Our own photo, taken on this route
Horses in the valley
Almost every guesthouse and yurt camp in the valley keeps horses. You can take one for a couple of hours by arranging it on the spot with the owners.
Book a seat · from $45How it actually works
There is no rental office with a sign and a price list. There are owners with horses standing there, and they are happy to let guests take one — for an hour, for half a day, with someone walking alongside or without, depending on how you sit. It is arranged in person, paid in cash som, and the price is a conversation.
That is also the drawback: if you have four hours and you definitely want to ride, arranging it on the spot is a lottery. The horse may be taken, the owner may be away. So we arrange it in advance instead.
Through us
| What | Price | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| A horse for 2 hours in the valley | $25 per person | Added to any departure. We confirm with the owners the day before, and the horse is waiting for you |
| Half a day with someone leading | on request | Send dates and how many of you — we price it and confirm |
| Horse trek towards Ala-Kul | on request | A multi-day route and a different animal entirely — priced individually |
If it is your first time on a horse
- The Kyrgyz horse is short, calm and has walked these slopes its whole life. It is steadier than it looks.
- Long trousers, not optional. In shorts you will regret it within twenty minutes.
- Closed shoes with at least a small heel, so your foot cannot slide through the stirrup.
- Say honestly that you have not ridden. You will get the quiet horse and someone walking beside you — that is normal practice here, not a favour.
- Two hours is a lot for a first ride. Start with one.
Where you ride
Along the valley floor, up and down — where a walk takes two hours, riding takes one and the view is completely different. Going over the passes or to the lake on horseback is a full day and only with a guide.
Day trip plus a horse All dates
What does a horse cost on the spot?
There is no fixed rate; it is agreed in cash with the owners. Through us it is $25 for two hours, arranged in advance — which means the horse will actually be there.
Do I need experience?
No. Say it is your first time: you get the calm horse and someone walking alongside. Kyrgyz horses are used to it.
Can children ride?
Usually yes — a child is seated with someone leading the horse. Tell us their age in advance.
What about winter?
Less common and by arrangement — many horses winter lower down. Ask us a few days ahead.