Salam! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, specialists in scenic horse riding trips across Central Asia.
“I’d love to try riding a horse, but is it okay for a beginner?” “I want an experience abroad that’s out of the ordinary.” If that sounds like you, the perfect fit is our 4-day, 3-night Issyk-Kul & Chong-Kemin tour departing July 18.
July is the very best season in Kyrgyzstan. Endless blue skies, the Tian Shan mountains capped with snow even in summer, and crystal-clear Issyk-Kul, known as the Pearl of Central Asia.
Four guests have already signed up, so this is a chance to travel at an even better price!
*Update, March 4
Due to flight ticket arrangements, the tour has changed from 5 days/4 nights to 4 days/3 nights. With one day fewer, the price is now lower. Although the itinerary is a day shorter, rest assured that all the main highlights are packed into the 4 days.
*Update, March 6
Thanks to great demand, the tour is now full! Thank you so much. If you would still like to join, it will need to be arranged as a group tour, so please get in touch with us.
5 Highlights of This Tour
① Beginner-Friendly! Relaxed, Reassuring Riding Through Stunning Scenery
“I’d like to ride, but I’m nervous because I’ve never done it…” Don’t worry! This is a slow-paced tour designed for beginners.
Our local staff will give you a simple riding lesson before you set off, and little by little you’ll enjoy the feeling of becoming one with nature.
② A Route Overlooking Issyk-Kul, the Pearl of Central Asia, and Chong-Kemin National Park
Lying at 1,600 m above sea level, Issyk-Kul is the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Surrounded by 4,000 m-class peaks, it has the open, expansive feel of the sea. The sparkling surface of the lake in July is a must-see.
In Chong-Kemin National Park, you’ll ride leisurely around a village surrounded by the Tian Shan mountains. Find your rhythm with your horse and enjoy a calm, soothing ride.
③ Experience Kyrgyz Nomadic Culture: a World Heritage Site, Bread Making and Falconry
Make boorsok, the traditional fried bread that is a staple of the nomads’ table, together with locals; soak up the romance of the Silk Road at the World Heritage Burana Tower; and take photos with an eagle.
We value experiences that go beyond ordinary sightseeing and let you dive deep into Kyrgyz nomadic culture.
④ Recharge at Our Relaxing Base, Ashu Guesthouse
Our base, Ashu Guesthouse in Chong-Kemin, is a relaxing space full of the warmth of wood. It’s highly rated on Google Maps at ★4.5 from 412 reviews! (as of February 2026)
As an ASHU TRAVEL perk, you can use the pool for free! Cool down after riding, and in the evening enjoy the luxury of gazing at the starry sky around a campfire.
*As of March, the sauna is under maintenance. The pool has been fixed!
⑤ Meals, Accommodation, Riding and a Japanese-Speaking Guide All Included
Transport, meals, accommodation, riding and cultural experiences are all included, for a worry-free, nearly all-inclusive trip.
With a Japanese-speaking guide accompanying you, you can understand the history and culture more deeply. Help with shopping and currency exchange is no problem either.
*Alcohol and airfare are not included.
Who This Tour Is For
Among ASHU TRAVEL’s lineup, this tour is a beginner-friendly riding course where you can enjoy nature and culture at a relaxed pace.
- Riding beginners: For those who want to fulfill the dream of “someday traveling on horseback.” This isn’t long hours in the saddle, but gentle riding for relaxation.
- Not confident about your stamina? No problem: All accommodations have toilets, showers and Wi-Fi. There is no outdoor camping.
- Those who want to enjoy cultural experiences: Ideal for anyone interested not only in stunning scenery but also in local life and history.
*The riding level of the tour is set to match the first guest who signs up.
Itinerary
July 18–21, 2026 (4 days, 3 nights)
■ Day 1 | July 18 (Sat) [Arrival in Kyrgyzstan & Rest at a Hotel in the City]
At Manas airport, a staff member holding an ASHU TRAVEL sign will meet you and take you to your hotel by private vehicle. Late-night arrivals are fully supported.
◎Meals: none
◎Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek (shower, flush toilet, Wi-Fi) (elevation: approx. 800 m)
■ Day 2 | July 19 (Sun) [Transfer to the Chong-Kemin Valley & Boorsok Making and Riding]
Drive by private vehicle to the Chong-Kemin Valley. Try making boorsok, the traditional fried bread. In the afternoon, ride around the village (approx. 5 km). You can also use the sauna & pool, an ASHU TRAVEL perk.
◎Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
◎Accommodation: Ashu Guesthouse (shower, flush toilet, Wi-Fi) (elevation: approx. 1,200 m)
■ Day 3 | July 20 (Mon) [Transfer to Issyk-Kul Region & Scenic Riding]
Drive by private vehicle to the Issyk-Kul region, enjoying views of the beautiful lake from the window. On arrival, you’ll ride on whichever route is in the best condition that day, choosing from lake, village and mountain routes. Then enjoy Kyrgyz culture with a traditional falconry photo session or a visit to a hot spring.
*Falconry is planned this time, but if it’s too hot or raining the bird can’t fly, in which case we’ll go to a hot spring instead. (They’re animals, so we appreciate your understanding.)
*Riding routes vary depending on the season and weather. Thank you in advance for your understanding; this is for your safety.
*The hunting demonstration uses a fake: a stuffed rabbit dressed in fox fur. Afterward, the bird is rewarded with chicken.
◎Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
◎Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in the Issyk-Kul region
(elevation: approx. 1,600 m)
■ Day 4 | July 21 (Tue) [Visit the World Heritage Burana Tower & Return to Bishkek, Airport Transfer]
Visit the 11th-century ruins of Burana Tower, a World Heritage Site. Your guide will tell you about the history of the Silk Road.
Then return to Bishkek for shopping at a bazaar or department store. It’s perfect for finding souvenirs such as fruit, nuts and traditional crafts (your guide will pick the best places, taking traffic and weather into account).
In the evening, we’ll take you to the airport in time for your flight.
◎Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
◎Accommodation: none
(elevation: approx. 800 m)
Price
The price per person varies depending on the number of participants. Four guests have signed up so far, and we’re looking for one more!
| Number of participants | Price per person (USD) |
| 1 person | $2,600 |
| 2 people | $1,250 |
| 3 people | $980 |
| 4–5 people | $850← Current status! |
What’s included in the price
- Hotel and guesthouse accommodation throughout the tour
- All meals throughout the tour
- Riding experiences and admission fees to sightseeing sites
- Japanese-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Vehicle, driver and fuel throughout the tour
- Support with trip preparation
Not included in the price
- Round-trip airfare
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
We’ll Support You Throughout Your Tour
Nuriya (Dushalieva Nuriya), Director of ASHU TRAVEL
A professional guide who has guided more than 3,000 people, and the director of ASHU TRAVEL. She supervised the planning of this tour and directs things behind the scenes so that everyone can safely enjoy the depths of Kyrgyzstan.
*Your guide on the day will not necessarily be Nuriya. A Japanese-speaking guide who shares her spirit of hospitality will accompany you.
Sugi
In charge of customer support. As the point of contact for our guests in Japan, I’m with you every step of the way, from trip preparation to easing any worries on the ground. I’ll do everything I can so you can enjoy an “out-of-the-ordinary trip” with peace of mind.
What Makes ASHU Different: Our Shared Tour System
To help as many people as possible discover the charms of Central Asia, we use a system where the price gets cheaper as more people join.
- Price confirmation: The final price is confirmed “3 weeks before” departure. This means that if other guests sign up before then, the price may go down, and conversely, if there are cancellations, it may go up.
- Peace of mind: Even if there are cancellations after the price is confirmed 3 weeks before, the amount you pay will not increase. You can book with confidence.
For more details about the system, please also see this article.
From Booking to Tour Day
① Inquiry & booking request: Contact us via the form or LINE
First, please let us know the name of the tour you’re interested in via our contact form or official LINE account.
② Book your flights
Please book your own flights.
③ Confirmed booking: Fill in the dedicated form
After we hear from you, our staff will send you the “confirmed booking form.” This form is an important step for safety management in case of emergency, where we check details such as your blood type, allergies and health condition.
④ Cancellation policy applies Once your booking is complete, the following cancellation policy applies.
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From 18:01 21 days before the tour to 18:00 10 days before: 20% of the tour price
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From 18:01 10 days before the tour to 18:00 3 days before: 30% of the tour price
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From 18:01 3 days before the tour until the start time on the day: 50% of the tour price
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After the start time on the day of the tour: 100% of the tour price
⑤ Final price confirmed 3 weeks before departure
At ASHU TRAVEL, the price varies according to the number of participants.
- If more people join: The price goes down.
- If there are cancellations: The price may go up.
- Confirmation timing: The final amount to pay is confirmed “3 weeks before departure.” Even if the number of participants changes after that, the confirmed price will not change.
We confirm the price 3 weeks in advance so you can book with peace of mind. Even if someone cancels within 3 weeks of departure, your price won’t change.
⑥ Join the tour & pay locally in US dollars
As a rule, we ask for payment in “US dollars cash.” This lets us cut costs such as card processing fees and give that back to you by raising the quality of our tours.
Please hand the payment to your guide at breakfast at Ashu Guesthouse on day 2 of the tour.
About Booking Flights
Please arrange your own flights.
Example Flights of Guests Joining This Tour
[Outbound] 7/18 TW302 Kansai ⇒ Incheon / TW437 Incheon ⇒ Bishkek (arr. 23:15)
[Return] 7/22 TW438 Bishkek (dep. 00:30) ⇒ Incheon / TW305 Incheon ⇒ Kansai
FAQ (Q&A)
We’ve put together answers to common worries and questions about the tour. If your question isn’t here, feel free to contact us via LINE or another channel!
[About Riding and Health]
Q: How much riding experience do I need?
A: Riding beginners can join this tour. Since the riding is relaxed, experienced riders may find it a little too easy.
Q: I’m worried about altitude sickness.
A: Because you’ll stay at elevations of 1,600 m or more, you may notice changes in how you feel. If you have any health concerns, be sure to consult a doctor beforehand.
In addition, in case of a fall from a horse or illness, travel insurance with “unlimited medical treatment and rescue coverage” is required. We also recommend bringing preventive medication.
Q: Which insurance should I get?
A: We currently have no partnership with any particular insurance company, so we can’t name one, but we recommend plans that meet the following three conditions.
- Required: Medical treatment and rescue coverage of ¥30,000,000 or more ASHU TRAVEL requires this level of coverage. Advanced medical care in countries like Kyrgyzstan and emergency evacuation to Japan can be very expensive, so ¥30,000,000 or more is the safe line.
- Required: Coverage for the countries you visit Check in advance that the policy will properly apply if something happens in your destination country. A “worldwide” or “Asia” setting is usually fine, but it’s important to double-check.
- Recommended: Japanese-language chat support Even if you panic in an emergency, it’s reassuring to have a help desk you can consult in Japanese via LINE or a dedicated app. Even in places where phone calls are difficult, you may be able to call for help by message if you have Wi-Fi.
For more details on choosing insurance, please also see this article.
▶︎ How to Choose the Right Insurance for a Central Asia Riding Trip
[About Accommodation and Cancellations]
Q: What is the accommodation like?
A: At guesthouses and hotels, rooms are generally shared and separated by gender. If you would like to share a room with family or friends, please let us know in advance and we’ll prioritize arranging it.
Q: What happens to the price if someone cancels on a shared tour?
A: Until 3 weeks before departure, the price varies with cancellations and additional participants. If someone cancels and the number of participants drops, the price may go up, in which case we’ll let you know by email 3 weeks before.
Once the price is confirmed 3 weeks before departure, we will not charge any additional fees even if the number of participants changes afterward.
[About Clothing and What to Bring]
Q: What should I wear?
A: Kyrgyzstan is hot in July, but at higher elevations it can get cold in the mornings and evenings. Please bring a light down jacket and a windproof jacket.
- Recommended layers: T-shirt + light down jacket + light jacket (put on and take off as needed)
- While riding: You can leave bulky outerwear in the vehicle or at your accommodation.
Q: Is there anything I absolutely must bring?
A: Please refer to the checklist below.
- Essentials: Warm clothing, rain gear (a poncho, etc.), sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves (riding gloves or work gloves are fine), a power bank, and any regular medication.
- Handy to have: Motion sickness medicine, pain-relief patches (for sore muscles and bruises).
- For fun: A swimsuit (for the sauna and pool at Ashu Guesthouse).
Q: Do you lend riding equipment?
A: We lend half chaps and helmets. You’re also welcome to bring your own.
[About Money]
Q: How should I handle payments and currency locally?
A: The tour price is generally paid locally in US dollars. For shopping, cards are accepted at most shops, but if you want cash, note that Japanese yen cannot be exchanged. Be sure to bring “US dollars in cash.”
- Tour price: Please pay in US dollars cash at the hotel on day 1.
- Pocket money: Around $50 for food, drinks and souvenirs should be plenty. You can exchange US dollars for Kyrgyz som locally.
- Using cards: Cards can be used in Bishkek and Almaty, but in rural areas and at bazaars it’s cash only.
A Soothing Journey of Sparkling Summer Lakeshores and the Sound of Hooves
Summer in Kyrgyzstan is overflowing with life. Swaying on horseback while gazing at the shimmering blue Issyk-Kul and a national park full of lush greenery is a truly healing experience.
“I want to start riding while enjoying beautiful scenery.” “I want to immerse myself in a foreign culture.”
ASHU TRAVEL will support you as you take that first step.
Three guests have signed up so far, and we’re waiting for new travel companions!
Contact Us
Even if you’re just “a little curious,” feel free to reach out.
▶︎ Contact form
https://ashu-travel.com/en/contact/
▶︎ Instagram (DMs welcome)
@ashutravel_jp
