In the Sary Chelek area of the Tien Shan mountains, about 10-12 hours drive south west of Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishek.
Still with limited Western influence, Kyrgyzstan is one of our wilder destinations. A beautiful mountainous country where the horse is still an integral part of life and local culture. It is a land of mountains, walnut forests and alpine meadows dotted with yurts – the round felt tents still lived in by the semi-nomadic shepherds of the area. The Sary Chelek area is a remote “Garden of Eden” with seven lakes, gorgeous wild flowers – everything from hollyhocks to orchids – and fruit orchards. Bears and wolves inhabit the mountains (although are rarely seen) and eagles and griffon vultures soar over the high passes.
The adventurous, who love the outdoors and want to experience unspoilt wilderness and learn about a culture so different to the west. You need to be fit and happy to ‘rough it’, riding long hours in all weather and coping without luxuries in a simple camp at the end of a long day. You also need to be able to deal with the unexpected with good humour – the quid pro quo of travelling in a country with a relatively unsophisticated tourist infrastructure.
Riding through stunning mountain scenery in one of the world’s last wildernesses; crossing a high pass in the “celestial mountains”, tasting ‘koumiss’ – the local hooch made from fermented mares’ milk – visiting local semi-nomadic shepherds in their colourful yurts, watching a game of ‘ulak’ – goat polo – and experiencing a completely different lifestyle and culture. To escape the everyday, be part of and enjoy a real adventure!
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