Kyrgyzstan with Tryna Go There: Horses, Highlands & Traditional Nomad Life

Most flights arrive in Bishkek early, so we’ll arrange your airport pick-up and include accommodation for the night before the trip officially begins.

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The trip kicks off in the afternoon with a city tour and a wander through Osh Bazaar, a lively maze of dried fruits, nuts, souvenirs and pretty much anything else you could imagine. In the evening, we’ll get to know each other over dinner while enjoying a traditional folklore concert.

Travel from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake in style aboard a luxury train, winding through the mountains with incredible views along the way.

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After lunch in Balychky, we’ll head into the mountains to witness the centuries-old tradition of eagle hunting before continuing to a women-owned guesthouse in Bokonbayevo. Here, your hosts will welcome you like family and give you a taste of genuine Kyrgyz hospitality.

You'll bid farewell to our Kyrgyz hosts and step into another world at Fairytale Canyon, where Mars-like red rock formations create a truly magical landscape.

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After a short hike, you'll continue to Jeti Oguz for lunch before making your way to Karakol. Tonight, you’ll experience your first Wild Women Moment: an Ashlan-Fu cooking class with local Dungan women. Learn how to make this refreshing cold noodle soup, a much-loved Karakol speciality, while hearing more about the women and their traditions.

Today starts by climbing aboard a Soviet GAZ 66 military truck bound for the stunning Altyn Arashan Valley. It's a bumpy ride, but we promise it's worth it!

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Known for its natural hot springs, alpine meadows, and views of snow-capped peaks, it’s the perfect place to disconnect. We’ll soak in the hot springs and end the day with dinner in our cosy guesthouse.

Today, you can choose your own adventure. Opt for a more relaxed route through the Altyn Arashan Valley, following the river and soaking up the mountain scenery, or take on the challenging 9–12 hour trek to Ala-Kul Pass at 3,920m.

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The hike isn’t for everyone – you’ll gain around 1,400m and cover 24km – but those who do it are rewarded with sweeping views from Ala-Kul Pass, where a turquoise lake sits beneath snow-capped peaks. If you’d still like to see Ala-Kul but don’t fancy the full hike, you can hire a horse for an additional cost to help you reach the pass.

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Whichever option you choose, you’ll spend the day surrounded by some of Kyrgyzstan’s best mountain scenery.

You'll ride the Soviet UAZ back to Karakol before continuing to Kochkor. Here, you’ll experience the trip’s second Wild Women Moment with a felt-making workshop hosted by a local women’s cooperative. You'll learn the stories behind traditional Kyrgyz patterns, symbols, and colours, explore their sewing techniques, and have a go yourself.

After a short drive to Kyzart, you beginy our journey on horseback through the mountains toward Song Kul, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes.

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Your first day in the saddle takes you on a three-hour ride to a traditional yurt camp, where you'll spend the night. Take a dip in the river, play games with your awesome horse guides, or climb the nearby hill for panoramic views of Kilemche Valley. No riding experience is required – you’ll quickly get to know your horse along the way.

Today you'll ride to Song Kul, a high-altitude lake at 3,016m. The journey takes another 4-5 hours on horseback, with breathtaking scenery all around.

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Once you arrive, you can settle into camp, take a refreshing swim in the lake, and learn about the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the families who call this place home.

We begin a steep descent as we leave Song Kul behind and ride back toward our starting point. By now, you’ll probably be feeling the hours in the saddle, but the endless, breathtaking views should distract you from that.

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After saying goodbye to your horses, you'll board the bus back to Bishkek for the final dinner together.

It’s time to say goodbye to your awesome tour guide, fellow travellers turned new friends, and the wonderful country of Kyrgyzstan. We’ll drop you off at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, ready for your flight home. 

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