OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN THE CELESTIAL MOUNTAINS
OVERVIEW
Join us for this exploratory ride in Kyrgyzstan. We have met the guides and horses but this will be the first run-through of this exciting, new, remote adventure.
Kyrgyzstan is famous for it’s Tien Shan (Celestial) Mountains.
On this ride you will join Kalyinur whose family is famous for saving the native Chaar At - local appaloosa / leopard complex horses who have been DNA tested as having ancient spotty genes.
We’ll cross mountain passes, gallop through alpine valleys, witness a game of Kok Boru played with the headless body of a goat, dine in yurts while seated on the floor, dance around bonfires and swim in the glacial fed waters of Toktogal.
Escape back in time to this heavenly paradise.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Hosted by Black Saddle founder, Emma, who has spent almost a year total in Kyrgyzstan scouting rides.
Totally off-grid mountain riding
Ride with Kyrgyzstan’s premier Appaloosa (Chaar At) Breeder
Finish at Toktogal Reservoir
Discover the home country of poet Toktogal
Stay in a mixture of yurts and remote camp sites
Witness the traditional game of Kok-Boru
See the Milky Way with your own eyes at night
Stay at a comfortable hotel in Bishkek
Car supported for all but two nights for comfort and safety
OVERVIEW
RIDE GUIDE
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights / 6 Days Riding
Cost: €1,980 sharing
Guide languages: English, Russian, Kyrgyz, French
Max Riders: 8
Arrival: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, pick up from airport is included at a set time.
Riding Level: Our rides are for experienced riders who are balanced on their horses and in control galloping in open spaces.
Weight Limit: Maximum of 85kg/187lbs
Time in the saddle: 2 to 8 hours a day
HORSES
Kyrgyz ponies typically smaller and perfectly adapted for the high altitude however it’s now fashionable to have larger horses and most of our horses will be above 15hh.
You will ride stallions (who don’t realise they’re still intact). The horses are typically very docile though some can become forward in gallop. Our guides will assign your a horse to match your need for speed.
Tack is a lower quality that what we are used to in the west but very comfortable. A metal or wooden saddle tree is balanced on layers of thick felt saddle pads and covered with a cushion for comfort. Bridles are simple canvas or leather and bits sit loose in the horses mouth.
ACCOMMODATION
Four nights are spent in traditional yurts. These are round felt lined tents. You will sleep in layers of bedding on the ground in traditional Kyrgyz style. Yurts have cowpat fuelled stoves to keep you warm at night.
Three nights is spent in simple dome tents. There are no showers.
One night is spent at a simple guesthouse in Toktogul.
One night is spent at 5* Orion Hotel in Bishkek.
A single supplement is available for the last night in Bishkek at the 5* hotel for €200. You are welcome to bring your own tent for privacy but it should be light weight a pack very small so that it will fit in your saddle bags.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All meals, accommodation, horses, guides, transfers, sightseeing, park fees, bottled water.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
The price does not include international or domestic flights, alcohol, mandatory travel insurance, or staff tips (which are optional but appreciated).
RIDING
You must be an experienced, confident rider to join this ride. Because of the mountainous terrain most of the ride is at walk with some opportunities to gallop.
The horses work hard at high altitude and so we only accept well balanced, experienced riders that will not push them unnecessarily and ride in a long loose rein on the mountain.
TRAVEL & VISAS
For US passport holders there is visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
UK citizens must apply for an e-visas prior to arrival.
TRANSFERS
Recommended Flights:
MEALS
Food in the region is generally locally sourced and produced. It is simple in presentation but tasty and often organic. Fruit and vegetables are seasonally available. Vegetarians can be catered for but may find that in some places options are limited. A vegan diet is more complicated to adhere to since vegetarian options will usually rely on eggs, cheese, dairy, bread, fruit and local vegetables. Thus a vegan diet would mainly be bread, fruit and vegetables (salads etc). Vegan or vegetarian substitutes such as tofu and soy are starting to become more widely available in the cities. Gluten intolerances are becoming more widely known and some restaurants will be able to cater for a range of dietary requirements, but in the mountains and at family run guest houses this is difficult.
WHAT TO PACK
Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.
The key to packing well for riding in the mountains, even in summer, is layers. We recommend you pack:
A down jacket, a warm jumper, a very warm sleeping bag effective to 0 degrees, silk sleeping bag liner, rain gear (waterproof trousers should have an opening on the outside at the bottom of the leg in order to put on and take off without removing your trekking boots), 2-3 pairs of warm socks, waterproof trekking boots, underwear, gloves, sunglasses, sun cream with high UV-protection, lip balm with UV-protection, torch, personal medicine, metal water bottle (0.75 L), riding chaps, Micropure (or any other water purification).
We always recommend you wear hiking boots and half chaps when on a riding holiday. Always wear boots you are happy to walk in.
The weather can range from 40 degrees in Bishkek to zero at night on the mountain. The mountains are usually 15 degrees cooler than Bishkek during the day.
INTERNET
You will be out of cell range for portions of the ride. We recommend purchasing a O! sim card on arrival at the airport. The store is located to the left after customs. Unlimited internet for two weeks will cost around €6.
If your phone doesn’t take sims, or if you would prefer to organise a sim ahead of time, download an e-sim from Airalo and install before you arrive to be connected at all times.
Use our code BLACKS3976 to receive $3 off your e-sim credit.
Your guest houses will have wifi.
DATES + RATES
The ride costs €1,980 per person sharing. As the balance is less than €2,000 the full amount if due to reserve your saddle.
A single supplement of €200 for your own room in the 5* hotel in Bishkek on your final night.
06 - 14 July 2026 - 8 Guests + Black Saddle Host
To make an enquiry you can fill in an obligation-free Rider Profile and we will get back to you with loads of information and availability.
KYRGYZSTAN
ITINERARY
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Our driver will welcoming you Osh airport or your hotel then drive to Pamir Alai aria via Alai valley. On the way stop for lunch in Sary Tash.
After lunch drive to Tajikistan East Pamir. You will cross the border of Kyrgyzstan Bordobo check point. After Kyrgyz check point 20 km drive up to Kyzyl Art pass 4,300m, exactly on the pass Tajik border control. After drive to amazing Kara kul lake, further drive to Murghab over Ak baytal pass 4,655m.
Views of the lands are amazing spectacular. Late evening arrive in Murghab.
No riding.
Driving distance / time 420km / 7 - 8 hours.
Overnight at 3,540m in Adil guest house.
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7:30 – Breakfast. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the guesthouse before beginning today’s journey.
08:30 – Departure from Murghab. Leave Murghab by jeep and drive approximately 7km to Kara Domor, where your horses and the local horse-riding team will be waiting for you.
After a short briefing on the route and safety instructions, you will begin your horseback adventure towards Kara Suu. The ride starts with a crossing of the Murghab River, after which the trail leads you into the impressive Jaman Tal canyon.
The landscape gradually opens up as you continue into the wide Taldi-Kol valley, surrounded by high-altitude desert scenery, dramatic rock formations, and sweeping mountain views.
A picnic lunch at 12:30 will be served, allowing you to rest and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the Pamir highlands.
After lunch, the route continues over a small mountain pass, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, before descending gently towards Kara Suu.
Arrival in Kara Suu in the late afternoon.
Riding 25km / 7 - 8 hours.
Overnight at 3,600 m in a tent.
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8:30 – Breakfast. Enjoy breakfast at the campsite before beginning today’s ride.
9:30 – Departure. In the morning, you will start your horseback journey towards Kerge Otok. As you leave the valley, the landscape gradually becomes drier and more desert-like, opening into wide, vast plains where you can see far across the entire area.
Along the way, you will stop to visit the historical Shakhty rock paintings (4,200 m). These ancient petroglyphs date back to the Neolithic period.
Among the most notable figures are three similar human-like shapes positioned beneath an image of an animal. This composition has often been compared to the clavicorn figures found in Paleolithic art.
The famous Russian Archaeologist B. Ranov carried out extensive research at this site. The paintings are believed to date from approximately 8000–5000 B.C.
After visiting Shakhty, the route continues through a valley locally known as “Restaurant Valley.” Here, between two large stone formations that resemble gates, you will stop for lunch at a small tea house after Vanj.
In the afternoon, you continue riding towards Kerge Otok. You will arrive in the late evening and set up camp for the night.
Riding 35km / 7 - 8 hours.
Overnight at 3,980m in a tent.
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8:30 – Breakfast. Enjoy breakfast before setting out for today’s ride.
9:30 – Departure. This morning, you continue your horseback journey towards Jarty Gumbez, crossing long, flat open terrain. The landscape offers wide, sweeping views, and the soft ground provides excellent conditions for the horses. Along the way, you will stop for a picnic lunch in the summer pastures used by local shepherds.
This peaceful high-altitude grazing area is a wonderful place to rest and observe traditional pastoral life.
After lunch in the Jizeive valley, you will continue riding towards the Jarty Gumbez hot springs.
Here, a comfortable guesthouse awaits you, featuring a natural hot pool filled with crystal- clear geothermal water — perfect for relaxing after a day of riding. Arrival is expected in the late afternoon.
Riding 29km / 6 - 7 hours.
Overnight at 4,100 m in a guest house.
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8:00 Breakfast.
9:00 Departure. This morning we set off once again on horseback, continuing our journey toward the Janbulak summer pasture. The trail leads us gradually upward to the small but impressive Mashaaly Pass, reaching an altitude of 4,500m
After the pass, the ride follows a gentle, scenic route through peaceful high-mountain landscapes. As we travel, there will be many opportunities to observe local wildlife — including Marco Polo sheep, ibex, marmots, yaks, and large herds of domestic sheep — all typical of this high-altitude region.
We will stop for a picnic lunch at a comfortable and convenient spot along the way, taking time to enjoy the quiet surroundings and impressive views.
By late evening, we reach the Janbulak pasture, where we settle in for the night.
Riding 32km / 7 - 8 hours.
Overnight at 4,200 meters in Ren homestay.
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08:00 Breakfast.
09:00 Departure. This morning we set out on our journey toward the Uch Kol region. From the top of the pass, wide open views of the high plateau and distant mountain ranges unfold — a truly breathtaking panorama.
We ride across a long, flat expanse characteristic of this high-altitude landscape. The scenery is vast, quiet, and dramatic, making today one of the more memorable riding days. It is also a long stage, so we take a break on the way for a relaxed picnic lunch before continuing toward the Uch Kol summer pasture. By late afternoon, we arrive at our destination and settle in.
Riding 40km / 8 - 9 hours.
Overnight at 4,150m in Mish homestay.
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7:00 Breakfast.
7:30 Departure. This morning we set out on our journey toward Bashgumbez village. The route first takes us across a long, open plateau before we ascend the Karaseki Pass, reaching an elevation of 4,700m.
From the top, the views of the surrounding high mountains and valleys are truly spectacular. Along the way, we stop for a picnic at a shepherd’s yurt beside Yashilkul lake, where we can enjoy the serene atmosphere and observe the traditional nomadic lifestyle.
After the break, we continue our ride toward the small, picturesque village of Bashgumbez.
By late afternoon, we arrive in the village and settle into a local homestay, where we have the chance to experience authentic Kyrgyz culture and hospitality.
Riding 25km / 5 - 6hours
Overnight at 3,800m in the Adil guesthouse.
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7:00 Breakfast.
7:30 Departure. This morning we set out once again on horseback, heading toward Bozteri. The route takes us through traditional Kyrgyz summer pastures and stretches of long, flat highland terrain, offering wide-open views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, we cross the famous Pamir Highway, a remarkable high-altitude road that winds through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region.
After the highway, we ascend into the scenic Bozteri Valley, where the natural beauty is both peaceful and dramatic.
We pause for a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings of Ala-Kul Lake, enjoying the fresh mountain air and the quiet of the highlands.
By late afternoon, we reach the summer pasture, where we set up camp and settle in for the night.
Riding 25km / 6 - 7 hours.
Overnight at 3,900m in Yavuz hunting camp guesthouse.
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8:30 Breakfast.
9:00 Departure. This morning we begin our ride into the Ak Arkar Valley, gradually ascending toward the Belayrik Pass at 4,350 m.
The climb offers spectacular views of surrounding peaks and valleys, with the high-altitude landscape becoming increasingly dramatic as we approach the pass. After crossing the pass, the terrain becomes steeper and rockier. In some sections, we may need to carefully lead our horses downhill to navigate the slopes safely.
The effort is well rewarded, as the descent opens onto a peaceful, scenic area with lush green grass. We stop for a picnic lunch at Murghab, enjoying the fresh mountain air and wide-open views.
Afterward, we continue a short distance to a suitable camping spot, where we set up for the night.
Riding 35km / 6 - 7 hours.
Overnight at 3,800m in a tent.
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8:00 Breakfast.
9:00 Departure.
This morning we begin our ride descending into the vast and dramatic Madian Valley.
After about 15 km, the landscape transforms into a lush, green area dotted with small trees, a refreshing contrast to the high-altitude pastures we’ve been crossing. We follow the course of the Murghab River, winding deeper into the valley and taking in the peaceful surroundings. Along the way, we stop for a picnic lunch, enjoying the calm of the valley and the fresh mountain air.
After the break, we continue toward Baygashka guesthouse, nestled deep within the valley. By late afternoon, we arrive at the guesthouse, where you can unwind in a hot sauna with a pool, relax, and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal.
Riding 29km / 6 - 7 hours.
Overnight at 3,400min Baygashka guesthouse.
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8:30 Breakfast.
9:00 Departure. Early this morning, we continue toward Karakul Lake. Along the way, the views of mountains and glaciers are simply breathtaking. We cross the Ak-Baital Pass (“White Horse”) at 4,655 m, the highest point of the trip, before beginning a 70 km descent to reach the highest lake in Central Asia.
Karakul Lake sits at 3,915 m and is the largest lake in Tajikistan (380 km2). Formed roughly 10 million years ago, it lies in a desert-like landscape due to the region’s very low rainfall. We stop for lunch in Sary-Tash, and then continue our journey toward Osh.
Along the way, we cross the Taldyk Pass (3,554 m), enjoying spectacular views of the North Alai Range with its colourful and dramatic landscapes.
We expect to arrive in Osh in the late evening.
No riding.
Driving 450km / 8-9 hours.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
The ride costs €1,980 per person sharing. As the balance is less than €2,000 the full amount if due to reserve your saddle.
A single supplement of €200 for your own room in the 5* hotel in Bishkek on your final night.
06 - 14 July 2026 - 8 Guests + Black Saddle Host
To make an enquiry you can fill in an obligation-free Rider Profile and we will get back to you with loads of information and availability.
HOW TO BOOK
As the balance is less than €2,000 the full amount if due to reserve your saddle.
Cancellation Terms
More than 90 days in advance 30% of the full amount is forfeited.
90 - 0 days in advance 100% of the full amount is forfeited.
WEATHER + CLIMATE
Please note this trip runs from June - October that there can be large variations in temperatures. In the daytime, it can be very hot and
a thin layer of clothing will be comfortable but long sleeves protect you from the sun’s rays. At night, it can be cold so a layered approach is best. Predicting temperatures is very
hard but they could range between 5°C and + 25°C. Rainfall in the Pamirs at this time of year is not expected but dust storms are. Please take a waterproof layer just in case.
The daytime temperatures are expected to be +20 in the valleys to +10 in the high mountains and overnight at the camping locations can fall as low as +5.
TEMPERATURE
RAINY DAYS
RAINFALL
ACCOMMODATION
SIMPLE DOME TENTS
Nights 2,4, 6, 7
On the mountain you will sleep in simple dome tents.
Camp is close to a steam for water for a face wash. You guides will boil water for drinking though we recommend you also bring micropur tablets or a filter water bottle for drinking water.
Biodegradable wipes can be used for washing and disposed of in the campfire.
Yurts
Nights 1, 3, 5
Yurts are traditional shepherd yurts rather than tourists yurts so everyone will sleep in a single yurt with your sleeping mat and bag. You are welcome to pitch your tent for more privacy.
All have a cowpat fired stoves for heat. Meals are taken seated on cushions on the floor.
One yurt has a banya - a mountain sauna.
All the yurts are completely off-grid.
Guest House
Night 8
HOTEL
Night 10
MEALS
Meal times in Kyrgyzstan start with decadent table-scapes of sweets, dried fruit, nuts, bread, fruit, jams and cream. In nomad times everything available was put onto the table and offered to guests.
Main meals usually consist of meat and onions over potatoes, buckwheat or rice with carrot, tomato, cucumber, peppers or cabbage. Often you are served meat and vegetable soup as a starter.
Plov is a very popular buttered rice served with vegetables and meat dish. Also popular is pasta with cabbage and steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with meat or stir-fry noodles with meat. Watermelon is often served as dessert.
They are not that familiar with making vegetarian dishes though are learning to adapt. Vegetarians be aware that sometimes they think that picking meat out of the group dish will be acceptable to you!
The meals are typically carb-heavy. Gluten-free diets might want to bring their own bread to supplement meals as yurt camps will typically only make one dish for all guests.
Hot chai (black tea) is served at every meal. We provide bottled water every day.
