Same as IK-BKN-03T, but on horseback 5-6 hours per day.
Highlights
Same as IK-BKN-03T but on horseback — 5-6 hours in the saddle daily
Day-by-day itinerary
-
Day 1: Bokonbaevo – Ak-Sai Gorge – Kyzyl-Tuu (HBR)
After breakfast, transfer from Bokonbaevo Village to the Ak-Sai Gorge. From the gorge, mount up and ride with the guide along sheep trails up to the red canyon hills — a spectacular viewpoint over Issyk-Kul Lake. Pass ancient petroglyphs with the snow-covered Tian-Shan peaks to the south. Picnic lunch outdoors. In the afternoon, descend to Kyzyl-Tuu Village, whose residents are master yurt-makers supplying yurts across Kyrgyzstan and parts of Kazakhstan. Home-stay overnight with dinner at the host family.
-
Day 2: Kyzyl-Tuu – Ak-Terek – Shor-Kul Lake (HBR)
After a home-cooked breakfast, continue on horseback into the small dry gorge of Ak-Terek heading back towards the lakeside. Picnic-style lunch on the trail. Afterwards, reach Shor-Kul — among the saltiest lakes in the region, famous in summer for swimming and mud baths. Overnight in a mountain hut near the lake, dinner provided.
-
Day 3: Shor-Kul – Issyk-Kul Shore – Bokonbaevo (HBR)
After breakfast, ride along the Issyk-Kul lakeshore eastwards, then turn south through the striking dry canyons that lead back to the road. On arrival at Ak-Sai Gorge, dismount — local transport picks the group up and transfers them to Bokonbaevo Village. End of the tour.