The Spirit of Kyrgyzstan
A cultural journey through mountain life, nomadic heritage, and the Chaar horse.
Discover Kyrgyzstan beyond the usual tourist routes, from Bishkek and the shores of Issyk-Kul to the remote mountain valleys of Jumgal and Ketmen-Tobo. No riding experience is required. The journey culminates at Chaar Ranch, where you'll walk into the mountain pastures and meet Chaar horses living in their natural environment.
A Journey Into the Living Heart of Kyrgyzstan
This is an invitation to experience Kyrgyzstan through its landscapes, people, traditions, and horses, travelling from Bishkek and the shores of Issyk-Kul into the remote valleys of Jumgal and Ketmen-Tobo before reaching Chaar Ranch.
Some roads are long and mountainous, and accommodation outside Bishkek is simple. The mountain excursions involve walking on uneven ground, sometimes for several hours, and the exact distance depends on where the horses happen to be.
The schedule stays flexible because the horses aren't waiting for visitors. Their location depends on the season, the weather, and where they're grazing, and the reward is reaching places conventional tourism rarely does.
Ten Days, From Bishkek to the Chaar Herds
01Welcome to Kyrgyzstan
Arrival in Bishkek and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, a first walk through the capital and a welcome dinner introduce the group before the journey into the mountains begins.
02Bishkek to Issyk-Kul
We leave the capital for the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, one of the world's great mountain lakes, stopping at the ancient Burana Tower along the way. Overnight in Bokonbaev, where livestock and family farms are still part of everyday life.
03Ak-Sai Canyons and Eagle Hunting
A morning walk through the red rock of the Ak-Sai Canyons, followed by a lakeside picnic and a demonstration of traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunting, one of the oldest practices connecting people, horses, and birds of prey in this region.
04Into the Jumgal Valley
A visit to a traditional yurt-making workshop, then further into the mountains to Kyzart village, at roughly 2,000 metres, our base for exploring rural Kyrgyzstan.
05Discovering Rural Kyrgyzstan
A relaxed day walking through Kyzart and the surrounding countryside, visiting local farms, and spending time with the horses that remain central to everyday mountain life.
06From Jumgal Valley to Chaar Ranch
We follow the Kokomeren River and pass through the Chychkan Gorge into the Ketmen-Tobo Valley, arriving at Chaar Ranch to prepare for two days among the Chaar horses.
07Chaar Horses in the Kyrgyz Mountains
By vehicle and on foot to a mountain pasture where a Chaar herd is grazing, with time to observe mares, stallions, and young horses living freely, without arenas or staged encounters.
08Chaar Herds and Newborn Foals
A second pasture and a different Chaar herd, with a chance to see newborn foals depending on the season, and to learn more about the breeding programme working to rebuild the population.
09Return to Bishkek
We retrace the mountain route back to the capital, with a free evening to relax or explore before the journey ends.
10Farewell to Kyrgyzstan
Transfer to Manas International Airport for departure, at the close of a journey through mountain valleys, nomadic traditions, and the living landscape of the Chaar horse.
€1,650 Per Person
Based on a group of 10–12 participants.
Climate and What to Bring
Kyrgyzstan has a strongly continental climate. Valley temperatures can reach 30–40°C in summer, while higher elevations turn cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Mountain weather changes quickly, so plan for sun, cool air, and occasional rain within the same day.
Please tell the Chaar Appaloosa Association about any medical conditions, allergies, or medication needs before the journey begins. A collective first-aid kit travels with the guides.
You don't have to ride to understand a horse. You only have to see it where it belongs.
ask about the spring 2027 trip