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’.

The Chaar herds move between pastures as the seasons turn. In July, we ride with them at the highest points.

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.

Young foal with light brown and white coat standing next to a dark brown adult horse.

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

In the Field — Photos from Past Expeditions

Smiling woman in outdoor gear taking a selfie with a white Chaar horse with brown spots against a blue sky.

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

  • A man standing outdoors with a white and gray spotted Chaar  horse in a vast, hilly landscape under a cloudy sky.

    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.

  • Man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a blue long-sleeved shirt looking through binoculars outdoors.

    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!

  • A woman dressed in outdoor hiking gear standing on a grassy hillside with two packed Chaar  horses under a partly cloudy sky.

    Kayla

    Point of Contact

    Here to help with any questions and coordinate the group before and during the trip.

A black and white illustration of the word 'CHAAR' with a horse's head replacing the letter 'A.' The horse has a speckled pattern, flowing mane, and a prominent eye.

Want to join? Get in touch to secure your spot.

The 2026 expedition runs July 12–22. We confirm spots on a first-come basis and the group is kept deliberately small. Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch within 48 hours.