KYRGYZSTAN EXPERIENCE

KYRGYZSTAN

NOMADIC HORSE TREK AND WORLD NOMAD GAMES

Bishkek
Karakol
CHOLPON ATA

8 nights

August 27 TO
September 4, 2026

Ride on horseback from remote valleys into the high mountains, sleep in yurts under open skies, then finish in Cholpon Ata for the World Nomad Games, a full celebration of nomadic sport and culture.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Horses & riding gear

Horse, saddle, and all riding equipment.

Transfers and logistics

All ground transportation and trip logistics.

Activities and guides

You will have an Ox trip leader throughout, certified local guides and horse handlers for the full expedition.

World Nomad Games access

Two-day access to the World Nomad Games in Cholpon Ata.

Accommodation

1 night in a hotel in Bishkek, 1 night in a guesthouse in Karakol, 3 nights in yurts during the trek, and 3 nights in a hotel in Cholpon Ata.

Meals

All meals during the horse trek, plus selected meals in Bishkek and Cholpon Ata.

aug. 27 → sept. 4, 2026

660 KWD

excluding international flight

BOOK YOUR SPOT

Travel the distance

Ride for three nights and four days through Kyrgyzstan’s high country, crossing wide valleys and open grasslands on horseback, far from roads and crowds.

World nomadic games

Attend the World Nomadic Games, in what feels like Kyrgyzstan at full volume. Horse sports, traditional competitions, ceremony, music, and the atmosphere will be felt in your whole body.

magical landscapes

Move through a landscape of red canyons, alpine ridgelines, and stunning horizons. It’s the kind of terrain that makes every moment feel like a dream.

local living

Sleep in traditional yurts under a sky full of stars. Life here is simple, warm, and will embrace your deep rest after long saddle days.

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

There are places where riding a horse is an activity. Kyrgyzstan is not one of them. Here, horses are part of the land, the culture, and the rhythm of life. When we ride through these wide valleys and high mountain passes, we are not watching the country, we are moving in the way it used to move. Each step a remembrance of the past.

This trek gives us something rare. Real distance, silence, and scale. Days measured by light, weather, and terrain, not our phones or plans. We will feel the altitude in our lungs, the wind on your face, and the steadiness of the horse beneath us. It takes noise away and allows peace to flow in.

It changes how we travel. We are no longer visitors passing through. We become part of the landscape, part of the story, even if it’s only a few days. That is why this is not just a trek. It is one of the purest ways to experience Kyrgyzstan.

It is the Olympics of Central Asia. Only here, the main arena is built around the nomadic skills that shaped this region: horse sports, archery, hunting birds, wrestling, and strategy games that look simple…until we see how amazing the best athletes are.

It is a multi-day international event built on traditional nomadic games, brought into a modern festival scale. In real life, it feels like culture with adrenaline. You spend the day watching events that are fast and intense, then you move through markets, music, and ceremonies that make the whole place feel so alive.

The last ‘World Nomadic Games’ was hosted in Kazakhstan and brought together around 3,000 athletes from 89 countries.

This time it returns to Kyrgyzstan, in the Issyk Kul region, running from August 31 – September 6, 2026, with the opening in Bishkek and the main program by the lake.

This is one of those rare moments where a destination shows its full identity at full volume. If your Kyrgyzstan trip has a peak experience, this is it.

Logistics

STARTS:

Bishkek – Manas Airport (BSZ)
Arrive anytime on August 27, or by 9:00 AM on August 28.

ENDS:

Bishkek – Manas Airport (BSZ)
Leave any time in the afternoon or evening on September 4.

Check Flight

Transfers

We will pick you up from Bishkek International Airport at any time on Day 1, and we will drop you back at the airport on Day 9, based on your flight time. All transportation during the trip are included.

If you are extending your stay before or after the experience, airport transfers outside Day 1 and Day 9 are not included. We are happy to arrange this for you at an additional cost, or you can coordinate it directly with your hotel.

Day 1 – Thursday, August 27, 2026

Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek

Arrive at Bishkek International Airport.
Airport pick-up to our hotel.
Free rest day in Bishkek before the adventure begins. We can walk and explore together.
Get to know our fellow adventurers over a local group dinner.
Overnight in our hotel in Bishkek.

Day 2 – Friday, August 28, 2026

Bishkek – Issyk Kul – Karakol

Driving time: 7 hours. Hiking: 1 hour. Accommodation: Guesthouse.

Early Breakfast.
Morning departure from Bishkek, following the southern shore of Issyk Kul with lake views and mountain backdrops.
Lunch stop in Ton village, served in a traditional yurt.
Afternoon visit to Skazka, also known as Fairytale Canyon, for a short walk through natural sandstone formations.
Eagle hunting show after the canyon visit.
Evening arrival in Karakol, check-in, dinner at a local cafe, and a short briefing for the trek days ahead.

Day 3 – Saturday, August 29, 2026

Karakol – Yrdyk Valley – Kok Jaiyk Valley

Drive time: 1 hour. Horse Riding: 4 – 5 hours. Accommodation: Yurt camp.

Transfer to Yrdyk Valley and meet the horse team.
Saddle fitting and a short orientation to get comfortable on the horses.
Ride into wide alpine landscapes, climbing into the summer pastures of the Jeti Oguz area.
Arrive at Kok Jaiyk Valley, a well known jailoo valley where yurts are set up in the open meadow, then we settle in for dinner with the hosts.

Day 4 – Sunday, August 30, 2026

Kok Jaiyk Valley – Oguz Bashy Peak area

Horse Riding: 5 – 6 hours. Accommodation: Yurt camp.

A full day deeper in the high country, riding towards viewpoints of Oguz Bashy Peak.
Lunch on the route, then continue across open grasslands and mountain valleys.
Evening in a yurt camp; quiet, simple, and immersed in the mountains.

Day 5 – Monday, August 31, 2026

Oguz Bashy area – Suttu Bulak Pass – Kyzyl Suu Valley

Horse Riding: 4 – 5 hours. Accommodation: Yurt camp.

Today is the big crossing day.
Ride over Suttu Bulak Pass, then descend into Kyzyl Suu Valley.
⁠Arrive at the yurt camp, rest, and enjoy a home cooked dinner in the valley.

Day 6 – Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Kyzyl Suu Valley – Chon Kyzyl Suu – Cholpon Ata

Horse Riding: 4 – 5 hours. Accommodation: Hotel.

Final ride through Chon Kyzyl Suu Valley.
Say goodbye to the horses and the trekking team.
Meet our driver, stop in Karakol to collect our main luggage, then continue to Cholpon Ata on Issyk Kul for a comfortable night.

Day 7 – Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Cholpon Ata

Accommodation: Hotel.

World Nomad Games Day One, a full day of traditional competitions, cultural showcases, crafts, and performances.

Day 8 – Thursday, September 3, 2026

Cholpon Ata

Accommodation: Hotel.

Day Two at the World Nomad Games in Kyrchyn Valley, set in a dramatic mountain valley atmosphere, with events and festival energy throughout the day.

Day 9 – Friday, September 4, 2026

Transfer back to Bishkek and Manas International Airport.
End of our epic journey together.

DAY 1
Hotel

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

DAY 2
Guesthouse

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

DAY 3
Yurt

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

DAY 4
Yurt

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

DAY 5
Yurt

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

DAY 6
Hotel

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

DAY 7
Hotel

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

DAY 8
Hotel

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Kyrgyz food is hearty and made for mountain days, with warm soups, handmade noodles, rice dishes, and fresh bread. Local favourites include beshbarmak, plov, laghman, manti, and shorpo, with simple savoury flavours using cumin, garlic, black pepper, and herbs. Tea is constant, and you may also try local dairy like ayran or kurut.
On the trek, meals are cooked by our local Kyrgyz team using fresh ingredients. Breakfast is usually bread with jam, honey, eggs, porridge, and tea or coffee. Lunch is a simple packed meal with bread, cheese, salad, and fruit. Dinner is a warming soup followed by a filling main dish like plov or noodles, plus seasonal fruit.
Vegetarians, vegans, and allergies can be catered for. Please note it on your passenger info form.

What is the accommodation like?

Accommodation will be a mix of comfort and a raw nomadic experience. We will start in Bishkek with a hotel stay in shared rooms, unless you upgrade to a private room. Please see ‘Optional Extras’ for details.
During the horse trek, we will stay in traditional yurts. Yurts are shared, usually around five people per yurt depending on the size. Yurts are limited in the camps, so if you want private accommodation during the trek we can arrange a camping tent instead. We strongly recommend staying in the yurts for the full experience and the warmth.
In Cholpon Ata, we stay in a hotel for three nights near the Nomadic Games, within walking distance, so you can come and go whenever you want.

This horse trek is designed for a wide range of riders, including people who have never ridden a horse before.

If you are hesitating because you are worried it might be too hard, here is the truth. You do not need prior riding experience. You do need a steady attitude, basic fitness, and the willingness to be outdoors for full days in the mountains.

What makes this achievable for beginners?

From the start, our team:

Teaches the essentials clearly, and answers any questions.
Matches you with a suitable horse.
Sets a safe pace and adjusts to the group.
Supports you closely on more exposed or technical sections.

Our type of riding is not about performing. It is about showing up, staying present, and allowing our horses and the landscape do the work.

What can feel challenging?

This is a real Kyrgyz mountain journey. The challenge comes from the environment, not complicated riding. Expect:

Long hours in the saddle across multiple days.
Uneven trails and occasional steep grounds.
Higher altitude that your body may respond to.
Weather that can shift fast from sun to wind to rain.

If this sounds intense, that’s okay. That is the point of an OX experience. Challenging, yet absolutely doable with the right mindset.

Who this is for?

You will enjoy this trek if you can say yes to these:

I can handle long active days outdoors.
I stay calm when things feel unfamiliar.
I can follow the guide’s advice and ride with the group.
I want an adventure, not a tourist trip.

Still unsure?

Tell us your concerns before you book. We will be direct about whether it fits you, and what to do now so you arrive confident.

SEND EMAIL

BOOK A CALL

All inclusive experience
No hidden costs on the ground

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

4-night hotel accommodation.
3-night yurt and tent accommodation.
1–night guesthouse accommodation.
All activities in the itinerary.
All transportation in Kyrgyzstan.
Most meals across the trip.
Planning and Guides.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

International flights to Kyrgyzstan.
Travel insurance.
Tips for guides and drivers.
Personal expenses and snacks.
Any optional upgrades not listed in the itinerary.

wHAT TO BRING:

Bags and luggage

Main bag, large backpack or duffle bag 50L to 70L, durable and weather resistant.
Small daypack 20L to 30L, for water, snacks, camera, layers.
No suitcases, your luggage travels across uneven terrain with pack horses

Sleep and cold protection

Sleeping bag rated to around 0°C.
Thermal base layers, top and bottom.
Warm mid layer, fleece or similar.
Insulated jacket for evenings and early mornings.
Warm hat and gloves.
Warm socks, ideally wool.

Riding and trail wear

Long pants or leggings that dry quickly, avoid jeans or shorts.
Padded riding layer, cycling padded shorts work well for long saddle days.
Rain jacket, for wind and sudden showers.
Ankle high hiking boots, for stirrups and rugged terrain.
Sandals or camp shoes for evenings.
Buff or neck gaiter, huge for wind and dust.
Riding gloves (optional), prevents blisters and protects from wind.
Helmet (optional), not common locally but you can bring one.

Essentials

Head torch, important around yurt camps after dark.
Water bottle.
Personal toiletries and wet wipes.
Personal medication and blister care.

Optional but smart

Inflatable pillow.
Camera, or just rely on your phone. Our guide will also be documenting the experience.
Sunglasses and sunscreen, the sun at altitude is aggressive.
Lip balm, wind and sun crack lips fast.
Quick dry towel.

If you want to tailor the trip. After you apply, message your guide with what you want. We will confirm availability first, then send you a clear quote. Prices vary by season and hotel availability.

Extra nights in Bishkek or Cholpon Ata before or after the main itinerary.

Ideal if you want more time to explore, recover, or stay longer for the Nomadic Games.

Private rooms in Bishkek, Karakol, and Cholpon Ata, subject to availability.

Final price is confirmed after we check the exact dates and room type with the hotel.

Private camping tent set up for you at each yurt camp during the horse trek.

This gives you personal space while still sharing meals and the group experience.

Tickets for additional days beyond what is included in the itinerary.

If available, we can also help with better seating options.

If you want something not listed, ask. If it is doable and fits the flow of the experience, confirm it in writing before you pay.

Kyrgyzstan offers visa free entry for up to 60 days for citizens of 44 countries, including Kuwait. Check the list

If your passport is not on the visa free list, you can usually apply online through the official e-visa portal. Apply here

After you apply, our guide will follow up to make sure everything is on track.

Passport validity

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before entry.

It’s not required, yet strongly recommended. Choose a policy that covers medical care and high altitude activities.

We ride and camp at high altitude, in some camps over 3,000 meters. Nights can feel cold, even in summer.

Bring a sleeping bag that keeps you warm down to around 0°C.

Some camps have no electricity, so bring along a power bank.

Signal is not guaranteed in the mountains, expect offline moments.

Your main bag is transported by the support team using pack horses, so suitcases do not work.

You ride with a small daypack for water, layers, snacks, and camera.

Yurts are shared and simple, warm, and part of the experience. Expect basic facilities and a proper reset from our city comfort.

Tips are not required, but they are appreciated. Plan some cash for guides and drivers if you feel the team made you happy.

Yes. Many people come solo and leave with a strong crew. We keep the group energy high and the logistics smooth.

If you are unsure, email us or book a call with the guide. We will give you a straight answer on fit, comfort, and preparation.

Full Support, Real Adventure

PAY YOUR WAY

Lock in your spot with a deposit, then pay the rest in flexible instalment before the trip. Simple, clear, and scheduled with you.

THE OX PROMISE

If you arrive with an open heart, we will deliver the kind of experience you will remember for life. And we are here for any questions or concerns with immediate care.