Kyrgyzstan, often referred to as the Switzerland of Asia, has long attracted travelers with its pristine nature and the unique nomadic lifestyle of its people.
most authentic way to see Kyrgyzstan’s dramatic landscapes
In Kyrgyzstan, it is said that its people are born on a horse – The Kyrgyz have been breeding horses for more than 4,000 years and life without them is inconceivable. For shepherds, life is hard, simple, beautiful – and all about the horse. so it makes sense that horseback is the most authentic way to see Kyrgyzstan’s dramatic landscapes, following the traditional trails of nomadic herders deep into remote mountainous regions.
Frederik Buyckx -born in 1984 in Antwerp, Belgium– in his famous book “Horse Head” documents the existing connection between man and nature in the isolated lifestyle of semi-nomadic shepherds in Kyrgyzstan.
so for those seeking to explore the country’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, there is no better way than on horseback.
Best time for horse trekking
Marian Reid at The BBC shares some tips for traveling to Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan’s horse trekking season lasts from June to September, with four- to 14-day treks offered by Shepherds Way Trekking. Tents are provided but bring your own rain gear, sleeping mat and bag, warm clothes and riding boots. The high country is cold, even in summer.
Bring as much cash as you need, in crisp, clean US dollars or euros. Sporadically working ATMs can be found in Bishkek, and most only accept Visa.
Kyrgyz shepherd experience
Kyrgyzstan is a hidden gem in Central Asia, perfect for nature lovers and adventure travelers. From horseback riding in Song-Kol to trekking in Ala-Archa and exploring Kol-Suu Lake, this country offers stunning landscapes and authentic nomadic culture. this information provided by Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association. the association’s objective is to improve living conditions in remote mountain regions by developing a sustainable and wholesome ecotourism model. The KCBTA supports the local population with setting up tourism projects, marketing and the financial side. All tourist facilities, such as accommodations and excursion options, are run by locals.
Song-Kol Lake
«The Last Lake» is considered one of the most beautiful areas for summer pasturing. It is in the Naryn district, and Kyrgyzstan’s second largest lake with an area of 270 km sq. In winter the lake freezes over with ice more than a meter thick.
Lake Son-Kul is a beautiful place to experience life on a jailoo. Ride horses in the surrounding mountains or stay in a yurt and experience an old-fashioned Kyrgyz summer.
Ala-Archa National Park
2,200-hectare Ala-Archa National Park was created to protect the fragrant multicolored archa— juniper, which grows abundantly in the gorge. This beautiful area offers opportunities for everyone from weekend picnickers to mountain climbers. Only about an hour outside the capitol of Bishkek in the Chuy region, the valley is high in the crest of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too and contains several majestic peaks including 4380 m Dvurogaya, 4860 m Korona, 4700 m Baylyanbaish, and the highest in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, 5875 m Semenov-Tian-Shansky
Kol-Suu Lake
Kol Suu is a spectacular glacial lake set in a rocky canyon whose shear sides drop almost straight down into the lake. It’s difficult to get to, but is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Kyrgyzstan. It is located in the southeast of Naryn Oblast, near the Chinese border. You need a border permit to go there because of its proximity to the Chinese border.
Tash Rabat
Tash Rabat, a 15th century caravanaserai, offered Silk Road travelers a much needed rest, as well as protection from the elements and bandit attacks. The building is almost eerily well preserved, and a visit there will take your imagination back to the beginning of the Age of Exploration.
Sary-Chelek Lake
Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO protected site of extraordinary natural beauty in the south of Kyrgyzstan in the Jalal-Abad region. In the fall the crystalline waters mirror flame colored leaves from the deciduous forest around it; the name Sary-Chelek translates as «Yellow Bowl. » Fruit and walnut trees grow wild in the mild climate and give shelter to diverse birds and wildlife.
Jyrgalan Valley
According to locals, Jyrgalan Valley is a region blessed by God. And they make a compelling case. Seven nearby peaks surround the valley, offering beautiful views and weather that is perfect for year-round adventure activities. Cool breezes filter down from the glaciers in the warm summer months, allowing for world-class trekking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. And during the winter, those same mountains protect freeride skiers from harsh winter winds, leaving miles of fresh snow for the taking. You could not design a destination whose contours were more suited to adventure tourism.
stay in yurtas
One of the connected communities is Tamchy, a village on the north coast of the famous Lake Issyk Kull. As a tourist you can spend the night here in a yurta, taste the local food, ride a horse and hike in the mountains. Also, after visiting the local museum, you can make your own Kyrgyz souvenirs!
If you really want to experience the local life of the semi-nomadic people, you can travel to a “jailoo”. Here are the yurtas in the summer months of the farmers who let their animals (such as sheep and horses) graze on high meadows with unique flora and fauna. A number of families have founded “Shepherd’s Life”, which is affiliated with the KCBTA, to give tourists the opportunity to experience traditional farming life up close. And as an additional source of income in addition to their farming activities.
For more information about community-based tourism projects in Kyrgyzstan, click here
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