visit us · third edition · 4 to 14 july 2027
Ride into the high pastures with the Chaar herds
Once a year we ride up into the summer pastures where the Chaar horses roam free.
This is the third edition: eleven days on horseback across the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, camping where the herds camp and finding this year's foals along the way. The group is kept to 9 to 12 riders.
what to expect
An expedition, not a guided tour
You ride working horses, camp in the high pastures and travel with the people who have given their lives to this breed. The route goes into the herds' summer range, the highest ground they reach all year.
where your money goes
This ride funds the breeding programme
We run the Chaar breeding programme at Chaar Ranch, with 80+ horses and growing. The expedition is run by the association. After the costs of the trip, what's left goes to the herd: feed, veterinary care and the horsemen's wages. Coming on the expedition makes you a direct part of the work to bring the Chaar back.
New to the story? Read the blog, see what the DNA showed, or watch our documentary, True Appaloosa.
the terrain
The same ground the herders have used for centuries
Kyrgyzstan's mountain pastures have been summer grazing for nomadic herders for hundreds of years, and the Chaar horse is part of that history. You ride the same terrain and sleep under the same sky as the herds Munarbek and his team have spent years bringing back from the edge.
July is mid-summer up there, when the herds graze at their highest. We ride past waterfalls and glacial lakes and over high passes to reach the pastures where this year's foals are seeing their home for the first time. The horses roam loose across peaks and valleys, so finding them is part of the trip. Along the way you'll see the whole herd, from newborn foals to our stallion Chaar Suluu.
the route
Eleven days, Bishkek to the high pastures and back
Open any day to see what happens.
01Arrival in Bishkek · 4 July+
Airport transfer to your hotel, a short tour of Bishkek's boulevards and bazaars, and an evening briefing to get your gear ready for the ride.
Night: hotel in Bishkek
02Transfer to Suusamyr Valley · 5 July+
A three to four hour drive over the Too-Ashuu Pass at around 3,200 metres into the Suusamyr Valley, at about 2,400 metres. We set up base camp and meet the horsemen and the horses.
Night: tent camp, Suusamyr Valley
03Riding across Suusamyr Valley · 6 July+
About five hours in the saddle across the valley, past grazing herds and shepherds' yurts, with a chance to gallop the open plateau if conditions allow.
Night: same tent camp
04Towards Ters Pasture · 7 July+
We pack up and ride to a 3,300 metre summit for the view over the valley, then meet the assistant team and camp at Chymyndy Pasture, around 2,500 metres. About five hours riding.
Night: tent camp
05Towards Jaisan Pass · 8 July+
Through the Muz-Tor area, past permanent glaciers and mountain lakes, climbing to about 3,500 metres before dropping to the foot of Jaisan Pass at around 2,700 metres. About five hours riding.
Night: tent camp
06Crossing Jaisan Pass · 9 July+
Over Jaisan Pass at roughly 3,800 metres, passing ancient petroglyphs, then down into Ters Pasture to camp at Burkut Uiya, "Eagle's Nest". About five hours riding.
Night: tent camp
07Borukorboz Lake and the Chaar horses · 10 July+
We ride to Borukorboz Lake at around 3,200 metres, where several Chaar herds graze free. Time to watch the horses and a picnic by the glacial lake before we head back to camp. About five hours riding.
Night: tent camp
08Deeper into the high pastures · 11 July+
Further into the high pastures to find more free-roaming Chaar herds, riding into remote mountain country. About five hours riding.
Night: tent camp
09Journey to Chaar Ranch · 12 July+
A short ride to our horseman's yurt for a traditional lunch with his family. We leave the horses in his care and carry on by vehicle to Chaar Ranch, near Toktogul.
Night: Chaar Ranch
10Free day in Toktogul · 13 July+
A day to rest after the ride, look around Toktogul and its bazaar, and spend time at the ranch learning how the breeding programme works.
Night: Chaar Ranch
11Return to Bishkek · 14 July+
About five hours back to Bishkek, with a farewell dinner if the flight times allow. If your international flight leaves the next morning you stay the night in Bishkek, and we arrange the airport transfer around your schedule.
Night: hotel in Bishkek
The route can change for weather, mountain conditions, the horses' welfare or the safety of the group. Mountain travel depends on local conditions.
before you book
What you should know
Who is this trip for?+
Riders who have ridden outdoors before and have some trekking and camping experience. This is properly remote: seven nights in tents or yurts, no bathrooms, no electricity, often no phone signal. It isn't a trip for beginners.
Expect long days in the saddle over steep passes between 2,500 and 3,800 metres, and heat, cold, wind and rain in the same day. The terrain means most of the riding is at a walk, so it isn't the trip for a fast pace.
We have a call with everyone before confirming a place, so expectations match the reality. If you're unsure about your level, get in touch first.
What's included, and what isn't?+
included
Organising and running the expedition, all accommodation and meals during it apart from drinks, an English-speaking guide and experienced horse guides, all transfers during the programme, and airport pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek.
not included
International flights, travel and medical or repatriation insurance, soft and alcoholic drinks, food and restaurants in Bishkek, and museum entry.
rooms and tents
You share a room or tent with another guest of the same gender. If you'd like one to yourself, tell us when you book; depending on the group, there may be an extra charge. Any extra hotel nights are at your own cost.
Everyone needs proper insurance and has to send us their documents before departure.
What should I pack?+
This is a multi-day expedition at altitude, from 40°C in the valleys to -15°C at night on the high ground. Bring waterproof trousers and jacket, gloves, and a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C.
Also: one day pack and one main bag (one each, carried by minibus), an inflatable mattress, warm layers plus shorts and trousers for the heat, mountain boots, trainers and light sandals, a one-litre water bottle, sun protection, a head torch, a waist bag for documents, a personal water filter, and a small personal first-aid kit (blister prevention, something for your stomach, disinfectant, pain relief).
Tell us before the trip about any medical conditions, allergies or reactions to medication, and bring anything you need. The guide carries a group first-aid kit for emergencies.
How do you keep riders safe?+
Medical help is far away in the mountains, so we work very hard to prevent accidents, and these rules have no exceptions. Stay with the group and in sight of a guide at all times, never go off alone on horseback or on foot, and follow the horsemen's instructions straight away. On very steep ground, riders walk and lead their horses.
Riders must weigh no more than 85 kg, for the horses' welfare on long mountain days. Helmets are strongly recommended and we lend them; without one, your insurance may not cover medical costs or repatriation, and if the team tells you to wear one, that decision is final. Before you ride, you fill in a safety questionnaire and sign a riding-risk form.
The team carries a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach) and a group first-aid kit. The camps are close enough to a road, and if an accident happens up on the mountain we call mountain rescue. Travel, medical and repatriation insurance is required.
How do booking and cancellation work?+
A 30% deposit confirms your place. The remaining 70% is due 30 days before departure, and if it hasn't arrived by then we may give your place to someone else.
Cancel 30 days or more before departure and we refund your prepayment minus a €50 admin fee. Cancel later than that and payments can't be refunded.
If something outside our control gets in the way (extreme weather, political instability, veterinary restrictions, safety), we may have to change the route or the dates. In that case we offer a new date or credit towards a future expedition rather than a cash refund.
from riders and visitors
What people say when they get back
"The horses were extraordinary: strong, generous, sure-footed, and in excellent condition. They carried us effortlessly to high altitude with calm strength and grace. We slept in tents, cooked and ate outdoors, shared laughter, songs, and precious silences. Genuine encounters, and friendships I will carry with me forever."
Catherine · Chaar Expedition 2025
Federica · private trek, 2023
"I had the opportunity to travel to Kyrgyzstan and visit Munarbek and his horses. Not only that, I got the chance to ride them, too! We climbed up to 3,400 metres on the back of unbelievably strong horses, travelling across this stunning mountain range for about six hours every day, trusting the horses with our lives."
Sarah · day ride, 2024
"Our time spent riding in the mountains, discovering the Chaar and getting close to them in wild nature, was my favorite day by a landslide. Observing these beautiful animals under a bright blue sky, with the Toktogul Reservoir behind them, actually brought tears to my eyes." Read Sarah's story
Josette · winter stay at the ranch, 2026
"Thanks to Munarbek's kindness and Yrys's dedication and care, I had the chance to go on a magnificent mountain ride in the snow. I rode Chaplin, who was gentle and well-behaved, and I trusted him completely. I truly regret not being a better rider, I need to stay longer!" Read Josette's story
more stories
Riders and volunteers write about their time with the herd on our blog. Read the visitor stories.
who you'll meet
The people you'll be riding with
Munarbek
head of the Chaar Appaloosa Foundation
Runs the Chaar breeding project: the herds, the events, and the case for protecting Kyrgyzstan's native horses.
Yrys
horseman and guide
Born and raised in these mountains. He watches over the Chaar herds all year and knows this ground better than anyone.
Kayla
media and support guide
Photographs and films the expedition, and rides with the group as a support guide.
registration
Want to join?
The next expedition runs 4 to 14 July 2027. Places go on a first-come basis and we keep the group deliberately small. Tell us about your riding and camping experience in the form below and we'll be in touch within 48 hours.
Can't make these dates? Look at Spirit of Kyrgyzstan, volunteering at the ranch or the other ways to visit.