Follow the footsteps of Marco Polo along the Silk Road's most beautiful passes
This new adventure will take you to a country located in the highlands of Tien Shan, forms the great barrier between China and the West.With the agility of Kyrgyz horses, you will cross mountains and rivers to meet Kyrgyz nomadic peoples with their two thousand years of culture.
On the footprints by the caravan trails
Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit: Discover the Enchanting Silk Road on Horseback accross the high plateau of the Tien Shan range
12 Days • Adventure tours • Kyrgyzstan
2 people: $3,390
3 people: $2,620
4 people: $2,230
5 people: $1,995
6 people: $1,840
7 people: $1,730
8 people: $1,650
Program
On the road to Issyk Kul lake
In the morning, we depart from Bishkek. Along the way, we visit the Burana Museum, a site housing the remains of a medieval city of Balasagun, the capital of the Karakhanid Khanate, a Turkish dynasty from the 11th century. We have lunch in the village of Tuura-Suu at Aibek's house, an experienced hunter of royal eagles. Hunting with these majestic birds is very popular in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, and Aibek shares his experiences and training techniques with us. We spend the night in a guesthouse in Tamga.
Ride to the Jukku valley
After breakfast we will leave the village for Djoukkou valley. We will get to the kingdom of green mountains, red rocks, steep cliffs. Stop en route for picnic. Horseback riding to Djoukkou valley, where we will camp. Overnight in a tent. Transfer: 60km, Riding: 6h
Horse riding to Arabel Suu high plateau by the Juku pass
After leaving the camp we will ride over Juku pass (alt. 3633m). We will enjoy a wonderful view of the Arabel Suu Syrty and small glaciers of the Soek Too range. Overnight in a tent near the Chokoli lakes
Horseride to the Kumtor river bank
Descending to Kumtor valley. We will see a goldmine and as well as big Ak-Shirak mountnain ridge. Overnight in a tent.
Horseback riding by the Ak-Bel pass to Paterbashik lakes
Crossing Ak-Shirak (white banks) Ridge and Ak-Bel (white back) Pass. Among the traces of hunters and gold diggers we find the traces of caravans. Overnight in a tent.
Horseriding by the Ishtik pass to an ancient caravanserail site
We continue our way to the ancient caravanserai of Ishtik. We will ride over a small Ishtik (3689 m.) pass and come back to our camp. Free time in the afternoon. Sauna in the evening. Overnight in a tent.
Ride into the tight canyon of Tez
In the morning we will ride in the direction of the Chinese border. We will s have a wonderful view on the ridge on the border with China. Comming back to the Ishtik river and enter Tez Canyon to get to a small farm. Overnight in a tent. Riding: 5/6h
Ride along the canyon of Utsh Koshkon
We will ride along the bank of Ak-Shirak canal and get to the canyon of Utsh Koshkon. Overnight in a tent.
Horse riding to Ak-Shyyrak hamlet
We will arrive in Ak-Shirak, a small village lost in the heart of the Tien-Shan. Visiting a yurt camp, see herdsman and yaks. Overnight in a tent. Riding: 4h
On the road from Ak-Syyrak village to the Taragaï river
We leave our horses and set off for a place amidst the Syrty-Taragaï. Overnight in tent. Transfer: 70 km dirty road.
From Taragaï river to Karakol
Transfer to the Issyk-Kul Lake. Coming over Soeyeuk Pass (4021m), Barskoon Pass 3980 m.. We will stay for a night in a guesthouse. Transfer: 280km on dirty road and asphalt road.
Morning transfer to Bishkek, visit of Eagle hunter and visit of the capital.
After breakfast you will hit the road again. On the way, a stop will be at the house of an Eagle hunter. You wil be able to get to know him and his long traditions of hunting with eagles. You will have lunch on the way. Arrival in Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic. From 1926 to 1991 the city was known as Frunze named after the Bolshevik military leader Mihail Frunze. After the independence it was renamed Bishkek. City tour. Walk around the city. Visiting Ala-Too Square, the main square of Kyrgyzstan. Overnight in our guesthouse.
Highly recommended. We are travelling a lot and have tried various tour agencies and we can´t recommend Nomads-Land enough. We had been very satisfied from the first contact until the last diner together. Our Tour-Designer Fabien was very experienced and could set up a Tour that was perfectly tailored to our needs, interests, wishes and our budget. Especially if you want to go off the beaten tracks then Nomads-Land is the right choice. Our Driver&Guide could have not been more helpful, entertaining and caring. Thanks a lot for the great tour and all your help.
An incredible 8-day experience in the south of Kyrgyzstan, a transhumance with the Nomad's Land agency. Not necessarily reassured since a novice in horse riding, but well taken into account by Fabien our guide (French!), With a full day of discovery before starting the journey. What I particularly appreciated: the privileged relationship with the family. We made this transhumance with the whole family of Kyrgyz herders and shepherds (about ten people), our guide, and only 3 tourists. An exceptional memory to sleep in the middle of this family in the Yurt built a little earlier in the middle of nowhere. As much as following and leading the sheep in the middle of valleys, mountains and gigantic scenery. A big thank you to our guide Fabien for all his anecdotes about the country, who will have transmitted to us his love (even obsession!) Of the country! If you dream of wide open spaces, and are not afraid of the cold (the temperature can go down at night in these mountains!) Go for it!
On your way
Issyk Kul lake KG
The Issyk-Kul lake has a length of 182 km, a maximum width of 60 km and covers an area of 6,236 km².
Juku pass KG
A pass that allows crossing the Terskey Ala-Too for caravans coming from Kyzyl-Suu to Kashgar.
Kumtor valley KG
The waters of the river Kumtor come from melting glaciers in the northwest of the mountain range Ak-Shirak.
Paterbashik lakes KG
The 2 endoheric Paterbashik lakes are located on a high plain north of the Borkoldoy range, where the Tez river originates.
Ishtik pass KG
A road pass that allows you to reach the Karasay valley to that of Baralbas.
Ishtik ancient caravanserail site KG
This site is situated at the foot of the ancient border post of Bedel. There are traces of settlement and tombs of different centuries.
Tez canyon KG
It is a small canyon in the Ak-Shirak region, between the Ishtik Caravanserai camp and Baralbas Canyon.
Ak-Shyyrak range KG
Range situated in the Central Tien Shan part.
Info
What is included
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All transportation in a private vehicle
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All airport transfers
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Accommodation as described in the program
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Meals (3 per day)
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Bottled water (when possible) & tea
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English-speaking trekking guide
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Horses with local saddles
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Pack horses with saddle bags & horsemen
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Camping & cooking equipment (tents, mats, gas, stove, etc)
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All the activities listed in the program
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Entry fees at national parks and/or border zones listed in the program
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Entry fees at museums and historical sites listed in the program
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Domestic flights mentioned in the program
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A contribution to our sustainable development projects
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Organisation of the trip & local taxes
What is not included
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International flights
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International banking fees (PayPal, ...)
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Travel & repatriation insurance
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Visas / LOI (if applicable)
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Alcoholic and soft drinks
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Personal expenses
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Personal equipment (sleeping bag, headlight, personal medication, etc)
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Additional costs due to unexpected personal events (health, loss of luggage, ...)
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Tips for guide & driver (always optional, always appreciated)
Ready to go?
Book your tour today.
May we help you?
Our trip designers are at your disposal for building your dream! Feel free to contact us.
- Postal address
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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Phone number
Looking for a taylor-made experience? Check our trip planner.
Ecotourism projects
Through various ecotourism projects and initiatives, Nomad's Land aims to increase awareness of ecotourism and responsible travel, for a sustainable development of the tourism sector.
Ayana Zholdoshbek