Cycling and horse riding
15-day reasonably challenging tour, in small groups, since 2020
Combination tour cycling and 3 days trekking on horseback
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
If you are active and adventurous we can offer you this unforgettable trip. Imagine yourself cycling in the mountains, followed by a 3-day trekking on horseback. During your stay you will learn about Kyrgyz traditions and legends, and meet many local people. You need to be in good physical condition and have the expertise that is required for the activities you want to include.
You should bring a sleeping bag, camping mattress, warm clothes and raincoat. Our guide/interpreter, and local guides, will accompany you and are there to help you at all times.
In Bishkek you will spend the night in the Umai Hotel (or similar). During the remaining part of the tour you will sleep in B&Bs and yurts (nomadic tents made of felt), and during the trek you will sleep in tents.
Come and experience the life and the culture of the nomads of Kyrgyzstan. See how herdsmen make ‘Kymyz’, the national drink made from mare’s milk.
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 we will meet you and take you to your hotel. After lunch preparation of bicycles followed by some sightseeing. Accommodation in hotel. |
| Day 3 | By minibus until after the tunnel at the Tor Ashuu Pass – 125 km (the tunnel is at 2.564 m and is 2,5km long). Then we cycle down to the village of Kyzyl-Oi (1.800 m). 16 km of asphalt until the junction with the road to Osh, and then 45 km of dirt road to the village. Stay with local family. |
| Day 4 | After lunch cycling through the gorge along the Kokomeren River to Chaek, the district town of this area. 35 km of dirt road. Stay in B&B. |
| Day 5 | Today we start by cycling to Kyzart along a very spectacular road. We will enjoy the wonderful mountain landscapes and explore local flora and fauna (47 km). Then we continue to Kochkor in the minibus – if wanted a longer distance may be cycled. Stay in B&B. |
| Day 6 | We will cycle past the Orto-Tokoy Water Reserve down to Lake Issyk-Kul and the village of Kara-Tala. This is where the cycling ends. Continue in the minibus to the yurt camp Sonun close to the shore of the lake. 65 km over flat asphalt road. Stay in yurt camp. |
| Day 7 | By minibus to Tosor Gorge where we begin our 3-day horse trekking. Ride to the Kyrchyn Valley, crossing a pass of 2.500 m. Stay in tents. |
| Day 8-9 | From Kyrchyn we go to Bel-Tam over a high pass of 3.350 m (stay in tents), and the next day to the yurt camp Temir-Kanat (2.450 m). Stay in yurts. |
| Day 10 | Day at the yurt camp Temir-Kanat, hiking or horse riding in the surrounding mountains and getting a closer view of the glaciers. Stay in yurts. |
| Day 11 | Driving to the Boom Gorge where we will hike for a few hours in the Konorchok Canyons. Drive to the Chon Kemin Valley where we stay in a nice B&B. |
| Day 12 | Day in the Kemin Valley. The valley has a rich variety of vegetation and animal life, and we will hike in the surrounding mountains. Stay in B&B. |
| Day 13 | Return to Bishkek, stopping near Tokmok to visit the Burana Tower, an architectural complex that has survived from the 10th century and the times of the Great Silk Road. Arrive in Bishkek in the afternoon. Stay in the Umai Hotel. |
| Day 14 | Day without programme to allow you to go shopping and/or visit some museums and the Osh Bazaar. Lunch not included. 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 | |
| Date on request | Date on request |
| Group | |
| 4 and more persons | |
| For four and more persons | |
| Price with guide-interpreter | € 1.720 p.p. |
| Price without guide-interpreter | € 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
Your booking will be confirmed upon receipt of a deposit of euros 250 per person. The outstanding balance must be paid either 8 weeks before departure or in cash upon arrival. We do not accept debit or credit cards.
• Transportation by minibus
• Transfer from and to the airport
• All meals, breakfast, lunch and supper
• Stay in hotel, B&B, guesthouse, yurt and homestay
• Programme as described
• English/German (as required) speaking guide/interpreter
• Flight
• Insurances
• Personal expenses
• Entrance charges if applicable
• 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…
click the link below
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.