visit us · spring 2027 · 4 to 13 april
The Spirit of Kyrgyzstan
A cultural journey through mountain life, nomadic heritage and the Chaar horse. No riding experience needed.
Ten days away from the usual tourist routes, from Bishkek and the shore of Issyk-Kul into the remote valleys of Jumgal and Ketmen-Tobo. The journey ends at Chaar Ranch, where you walk out into the mountain pastures and meet the Chaar horses where they live.
the journey
Kyrgyzstan as the people here live it
You travel from Bishkek and the shore of Issyk-Kul into the remote valleys of Jumgal and Ketmen-Tobo, and on to Chaar Ranch. Landscapes, people, traditions and horses, in that order of importance.
It's a journey built around culture rather than sightseeing, and few trips anywhere offer it. You watch an eagle hunter work with his golden eagle, join yurt-making and felt-craft workshops with the families who still practise them, and learn how Kyrgyz herders have always raised their horses, the nomadic way, from people who live it.
Along the way
- Kyrgyz culture and nomadic traditions
- Mountain landscapes, on foot and by vehicle
- Rural life, local farms and family communities
- A traditional yurt-making workshop
- An eagle-hunting demonstration
- The nomadic way of raising horses, from the herders themselves
- Two mountain trips out to the Chaar herds
- Newborn foals, depending on the season
what to expect
Simple, and worth it
Some of the roads are long and mountainous, and outside Bishkek the accommodation is simple. The mountain trips mean walking on uneven ground, sometimes for a few hours, and how far depends on where the horses are.
The schedule stays flexible, because the horses aren't waiting for visitors. Where they are depends on the season, the weather and the grazing. In exchange you reach places ordinary tourism doesn't.
the chaar herds
Horses raised the nomad way
The Chaar are raised the way Kyrgyz herders have always raised horses. Each stallion keeps his own herd of mares for life, and they breed naturally, with no artificial insemination. The herds live semi-wild in the mountains and come down to the valley in winter for extra hay and grain. It's what keeps them brave, clever and sure-footed, and it takes far more knowledge, skill and patience than a stable.
April is spring at Chaar Ranch, and the start of foaling season, which runs from the end of March to May. On the two mountain days you visit two different herds, by car and on foot, to see mares, stallions and young horses living freely, with no arenas and nothing staged.
At the ranch you also learn how the breeding programme is bringing back an ancient Kyrgyz breed. The herd began with one stallion, Chaar Suluu, and five founding mares. Today it's more than 80 horses.
the route
Ten days, Bishkek to the Chaar herds
Open any day to see what happens.
01Welcome to Kyrgyzstan+
Arrival in Bishkek and transfer to the hotel. Depending on when you land, a first walk through the capital and a welcome dinner to meet the group.
Night: hotel in Bishkek
02Bishkek to Issyk-Kul+
We leave the capital for the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, one of the great mountain lakes, stopping at the ancient Burana Tower on the way.
Night: Bokonbaev
03Ak-Sai canyons and eagle hunting+
A morning walk through the red rock of the Ak-Sai canyons, a picnic by the lake, then a demonstration of Kyrgyz eagle hunting, one of the oldest traditions tying together people, horses and birds of prey here.
Night: Bokonbaev
04Into the Jumgal Valley+
A visit to a yurt-making workshop, then further into the mountains to Kyzart village at around 2,000 metres, our base for the next two days.
Night: Kyzart
05Rural Kyrgyzstan+
An easy day walking around Kyzart and the countryside, visiting local farms and spending time with the horses that are still part of daily life up here.
Night: Kyzart
06Jumgal Valley to Chaar Ranch+
We follow the Kokomeren River and pass through the Chychkan Gorge into the Ketmen-Tobo Valley, arriving at Chaar Ranch for two days with the horses.
Night: Chaar Ranch
07Chaar horses in the mountains+
By vehicle and on foot to a mountain pasture where a Chaar herd is grazing. Time to watch mares, stallions and young horses living freely, with no arenas and nothing staged.
Night: Chaar Ranch
08A second herd, and the foals+
Another pasture and a different herd, with a chance to see newborn foals depending on the season, and to hear how the breeding programme is rebuilding the population.
Night: Chaar Ranch
09Return to Bishkek+
Back along the mountain route to the capital, with a free evening to rest or explore.
Night: hotel in Bishkek
10Farewell to Kyrgyzstan+
Transfer to Manas International Airport for your flight home, at the end of ten days of mountain valleys, nomadic traditions and Chaar horses.
price
€1,650 per person
Based on a group of 10 to 12 people.
Included
- Organising and running the whole journey
- Nine nights' accommodation
- Meals during the programme
- English and French-speaking guide
- Local guides and the Chaar Ranch team
- Minibus and local vehicle transfers
- The visit to Chaar Ranch and its programme
- Eagle-hunting demonstration
- Traditional yurt workshop
- Two mountain trips to different Chaar herds
Not included
- International flights
- Restaurants in Bishkek
- Travel insurance
- Medical and repatriation insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Soft drinks and personal beverages
- Personal expenses
- Extra hotel nights
Rooms are shared with another guest of the same gender. If you'd like a room to yourself, tell us when you book; depending on the group, there may be an extra charge. Any extra hotel nights are at your own cost.
Every place on this journey helps fund the herd at Chaar Ranch.
good to know
Weather, and what to bring
Kyrgyzstan's climate is strongly continental, and early April is still early spring. Days in the valleys can be mild and sunny, but nights are cold, especially in the mountains at around 2,000 metres, and snow is possible. Mountain weather turns fast, so pack for sun, cold and rain in one day.
Clothing
- A warm jacket for cold evenings
- A warm layer or fleece
- Thermal base layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Long trousers
- Rain jacket or waterproof shell
- Waterproof walking or mountain shoes
Kit
- A refillable water bottle, about one litre
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- High-factor sun cream
- Head torch or small battery lamp
- A small waist bag for documents
- Camera or binoculars, if you like
Health
- Any personal medication
- Blister prevention
- Something for your stomach
- Disinfectant and pain relief
Tell us about any medical conditions, allergies or medication you need before the journey starts. The guides carry a group first-aid kit.
join us
Want to come?
April 2027 is the first time we run this journey, 4 to 13 April, with a group of 10 to 12. The first place has already been booked. Send us a message in the form below and we'll be in touch.
If you'd rather be in the saddle, look at the Chaar Expedition in July. If you'd like to stay longer and work with the horses, there's volunteering at the ranch.