave the hard-shelled suitcases back at home!
The large backpack will remain at the start (and therefore end) point of the trek, usually a guesthouse or a yurt camp, and you’ll pick it up after returning from the horse trek. It should hold between 40 – 60 liters depending on the duration of your trip.
The small daypack will stick with you during the duration of your horseback riding trek, so you’ll want to pack only the essential items to keep it light.
For three to four day treks, I recommend bringing a pair of fleece-lined pants, a long-sleeved shirt, hydration essentials, and necessary toiletries. Don’t forget to pack a rain poncho for unexpected downpours – take it from me, I forgot mine!
Usually, your guide will carry your daypack on their horse.
I have the REI 60L women’s backpack that I purchased during the yearly sale at my REI local store. This is a great starter backpack for adventurers who want to get a feel for carrying heavy weight on their backs.
For more information about what to pack – and more importantly, what NOT to pack – check out my packing list for horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan! (COMING SOON 🤫!)
Choosing a Tour Operator or Guide
There are many options for choosing a horseback riding tour operator or guide.
If you are starting from Bishkek and hoping to book a ride to Song Kul – the most popular horse trek in Kyrgyzstan – you’ll want to inquire about three to four day treks through one of the many hostels in Bishkek.
Apple Hostel is a great place for budget travelers to stay and a great place to book a three-day Song Kul lake horseback ride. Hostels in Bishkek are very social and invite adventurous travelers who oftentimes want to explore the same landscapes as you!
If you’re hoping to organize a longer itinerary in Kyrgyzstan for the best value, I recommend booking with a local tour operator.
Many international tour operators offering itineraries in Kyrgyzstan will oftentimes overcharge to pocket the extra, meaning less of your money benefits to communities you visit.
I recommend booking with either Kyrgyz Nomad Travel for hiking, horseback riding and cultural excursions, or Kyrgyz Riders for advanced horseback riding itineraries.
I booked my twelve-day horseback riding adventure with Kyrgyz Riders, a local Kyrgyz company that allows you to personalize your experience based on your trip duration and skill level. I loved every moment of my tour with Kyrgyz Riders!
If you have the chance to travel with Kyrgyz Riders, request Medet as your local guide – he was incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and fun to travel with!
Cost Breakdown and Tipping Norms
Before you saddle up, it’s helpful to understand what horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan typically costs — and what’s expected when it comes to tipping.
Prices can vary depending on the region, length of your ride, and whether you book through a local guide or a tour operator.
Fortunately, thanks to low-cost local meals, scenic and affordable accommodations, and budget-friendly transportation, Kyrgyzstan is a dream destination for budget-conscious travelers.
A three-day horse Song Kul horse trek with Apple Hostel usually costs around 20,000 som, ~$225 USD. This is what you should expect to pay for the popular Song Kul lake horseback ride, plus a $10-20 per day for guide tips.
My twelve-day horseback riding adventure with Kyrgyz Riders was $1600 USD per person, and covered accommodations, meals, and horse “taxis” for all twelve days.
Though tipping is not expected in Kyrgyzstan, I recommend tipping your guide $10-20 (USD) per day. I tipped my guide generously for creating an epic, unforgettable experience in Kyrgyzstan.
Is Horseback Riding in Kyrgyzstan Beginner-friendly?
For many travelers who have never ridden a horse, horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan might feel a little outside of your comfort zone.
However, Kyrgyzstan, with its endless grassy plains and yurt-dotted rolling hills, is a great place for beginner riders to try this nomadic tradition.
Don’t let your discomfort discourage you from trying horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan – I met many travelers on the Song Kul lake trek who had never ridden before. By the end of the trek, we were all galloping fearlessly with excitement!
When to Go to Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is an incredible destination that can be visited year round.
Whether you’re looking for snow-frosted mountains, ideal for skiing or snowboarding, or want to experience wildflower season on horseback, this Central Asian outdoor paradise can be visited during any season!
I visited Kyrgyzstan during the peak summer season when wildflowers were blooming all over the hillsides, painting the grass vibrant blues and mesmerizing purples. Late June to July is the perfect time for a riding holiday in Kyrgyzstan.
Final Tips from a Horse Girl
If you’re deciding where to go for your next travel destination, Kyrgyzstan is the perfect place!
With bucket list adventures like muli-day horseback rides, and unique cultural adventures such as staying in a traditional yurt and watching eagle hunting demonstrations, Kyrgyzstan is the perfect destination for all types of travelers.
My twelve-day bucket list horseback riding adventure in Kyrgyzstan was my most memorable adventure yet!
Want to explore even MORE Kyrgyzstan content?
Check out my latest Kyrgyzstan blog Posts BELOW ⬇️
Essential Kyrgyzstan Packing List: My Most-Used Items for Horseback Riding in Central Asia
15+ Unforgettable Things to do In Bishkek – Kyrgyzstan’s Capital City
Where to Stay in Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan’s Capital City
Ultimate Guide to Kyrgyzstan’s Most Beautiful Lake: Kel Suu
Ala Kul and Altyn Arashan: Hiking and Horseback Riding Tips
15 Incredible Reasons To Visit Kyrgyzstan: Central Asia’s Hidden Gem
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