Ride Into the High Pastures With the Chaar Herds
A rare, small-group journey into living nomadic culture.
Once a year, we ride into the high summer pastures where the Chaar herds roam free. This is the third edition of an 11-day expedition on horseback across the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, camping where the herds camp and spotting this year's newborn foals along the way. Places are limited.
This Is an Expedition, Not a Guided Tour
You'll ride with working horses, camp in the high mountain pastures, and travel alongside the people who have dedicated their lives to this breed. It's a genuine expedition into the herds' summer range, at the highest points they reach all year.
This Ride Funds the Breeding Programme
We're the only breeders of the Kyrgyz Chaar horse, with 70 horses and growing. Every euro from this trip goes directly to the herd: feed, veterinary care, staff, and the future of the breed. Joining this expedition makes you a direct contributor to one of the rarest conservation projects in Central Asia.
New to the Chaar story? Read more on our blog, or watch our documentary, True Appaloosa, on Prime Video.
Follow the Footsteps of the Kyrgyz Nomads
Kyrgyzstan's mountain pastures have been summer grazing ground for nomadic herders for centuries, and the Chaar horse is part of that history. On this expedition, you ride the same terrain and sleep under the same skies as the herds that Munarbek and his team have spent years nurturing back from the edge of extinction.
Visit the Next Generation of Chaar Foals
July is mid-summer in the mountains, when the herds graze at their highest points of the year. We ride past waterfalls and glacial lakes, over high mountain passes, to reach the pastures where this year's foals are discovering their home for the first time.
The horses roam freely, scattered across peaks and valleys, so finding them is part of the journey. Along the way, you'll see every stage of the herd, from newborn foals to our renowned stallion, Chaar Suluu.
Eleven Days, Bishkek to the High Pastures and Back
01Arrival in Bishkek · 4 July
Airport transfer to your hotel, a short city tour of Bishkek's boulevards and bazaars, and an evening briefing to prepare gear for the ride ahead. Overnight: hotel in Bishkek.
02Transfer to Suusamyr Valley · 5 July
A 3–4 hour drive over the Too-Ashuu Pass at around 3,200 metres to the Suusamyr Valley, at about 2,400 metres. We set up base camp and meet our horsemen and horses. Overnight: tent camp in Suusamyr Valley.
03Riding Across Suusamyr Valley · 6 July
About five hours on horseback across the valley, passing grazing herds and shepherds' yurts, with a chance to gallop the open plateau if conditions allow. Overnight: same tent camp.
04Towards Ters Pasture · 7 July
We pack up and ride to a 3,300-metre summit for a panoramic view over the valley, then meet our assistant team and camp at Chymyndy Pasture, around 2,500 metres. About five hours riding. Overnight: tent camp.
05Towards Jaisan Pass · 8 July
We ride through the Muz-Tor area, past permanent glaciers and mountain lakes, climbing to about 3,500 metres before descending to the foot of Jaisan Pass at around 2,700 metres. About five hours riding. Overnight: tent camp.
06Crossing Jaisan Pass · 9 July
Over Jaisan Pass at approximately 3,800 metres, passing ancient petroglyphs along the way, then down into Ters Pasture to camp at Burkut Uiya, "Eagle's Nest." About five hours riding. Overnight: tent camp.
07Borukorboz Lake and the Chaar Horses · 10 July
We ride to Borukorboz Lake, around 3,200 metres, where several Chaar herds graze freely. Time to observe the horses and a picnic beside the glacial lake before returning to camp. About five hours riding. Overnight: tent camp.
08Exploring the High Pastures · 11 July
Further into the high-altitude pastures to visit more free-roaming Chaar herds, riding deep into remote mountain country. About five hours riding. Overnight: tent camp.
09Journey to Chaar Ranch · 12 July
A short ride to our horseman's yurt for a traditional lunch with his family, then we leave the horses in his care and continue by vehicle to Chaar Ranch, near Toktogul. Overnight: Chaar Ranch.
10Free Day in Toktogul · 13 July
A day to rest after the ride, explore Toktogul and its bazaar, and spend time at Chaar Ranch learning more about the breeding programme. Overnight: Chaar Ranch.
11Return to Bishkek · 14 July
About five hours back to Bishkek, with a farewell dinner if flight schedules allow. Overnight in Bishkek if your international flight departs the following morning, with airport transfer arranged around your schedule.
The itinerary may be adjusted for weather, mountain conditions, horse welfare, or the safety of the group. Mountain travel is subject to local conditions.
What You Should Know
Who is this trip best suited for?
Riders with previous outdoor riding, trekking, and camping experience. This is a genuinely remote trip, seven nights camping with tents or yurts, no bathrooms, no electricity, and often no cell signal, so it isn't suited to beginners. Expect long days in the saddle over steep passes between 2,500 and 3,700 metres, and be prepared for both heat and cold, wind, and rain in the same day. Most of the riding is at a walk given the terrain, so it isn't the trip for a fast pace. We schedule a call with every participant before confirming their place, to make sure expectations match the reality of the trip. If you have any doubt about your level, get in touch first.
What's included, and what isn't?
Included: organisation and coordination of the expedition, all accommodation and meals during the expedition except alcoholic and soft 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/repatriation insurance, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, food and restaurants in Bishkek, and museum entrance fees.
All participants must have proper insurance and submit their documents to us before departure.
What should I pack?
This is a multi-day expedition at altitude: expect anything from 40°C to -15°C. Bring proper waterproof trousers and a jacket, gloves, and a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C. Beyond that: one day backpack and one main luggage bag (only one per person, transported by minibus), an inflatable mattress, warm layers plus shorts and trousers for the heat, mountain footwear, trainers and light sandals, a one-litre water bottle, sun protection, a headlamp, a waist bag for documents, a personal water purifier, and a personal pharmacy (blister prevention, basic gastrointestinal medication, disinfectant, pain relief).
Please tell the Chaar Appaloosa Association before the trip about any medical conditions, allergies, or medication reactions, and bring any medication specific to you. A collective first-aid kit travels with the guide for emergencies.
How does booking and cancellation work?
A 30% deposit confirms your place, with the remaining 70% due 30 days before departure. If the balance isn't received by then, we reserve the right to release your place to someone else.
Cancel 30 or more days before departure and your prepayment is refunded minus a €50 administration fee. Cancel less than 30 days out and payments are non-refundable.
In cases beyond our control, extreme weather, political instability, veterinary restrictions, or safety concerns, we may need to change routes or dates. We'll offer a date change or credit toward a future expedition; cash refunds aren't issued in these situations.
What Past Riders Are Saying
"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. We climbed up to 3400 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."
"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!"
"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. 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 precious silences. Genuine encounters, and friendships I will carry with me forever."
Meet the Team
Munarbek directs the Chaar breeding project: managing the herds, organising events, and advocating for the preservation of Kyrgyzstan's native horses.
Born and raised in these mountains, Yrys protects the Chaar herds year round and knows this terrain better than anyone.
Here to answer your questions and coordinate the group before and during the trip.
Want to Join?
The next expedition runs 4–14 July 2027. We confirm spots on a first-come basis and keep the group deliberately small. Tell us about your riding and camping experience in the form, and we'll be in touch within 48 hours.
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