Chaar Horse Trail Expedition: In the Nomads’ Footsteps.

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. :)

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

IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE PROPER INSURANCE AND SUBMIT INSURANCE DOCUMENTS TO US BEFORE DEPARTURE

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.

Price - €1 750 pp

group size 9-12 people

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 date

A 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 Policy

We 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 Majeure

In 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.