SILK ROAD EXPEDITION
This is an expedition for the fit and the brave. This is the most challenging ride we have. You will summit multiple mountain passes above 3000 meters ( Verbier: 1500 meters; Zermatt: 1608 meters). You’ll walk the steepest parts of the trail and often downhill to save your horse, this is an endurance partnership after all. You’ll set up your own tent and showers are minimal the entire trail.
In return you’ll be fully immersed in the wild, covering land that is only possible to reach on horseback. Snowcapped peaks, alpine lakes, fields of wildflowers, herds of sheep with their shepherds and horses living in herds completely naturally are your rewards.
If the thought of a real adventure thrills you - read on.
If you’re looking for something challenging but more comfortable consider our Celestial Mountains safari.
OVERVIEW
Over 18 days you will traverse the Ala Too mountain range to Song Kol Lake.
You have three itinerary options:
1) The Black Saddle Great Trek with upgraded, more private accom where possible and a visit to the eagle hunters
2) The Classic Great Trek with rustic accom
3) Complete just half of the Classic, an 11 day option
You need to be fit enough to walk the steepest parts of the trail and the long descents to save your horse.
Moaning is only allowed in the bedroom.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
This is a true expedition, a continuous trek traveling on horseback
See thousands of free-roaming horses in natural herds
Visit the Eagle Hunters (Black Saddle only)
Ride snow capped mountain ridgelines
Visit the Soviet salt mines
Witness the burning water
Witness the traditional game of Kok-Boru
See the Milky Way with your own eyes at night
Stay at a premium hotel in Bishkek (Black Saddle only)
OVERVIEW
RIDE GUIDE
Full:18 Days / 17 Nights / 15 Days Riding
Half: 11 Days / 10 Nights / 9 Days Riding
Cost: €2,699 pp sharing on the Black Saddle departure with upgraded accommodation and a visit to the eagle hunters. €2,230 for the standard departure and €1,450 for the half.
Operator: Asiarando
Guide languages: English, Russian, Kyrgyz, French. You must speak at least conversational English to join the ride.
Departing: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Riding Level: Intermediate to advanced. Expect canters over open countryside. Riders must be in good physical fitness to ride. Please do not come if you are not comfortable cantering. You will be riding 8 hours a day regularly with a lot of walking downhill on steep terrain. You must be fit.
Weight Limit: Maximum of 90kg/187lbs
Time in the saddle: 3 to 8 hours a day - most days are 8 hours.
HORSES
Horses are a mix of breeds. Most are sturdy ponies of between 13hh - 15hh. The Kyrgyz pony is native to the mountains and extremely well adapted to the steep terrain. They are very sure footed and usually have a very calm temperament.
Many of the horses on the trip have been purpose bred by Asiarando to carry you safely through the mountains. They are used to the high altitudes which makes them extremely fit and up to the job!
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 sheepskin seat saver for comfort. Bridles are simple canvas or leather.
ACCOMMODATION
One night in premium ethno-Kyrgyz hotel Navat in Bishkek.
Ten nights are spent in simple dome tents and sleeping bags. Sharing two to a tent. There are no bathrooms or showers. Foam mattresses are provided.
Two nights are spent in guest houses where you can charge your gadgets. You will all share a room. These are basic accommodations staying with the land owners and will either be bunk beds or mattresses on the floor. Some guesthouses will have saunas.
You must be willing to set up your own tent. The guides will be able to assist you.
Four nights are spent in traditional yurts. These are round felt lined tents. You will sleep on your foam mattress on the floor. Genders are mixed. Sometimes riders will stay in their tents if there is only one yurt available in the remote locations.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All meals and non-alcoholic drinks, accommodation, horses, guides, camping equipment (excluding sleeping bags), transfers to and from Bishkek airport.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
The price does not include international or domestic flights, alcohol, mandatory travel insurance, staff tips (which are optional but appreciated).
We suggest a tip of between 75-100 Eur / USD. You can pay in these currencies but make sure you bring new, large denomination notes or they cannot be exchanged locally. You can also withdraw local currency at an equivalent rate or whatever you would like to give. An elegant way to give your tips is in an envelope at the end of your final dinner.
It may be possible to pay a single supplement for the hotel in Bishkek for an additional charge.
THE RIDING
This terrain is tough and steep. You will be tested physically as you get off your horse often to navigate the steepest sections. Much downhill is walked to give them a rest.
The horses are surefooted and calm. You must be a balanced rider in charge of your horse at all times and able to keep them behind the guide.
If you cannot canter you cannot come.
You will tack up your own horse with the assistance of the guide.
TRAVEL & VISAS
Since 2012 British, USA and most European nationals do not need a visa to enter and stay for up to 60 days.
TRANSFERS
Most flights arrive to Manas Airport in Bishkek between 2am and 5am. For this reason you may want to plan to arrive a day early and book a night in a hotel in Bishkek on your own account. We highly recommend you do this as this will protect you from missing out on the tour with flight delays.
Transfers from Bishkek are included if you arrive before 9am on the first day of the tour. If arriving early Manas Airport is a 30-40 minute drive from the city. A taxi from the airport is 1000 som ($12), your hotel will charge around 2000 som ($25).
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We require that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy, including health cover, before you start your trip. Please ensure that your insurance covers unexpected losses or expenses e.g. Lost luggage, stolen cash and credit cards or cancelled/missed flights.
If your flight is delayed you will be responsible for paying for a transfer to catch up with the tour. The guides will help you with logistics of course.
You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for horse riding and all the activities you want to undertake – you may not be allowed to ride without adequate travel insurance so please do send us your insurance information before you depart.
Please note that some insurance policies specify that you must be wearing appropriate clothing and a riding helmet to be covered for horse riding activities. We recommend that you wear a riding hat during the rides but if you intend not to, please make sure that you are still insured and can claim for medical expenses in the event of an accident.
Many of our riders use World Nomads. We are not affiliated with this company, please do your own research for cover based on where you live.
MEALS
Kyrgyz food includes a lot of bread, soups, meat dumplings served with buckwheat and vegetables.
Breakfast on trail always includes hot green tea, coffee and water. You will eat porridge (rice and oat) with honey and fresh bread with jam.
Lunches are picnic style with cold cuts, breads, salads cheese as well as something hot - normally potatoes, couscous or buckwheat as well as dried fruits and cookies.
Dinners are more substantial meal based on traditions Kyrgz cooking and include stews, soups, flat breads, pasta or dumplings.
You will have an opportunity to try kumiss while on the ride - fermented mares milk. It’s an acquired taste for foreigners but a daily drink for locals. You might have the opportunity to drink fresh mares milk too. It’s surprisingly sweet!
Kyrgyzstan is a muslim country though alcohol is readily available to purchase at supermarkets. This is a dry trip though you are welcome to bring your own alcohol.
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, warm sleeping bag effective to -10 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).
Trekking books are more effective and waterproof than tight fitting riding boots in the mountains.
The weather can range from 40 degrees in Bishkek to almost zero at night on the mountain passes where there is snow year-round.
Even in summer the nights will be cold at these altitudes so make sure you pack a quality sleeping bag effective to -10 degrees.
INTERNET
Consider yourself ‘unplugged’ while on trail. Cell-phone reception is minimal at best and internet not at all except in cities and larger towns. The yurts are not connected to electricity but we suggest one of the group bring a solar panel charger. Black Saddle recommends this model.
We recommend purchasing an ‘O’ or MegaFon sim card on arrival at the airport. Unlimited internet for two weeks will cost around €18.
Download an e-sim from Airalo and install before you arrive to have data on landing and in cities and villages.
Use our code BLACKS3976 to receive $3 off your e-sim credit.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
1) The Great Silk Road Trek - Black Saddle Exclusive - €2,699
2) The Great Silk Road Trek - Classic - €2,230
3) Half the Classic Great Silk Road Trek - €1,450
Bookings are made with a 20% deposit with the balance due 90 days before departure unless the total cost is less than €2,000 in which case the full balance is due at the time of booking.
Black Saddle Departure: €2,699 (includes eagle hunter visit, upgraded accommodation in three guesthouses (adding showers and more power points), upgraded accommodation in Bishkek and the full ride will be Black Saddle guests).
07 - 24 July 2024
07 - 24 August 2024
Standard Departure: €2,230 (does not include the eagle hunters, accom is in simple guest houses with one shared room with no shower but a banya. To do half costs €1,450.
13 - 30 June 2024
18 June - 05 July 2024
02 -19 July 2024
12 - 29 July 2024
21 July - 07 August 2024
02 - 19 August 2024
10 - 27 August 2024
21 August - 07 September 2024
Each ride can be joined as just a half if you don’t have 18 days. The first half is more technical with more mountain passes that the second. See below for dates to join the half itinerary of 11 days.
Maximum group size of 10 riders.
To book, fill in an obligation free Rider Form and we will get back to you with availability.
KYRGYZSTAN
Currency + cash: is Kyrgyz Som. There are ATMs all over Bishkek though some only process VISA. Both Visa and Master Card can be used in most places in cities and larger towns. There is little opportunity for you to spend cash while on the ride but in Bishkek make sure you bring large new notes to tip your guides with or to exchange for local currency. Old and damages notes are not exchangeable and so are worthless.
Time Zone: Kyrgyzstan Time / GMT +6
Climate: July is mid summer in Kyrgyzstan, and it is hot and dry throughout. It is the best time to visit in terms of temperature and rainfall, and the wild meadows and mountain scenery seem to roll on forever. Bishkek sees temperatures between 15 to 32 °C (59-90 °F) over the summer with virtually no rainfall. It is colder, especially at night, in Song Kol and the mountains so bring warm layers.
Attire: Kyrgyzstan is a muslim country, so care should be taken to dress respectfully in large cities and towns, for example, when at markets and in public places. Ladies should avoid wearing ‘clingy, tight or suggestive’ attire, and stick to cool, flowing, cottons in the villages. Do not wear singlet tops and very short shorts.
ITINERARY
Detailed below is The Great Silk Road Trek - Black Saddle Exclusive. Text in italics shows adjustments to show where the Classic itinerary differs.
The weather can be wild in the mountains and sometime you may need to change route to avoid bad weather. Be prepared to be adaptable - it’s all part of the adventure.
There are three options of The Great Trek:
1) The Great Silk Road Trek - Black Saddle Exclusive
2) The Great Silk Road Trek - Classic (does not have a visit to the Eagle Hunters and has basic accommodation)
3) Half the Classic Great Silk Road Trek
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! You'll be greeted at the airport and taken to base camp in the village of Rot Front.
Take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views of the Ala Too range as we enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon we journey past Burana Tower to the valley of Kizil Suu to meet our horses for the ride. You will be matched to one horse for the entire journey. We do take spare horses just in case you need to change during the trek.
No riding today
Overnight in a yurt
DAY 2 - KEUK BEL VALLEY CAMP
Ride and shine, it’s time to explore the breathtaking Konorchok Canyon where the crumbly red rock has been carved by erosion.
The canyon has a unique microclimate that only sees snow a few times every decade. The canyon is steep and you will need to dismount to lead you horse through the trickiest parts.
We pass though the canyon and then journey up the mountain to Keuk Bel valley over a 2500 meter pass, passing soviet farms and many loose horses.
8 Hours Riding
Overnight in tents
DAY 3 - TRAVERSE KERKEBESS PASS
We continue our ride south and marvel at the sight of the Issyk Kul lake 100 km away as we navigate over the Kerkebess Pass (3600m). We will lead our horses up the steepest part of the pass and along the top of the mountain. We will be above the treeline so dress in many layers to keep warm. You might spot yaks grazing in herds at the very top of the mountain. If you don’t, don’t worry, there will be plenty more opportunities to see them.
As we descend, the weather will warm up, and we'll end up at our camp in the crossroads of two valleys.
You will have time to untack the horse and set up your tent before enjoying a hot cup of chai in the mess tent while awaiting dinner.
8 Hours Riding
Overnight in tents
DAY 4 - THE EAGLE HUNTERS
Today we ride through Kochkor valley up to Agoutchouk village where the horses will spend the night.
Your picnic lunch is enjoyed near a stream before the plains open up and we reenter civilisation, riding through fields of lucerne. Don’t let the local farmers catch your horse taking a sneaky bite of their crops!
Today we ride until early afternoon before meeting our road transfer to Kochkor village to see the fantastic eagles. The horses continue on to our next destination with the horse guides.
After the eagle show we treat ourselves to a hot shower and dinner.
Up to 6 Hours Riding
Overnight in a guesthouse with a western bathroom, up to three per room
Classic Great Trek Adjustment
For those not on the Black Saddle ride your day will play out as:
Ride to Kochkor valley up to Agoutchouk village. We’ll experience our first canter through fields of lucerne. Our host welcomes us for tea time. Then we move inside the house for the night and banya. Don’t forget your multi adapter travel plug as the house is not set up to charge multiple gadgets. We recommend this one.
Up to 6 Hours Riding
Overnight in in a guesthouse with soviet banya, sleeping on foam mats in one room
DAY 5 - CHONG TOUZ SALT MINES
Ride through the semi-desert landscape to the Chong Touz salt mines. We dismount and enjoy a tour of the mines, before getting back on the horses to explore the clay and salt desert.
After a picnic lunch we begin to climb the mountains behind the mine until we reach the magnificent Tcholoï lake in the Tcholoï valley near the peaks.
8+ Hours Riding
Overnight in tents
DAY 6 - TCHIOULEK MOUNTAIN PASS
Start your day with a pass ascension, the views are magnificent all the way to the pass (3800m). This is a technical day and will require you to lead your horse up the steepest part.
After a rapid descent we arrive to our camp in the Tchioulek valley.
8 Hours Riding
Overnight in tents
DAY 7 - KLEMCHE VALLEY
We ride through the high pasture steppe (jailoo in Kyrgyz) and over the Tchioulek pass (3200m). Our destination is the lush and green Klemche valley.
This is the where our horses spend the winter months, so it feels like home!
6 Hours Riding
Overnight in a yurt camp with up to three per yurt. The camp has flushing loos.
Classic Great Trek Adjustment: Overnight in tents
DAY 8 - SONG KOL LAKE
Travel through two stunning green valleys with rushing streams and over the Tiuz Ashuu pass (3400m) before reaching the shining gem of Kyrgyz jaïloos, the Song Kul lake.
Surrounded by mountains, this steel-coloured lake is quiet, transparent, and appears to touch the sky.
At night, you'll be able to see the Milky Way shining above you.
3 -4 Hours Riding
Overnight in a yurt camp with up to three per yurt. The camp has flushing loos and an incredible banya!
Classic Great Trek Adjustment: Overnight in private yurt camp, short drop loo, riders split between two yurts
DAY 9 - NATIONAL HORSE GAMES
After a short but stunning ride, we'll arrive at Djildizbek's yurts, where we'll witness the national horse games, Ulak Tartish (or Buzkashi) played on horseback with a dead goat. Don’t worry, nothing is wasted in Kyrgyzstan and the winning team will have the goat for dinner.
Get ready to learn about the traditional ways of life as we watch the shepherdesses milk cows and the mares, making Kumiss - fermented mare’s milk.
Life is beautiful up here. Grandchildren will often stay with their grandparents who run the yurt camps all summer.
3 -4 Hours Riding
Overnight in a yurt camp.
HALF TREK 1 - DEPARTURE: You will depart for Bishkek after the national games, arriving late in the evening to your hostel.
HALF TREK 2 - ARRIVAL: Pick up from the airport and transfer to Song Kol Lake. You will arrive in time for the National Games and spend the first night in the yurt. No riding today.
DAY 10 - UZBEK PASS
After a traditional breakfast, we say goodbye to Djildizbek's family and get ready to meet another friendly family in Kyzart.
We'll embark on a 25 km journey through Uzbek pass (3,400m) and wild valleys down to the Djumgal river and Kyzart village.
Finish your night with a relaxing sauna.
3 -4 Hours Riding
Overnight in new guesthouse with a max of three to a room.
Classic Great Trek Adjustment: Overnight in private yurt camp, short drop loo, riders split between two yurts
HALF TREK 1: You will explore Bishkek for a day before enjoying a final dinner together.
DAY 11 - KOUM BEL VALLEY
Saddle up for a fantastic gallop along the fields above Kyzart, leading us to the entrance of the stunning Koum Bel valley.
Up to 8 Hours Riding
Overnight in tents
HALF TREK 1: Departure - fly home from Bishkek today at any time. Many flights leave in the very early hours of the morning.
DAY 12 - HOME OF THE HERD
After a challenging climb, we'll cross the Koum Bel pass (3600m) and head down the picturesque Ceok valley, dotted with yurtas and horse herds.
This is the valley where some of the herd were born, it’s easy to see that they are true mountain horses!
Up to 8 Hours Riding
Overnight in tents
DAY 13 - PANORAMIC ALA TOO
Today we will wake up and journey through the bottom of the Sandik Range, and cross the Buchuk pass (3400m) for a panoramic view of the Ala Too range, with peaks up to 4,500m high.
We’ll then follow the Karakol river to reach our camp for the night.
Up to 8 Hours Riding
Overnight in tents
DAY 14 - STEP BACK IN TIME
Today we cross the Karakol river and ride up to the jailoo of Ai Teke, where time seems to have stood still and the landscape looks much like it did 100 years ago!
Along the way we'll cross hundreds of horse, sheep, and maybe even some yak herds.
Up to 8 Hours Riding
Overnight in tents
DAY 15 - SHAMSI PASS
In the morning, we'll tackle the Shamsi pass (3600m) and return to the Chuy valley, setting up camp along the riverside.
Today's journey will include some steep ups and downs - +600m in 2 hours and -1800m in 4 hours! Be prepared or another physical day leading your horse up the steepest parts.
8+ Hours Riding
Overnight in tents
DAY 16 - ROT FRONT VILLAGE
Today’s ride is a short one as we return to the entrance of the Shamsi valley to transfer to a guesthouse in Rot Front village after lunch, where we will spend the night. This is your guides home and you’ll feel the atmosphere here as you creep back into civilisation.
The village was first settled by mennonites, anabaptist christians similar to the Amish in the USA. You might spot the modestly dressed neighbours of german descent.
2 Hours Riding
Overnight in guesthouse with bunk bed accommodation.
DAY 17 - EXPLORING BISHKEK
Today is all about exploring the capital. The city has a soviet vibe, with a wide boulevard cutting through the centre that military parades would once have moved down. Kyrgyzstan is now a friendly, chill place and the parades have long gone. You’ll see Manas, the national hero, astride his horse on a tall plinth proudly looking over the city. Locals will now speak Russian and you’ll see the colonial soviet influence everywhere.
Transfer to the town in the morning and spend the day visiting museums, bazaars, and purchasing souvenirs and handicrafts.
It’s time for the final dinner! Time has gone so quickly and yet so slowly at the same time. You might even find it strange to be back in civilisation after so long in the mountains.
No riding today
Overnight in premium central hotel in Bishkek in twin share rooms
Classic Great Trek Adjustment: Overnight in hostel
DAY 18 - DEPARTURE
Hey now, don’t dream it’s over! But alas, it is. Time to head to Manas Airport. Most flights depart in the early morning hours so don’t forget to set your alarm.
Where will you go next? Check out our rides by month to start planning your next adventure.
No riding today
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
The riding is the same on all three options of the Great Trek. We have added our Black Saddle magic to our exclusive departures to make the ride more comfortable.
Black Saddle Departure: €2,699 includes eagle hunter visit, upgraded accommodation in three guesthouses (adding showers and more power points), upgraded accommodation in Bishkek and the full ride will be Black Saddle guests.
07 - 24 July 2024
07 - 24 August 2024
Classic Departure: €2,230 does not include the eagle hunters, accom is in simple guest houses in one shared room sleeping on your foam mattress with no shower - but a banya.
13 - 30 June 2024
18 June - 05 July 2024
02 -19 July 2024
12 - 29 July 2024
21 July - 07 August 2024
02 - 19 August 2024
10 - 27 August 2024
21 August - 07 September 2024
Half The Great Trek: €1,450 does not include the eagle hunters, accom is in simple guest houses in one shared room sleeping on your foam mattress with no shower - but a banya. Both sections involve technical mountain riding though the first half is more challenging with more passes. The second half has more nights in tents.
21 - 31 July 2024 (1st Half)
29 July - 07 August 2024 (2nd Half)
02 - 12 August 2024 (1st Half)
09 - 19 August 2024 (2nd Half)
10 - 30 August 2024 (1st Half)
17 - 27 August 2024 (2nd Half)
21 - 31 August 2024 (1st Half)
27 August - 07 September 2024 (2nd Half)
13 - 23 June 2024 (1st Half)
20 - 30 June 2024 (2nd Half)
18 - 28 June 2024 (1st Half)
25 June - 05 July 2024 (2nd Half)
02 - 12 July 2024 (1st Half)
09 - 19 July 2024 (2nd Half)
12 - 22 July 2024 (1st Half)
19 - 29 July 2024 (2nd Half)
Maximum group size of 10 riders.
To book, fill in an obligation free Rider Form and we will get back to you with availability.
