A DARING ADVENTURE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF HEAVEN
OVERVIEW
The Mountains of Heaven (Tien Shan) form a natural border between Kyrgyzstan and the Middle Kingdom - China. Far away from civilisation these mountains and glaciers have been a place of refuge for nomads and their herds of yaks and sheep for thousands of years.
You traverse two mountain passes at 4000 meters, discover petroglyphs, galciers, kurgan (burial) mounds, and broken remnants of soviet monuments with the tell-tale red star.
This expedition finishes in Kaindy Valley with a soak in soviet hot pools that once serviced a now abandoned mining town.
For the fit and the brave.
Let’s Ride
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Stunning mountainscapes
Pack horse supported
Soviet hot pools
Excellent wildlife viewing (marco polo sheep, ibex, eagles, yaks)
Glacial views
Visit the abandoned soviet mining town of Engilchek
Stay at a soviet farmhouse
Jeep transfers
Photographer guide
OVERVIEW
RIDE GUIDE
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights / 5 days riding
Cost: €2,100 per person sharing + a single supplement for your own room
Operator: Ibraim
Languages: You must speak fluent english to join our rides
Max Riders: 8
Departing: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Riding Level: Advanced. Many years riding with a natural seat and most importantly, horse sense. You must also be generally fit.
Weight Limit: Maximum of 85kg
Time in the saddle: 4 - 7 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.
You will take just what can fit in a saddle bag.
ACCOMMODATION
Nights 1, 6,7: Twin share hotel rooms
Nights 2,3,4: Twin share tent
Night 5: Shepherds hut with real beds, dorm style bunk accommodation in fireplace heated home.
This is a camping trip in simple dome tents. The equipment is new and in good condition.
Camp will have a central mess tent for sharing meals and hanging out when not riding.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All meals, accommodation, horses, guides, borderland visa, banya, 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).
ATMs are available near the two markets on the tour where you can buy souvenirs. It’s a good idea to carry about 2,000 soms in small notes for buying incidentals and paying for public toilets at rest breaks during driving sections.
RIDING
Advanced. Many years riding with a natural seat and most importantly, horse sense. You must also be generally fit.
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
Since 2012 British, USA and most European nationals don’t need a visa to enter and stay for up to 60 days.
TRANSFERS
Transfers from Manas Airport in Bishkek are included if arriving and departing on arrival and departure dates.
If arriving a day early as recommended you can catch a taxi into town. Manas Airport is a 30-40 minute drive from the city. A reasonable price for a taxi from the airport is 1500 som ($15), your hotel will charge around 2000 som ($25). There is an atm at airport.
MEALS
Kyrgyz food includes a lot of bread, soups, meat dumplings served with buckwheat and vegetables.
Meals are simple on trail and we cannot cater for vegetarians or gluten free diets.
Breakfast on trail always includes hot green tea that the locals drink instead of water. You will eat porridge (rice and oat), yogurt, eggs and bread.
Lunches and dinners are picnic style with cold cuts, breads, and canned fish while on trail and fresh cucumber and tomato salads, hot soups, pasta, dumplings, and meat on potatoes.
You will have an opportunity to drink kumis - 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, 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 almost zero at night on the mountain. The mountains are usually 10 degrees cooler than Bishkek.
INTERNET
You will be out of cell range for most of this adventure but you should buy a sim card for the days that we are travelling by car. 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 €5.
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.
DATES + RATES
All departures are €2,100 per person sharing. Your saddle is secured with the full balance.
A single supplement of €150 for your own room at hotels is subject to availability.
2025
05 - 13 July 2025 PIONEER RIDE
We can organise private groups on request with a minimum of 8 riders.
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
Travelling to Kyrgyzstan is like jumping in a time machine. You land in soviet Bishkek with street signs all in Cyrillic. Russian is widely spoken in the capital city. Though the republic gained independence from the ex-USSR in 1991, Lenin still stands in front of the Natural History museum. The main street is a wide soviet boulevard that once had military parades down it but is now filled with families enjoying cool evenings watching concerts, playing fair games and buying helium balloons for the kids.
Outside of Bishkek Kyrgyz speak their own language. It’s Turkic and partially intelligible with people from Turkey. A lingual link as both peoples originated from Siberia where petroglyphs and the names of the lakes and mountains there are recognisably similar.
Malls look like ours did in the 80s and 90s with cigarettes displayed over the checkout counters. Weed is illegal but it grows wild here. Alcohol isn’t sold in most local restaurants as Kyrgyz have been Muslim since the Arabs beat the Chinese in the Battle of Talas in the 8th century. You can still easily pick up litres of beer from the store though and small bottles of apricot cognac for a mere £3.50. It’s so delicious you don’t need any mixer.
Kyrgyz are very friendly and the country is generally very safe. You can walk around the capital Bishkek with your phone out with no issues which is more than what you can say for London!
ITINERARY
This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Your hosts may change the itinerary to take advantage of weather conditions.
04th July: Arrival - We recommend you arrive the day before the ride to rest and explore Bishkek. If arriving early we can recommend hotels for your night in Bishkek.
*Gems of the Karakoram*
A horseback passage to Pakistan’s most prized stones.
OR
*The Hidden Vein*
Unraveling treasures on horseback through the heart of Baltistan.
A Horseback Safari through History, Gems & Majesty
*Day 1: Arrival & Desert Dreams*
Flight from Islamabad to Skardu.
Your journey begins with a breathtaking flight from Islamabad to Skardu — a route hailed as one of the most scenic flights in the world. As you ascend above the clouds, feast your eyes on the towering peaks of Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, and the vast Karakoram Range, with glimpses of K2 on a clear day. The descent into Skardu is nothing short of cinematic, as the plane glides through snow-capped mountains and dramatic valleys.
Lunch at Rosefinch, Kuardo.
After arrival, unwind at Rosefinch near Kuardo, where floor-to-ceiling glass windows open up to panoramic views of the Skardu valley. A carefully curated menu of organic, local cuisine will help you ground yourself before the adventure begins.
Afternoon Exploration: Kharpocho Fort & Nangsoq Organic Village
Embark on a guided hike to Kharpocho Fort, a 17th-century fortress perched high above the Skardu city. Built by King Ali Sher Khan Anchan, this fort has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties and still stands as a silent sentinel guarding the valley. The ascent rewards you with commanding views of the Indus River, Sarfaranga desert, and surrounding peaks.
Continue your hike to Nangsoq Organic Village, a living model of traditional Balti life. Interact with warm, hospitable locals and learn about centuries-old sustainable farming practices.
Aquamarine Storytelling with a Master Miner
Next, enter the humble home of a revered local aquamarine miner. He will share tales of treacherous climbs and hidden gem veins deep in the mountains. Examine a personal collection of rare aquamarine, quartz, tourmaline, golden topaz, and other minerals — a glimpse of what lies ahead on the trail.
Golden Hour Safari at Sarfaranga Desert
As the sun sets, drive to the iconic Sarfaranga Cold Desert — one of the highest deserts on Earth. Prepare for an adrenaline-filled motor-gliding and jeep safari session across rippling dunes set against snow-capped peaks and flowing riverbanks. This surreal landscape fuses thrill and tranquility in perfect harmony.
Luxury Stay at Broq Skardu
Arrive at your private retreat in Broq, overlooking the mighty Indus, Husainabad village, and the great divide between the Himalaya and Karakoram. Featuring state-of-the-art amenities and bespoke design, this mountainside property is your serene escape.
Dinner & Musical Galaxy Night
Dine under the stars at the terrace restaurant. Later, gather at the cliff edge for a live Balti musical night — dance under the Milky Way with traditional songs echoing through the mountains.
*Day 2: The Great Horse Safari & Royal Fort Stay*
Scenic Breakfast & DepartureEnjoy a scenic breakfast at Broq with Himalayan views before checking out.
Mount the Trail – Horse Safari from Chumik to Shigar
Start your horseback safari near Chumik Bridge, mounting elegant polo ponies trained for high-altitude terrains. Ride through the rustic Chumik plains, past Sarfaranga village, and gallop across vast sand dunes — a rare thrill in this part of the world.
Navigate narrow mountain passes where each bend reveals untouched vistas. Stop for a scenic tea break by Blind Lake, where fresh fruits and traditional tea rejuvenate your senses.
Ride along the Shigar River, passing through fertile valleys and traditional Balti homes until you arrive at the Shigar Polo Ground, the beating heart of the region’s sporting culture. Enjoy a cup of artisan coffee at the Basecamp Coffee Shop, a charming stop for equestrian travelers.
Arrival & Stay at Shigar Fort
Ride into the gates of the 17th-century Shigar Fort, your royal residence for the night. Restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, this historic gem blends Tibetan architecture with Persian influences and now serves as a luxury heritage hotel.
Dinner & Night at the Fort
Savor dinner in the majestic fort courtyard as the surrounding mountains cast their evening shadows. Each room echoes a royal past, offering the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping within ancient stone walls that have sheltered kings.
Day 3: Into the Mountains – The Gem of Braldu
Traditional Breakfast at Shigar Fort
Start your day with buckwheat pancakes, apricot juice, and Balti tea — flavors unique to the region.
Ride from Dassu to Braldu Valley – Gateway to K2Drive to Dassu, then mount your horses once more for an unforgettable ride through the pristine Braldu Valley, gateway to K2. This rugged route leads you along cliff paths and alpine meadows to one of the region's most exclusive spots — the aquamarine mines.
The Mining Experience – Unearth the Earth’s TreasuresUpon reaching the mining area, dismount and gear up to enter the aquamarine mine itself — a rare experience few ever access. Accompanied by seasoned local miners, descend into the tunnels carved into the mountain’s heart. Discover veins of shimmering aquamarine, mica, quartz, tourmaline, and more.
These very mines are where the legendary “King of Kashmir” aquamarine — a specimen of extraordinary size and clarity — was once discovered, securing their place in the world’s top mineralogical records. If fortune smiles, you may even unearth your own rough aquamarine — a personal treasure from the Karakoram.
Lunch with Miners – A Cultural Exchange
Dine with local miners in their humble stone homes, where traditional Balti food is served family-style. Share stories, laughter, and a sense of deep connection with the land and its people.
Return to Shigar & Culinary Finale
Drive back to Shigar Fort for some light refreshments. In the evening, dine at the home of Haseena Begum, a renowned Balti chef. Her signature dishes — including Gyaling (Balti flatbread), Shapik (buckwheat dumplings), and Apricot Chicken Curry — are served in hand-carved wooden bowls in a traditional setting, rounding off your journey with rich local flavor.
Overnight at Shigar Fort
*Day 4: Farewell & Flight*
Morning Desert Glide
Before departure, return to Sarfaranga for one last motor-glide session, this time with ideal morning winds and golden light cutting across the landscape — a perfect way to bid farewell to Skardu.
Miner’s Marketplace in Skardu City
Stop by a miner’s home in Skardu where you can purchase cut and polished aquamarine stones sourced from the very mines you explored. Commission a piece to be set as an heirloom — a permanent memory of your time on the Gem Trail.
Flight to Islamabad
Take your return flight to Islamabad with views that once again leave you breathless.
Islamabad Cultural Evening
Enjoy a local lunch in Islamabad followed by a visit to the Faisal Mosque and nearby artisan markets. End the journey with a home-cooked farewell dinner hosted by your host, followed by a luxurious spa stay at one of Islamabad’s premier hotels.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
2025 DATES | €2,100
05 - 13 July 2025 - Pioneer Ride
Pioneer rides are the first run through of an itinerary. Things are expected to be polished and perfect - but they might not be. You must be able to go with the flow and keep in good spirits as we navigate things for the first time.
Fill in an obligation-free Rider Profile with your preferred dates and we will get back to you with availability.
HOW TO BOOK
Saddles are reserved with payment of the full balance.
Cancellation Terms
More than 90 days in advance the full deposit is returned net of bank charges and a €250 cancellation fee per rider to cover our time spent organising your holiday.
90 - 61 days in advance the deposit or 50% of the full amount is forfeited.
60 – 0 days in advance 100% of the full amount is forfeited.
YOUR GUIDE
IBRAIM
Ibraim was born in Karakol and grew up exploring these mountains and spending time with his family at their country house on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul.
His foray into the tourism industry began in 2016, driven by his deep love for the mountains and the desire to showcase the unparalleled wonders of Kyrgyzstan to the world. For many years he worked for a top agency and hotel company in Karakol before leaving to create his own expeditions.
