HorsebackridingForming an integral part of the Old Silk Road, poets, pilgrims, warriors and traders have been riding across the spectacular Tien Shan, ‘Celestial’ Mountains, of Kyrgyzstan for thousands of years.

Few places on earth can claim such a fine tradition of horsemanship, or a life so orientated around the horse, and local horsemen will guide you through the verdant, flower-filled valleys, across the wide open steppe lands and over the high mountain passes.

The best way to glimpse Kyrgyzstan from the locals’ perspective is on horseback. Kyrgyz horses are hardy, wiry beasts, purpose-built for high altitude and rough paths.

Particularly recommended areas to explore on horseback are the foothills of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, the Issyk-Kul to Kazakhstan trek via Balbay, the route from near Kochkor to Lake Song-Kul and, for more experienced riders, the Tien-Shan and At-Bashy mountains.



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