This trip is best suited for those with a passion for horses and outdoor adventures. Previous outdoor riding, trekking and camping experience is important as this is a truly remote experience. 7 days will be spent camping in the mountains with tents or yurts, no bathrooms, no electricity and often no cell phone signal. We hope you are the kind of person who will see this as a positive, a real chance to disconnect with your day-to-day life and find new perspectives in the mountains.

There will be an experienced guide and horseman but you should be happy to take care of yourself in a remote outdoor environment.

Even though it is summer, many parts of the trip are at high altitude (over 3000m) so you will need to prepare for both high and low temperatures, wind, and rain. Much of the riding is at a walk because we will be climbing and descending steep mountain passes, so there is a lot of opportunity to enjoy the scenery. If you are looking for a fast paced ride, it may not be the right fit for you. Kyrgyzstan is a generally safe country and the horses are well trained.

We will do our absolute best to put together a group of horse-loving people and hope we will all leave with some great new friends. Those with a curious, friendly attitude are the most welcome to join!

To ensure your expectations match up with the reality of what this trip will be like, we'll schedule a call before confirming all participants. This is to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment on the trip. :)

Day 1 – Arrival in Bishkek

Upon arrival in Bishkek, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After some time to rest, we’ll take a short city tour to discover Bishkek’s wide boulevards, Soviet-era architecture, and bustling bazaars. In the evening, we’ll review and prepare your personal belongings for the horseback adventure ahead.

Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek

Day 2 – Transfer to Suusamyr Valley

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Suusamyr Valley (approximately 3–4 hours). On the way, we’ll cross the scenic Too-Ashuu Pass (3,000 m), offering breathtaking views of the mountains. Suusamyr Valley lies at 2,400 meters and is known for its vast, fertile pastures where herders spend their summers in traditional yurts. Upon arrival, we’ll set up our base camp and meet our horsemen and horses. You’ll enjoy a one-hour introductory ride to get comfortable in the saddle.

Overnight: Tent camp in Suusamyr Valley

Day 3 – Riding Across Suusamyr Valley

Today, we’ll spend about 5 hours on horseback, exploring the immense landscapes of Suusamyr. We’ll pass herds of grazing livestock, visit shepherds’ yurts, and ride up gentle hills for panoramic views of the valley. In the evening, we’ll return to the same tent camp to enjoy the peace and beauty of the high plateau.

Riding: 5 hours
Overnight: Tent camp

Day 4 – Towards Ters Pasture

This morning, we begin our journey to Ters Pasture, where our herds of Chaar horses roam freely — part of our ongoing preservation program. We’ll ride across the Suusamyr Valley and ascend towards the dramatic Jaisan Pass (3,800 m). We’ll camp at the foot of the pass, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.

Riding: 5 hours
Overnight: Tent camp beneath the stars

Day 5 – Crossing Jaisan Pass

After breakfast, we’ll pack our gear and ride over the Jaisan Pass. Along the way, we’ll discover ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks, depicting hunting and wildlife scenes. After reaching the top (3,800 m), we’ll descend into the serene Ters Pasture and continue riding to our campsite at Burkut Uiya (“Eagle’s Nest”).

Riding: 4 hours
Overnight: Tent camp

Day 6 – Visit to Borukorboz Lake

Today’s ride leads us to Borukorboz Lake (3,200 m), where several of our Chaar horse herds graze. We’ll spend quiet moments observing these remarkable horses in their natural habitat. Enjoy a picnic by the glacial lake, surrounded by dramatic mountain views. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to our camp.

Riding: 5 hours
Overnight: Tent camp

Day 7 – Exploring High Pastures

We’ll continue our exploration of the high-altitude pastures, visiting more of our free-roaming herds. The ride takes us through rugged, remote terrain — a true encounter with the wild beauty of Kyrgyzstan.

Riding: 5 hours
Overnight: Tent camp

Day 8 – Across the Japyrtmakty Wilderness

An unforgettable day awaits. We’ll cross two high passes (each over 3,400 m) and traverse the untouched wilderness of Japyrtmakty. This demanding yet inspiring journey tests the endurance and partnership between rider and horse. The landscapes are raw and majestic — a true immersion in nature. Our destination is Jylaan Bazaar, where we’ll set up camp in a vast open valley.

Riding: 7 hours
Overnight: Tent camp

Day 9 – Descent to Toktogul

On our final riding day, we’ll descend into the Ketmen Tobo Valley, where green fields and warm sunlight welcome us back to civilization. We’ll pass beekeepers’ huts and local farms before reaching Toktogul, a lively town on the reservoir’s edge. Here, we’ll say goodbye to our horses and horsemen, enjoy a well-earned shower, and relax over fresh fruit and home-cooked food.

Riding: 4 hours
Overnight: Guesthouse in Toktogul

Day 10 – Free Day in Toktogul

A day of rest and exploration. Wander through Toktogul’s dusty streets, visit the local bazaar, and enjoy the rhythm of everyday life in this charming town of 20,000 residents.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Toktogul

Day 11 – Return to Bishkek

After breakfast, we’ll transfer back to Bishkek (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your journey. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Transfer time: 5 hours + 1 hour to the airport
Overnight: Hotel (if departing next morning)

Price includes:

• Organization and coordination of stay

• All accommodation and food during the stay (except drink alcohol)

• English speaking guide, horse guide(s)

• Horses for baggage

• Transport for transfers and assistant transport

• Fees for sightseeing and museums

It does not include:

• International air ticket

• Insurance and repatriation.

• Soft and alcohol drinks

• 1 small backpack for personal belongings for a day

• 1 bag with your luggage (only one per person) which will be transported when we travel by minibus

• 1 sleeping bag (-10 C degree comfort) and inflatable mattress.

• Warm clothes, shorts and pants, cloak for the rain

• Mountain footwear, tennis shoes and summer open shoes

• Water bottle (1 litre)

• Protection against sun, bob hat, glasses, cream…

• Battery lamp

• Waist bag for papers, documents, and other personal items

• Personal pharmacy: blister prevention products, gastrointestinal medications, disinfectant, analgesic.

Essential: personal water purifiers for travelling. (The guide has a collective pharmacy for emergency care)

Note on the problems of health and pharmacy: It is the responsibility of each of you to warn the Chaar Appaloosa association before the start of the tour about any medical problems (allergies, medical history, drug reactions, etc…). And to take, if necessary, drugs that are specific to you.

Early Bird Pricing - €2,300 (approx $2500 USD)
Pay in Full Before Nov. 30th 2025

The price per person is €2,300 (approx $2500 USD) if you book & pay in full before the early bird deadline of November 30th 2025.

All proceeds from the trip go directly to support the horses, and winter is the most difficult time for us. We need to purchase food, veterinary care, and horsemen to look after the herd during the long, cold winter months. For this reason we offer a €300 discount if you pay in full by November 30th. 2025.

If you wish to pay in installments, get in touch and we may be able to offer this depending on demand.

Regular Price - €2,600 pp

The Chaar Expedition is a unique, once-a-year journey organized by the Chaar Appaloosa Association, a non-profit initiative devoted to preserving and promoting the rare and ancient Chaar horse. Unlike standard riding tours offered by commercial agencies, this expedition is part of a larger mission to celebrate and protect a living symbol of Kyrgyz heritage.

Our pricing reflects not just the depth and quality of the experience, but also the purpose behind it. Approximately 70% of the fee goes directly toward organizing the expedition—including horse care, logistics, safety, and full support for participants throughout the journey. The remaining 30% supports the long-term sustainability of the project, including the care of over 70 Chaar horses in our program.

By joining the Chaar Expedition, participants become more than travelers—they become part of a meaningful effort to protect a rare native breed and support a cause rooted in cultural and environmental preservation. We’re deeply grateful to each guest who chooses to travel with purpose.