Through Tong region
15 day reasonably challenging tour, in small groups, since 2010
This 2 week tour has been created for people who enjoy horse riding
but possibly do not have the confidence or skill to undertake a hard trek
You will ride through green pastures along old animal tracks, sometimes using a dirt road
The group will consist of 4-8 people and 10 or more horses. There will be 2-4 good guides and an English or German speaking interpreter will also be with you.
About tour
On this tour you will travel through the beautiful mountains and alpine pastures of Kyrgyzstan. You will encounter the culture and experience the everyday life of the nomads in Kyrgyzstan. Sleep in yurts, the felt tent houses of the nomadic herdsmen and in a mountain lodge. From the yurt camps you can hike into the high mountains accompanied by a guide. In the evening you will return to the yurt camp so you decide for yourself how far you would like to go. And if you want to stay put in the yurt camp and watch daily life that is no problem.
During the three trekking days you will walk from Temir-Kanat to Tosor or the other way around. This hike is reasonably challenging. Your walk will be through a hilly area at an altitude of between 2.200- 2.400 m. On the third day of the trek you will arrive at Sonun yurt camp or Temir-Kanat yurt camp. Whilst the trekking you will sleep in small tents that will be carried on horseback, as will your luggage. An interpreter, guide and horsemen will accompany you.
In the beginning of your trip you will make a day hike in the canyons of Boom valley. Also it is possible to walk part of the route to Tuura-suu, our other yurt camps that you will visit during this tour. In Sonun you can go swimming or hike in the badlands.
In Bishkek your accommodation is in a nice friendly hotel, and in the countryside you will spend the nights in family-run yurt camps. During the whole tour you will be accompanied by an English or German speaking interpreter.
This tour suits people who are interested in the nomadic way of life and the culture of the Kyrgyz people. For the hikes you need to be in good physical condition. About 4-6 hours walking a day in mountainous terrain should be within your abilities. You need to be a little adventurous and not to expect luxury.
Day By Day Programme
Here you can find a detailed description of the tour with routes and locations
| Day 1 | Departure from your local airport. |
| Day 2 | Arrival at Manas Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Free until lunch and then sightseeing in the afternoon. Accommodation in Umai hotel (or similar). |
| Day 3 | Day trip Ala-Archa National Park, about 40 km south east of Bishkek. Hiking along the trail to the waterfalls of the Ala-Archa river, a rather strenuous hike. The flora in this park is very rich and many species typical for this habitat can be found. Picnic lunch, stay in hotel. |
| Day 4 | By car to Boom and 4-5 hours hiking there in the Konorchok canyons with red aeolian (wind) outcroppings (about 4- 5 hrs). Driving to Kara-Tala and stay with a local family. |
| Day 5 | To the yurt camp Tuura-Suu at 2.200 m. First part by car last part hiking (10-15 km) along a small river up to the yurt camp. Stay in yurt. |
| Day 6 | Day in Tuura-Suu, visit village, horse riding and/or hiking. Stay in yurt. |
| Day 7 | From Tuura- Suu through the Kongur-Olong valley, well known for its flora and fauna, to the yurt camp Temir-Kanat at 2.450 m. Last part up to the yurt camp hiking again. Stay in yurt. |
| Day 8 | Day in the yurt camp Temir-Kanat, hiking and/or horse-riding in the mountains. Stay in yurt. |
| Day 9-10 | Trekking over alpine meadows, crossing a high pass of 2.700 m. Luggage on horseback, overnight stay in tents. 4-6 hours hiking a day. |
| Day 11 | Arrive in Tosor canyon (alt 2.100 m). Half day hiking to the place where the minibus can come to bring you to the yurt camp Sonun by the lake. Stay in yurt. |
| Day 12 | Day in yurt camp Sonun, located in a dry semi-dessert area. You can swim, go for a hike in the badlands or learn to cook a Kyrgyz meal. Stay in yurt. |
| Day 13 | From Sonun by car to Kemin valley. This long valley itself lies at altitudes of between 1.400 m and 2.800 m above sea level. It has verdant pastures, woodland (of Tien Shan firs), several mountain lakes and spectacular views of the mountains. Stay in a B&B. |
| Day 14 | By car back to Bishkek, stop to visit the Burana tower, a remnant of an important city on the Great Silk Road. Stay in hotel. |
| Day 15 | Transfer to the airport for departure. |
Due to unforeseen circumstances, it might be necessary to make small changes in the program.
We ask for your understanding.
Tour specifics
Our tours can be organized for individual travelers or groups of up to 10 people (and sometimes more) and for families with (young) children. For the majority of our tours you can specify the start date and length of the tour.
| Date | |
| June 8 | June 22 |
| July 6 | July 20 |
| August 6 | August 20 |
| Group | |
| 4 and more persons | |
| For four and more persons | |
| Price | € 1.295 p.p. |
For bookings of 4, or more, persons we offer a 5% discount. In case there are less participants than required, if you pay an additional fee, the trip will go on as planned.
Terms of payment
• Transportation by own minibus
• All meals
• Stay in hotel, guesthouse, yurt, tent
• Programme as described
• English speaking guide/ interpreter
• Camping equipment except sleeping bag and Iso-mattress
• Porters to carry luggage (max 12 kg pp.)
• Cook
• Trekking guide
• Road taxes
• Flight
• Insurances
• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees
• Tips
• Alcoholic and other bottled beverages
• Activities not mentioned in the programme
If you have to cancel a tour you already booked, we have to charge you cancellation fee.
If Ecotour cancels the tour, of course you will get back the full amount you paid.
If you cancel your trip, depending on the time your message reaches us, you owe Ecotour the following amount:
| till 42 days before departure | one pays the deposit |
| day 42- till day 28 | 35 % |
| day 28- till day 21 | 40 % |
| day 21- till day 14 | 50 % |
| day 14- till day 5 | 75 % |
| day 5 – till day 2 | 90 % |
| on the last day before and the day of departure | 100% |
A trip with Ecotour means an unusual and unforgettable vacation.
Our trips are suitable for those who do not insist on luxury, love the mountains,
appreciate the silence and do not want to travel in large groups.
WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Kyrgyzstan is a land full of beautiful experiences and wonders unique…
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Mountain passes, bad tracks, off-road, and firm climbs over 3000 m characterize this route.
Not all slopes are steep, but some are very long and on dirt roads.
But it is worth the effort.