01
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.
Bishkek · Karakol · Cholpon Ata 9 days Applications closed
Kyrgyzstan
Nomadic Horse Trek & World Nomad Games
DatesAug 27 to Sep 4, 2026
Duration9 days · 8 nights
Price660 KWD
Difficulty
The experience
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.
Why horse riding in Kyrgyzstan?
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 our faces, 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.
What is the World Nomad Games?
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 you see how amazing the best athletes are.
The last World Nomad 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 to 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.
Why this journey
The highlights
02
World Nomad Games
Attend the World Nomad Games, in what feels like Kyrgyzstan at full volume. Horse sports, traditional competitions, ceremony, music, the atmosphere will be felt in your whole body.
03
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.
04
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.
Getting there
Starts Bishkek, Manas Airport (FRU) Arrive anytime on August 27, or by 9:00 AM on August 28.
→
Ends Bishkek, Manas Airport (FRU) Leave any time in the afternoon or evening on September 4.
Transfers. We pick you up from Bishkek International Airport at any time on Day 1, and drop you back at the airport on Day 9, based on your flight time. All transportation during the trip is included. Extending your stay? We can arrange extra transfers at additional cost, or you can coordinate directly with your hotel.
Day by day
The itinerary
9 days, planned to the detail, and flexible where the mountains ask us to be.
Day 01 Arrival in Bishkek Thu, Aug 27 🏨 Hotel +
- Arrive at Bishkek International Airport
- Airport pick-up to our hotel
- Free rest day in Bishkek, we can walk and explore together
- Get to know our fellow adventurers over a local group dinner
- Overnight in our hotel in Bishkek
Day 02 Bishkek → Issyk Kul → Karakol Fri, Aug 28 🚐 7 h 🥾 1 h 🏡 Guesthouse +
- Early breakfast and morning departure, 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, Fairytale Canyon, for a walk through natural sandstone formations
- Eagle hunting show after the canyon visit
- Evening arrival in Karakol, check-in, dinner at a local café, and a short briefing for the trek days ahead
Day 03 Karakol → Yrdyk Valley → Kok Jaiyk Valley Sat, Aug 29 🚐 1 h 🐎 4 to 5 h 🛏 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 famous jailoo where yurts stand in the open meadow, and settle in for dinner with the hosts
Day 04 Kok Jaiyk → Oguz Bashy Peak area Sun, Aug 30 🐎 5 to 6 h 🛏 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 05 The big crossing, Suttu Bulak Pass Mon, Aug 31 🐎 4 to 5 h 🛏 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 06 Final ride → Cholpon Ata Tue, Sep 1 🐎 4 to 5 h 🏨 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 07 World Nomad Games, Day One Wed, Sep 2 🏨 Hotel +
- A full day of traditional competitions, cultural showcases, crafts, and performances
Day 08 World Nomad Games, Kyrchyn Valley Thu, Sep 3 🏨 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 09 Home Fri, Sep 4 +
- Transfer back to Bishkek and Manas International Airport
- End of our epic journey together
Where you sleep, what you eat
Stay & food
Day 123456789
Stay 🏨Hotel🏡Guesthouse⛺Yurt⛺Yurt⛺Yurt🏨Hotel🏨Hotel🏨Hotel🛏,
Meals BLD BLD BLD BLD BLD BLD BLD BLD BLD
B breakfast · L lunch · D dinner
The food
Kyrgyz food is hearty and made for mountain days, warm soups, handmade noodles, rice dishes, and fresh bread. Local favourites include beshbarmak, plov, laghman, manti, and shorpo. 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. Dinner is a warming soup followed by a filling main like plov or noodles, plus seasonal fruit.
Vegetarians, vegans, and allergies can be catered for, note it on your application.
The accommodation
A mix of comfort and raw nomadic experience. We start in Bishkek in a hotel (shared rooms unless you upgrade). During the horse trek we stay in traditional yurts, shared, usually around five people per yurt. Yurts are limited, so private accommodation on the trek means a camping tent instead; we strongly recommend the yurts for the full experience and the warmth. In Cholpon Ata we stay three nights in a hotel within walking distance of the Nomad Games.
Honest difficulty
Can I do this?
Challenging, built for beginners
Built for beginners
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. From the start, our team teaches the essentials clearly, matches you with a suitable horse, sets a safe pace, and supports you closely on more exposed sections.
What can feel challenging
This is a real Kyrgyz mountain journey. The challenge comes from the environment, not complicated riding: long hours in the saddle across multiple days, uneven trails and occasional steep ground, higher altitude your body may respond to, and weather that shifts fast from sun to wind to rain.
All-inclusive on the ground
What's included
Horses & riding gear
Horse, saddle, and all riding equipment.
Logistics
All ground transportation and trip logistics.
Activities & guides
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 hotel in Bishkek, 1 night guesthouse in Karakol, 3 nights in yurts during the trek, 3 nights hotel in Cholpon Ata.
Meals
All meals during the horse trek, plus selected meals in Bishkek and Cholpon Ata.
Included
- ✓ 4 nights of hotel accommodation
- ✓ 3 nights of yurt and tent accommodation
- ✓ 1 night of guesthouse accommodation
- ✓ All activities in the itinerary
- ✓ All transportation in Kyrgyzstan
- ✓ Most meals across the trip
- ✓ Planning and guides
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
Interactive checklist, your ticks are saved on this device
Packing list
Bags & luggage
Sleep & cold protection
Riding & trail wear
Essentials
Optional but smart
Tailor the trip
Optional extras
After you apply, message your guide with what you want. We confirm availability first, then send a clear quote.
Before or after the trip accommodation
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 Nomad Games.
Single occupancy
Private rooms in Bishkek, Karakol, and Cholpon Ata, subject to availability. Final price confirmed after we check dates and room type with the hotel.
Trek privacy option
Private camping tent set up for you at each yurt camp during the horse trek, personal space while still sharing meals and the group experience.
Nomad Games access
Tickets for additional days beyond what is included. If available, we can also help with better seating options.
Something specific in mind
If you want something not listed, ask us. If it's available and fits the flow of the experience, we confirm it in writing before you pay anything extra.
Shot on OX trips. Drag, then click to view
Before you ask
FAQ
Everything travelers usually ask before joining. Anything else? The guide is one message away.
Do I need a visa for Kyrgyzstan?+
Kyrgyzstan offers visa-free entry for up to 60 days for citizens of 44 countries, including Kuwait. If your passport is not on the visa-free list, you can usually apply online through the official e-visa portal. After you apply, our guide follows up to make sure everything is on track. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before entry.
Do I need travel insurance?+
It's not required, yet strongly recommended. Choose a policy that covers medical care and high-altitude activities.
How cold does it get?+
We ride and camp at high altitude, 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.
Will I have electricity and phone signal?+
Some camps have no electricity, so bring a power bank. Signal is not guaranteed in the mountains, expect offline moments.
What is the luggage setup during the trek?+
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.
What are the yurts like?+
Yurts are shared and simple, warm, and part of the experience. Expect basic facilities and a proper reset from city comfort.
Tips?+
Tips are not required, but they are appreciated. Plan some cash for guides and drivers if you feel the team made you happy.
Can I join solo?+
Yes. Many people come solo and leave with a strong crew. We keep the group energy high and the logistics smooth.
Questions before booking?+
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.
01
Pay your way
Lock in your spot with a deposit, then pay the rest in flexible installments before the trip. Simple, clear, and scheduled with you.
02
The OX promise
Arrive with an open heart and we will deliver the kind of experience you remember for life, with immediate care for any question or concern.
03
Built since 2013
We have designed real experiences for over a decade. Check the stories and see how OX trips actually feel.
04
Clear from day one
No hidden costs. What is included is clear, and any extras are quoted upfront.
Proof, not promises
We know this land. Read the stories
Applications closed
Join the next one
ExperienceKyrgyzstan, Nomadic Horse Trek & World Nomad Games
DatesAug 27 to Sep 4, 2026
Price660 KWD · Excluding international flights
PaymentFull, or deposit + installments
Applying is not a payment. It saves your spot and starts the conversation. We reply with full details and the payment steps, and we're one message away throughout.
Some trips offer media sponsorships and financial support so more people can travel. See the opportunities →
This departure is full.
Leave your details and be first to hear when Kyrgyzstan runs again.
Join the list