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120 hours
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Spend five days on horseback like a Kyrgyz nomad, exploring the heart of the rugged Alay mountains in the south of Kyrgyzstan. Spend four nights in yurts with Kyrgyz host families who spend their summers tending and protecting their herds of sheep, cattle, and horses. On the fourth day, summit Ak Tor Pass and enjoy the sweeping expanse of the Alay Valley unfolded on all sides.
-Scenic mountain views at Airy Bell (2956 m) and Ak Tor (4,185 m) mountain passes where you’ll feel as though you’ve landed on another planet.
-Sleeping in a traditional yurt where you’ll have an opportunity to meet Kyrgyz shepherds, learn about traditional nomadic culture, and enjoy home-cooked meals.
-Community-Based Tourism. Your use of us will contribute to local communities.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Note: No prior horseback riding experience necessary.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private transportation
Horseman
Horses
Gas with stove for hot tea/coffee
English speaking guide
Horse to carry your gear 15 kg/person
Hotel and meals in Osh city
Services outside of the standard program
Alcoholic drinks
Travel and health Insurance
Flights or other domestic/international transport
Tips
Sleeping bags
Select a pickup point
Overnight in yurt camp
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Alay Mountains
Distance: 12 km riding. Ascent: 1218 m; Descent: 154 m. Start your ride up a dirt road after driving to Gulcha from Osh along the Pamir Highway. The road follows the Kara Bulak stream towards the Tepshi camp, passing shepherds’ yurts set up among junipers. Near the top of the climb, you will leave the road for a trail ascending the ridge on the left. Here, you will eat lunch and enjoy the rugged mountains of the Alay across the gorge formed by the Gulcha river. At the end of the ridge, you will descend into the Tepshi camp to meet with your host for the night. Dinner.
Overnight in yurt camp
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Alay Mountains
Distance: 14 km. Ascent: 613 m; Descent: 1087 m. Breakfast. Start the day heading up to Airy Bell Pass on a small trail starting from your yurt. A steep, hour-long ride will bring you to the summit and an impressive panorama of the Kum Bell Mountains to the west. Descend to the Cholo Kaiyng Gorge and stop for lunch. In the gorge, a dirt road follows a small river to the Sary Oi camp. Arrive at your yurts and join your hosts in the daily activities of nomads. Dinner.
Overnight in yurt camp
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Alay Mountains
Distance: 13 km. Ascent: 1020 m; Descent: 223 m. Breakfast. The third day starts with a demonstration of milking and making dairy products from horse and cow milk. After an easy morning, descend from Sary Oi summer camp to the river and turn upstream, skirting a precipitous gorge. Eat lunch near a shepherd’s tent with a new view of the craggy mountain ridge you descended the previous day. Continue along meandering trails through a pine forest towards the foot of Ak Tor Pass. Arrive at a private yurt. Dinner.
Overnight in yurt camp
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Alay Mountains
Distance: 14 km. Ascent: 757 m; Descent: 1283 m. Breakfast. Cross the headwaters of the river and ride south towards the entrance of the pass. A short, but steep 500 meters ride up brings you to the summit of Ak Tor Pass. On the way up, admire the sharp rock walls of the Asan Korgon range. At the highest point of your horseback ride, rest for a lunch with a side of the majestic Alay mountain ranges. Descend from the pass along a new stream to a final dirt road. Near the end of the day, ride on to Uch Chat summer camp and your host’s yurt. Dinner.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Alay Mountains
Distance: 18 km. Ascent: 846 m; Descent: 1515 m. Breakfast. The final day of riding follows the road to Murdash village. Start by riding up to Kosh Moinok Pass. Once past the final rise, snake down through Murdash valley toward your lunch among numerous shepherds’ yurt and shelters. Early in summer, herds of horses, cattle, and sheep laze in the grass on the sides of the road. At the end of summer, locals mow the grass with a scythe. Finally, arrive at end drive back to Osh city.
Pickup included
42 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Q465BPmayat,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
A heartening and unforgettable 5D4N horse-riding adventure through Osh and the Alay Mountains with two of my friends in late August! Beyond the breathtaking scenery and perfect timing of our visit, it was our guide, Baiysh, our horseman, Manas, and the incredible people we met along the way who truly made this journey so special. Baiysh was exceptionally knowledgeable and accommodating. He understood our group dynamic perfectly and went above and beyond to ensure our needs were met throughout the trip. His deep insights and stories added so much richness to our experience, helping us see Kyrgyzstan through a more meaningful lens. We were so fortunate to have him as our guide. Manas, our horseman, was equally wonderful. Patient, humourous, and always attentive. He took such great care of us and his horses over all five days, making the ride both safe and enjoyable. Even when there were last-minute changes to our plans, Baiysh always discussed them openly with us, ensuring we were comfortable and happy. His flexibility and thoughtfulness maximized our experience in every way. Everywhere we went, we were met with genuine warmth, incredible hospitality, and kindness from our hosts, something that will stay with us long after the trip ended. This adventure is perfect for anyone seeking something new and open to learning about this unique way of life. I would highly recommend Baiysh to anyone looking for an authentic and meaningful experience in Kyrgyzstan. Do note that some level of fitness is required for the horse-riding trek!

Peibles,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The trip was really enjoyable, the guide we had was really helpful and considerate. The horses are very well behaved. Highly recommend :)
Voyager02925628003,
Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had an unforgettable experience with VisitAlay during a 3-day horse trek in the Alay mountains. From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, and the beauty of the landscape left us speechless — endless green valleys, wild horses galloping freely, and panoramic views that felt straight out of a dream. Our guides, Nur Sultan and Jesh Tek, were absolutely amazing. They took the time to teach us how to ride properly, even though most of us were beginners, and they made sure everyone felt safe and confident on the horses. But what really stood out was how they shared their knowledge and love of Kyrgyz nomadic culture. We learned so much — not just about the history and traditions, but also got to experience it. One night, they even taught us a Kyrgyz card game around the yurt stove, which made for a fun and cozy evening! Timur, the coordinator, was incredibly professional and kind — he answered all our questions promptly and made the logistics smooth and stress-free. You could feel that the whole team really cares about giving guests an authentic and memorable experience. The yurts where we stayed were also a highlight — traditional, clean, and comfortable, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Waking up there felt magical. Overall, the 3-day horse trek with VisitAlay was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. If you want to discover the real Kyrgyzstan, with genuine hospitality, stunning nature, and rich culture, don’t hesitate. This is the adventure you’re looking for.




C5374HLkimberlys,
Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I honestly don’t even know where to begin when it comes to how amazing our 5-day Truly Nomadic horse trek was. From the very first contact with Visit Alay, to working with Timur—who skillfully arranged a trek between two others to fit our schedule—the experience was phenomenal. Timur was warm, friendly, and incredibly helpful throughout. Our tour guide Tariel was beyond amazing, along with Shecker and Tolkun, were the ultimate horsemen. All 3 of them were such gracious hosts and took wonderful care of us—it’s hard to put into words but they took care of literally everything. The horses themselves were absolute superstars. Staying in yurts with the warmest and welcoming families, enjoying delicious food and picnics on the trail, and soaking in the stunning views and scenery all on horseback — it all felt surreal, like stepping into an alternate universe. Then there was our tour buddies Alice and Merl, we could not have dreamed up better tour buddies if we tried. (You girls rock!) As a whole group we ate together, played checkers, we all laughed ALOT, we danced under the stars and took polaroid photos for keepsakes and created a whatsapp group to all stay in touch. Thank you Visit Alay, Timur, Tariel, Shecker, Tolkun (and my amazing horse Elvis) for one of the most memorable trips of my life time, this and you will stay in my heart forever






merleb435,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had the best 5 days of my life. If I could do this trip again I would do it in a heartbeat!! Me and my best friend did the nomadic 5 day horse trek with two other people who were a couple and the best people ever laughed for 5 days straight. We had the most incredible guide and horsemen they were the best! So fun so kind so helpful just all round incredible!! They made this experience as well as the local yurts we stayed in, the family’s were magical and so hospitable and so so fun! The views on this trip are insane and unforgettable. Thank you so much to visit Alay for this trip!!










philippevN9635EC,
Jun 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
There is honestly not much more you could ask for in a trip; incredible food prepared by nomads in the mountains, great views and guides who keep it fun while having great knowledge of the area in order to keep it safe. The only advice I’d give is that it gets colder than you think on the mountain and don’t drink more fermented horse milk than they suggest.




Maps30185847613,
Jun 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Absolutely phenomenal trip with Visit Alay in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Our guides Aibek and Bakt were fantastic. It was a really unique experience to see the Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle which wouldn’t have been possible without Visit Alay who arranged all trekking (on horseback and on foot), accommodation, food and drivers - all for a very reasonable price. We had originally only booked the 3 day horse trek but had a few more days in Kyrgyzstan and on very short notice Visit Alay suggested and arranged going to Sary Mogul (a village between the Alay and Pamir mountains) and hiking at the travelers pass at Lenin Peak base camp. I can’t recommend Visit Alay highly enough - we had an unforgettable trip thanks to them!



GChxxxx,
May 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What an amazing trip! My guides Dastan and Ysmaiylbek were fantastic, they were so friendly, fun and knowledgeable. They knew so much about the area having grown up in the mountain villages. They were so good with the horses and I felt completely at ease with them helping me through the horse trek. The scenery was spectacular and my phone is now full of amazing photos! We had lots of great conversations along the way and they taught me so much about the local culture. I really enjoyed the tour and it was the highlight of my trip!



dariopE2949GD,
Dec 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We went on this trip with great expectations, but it turned out better than we hoped for. We did the 8-day hike in the Pamir-Alay mountains and it is exceptionally well organized, the first day you start with a friendly trek to acclimatize to the height. Then once arrived at Sary-Mogul we had a traditional dinner and went to play volleyball with the locals at the town's school which was really cool. The next day we started the trip with a series of incredible views and treks and a picnic at the top of the trek. That night we spent it on a yurt where we had a traditional dinner and managed to watch the stars as clearly as I have ever seen them. The rest of the days were followed by trekking, eating, and enjoying the views these mountains give. The terrain changes constantly, from forest, to arid to snowy and grasslands. It was an incredible experience to see all the terrains Kyrgyzstan has to offer. The guides that we had, Dany and Dastan, were really cool guys. They made sure that we had everything er needed, gave us great advice regarding the treks, and knew all the roads. They were really friendly, and we immediately connected with them, and I can say that by the end of the trip we became really good friends. They spoke fluent English and we could connect easily. Everyone was more or less the same age and we were joking and laughing constantly. They also took really cool pictures of us ;). In summary, if you are aiming for a hiking trip in the region, I'd definitely recommend these guys, they are professional, friendly and experienced at what they do. All the best, Darío.





353b n dictel,
Sep 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a great time with Homar and Nur Sultan in the Alay mountains. Our kids enjoyed a lot, the landscapes are amazing, the horses very kind and well treated. The organization of the tour was very efficient. We fully recommend!









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