Follow The Shepherds' Path: A 3-day Horse Trek Through Hidden Valleys
About this tour
Tour Summary
Experience the authentic spirit of Kyrgyzstan on this 3-day horseback adventure through the little-known Hidden Valley (Ustunku Dolina) on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Ride across alpine pastures, high mountain ridges, and remote valleys while enjoying spectacular views of Lake Issyk-Kul, glaciers, and the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains. Meet local herding families, taste traditional kymyz, learn about nomadic traditions, and explore one of Kyrgyzstan's authentic valleys. With comfortable village accommodations and moderate daily riding, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Tour Highlights
-Three days of horseback riding through remote mountain landscapes and along countryside roads
-Panoramic views of Lake Issyk-Kul from elevations of up to 3,000 m
-Explore the hidden and little-visited Ustunku Dolina (Upper Valley)
-Experience authentic nomadic culture and mountain life
- Ride along ancient shepherds' trails leading to high summer pastures (syrt)
Quick Facts
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty: Moderate to Experienced (can be adapted to the level of group members)
Horse Riding: Approximately 14–18 hours total
Maximum Elevation: 3,000 m
Accommodation: Homestay and guesthouses
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Temir-Kanat, Kyrgyzstan
Day 1: Temir-Kanat Mountains and Panoramic Issyk-Kul Views Meet your guide in the morning and transfer from Bishkek to Temir-Kanat village. Begin your horseback journey through the scenic Temir-Kanat Mountains, riding across alpine pastures with distant views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Ascend to approximately 3,000 meters, where spectacular panoramic views open up across Lake Issyk-Kul and the mountains of Kazakhstan beyond. Along the way, meet local herding families who spend their summers in mountain pastures (jailoo) and enjoy a tasting of traditional kymyz (fermented mare's milk).
Day 2: Temir-Kanat, Kyrgyzstan to Toguzbulak, Kyrgyzstan
Day 2: Riding Through the Hidden Valley (Ustunku Dolina) After breakfast, transfer to Toguz-Bulak and begin riding through the breathtaking Ustunku Dolina (Upper Valley), also known as Kongur-Olon Valley. Stretching 80–100 km along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, this remote alpine valley sits at approximately 2,200 meters above sea level and is home to 12 small villages. Sheltered behind a mountain ridge, it remains one of the least-visited and most authentic regions of Kyrgyzstan. Ride along quiet country roads (around 15 km), green meadows, enjoying magnificent views of the valley and the lake below. Alternatively, on the way meet a traditional eagle hunter and learn about the centuries-old practice of eagle hunting. In the afternoon, continue riding into the mountains above Toguz-Bulak and Kok-Say villages before descending to the village. Overnight in a guesthouse in Toguz-Bulak village.
Day 3: Toguzbulak, Kyrgyzstan to Don Talaa, Dyongtala, Kyrgyzstan
Day 3: Shepherds' Trail to Kalkagar Today follows an ancient shepherds' route used for generations to move horses and sheep from the valley to the high summer pastures of the syrt. Ride westward through the Upper Valley toward Kalkagar village first along the countryside road (12 km) and then follow the road in the gorge towards a mountain pass used by shepherds to syrt jailoo. Riding as much as we can and in the evening return to Kongur-Olon village and stay with a local family. Next morning transfer to Bokonbaevo.
Day 4: Don Talaa, Dyongtala, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
In the morning, transfer back to Bishkek. On the way, visit the historic Burana Tower, a 10th–11th-century minaret and one of the most important remnants of the ancient Silk Road in Kyrgyzstan. Explore the archaeological site, see the stone balbals (ancient grave markers), and learn about the medieval city of Balasagun that once flourished here.
What's included
Route & locations
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Temir-Kanat, Kyrgyzstan