July 12 - 22 | € 1750
Join the 2026 Chaar Expedition
Once a year, we ride into the high summer pastures to visit the herds where they roam. A rare, small-group journey into living nomadic culture. Places are limited.
Registration for the 2026 ride is now open
What to Expect
Join us for the second edition of our 11 day, once per year adventure through the stunning mountains of Kyrgyzstan partnered with the legendary native spotted Chaar horses. This is truly a once in a lifetime adventure to visit the herds in their alpine summertime pastures. Spot newborn foals and get to know our stallions as we make our way across the rugged terrain they call home.
Meet the Kyrgyz Chaar Horse
This is not a guided tour. It is an expedition — riding with working horses, camping in the high mountain pastures, and joining the people who have dedicated their lives to this breed. Every participant becomes part of the Chaar story. We look forward to meeting you.
If you aren’t already familiar with the Chaar Association and how we got started, make sure to read our blog and watch our documentary ‘True Appaloosa’.
This once-per-year ride directly funds the breeding programme
We are the only breeders of the Kyrgyz Chaar horse, with 75 horses and growing. Every euro from this trip goes directly to the horses — feed, veterinary care, staff, and the future of the herd. By joining us, you are not just a visitor. You are a direct contributor to one of the rarest conservation projects in Central Asia. (Learn more about the project and how the funds are used here)
Follow the footsteps of the Kyrgyz nomads
Kyrgyzstan's mountain pastures have been summer grazing grounds for nomadic herders for centuries. The Chaar horse is part of that history. On this expedition, you ride the same terrain, sleep under the same skies, and watch the same herds that Munarbek and his team have been nurturing back from the edge of extinction. This trip happens once a year. Don't miss it.
Visit the next generation of Chaar foals
July is mid-summer in the mountains where the herds are able to graze at the highest points of up to 3400m in altitude. We’ll ride past waterfalls, glacial lakes, and over high mountain passes to reach the lush fields where the new babies are discovering their home for the first time.
The horses roam freely, scattered across peaks and valleys. Finding them is part of the journey. As we explore, you’ll get the chance to witness all stages of development, from adorable newborn foals to our magnificent and renowned stallion named ‘Chaar Suluu’.
FAQs: Important Info
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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. It is not a trip for beginners for safety of the entire group. if there is any doubt about your level please get in touch with us via the form!
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. There a some long days in the saddle ascending and descending steep passes at altitudes between 2500 & 3700 meters. You must be physically fit and able to keep up for multiple days in a row. Altitude will affect everyone differently but be sure you are in good physical condition to manage yourself over several days.
It’s very important you consider your fitness and riding level accurately as many parts of the trip are extremely remote and difficult to access should there be an emergency. Mountain rescue is very limited in Kyrgyzstan even with insurance.
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. Even though it is mostly at a walk, you must be able to keep your horse at a steady pace over rough terrain for many hours and not lose the group. 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. :)
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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 BishkekDay 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 ValleyDay 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 campDay 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 starsDay 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 campDay 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 campDay 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 campDay 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 campDay 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 ToktogulDay 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 ToktogulDay 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
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE PROPER INSURANCE AND SUBMIT INSURANCE DOCUMENTS TO US BEFORE DEPARTURE
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Important: This is a multi day expedition in high altitude mountains - we will encounter all kinds of weather from +40 to -15 C. It’s very important that you pack accordingly for your own safety and comfort. There can be periods of heavy rain, extreme heat and wind, also low temperatures at night. For this reason we require good waterproofs pants and jacket, gloves, and proper sleeping bags rated for -10.
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.
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Price - €1 750 pp
group size 9-12 people
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Booking & Payment Terms
To secure participation in the Chaar Expedition, the following payment structure applies:
- 30% deposit at the time of booking to confirm your reservation
- 70% balance payment due no later than 30 days before the expedition start dateA booking is considered confirmed once the deposit is received.
The deposit allows us to reserve your place, allocate horses, prepare guides, arrange accommodation, transport, and logistics.
If the final balance is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel the reservation and release the place to other guests.
Cancellation PolicyWe understand that plans may change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both guests and our expedition team.
- Cancellations made at least 30 days before the expedition start date
→ Prepayment is refunded minus a €50 administrative fee.- Cancellations made less than 30 days before the expedition start date
→ All payments are non-refundable.
Force MajeureIn the event of circumstances beyond our control — including but not limited to extreme weather, natural disasters, political instability, veterinary restrictions, or safety concerns — Chaar Expedition reserves the right to modify routes, dates, or programs.
In such cases, guests will be offered:
- A date change without penalty, or
- Credit for a future expedition.No cash refunds are issued in force majeure situations.
In the Field — Photos from Past Expeditions
What past friends and visitors are saying about Chaar horses
Federica N. - Visited in 2023 (read full article here)
“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! Between September 1-4, I took a horse trail camping trip on the Suusamyr mountains and valley around Toktogul. It was an unforgettable experience. We climbed up to 3400 metres on the back of unbelievably strong horses. For about 6 hours every day, we travelled across this stunning mountain range, trusting the horses with our lives.
What was obvious to me was Munarbek and his team of collaborator’s great care for, and devotion to, the Chaar, the herd’s well-being and happiness. I was miles and miles away from home, without network coverage, camping at 3200 metres, and yet I felt connected to everything around me in a very deep way. Most importantly, I felt the connection to the Chaar, who had been able to take me so far, and so high.”
Josette - Visited in 2026 (read full article here)
“I met Munarbek and his family in Bishkek, and then we traveled to the ranch. I discovered the newly established facilities and met Yrys… and I was surrounded almost constantly by the 70 horses! During the day, the horses roam freely and return to the ranch in the evening. What a joy it was to observe them! Besh, Chaar Suluu, Tan Suluu, Ak Suluu, the foals of summer 2025, and all the others… in such a wonderful environment!
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!”
Sarah - Visited in 2024 (read full article here)
“In the time since arriving in Kyrgyzstan I’ve made so many incredible memories, but our time spent riding in the mountains, discovering the Chaar and getting the chance to be close to them in wild nature, was my favorite day by a landslide. Observing these beautiful animals in their natural habitat, under a bright blue sky with the Toktogul Reservoir in the background, actually brought tears to my eyes. Looking around me, I felt so blessed to be having this experience. As we returned to the farm, I couldn’t help but feel inspired – by the horses, the nature, and the passion of Munarbek and Talant for this project.”
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 also precious silences. Genuine encounters, bonds born from simplicity, and friendships I will carry with me forever.
— Catherine, Chaar Expedition 2025
Meet the Team
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Munarbek
Founder of the Chaar Horse Association
Munarbek is the director of the Chaar breeding project, managing the herds, organizing events, conducting research, and tirelessly advocating for the preservation of Kyrgyzstan's indigenous horses.
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Yrys
Horseman & Expert Guide
Born and raised in the mountains, Yrys is an expert horseman. He plays a key role in protecting the Chaar herds year round and knows the terrain better than anyone!
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Kayla
Point of Contact
Here to help with any questions and coordinate the group before and during the trip.