Kyrgyzstan - Tien Shan Mountain Trail

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 BG of Bern on 12/09/2024

There are 2 itineraries - one starting in Rot Fort and ending in Son Kul Lake, the other (second half) starting in Son Kul Lake and ending in Rot Fort. The routes are different.

Itinerary 1 (11 days/ 10 nights/ 8 days riding)

Day 1
Bishkek airport – Rot Front – Kizil Suu: Welcome at the airport early in the morning. If arriving the night before we can help arrange an extra night accommodation in Bishkek. A mini bus transfers guests to the host's base camp at the village of Rot Front (approx 1.5 hours - altitude 1,100m). Lunch at the foot of Ala Too range. Afternoon transfer to the valley of Kizil Suu (approx 1.5 hours), to meet the horses. Choose a horse for the duration of the ride (the guide will assist with this). Spare horses travel with us on the journey so riders can change horses if desired. Overnight in a tent.

Day 2
Kizil Suu – Keuk Bel: The morning starts riding to the canyon of Konorchok which has been sculpted over time by erosion of the crumbly red rock. Here the micro-climate is very dry with only occasional snow falls every ten years! Once out of the canyon, head up for Keuk Bel valley over a 2,500 m pass.
Overnight in a tent.

Day 3
Keuk Bel – Kerkebess Riding South on the mountain side, one can see Issyk Kul lake more than 100 km away. Ride through the Kerkebess pass (3,600m), with its lovely small lakes. The weather gets warmer as the ride descends to tonight's camping spot at the crossing of two valleys.
Overnight in a tent.

Day 4
Kerkebess – Agoutchouk: Ride to Kochkor valley up to Agoutchouk village to enjoy a gallop through fields full of flowers. The host welcomes us in time for tea and check-in to the guesthouse and the opportunity to enjoy a sauna.
Overnight in a guesthouse with sauna.

Day 5
Agoutchouk – Tcholoï valley: Ride through a semi-desert landscape to visit the fascinating Chong Touz salt mines. Ride through an otherworldly landscape of clay and salt desert before reaching the magnificent Tcholoï valley and it's magnificent lake.
Overnight in a tent.

Day 6
Tcholoï valley – Vallée de Tchioulek: Leave camp and climb through magnificent views to the 3,800m pass. Rest for a while to take in the surroundings before descending to tonight's camp in the Tchioulek valley.
Overnight in a tent.

Day 7
Tchioulek valley – Klemche: Ride through the Tchioulek pass (3,200m) through the high pasture steppe (jaïloo in Kyrgyz). Tonight's camp is in the Klemche valley. Klemche means 'green sward' in Kyrgyz. This is the winter home of the horses.
Overnight at a local farm.

Day 8
Klemche – Son Kul lake: Ride through two magnificent green valleys crossed by strong streams, and then through Tiuz Ashuu pass (3200 m). The route follows the north side of the lake. After a couple of gallops the group arrive at the yurt camp and experience the warm local hospitality. Son Kul Lake, (3016m), is considered the pearl of Kyrgyz jaïloos. The wide, brilliant, steel coloured expanse of the lake appears majestic, quiet and transparent. Water and sky seem to meet here. At night, you imagine that you can touch the stars.
Overnight in a yurt.

Day 9
Son Kul lake - Koshkor village: Take a short but beautiful ride to Djildizbek's yurtas to watch the national horse games: the Ulak Tartish (or Buzkashi), which they play on horseback with a dead goat! The remainder of the day can be spent with the shepards milking the cows and the mares, making "kumiss" (fermented mare’s milk), gathering horses, sheep, goats, (sometimes yaks), preparing traditional dishes. After the games transfer to a guesthouse in Koshkor village (3-4h).
Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 10
Transfer to Bishkek (3h) for sightseeing of the capital, museums, bazars, souvenirs shopping etc.
Overnight in a hotel.

Day 11
Return flight

Itinerary 2 (11 days/ 10 nights/ 7 days riding)

Day 1
Bishkek airport – Koshkor Village: Welcome at the airport early in the morning. If arriving the night before we can help arrange an extra night accommodation in Bishkek.

Transfer to the Koshkor village (3hr). After checking in to the guesthouse, take a stroll around the village surrounded by plains and snowy mountain tops.

Day 2
Koshkor – Son Kul Lake: Today starts with a transfer to Son Kul Lake (3016m), pearl of the Kyrgyz jailoos (plains). Land and sky seem to meet with the perfect scenery being mirrored. Join in the daily activities of the nomad like milking, making Kumiss (fermented mare’s milk), preparing meals or gathering livestock. In the afternoon the young men demonstrate their national horseback game, Ulak Tartish (or Buzkashi). Overnight in a Yurt.

Day 3
Son Kul Lake – Kiz Art: Today the 25km route leads through the Uzbek pass (3400m) and wild valleys to the Djumgal River to Kiz-Art village. The group spend the night in a guesthouse with the luxury of an on-site sauna, run by a friendly local family.

Day 4
Kiz-Art - Koum Bel valley: Leave Kiz-Ait after breakfast and enjoy some canters and gallops along the fields above Kizart. Arrive at the entrance to the magnificent Koum Bel valley and spend the night in tents.

Day 5
Koum Bel valley – Ceok valley: A steep ascent leads the group through the Koum Bel pass (3600mm) before descending to the picturesque Ceok Valley, dotted with yurts and herds of horses that are bred for the terrain, and excellent for mountain riding. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 6
Ceok Valley – Karakol Valley: Cross the bottom of the Sandil Range, crossing the Buchuk pass (3400m), and magnificent vistas of the Ala Too range with peaks towering to 4500m. Follow he Karakol River to the overnight camp site. Overnight in tents.

Day 7
Karakol valley – Ai Teke: Today the route crosses the Karakol River and ascends to the Ai Teke jailoo (plain). There are numerous herds of horses, sheep, yaks tended by the nomadic tribes. It almost seems as if time has stood still for centuries. Overnight in a tent or yurt.

Day 8
Ai Teke – Shamsi: It is a day of ups and downs ascending 600m, and descending 1800m during the day’s route. Riders cross the Shamsi pass (3600m), leading the riders back to the Chuy valley and establish camp on the riverside (night in tent)

Day 9
Shamsi – Rot Front: It is a short riding day, and by midday the group are back at the entrance of the Shamsi valley. After lunch, say goodbye to the horses and transfer back to the guesthouse in Rot Front village,

Day 10
Rot Front - Bishkek: Transfer to Bishkek (3h) after breakfast. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, sightseeing, and souvenir shopping. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 11:
Return flight

This itinerary should be taken as a rough guide. Depending on the weather (mainly pass condition) it could sometimes be slightly modified without affecting its quality. We plan overnights in yurtas and under tents, but it can be modified, as nomad people are, by definition, mobile. In case of overnight in yurta, you can prefer the privacy of your tent.

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.

The horses used for the tour are local mountain horses, they are a mix of all breeds that exist in the country and are all bred in the mountains. They vary in height from 13.3hh-15.3hh and are quiet, very surefooted, extremely fit and adapted to the altitude and mountainous terrain.

There are approximately 45 horses available to choose from for riding, with total of 54 horses on the establishment. Depending on the group size there will be one or two spare horses available during the trail. The saddles used on this ride are local McClellan type saddles with a cushion added for more comfort. The riding style is described as close to western riding.

The terrain is mostly mountain tracks and the average distance per day is 25km, the riders should be reasonably fit and adventurous and prepared for long days in the saddle. Due to the landscape the main pace is walking but there will be possibility for nice canters as soon as the terrain allows it.

The riding time is divided into two parts each day, one in the morning starting around 10am until 1pm and one in the afternoon from around 2/3pm until 5/6pm.

There is no need to bring full rain gear as the hosts provide each rider with a full military style, waterproof riding cape.

There are no riding helmets available on site, riders are requested to bring their own.

Riders must have a secure seat at walk, trot and canter and be able to mount and/or dismount unaided.
Maximum weight 100kg, minimum age 10 years. Walking alongside your horse is required from time to time, the duration depends on the weather conditions and group size. Experience over steep/rough terrain is not required, but recommended. The daily riding hours from 3 to 8 hours (average). The riders are asked to: catch, groom, saddle, feed horses and set up their own tents. Someone will be on site to help at all times.

The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

There are four types of accommodation used during this trail:

Guesthouses (houses of local people), where the guests will share one or two rooms, sleeping on comfortable mattresses on the floor. Some of the guesthouses have access to a sauna which can help to relax after a long day in the saddle.

Yurts (traditional round tents), where again the group will share one room (one yurt), sleeping on mattresses on a carpet floor; Tents (usually set up near a water source, a river, spring etc.), usually a three pax tent is shared between two people, it might be possible to have a single tent on request depending on availability.

Please note it is not possible to have a single accommodation in guesthouses and yurts. Mattresses are provided for each night.

Please note that on some parts of this trail there are no toilet facilities.

Nights in Bishek will be spent at a local hotel (standard hotel conditions).

The food served on this trail is local but has been slightly adapted to foreign taste. Meal timings depend on the size of the group and weather conditions. Sample menu:

Breakfast: porridge or semolina, tea, coffee, jam, chocolate pasta, bread, cookies.

Lunch (cold): vegetable salad, cold dish based on potatoes, rice, noodles, with meat (without for vegetarian clients), sauce, fruit juice, cookies, dried fruits.

Dinner: hot meal on a different basis than lunch (can be a soup, local ravioli etc), tea, coffee, jam, bread, cookies.

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 If you are visiting Kyrgyzstan, your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive. 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: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kyrgyzstan In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kyrgyzstan.html In Canada: https://visaservicescanada.ca/countries/kyrgyzstan

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

The climate doesn't change much during summer but there are some differences between the beginning and end of the trail season.

In June the mountains are green and thunderstorms are common in the evenings.
In July the weather is quite the same but a couple degrees warmer.
In August the climate becomes dryer and by the middle of the month it can get very hot in the valleys (up to 40 degrees Celsius).
In September the landscape slowly turns brown and rain can turn into snow at low altitude but will melt during the day.
The temperatures during the day vary from 15 to 40 degrees Celsius in the valleys and from -5 to +20 degrees Celsius in the mountains.
At night the temperature varies between -5 to +20 degrees Celsius. The air is usually very dry which helps with the mosquitoes, they are normally only spotted in one or two camp locations.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

There have been several cases of anthrax in Kyrgyzstan, mainly in the south of the country, due to insufficient measures to vaccinate animals.

Medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan are not as developed 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 and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Kyrgyzstan and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

You must notify us of any medical condition that might require a special attention, blood pressure, allergy, prosthesis, or any other medical condition. It is very important, in the mountains any condition can become dangerous if not acknowledged by the guide.
No special vaccines are mandatory.
Recommended pharmacy:
• Wide spectrum antibiotic
• Anti-diahrrea (ercefuryl, nifuroxazide).
• Anti-allergic medicines if you are predisposed to allergies
• An arnica-based ointment
• Plasters + disinfectant spray
• "Second skin" plasters against blisters
• Collyrium, (it's also useful during a long travel in the dry atmosphere of a plane). There are excellent plants-based collyriums that relieve your eyes when you have been exposed to a strong sun or wind.
• Biafine or Bepanthen cream, very useful against dry skin
• Analgesics like aspirin or paracétamol
• An ointment against sun burns
• Sun cream (at least factor 35+)
• Pills to purify drinking water (not mandatory)

In Kyrgyzstan the supply voltage is 220V. 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. 220V. 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.

It is possible to charge any electronic devices every evening with the a back up vehicle, 12v cigar lighter or 220v (European type). During the ride cell phone coverage is available almost every day for a couple of hours, the internet is also available then. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the group's permission to be filmed.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Hat
- Sleeping bag (that can handle temperatures of at least -10°c)
- Jumper, polar sweater, warm jacket, wind stopper for high passes where it can be snowing or hailing
- Trekking shoes
- Warm day clothes and socks
- Warm night clothes and socks
- Thick socks
- Towel
- Swimming gear
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Torch and batteries
- Medical kit
- Small knife

Provided by hosts
- Mattresses

11d / 10n programme with 7 or 8 riding days. Available on set dates from mid June to mid September.

2025: 11d/10n/8d riding (GTA): 13, 18, 23 Jun; 2, 12, 7, 21, 26, 31 Jul; 9, 14, 19 Aug
2025: 11d/10n/7d riding (GTB): 20, 25, 30 Jun; 9, 14, 28 Jul; 2, 7, 16, 21, 26 Aug

It might be possible to have a single tent on request but no single accommodation is available in guesthouses and yurts.

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During the trail we might be able to spot local wildlife like marmots, deer, ibex, eagles or bearded vultures.

The modern nation of Kyrgyzstan is based on a civilisation of nomadic tribes who moved across the eastern and northern sections of present-day Central Asia. Following a brief period of independence after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution toppled the Russian empire, the territory of present-day Kyrgyzstan was designated a constituent part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1924 before the region achieved the status of a full republic of the Soviet Union in 1936. Kyrgyzstan became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991.

What Kyrgyzstan (or 'Kyrgizstan') lacks in gracious buildings and fancy cakes, it makes up for with nomadic traditions such as laid-back hospitality, a healthy distrust of authority and a fondness for drinking fermented mare's milk. It is perhaps the most accessible and welcoming of the Central Asian republics but Kyrgyzstan has a secular constitution. Most Kyrgyz people are Muslims. Homosexuality was legalised on 1 January 1998. However, homosexuality is not often discussed or recognised publicly. You should take care over public displays of affection.

Kyrgystan is five hours ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram.

The international dialling code for Kyrgyzstan is +996.