Kyrgyzstan is a land where horses are not just animals — they are part of the nation’s soul and history. From ancient times, the Kyrgyz people have lived side by side with their loyal horses, traveling through majestic mountains, green pastures, and high alpine lakes. Even today, horseback riding remains one of the most authentic and unforgettable ways to explore this country.
No riding experience? Don’t worry! Local guides will teach you everything you need.
Bring comfortable clothes, warm layers, and sun protection.
Respect local customs — always greet the hosts and accept offered tea.
The best season for horse riding: June – September
🐎 What to Expect
Stable introduction & horse selection
Safety briefing & basic riding tips
Trail overview
Duration & rest stops
🐴 Why Ride With Us
Safe, Professional
Trained guides, safe horses, equipment provided.
Authentic Experience
Explore cultural routes, historic paths, nomadic landscapes.
Flexible Options
Half-day, full-day, multi-day tours.
👨🏫 Our Guides
Certified local guides
English / Russian speaking
Knowledge of local culture
Safety First
Helmets provided
Pre-ride instruction
Emergency procedures
Why Experience Horse Riding in Kyrgyzstan?
Cultural Connection:
Learn how the nomads used horses for travel, hunting, and games.
Stunning Nature:
Ride across wide valleys, flower-filled meadows, and mountain passes.
Local Experience:
Stay with local shepherd families in yurts, taste traditional food, and feel the real nomadic lifestyle.
Adventure for Everyone:
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, Kyrgyzstan offers trails for all levels.
Nice Prices And Gifts
Our prices are fixed for some standard services and we offer discounts for regular clients. Also, we ask our new clients about their birthday and prepare cool presents.
Effective Services
We care about our clients' time and can help you every day. Just call us — and we will help you with all the questions.
🐎 Riding Basics & Safety Tips
Keep your feet correctly in the stirrups
Place the stirrup on the ball of your foot, not too deep. This position helps you stay balanced if the horse moves suddenly, stumbles, or crosses uneven terrain.
Sit straight and balanced
Sit upright in the saddle, keeping your body centered over the horse. Your weight should be evenly distributed to avoid discomfort for the horse and to maintain good balance. If the saddle feels uneven, please let your guide know — they will be happy to adjust it for you.
Always hold the reins
The reins are your steering and braking system.
To stop: gently pull both reins straight back.
To turn: pull one rein slightly in the direction you want to go.
Where the horse’s head goes, the body will naturally follow
Encouraging your horse to move forward
To ask your horse to walk, say “chu.” If needed, gently squeeze or kick with your heels. If the horse still hesitates, a light tap with the whip is acceptable. This will not harm the horse — they are accustomed to these signals.
Do not allow the horse to graze during the ride
Horses are well-fed and have regular grazing time. Eating while riding can slow the group and disrupt the experience. If your horse tries to stop and eat, gently pull its head away, apply a firm heel cue, and continue forward.
6. Adjust your posture on slopesUphill: lean slightly forward
Downhill: lean back
This helps keep both you and the horse balanced and comfortable.
Be considerate of others and the surroundings
Please remember that riding levels may vary within the group. Ride calmly and keep a safe distance from others, especially children and beginner riders. Avoid riding fast near villages, cultivated fields, livestock, or grazing herds unless your guide instructs otherwise.
Rules for Horseback Riding in Kyrgyzstan
Introduction
Horseback riding is one of the most authentic and rewarding ways to explore Kyrgyzstan. Vast mountain landscapes, alpine pastures, and traditional nomadic routes create an unforgettable riding experience. To ensure your safety, the well-being of the horses, and respect for nature and local communities, we kindly ask all riders to follow the guidelines below.
Choose a professional tour operator or guide
Always ride with a licensed and experienced tour operator or local guide. A professional provider ensures:
Well-trained, healthy horses
Proper riding equipment
Knowledge of routes, terrain, and safety procedures
A responsible and respectful approach to local culture and nature
This guarantees both safety and a high-quality experience.
Wear appropriate clothing and riding gear
Comfort and safety start with the right clothing:
Closed-toe shoes or riding boots with a small heel
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Rain or wind protection if needed
Helmets are strongly recommended and provided when available.
Follow your guide’s instructions
Before and during the ride, your guide will explain:
How to sit correctly in the saddle
How to control the horse
How to behave on different types of terrain
Please listen carefully and do not hesitate to ask questions. Your guide is there to support you and ensure a smooth ride.
Respect nature, wildlife, and local life
Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes are pristine and fragile. As responsible riders, we ask you to:
Leave no trash behind
Avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock
Stay on established trails
Respect local villages, shepherds, and grazing areas
Preserving nature is part of preserving the experience.
Follow basic safety rules
Horseback riding is an adventure activity and requires awareness:
Always ride at a pace suitable for the group
Avoid risky or reckless behavior
Keep a safe distance between horses
Inform your guide immediately if you feel uncomfortable or unwell
In case of any emergency, your guide will take appropriate action and provide assistance.
Conclusion
Horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan is more than an activity — it is a journey into nature, culture, and tradition. By following these simple rules, you help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience for yourself, your fellow riders, the horses, and the beautiful landscapes that make this country so special.
🧳 What to Know Before Your Ride
👕 What to Wear
Closed-toe shoes are required for safety.
We strongly recommend long pants to prevent chafing and irritation.
Bring layered clothing, as weather conditions can change quickly. Horseback riding is not an aerobic activity, so you may feel cooler than while hiking.
Gloves are optional but recommended for extra comfort when holding the reins.
🧥 Adjusting Clothing During the Ride
If you need to add or remove a jacket or layer, please inform your guide first. Sudden movements or rustling clothing can startle some horses. Our horsemen know each horse well and will help you adjust safely and calmly.
💧 Food, Water & Energy
Please eat well before your ride and stay hydrated. While riding is not high-intensity, it does engage muscles you may not use often, and you may feel pleasantly tired afterward.
📸 Photos & Personal Items
You will want to bring a camera or phone — the views from horseback are truly unforgettable.
Secure all items (cameras, water bottles, bags) to yourself or your saddle.
If taking photos or drinking water, always keep one hand on the reins.
Dropping objects unexpectedly can frighten even calm and experienced horses.
🐴 Around Horses: Important Safety Tips
Never walk directly behind a horse. Horses have blind spots, especially behind the tail, and may react to sudden movement or sound.
Keep at least 2 meters (6 feet) distance from the rear of a horse.
If you must pass close by, speak calmly so the horse knows you are there.
If you wish to pet a horse, ask your guide — some horses enjoy attention, while others prefer space after a day’s work.
🧠 Understanding Your Horse
Horses are intelligent, sensitive animals, each with their own personality. Unlike vehicles, they make independent decisions and respond to calm, confident guidance. If a situation feels unexpected, remain relaxed, follow your guide’s instructions, and communicate clearly with your horse.
👶 Children & Horseback Riding
Children are often very excited about riding! In Kyrgyz culture, horses play an important role, and riding skills are learned from a young age.
We recommend ages 7+ for short rides
Ages 10+ for multi-day or overnight rides
For younger children, our guides can arrange a short, gentle led ride on a calm horse.
🌿 Our Horses & Horsemen
Our horsemen carefully select gentle, experienced, and sure-footed horses that are well suited for mountain terrain. The health and well-being of the animals are a top priority, as horses are an essential part of daily life and culture in Kyrgyzstan. Horses hold a special place in Kyrgyz heritage, admired for their strength, intelligence, and spirit. Your guides and horsemen will do everything possible to ensure that both you and your horse enjoy a safe, memorable ride.
☐ Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) ☐ Reusable water bottle ☐ Small backpack or saddle bag (if needed) ☐ Phone or camera (securely attached)
🐎 Safety & Preparation
☐ Helmet fitted and fastened (provided if required) ☐ Stirrup length checked ☐ Saddle adjusted and comfortable ☐ Reins adjusted and understood ☐ Listen carefully to the guide’s instructions
🧠 Before Mounting
☐ Eat a light meal beforehand ☐ Stay hydrated ☐ Use the restroom before the ride ☐ Inform the guide of any concerns or medical conditions ☐ Ask questions if unsure — guides are here to help
📸 During the Ride
☐ Keep one hand on the reins at all times ☐ Secure loose items ☐ Maintain safe distance from other horses ☐ Follow the guide’s pace and route
👶 Children (if applicable)
☐ Age meets tour requirements ☐ Comfortable with instructions ☐ Properly fitted helmet ☐ Parental approval confirmed
🌿 Final Reminder
✔ Respect your horse, fellow riders, and local surroundings ✔ Stay calm and confident ✔ Enjoy the journey — the best views are from horseback!
🐎 Why Kyrgyzstan Is the Ultimate Horse Riding Destination
Kyrgyzstan Culture
Kyrgyzstan is one of the few places in the world where horseback riding is not a touristic activity — it is a way of life. Shaped by centuries of nomadic culture and dramatic mountain landscapes, the country offers an authentic riding experience unlike anywhere else. Whether you are a first-time rider or an experienced equestrian, horse riding in Kyrgyzstan allows you to explore remote valleys, alpine lakes, and traditional villages at the natural pace of the land — on horseback.
🌿 Untouched Nature Made for Riding
Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes feel as if they were designed for horses. Vast alpine pastures, wide valleys, mountain plateaus, and high passes stretch endlessly across the country. Riding through these open spaces, you will encounter nomadic families living in yurts, herds of horses and sheep, soaring eagles, and wildflowers covering the summer meadows. From the high-altitude pastures of Song-Kul to the striking red sandstone cliffs of Jeti-Ögüz, every route offers a new and unforgettable view. The sense of freedom and silence found in Kyrgyz nature is something modern travelers rarely experience elsewhere.
🐴 Horses of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz horses are perfectly adapted to mountain life. Slightly smaller than European breeds yet stronger than they appear, they are known for their endurance, balance, and calm temperament. These horses are raised by local nomads and used daily for herding and long-distance travel. This makes them sure-footed on rocky trails, river crossings, and mountain slopes. Their steady nature makes them suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, even on multi-day journeys.
🪑 Saddles & Riding Comfort
Most tours use traditional Kyrgyz saddles, designed for long hours in the saddle. They feature a solid wooden frame with padding that distributes weight evenly and keeps both rider and horse comfortable over extended distances. For riders who prefer a more familiar setup, modern trekking saddles can also be arranged on certain routes. Combined with experienced horses, this ensures a safe and comfortable riding experience across varied terrain.
💰 Affordable & Authentic Experiences
Compared to Europe or North America, horse riding tours in Kyrgyzstan are remarkably affordable — without sacrificing quality or authenticity. Typically, the price includes:
A trained horse and riding equipment
An experienced local guide
Accommodation in yurts or tents
Full meals prepared with local products
Instead of luxury hotels, you stay under the stars, share meals with nomadic families, and experience real mountain life — making the journey deeply personal and unforgettable.
☀️ Best Time for Horse Riding
The main horse riding season in Kyrgyzstan runs from June to September, when high mountain pastures are accessible and weather conditions are ideal.
Summer: Lush meadows, alpine lakes, and nomadic camps
Spring & Autumn: Excellent for lower-altitude valleys and shorter rides
Each season offers its own colors, atmosphere, and cultural moments.
🧭 Local Guides & Horsemen
Local horsemen are the heart of every riding tour. Raised around horses and mountains, they possess unmatched knowledge of trails, weather, and animal care. Beyond navigation, guides share stories of nomadic traditions, daily life, and the deep cultural bond between Kyrgyz people and horses. While English-speaking guides are available, even language barriers never limit the warmth, hospitality, and professionalism you will experience.
🐎 Why Ride with Mars Travelstan?
Horse riding in Kyrgyzstan is more than an activity — it is a journey into culture, nature, and tradition. With carefully selected horses, trusted local horsemen, and thoughtfully designed routes, Mars Travelstan offers experiences that are safe, authentic, and deeply meaningful. 👉 Ride where horses belong. Ride where nomads still live. Ride Kyrgyzstan.
A high mountain lake surrounded by endless pastures. Ride across green jailoos (summer pastures), meet nomads, and enjoy sleeping in yurts under the stars. Best for: multi-day horse treks, beginner-friendly routes.
Chong-Kemin Valley
A beautiful and peaceful valley with forests, rivers, and alpine meadows. Perfect for 1–2 day horse trips and family-friendly rides. Best for: short scenic rides, cultural immersion.
Altyn Arashan & Ala-Kul Area
Ride through pine forests and valleys towards the hot springs of Altyn Arashan or even up to the legendary Ala-Kul Lake. Best for: adventure riders, mountain lovers.
Kyzyl-Oi & Suusamyr Valley
Explore authentic mountain villages and less-touristic paths. Ride among red canyons, high plateaus, and shepherd camps. Best for: off-the-beaten-path explorers.
Naryn & At-Bashy Region
Experience the wild heart of Kyrgyzstan. Long-distance horse treks lead through untouched landscapes and ancient Silk Road routes. Best for: experienced riders and long treks.
🏕️ What to Expect on a Horse Trek
Local guide and horses provided
Accommodation in yurts or local guesthouses
Meals prepared by locals
Luggage carried by horses (for long rides)
Riding time: 3–6 hours per day
🌟 Popular Horse Trek Tours by Mars Travel
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Prepare for your equestrian adventure
understand what awaits you on our tours. learn about daily routines, the horses we use, and the riding experience needed. get ready for an authentic and rewarding experience.
Daily routines
Each day unfolds with horseback journeys, camp setups, and cultural immersion.
Horses
Explore Kyrgyzstan on sturdy, surefooted local breeds, ideal for mountain terrain.
Experience
Tours cater to various skill levels, from novice to experienced riders.
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