Venture into the wilderness of Katon-Karagay National Park, an undiscovered paradise in the far east of Kazakhstan. This is a beautiful and rarely visited region of forests, lakes and high mountains and is best accessed on horseback, and using pack-horses.
These equestrian treks are exploratory in nature with no fixed itinerary, so horseback riders should be prepared for adventure! Once the horses, local team, food and equipment have been assembled, the trip is as non-itinerised as possible - days in the saddle could be long and the path unknown, but that is what this adventure is all about; trying out different routes and exploring the area to its full potential.
This equestrian vacation is aimed at intrepid travelers, not just serious horseback riders. Riders will need to be comfortable with not having a rigid itinerary, therefore if you need to know whether the accommodation is en-suite and what time lunch will be, this might not be the trip for you. The guides go out of their way to show riders interesting wildlife and the numerous archeological sites in the area. Experiencing the local culture is, of course, half the reason for traveling, so the group will be meeting and mingling with the local people along the way.
You'll be guided along the way by local park rangers on their fit and surefooted horses. Experienced horseback riders will be in trekking heaven, with plenty of opportunities for fast riding along forest trails and over mountain grasslands. Those with less experience can follow trails at a pace that is appropriate to their abilities. Camp overnight, cook and enjoy meals over the campfire, on this equestrian adventure of a lifetime.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from AS of Tauranga on 20/08/2023
Day 1
Arrive at Ust Kamenogorsk Airport and transfer to Ust (around 13km) to the hotel for the night. Meet the guide and the rest of the group at 7pm to enjoy the first dinner together. If there is time during the day, the guide can help to arrange some sightseeing in Ust. Ust has a pleasant central park with two good museums nearby. The History Museum is useful for brushing up on the flora and fauna of the region, and to learn about the archaeological sites that can be seen. The Ethnographic Museum features traditional Kazakh culture and the many other ethnic groups in the region. One could happily spend a few days enjoying this leafy town.
Day 2
Drive from Ust to Katon-Karagay (330km, 6-7hrs). Watch the rural life of Kazakhstan pass by while heading east toward the Altai Mountains. Stay the night at the campsite and enjoy the first camp meal together under the stars.
Day 3
In the morning riders will be paired with a suitable horses, making sure riders get the most out of the trek. Luggage will be transported to a camp where our yurt set up. Today is spent preparing for multi-day trekking with pack-horses and enjoying food by a campfire.
Days 4 to 15 (12 days)
This section of the trek is non-itinerised. There is 6,400km2 of National Park to explore, much of it accessible only by pack-horse. Discover a part of the world famous for its beautiful landscapes and warm, welcoming people. The route always depends on factors such as the weather, advice from local people, and most importantly, what the group are keen to experience.
Day 16
Return to Ust enjoying the breathtaking scenery, arriving in the evening.Enjoy the last dinner together sharing stories and creating memories of a lifetime.
Day 17
After breakfast, transfer back to the airport. Depart Ust Kamenogorsk.
Please note, we will require a copy of your passport (photograph or scan of the ID page) to arrange park permits.
Reading List
We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.
Apples are from Kazakhstan (2008), Christopher Robbins. A classic of travel writing, combining the author’s firsthand experiences (including hanging out with the president), with Kazakhstan’s history and contemporary culture.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
We have a range of horses available, including ones suitable for beginners. They are a local breed, but not the 'Kazakh horse', which is more like the Mongolian breed. The ones ridden on this trail have a Thoroughbred influence, around 15 to 16hh, but are very tough and sturdy. They are calm and easily handled, but forward going and keen to gallop when asked. Experienced riders will get the most from them, but there are also horses to suit beginner riders as well. The horses are not prone to shying and are trained to be calm on the ground.
Local tack is used which will be familiar to riders from the UK. The saddles are similar to the English style but with a horn at the front. They are comfortable for long riding days. Saddle bags are provided. The horses are controlled by neck-reining. This is an undiscovered paradise for horse trekking.
The ride works alongside local park rangers and their horses, which is ideal. The rangers spend their time patrolling the mountain trails, so know the park like the back of their hand. The horses are fit and sure-footed, and very well-trained. Experienced riders will be in trekking heaven, with plenty of opportunities for fast riding along forest trails and over mountain grasslands. Those with less experience can follow trails at a pace that is appropriate to their abilities. There is no riding on roads but rather on used horse trails and over open grassland. The trails will be rocky and uneven in places so it is strongly recommended that all riders where hard hats (not provided).
This adventure ride is suited to all riders from beginner to experienced. Experienced riders will most appreciate the great horses and riding country but beginners are also able to join if they are able to canter. After many years of running treks for riders of mixed ability in Mongolia, your hosts are able to arrange the ride so that all riders get to enjoy the pace they are comfortable with. In general, the group moves along at a mix of walking, trotting, and cantering. When the opportunity arises, which is quite often, the more experienced riders are welcome to peel off for a gallop.
Riding etiquette is treated very seriously, for safety reasons. Riders will be given strict instruction on what is appropriate, and not, for riding at a fast pace, so that less experienced riders do not have trouble. Your guide will teach you the local riding techniques and how to ride safely. Help with the horses will be appreciated as will help with the camp, fetching firewood etc.
Above all, riders joining this trail need to understand that it is still very much in its exploratory phase. Riders who need to know how long each day will be, when they will stop for lunch and for how long, will not really be suited to this ride. The main challenge is the wilderness camping and the environment as this is a remote area with no tourism infrastructure. A sense of adventure and a positive, willing attitude will love it! Experience of camping and travelling in a developing country would also be beneficial.
Due to explorative nature of this trip, the minimum riding age is 16 years old. Younger riders must be experienced and be able to keep up with the rest of the group, especially during any unplanned long days. The maximum weight limit is 100kg but it is more important to be fit and active. Although the horses are of a 'normal' size, there are places where the terrain is very rugged so they would struggle with anyone over this weight limit. There will be times where riders have to dismount and lead their horse so a good general fitness is essential.
Please note, we will require a copy of your passport (photograph or scan of the ID page) to arrange park permits.
The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Accommodation in Ust is in a simple, but comfortable hotel with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms. WiFi is available. On the trail, hiking tents are used. If you wish to have a tent to yourself this is possible at no extra charge. Wherever possible, a yurt is set up as a communal area.
The ride prides themselves on the meals they can create from the limited supplies available. Meals are simple but nutritious. Fruit and vegetables are brought along with staples such as rice, flour and pasta - these are all carried on the packhorses. They trade for delicious yoghurt, cheese and milk when they encounter local people. In the evening fresh bread is cooked on the camp fire. The rivers hold some excellent eating fish, if you can catch them.
Vegetarians can be catered for; typically there is a vegetarian main dish and a separate meat dish. Gluten-free diets may also be catered for but please enquire for more information. Riders are welcome to pitch in with cooking if they enjoy creating campfire cuisine. Sometimes a cook is brought along, but it's also fun to work as a team.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.
NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling.
You should ensure that you have entered your next of kin details into the back of your passport. If you lose your passport you must report this immediately to the police and obtain a police report.
Since 10 January 2020, it has been the responsibility of the host person or hotel to notify immigration authorities of a foreigner’s arrival. We advise that you check this has been done.
Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.
Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.
In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kazakhstan
In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kazakhstan.html
In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/kazakhstan
Apr–Jun Naturalists' heaven as the steppe and hills blossom and migrating birds flock in.
May–Sep The weather is perfect – from July it's hiking season.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
There are regular outbreaks of haemorrhagic fever (a tick-borne disease) in southern Kazakhstan in spring and summer
The medical facilities in Kazakhstan are not as advanced as those in the UK. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Kazakhstan and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.
In Kazakhstan the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
Extra batteries should be bought in Almaty/Ust.
- Camping equipment:
Sleeping bag (essential)
Pillow (OK we admit it, we’re soft!)
Camping Mats are provided.
Saddle bags are provided.
- Riding / camping clothes:
Would highly recommend bringing a saddle saver (sheep skin or foam pad)
Boots / walking shoes (see more information below)
Comfortable trousers (zip-off travelling trousers are not recommended, but jodhpurs are OK)
Shirts / T-shirts
Spare shoes / sandals
Thermal tops and leggings
Jersey / polar fleece / down jacket
Raincoat (please DO NOT bring a horse-scaring poncho-style plastic coat)
Light waterproof over-trousers
Socks
Comfy underwear
Swimwear
Sun hat (with a string if you expect to be galloping!)
Beanie / warm hat
Gloves (warm ones mainly, but also for riding if you have soft hands...)
Towel
Toiletries
- Personal first aid kit:
We suggest you have your own kit containing at least the items listed below. Talk to a travel doctor about including more serious medication such as antibiotics. Kazakstan is actually a very healthy country because of the climate and low population density, so no problems with malaria or other tropical nasties.
Diarrhoea - Imodium or Lomotil
Rehydration salts - if suffering from above
Constipation - mild laxatives. Remember you’ll be on a low-fibre diet!
Headache or other mild aches and pains - paracetamol or disprin
Coughs and colds - nasal decongestant, throat lozenges
Skin care - sun block, lip balm
Wound care - antiseptic ointment
Selection of bandages
Insect repellent and after-bite cream
- Other useful items:
Head torch
Camera
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Dry bags (plastic bags) for keeping gear dry
Fishing rod / handline
Pocket knife
Photo album (to show the locals your family, horse etc.)
Spare boot laces
Sewing kit
Book
Footwear:
A pair of light hiking boots is ideal. They can be used for riding, wearing around camp, leading your horse over rough ground, and for wandering around the streets of Ust. No need for serious hiking boots, but trainers (sneakers) are really not serious enough. The stirrup irons used are 'plate-type' and wide enough to take light hiking boots. Some people do prefer to take a pair of short riding boots, which are also fine (as long as they have some tread on the sole), and keep another pair of boots or trainers for around the camp.
A pair of sandals can also be useful (depending on the time of year). It may sound odd, but a pair of gumboots can be very useful around camp, when the grass is long and wet. We provide chaps, so there is no need to bring long riding boots.
Riding hats:
Riding hats are not provided but it is strongly recommended that riders do bring their own. You will not ride on roads but rather follow horse trails or ride on open grassland, however the trails will be rocky and uneven at times.
This is a 17 day/16 night programme with 12 days riding available on on set dates.
2023: 17 June; 15 (FULL) July.
2024: 17 June; 15 Jul; 15 Aug
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2023 | 17d/16n | 12 | double pp | 2,599 |
| 2024 | 17d/16n | 12 | double pp | 2,699 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2023 | 17d/16n | 12 | double pp | 3,005 |
| 2024 | 17d/16n | 12 | double pp | 3,119 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2023 | 17d/16n | 12 | double pp | 3,425 |
| 2024 | 17d/16n | 12 | double pp | 3,565 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2023 | 17d/16n | 12 | double pp | 34,115 |
| 2024 | 17d/16n | 12 | double pp | 35,445 |
Apples are from Kazakhstan (2008), Christopher Robbins. A classic of travel writing, combining the author’s first-hand experiences (including hanging out with the president), with Kazakhstan’s history and contemporary culture.
We go out of our way for the promise of interesting wildlife, and the numerous archaeological sites in the area. Experiencing the local culture is of course half the reason for travelling, so we will be meeting and mingling with the local people along the way.
Why Kazakhstan?
Part of the attraction of course is that so few people go there. In 2015 the ride saw no tourists at all. Many people only know about Kazakhstan because of Borat (never mention the b-word to a local). The beautiful natural landscape and interesting culture is ideal for developing ecotourism. With the support of local officials it's a great opportunity to get involved with establishing trekking routes.
For an overview of Kazakhstan: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/kazakhstan
Visas and Permits:
You can travel to Kazakhstan without a visa, provided your stay does not exceed 30 days. You cannot spend more than 90 days in Kazakhstan in each period of 180 days. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you’ll need a visa.
The ride will arrange all necessary registration papers and permits for entering the National Park and border region. Please note, we will require a copy of your passport (photograph or scan of the ID page) to arrange park permits.
