Perfect for Your First Ride in Kyrgyzstan! Chon-Kemin & Silk Road World Heritage | From Bishkek, 2 Days / 1 Night [No Experience Needed]

Departure
Hotel in Bishkek
Season
Year-round
Destinations
Chon-Kemin Valley, Burana Tower
Accommodation
Ashu Guesthouse
Riding level
No experience No experience About riding levels
Riding distance
5〜km* Per riding day

Tour Highlights

  • Horse riding x Silk Road ruins in a quick 2 days / 1 night
    Scenic riding in Chon-Kemin Valley and a Silk Road tour of Burana Tower and the Ak-Beshim Ruins, packed into 2 days / 1 night. Even on a short stay, you can fully enjoy Kyrgyzstan's nature and history - a plan with outstanding value.
  • Follow the Silk Road footsteps of Xuanzang
    Visit Burana Tower, standing on the ruins of Balasagun, capital of the Kara-Khanid Khanate, and the Ak-Beshim Ruins (the site of Suyab), where the monk Xuanzang is said to have stopped. History you learned from textbooks comes vividly to life when you stand there.
  • Stay at Ashu Guesthouse, where guests keep coming back
    Delicious, entirely homemade dinners with nothing unnecessary added, comfortable private rooms, and a pool that is free for ASHU TRAVEL guests only. It's so popular that some guests come from abroad every year for the food and scenery. You can enjoy a campfire in the evening, too.
  • Meals, accommodation, transfers & English-speaking guide included - just bring yourself
    From pick-up in Bishkek to drop-off on the last day, leave everything to us.
    With one person serving as both guide and driver, we keep the quality while keeping the price reasonable.
Tour price (per adult)

$500–$900

  • 1 pax$900+ pp
  • 2 pax$600+ pp
  • 3 pax$500+ pp
  • The final price is fixed 3 weeks before the tour.
  • Until then, the price changes as travelers join or cancel. We will email you whenever it changes.

Included in the price

  • Accommodation at Ashu Guesthouse
  • All meals (day 1 lunch & dinner, day 2 breakfast & lunch)
  • Horse riding
  • English-speaking guide-driver throughout
  • Vehicle and fuel throughout
  • Boorsok making

Not included

  • Round-trip flights
  • Alcohol
  • Travel insurance

Schedule

Tour Price

  • 1 pax $900+ pp
  • 2 pax $600+ pp
  • 3 pax $500+ pp
* ASHU TRAVEL tours are “shared tours” by default, so they are easy to join even if you travel solo. A shared tour means several travelers share the same itinerary. You can book new dates and let others join you, or join a tour that is already confirmed. The more people join, the lower the price per person, so you save money and meet fellow travelers to explore Central Asia with. The final price is fixed 3 weeks before departure.Learn more

Destinations

  • Chon-Kemin Valley, Burana Tower (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Riding distance

5+ km/day * Per riding day

5+ km in total

Day 1
Close
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Horse Riding
None
Charging
○
wifi
○
Toilet
Flush toilet
Hot shower
Hot shower
Pool
○
  • Tour photo
    Pick-up at your hotel in Bishkek

    Drive by private vehicle to Chon-Kemin National Park
  • Tour photo
    Arrive in Chon-Kemin

    Check in to Ashu Guesthouse and try making boorsok, Kyrgyzstan's traditional fried bread

    They're amazing fresh out of the fryer - enjoy!
  • Tour photo
    Enjoy Ashu's homemade lunch, a favorite with repeat guests

    Packed with vegetables and full of nutrition
  • Tour photo
    Horse riding begins

    Ride up toward the summit and enjoy stunning Kyrgyz views over the whole village
  • Tour photo
    Enjoy a walk or the pool

    Guests of ASHU TRAVEL can use the pool for free
  • Tour photo
    Homemade dinner

    Enjoy traditional Kyrgyz dishes
  • Tour photo
    Campfire if the sky is clear

    Watch it quietly or chat with other guests - it's up to you

    Enjoy an evening in Chon-Kemin
    * Showers may run lukewarm at busy times (body wipes are handy)
  • Tour photo
    Relax in a comfortable room with warm wooden interiors
Day 2
Open
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Horse Riding
None
Elevation
1200
  • Tour photo
    Breakfast at Ashu Guesthouse

    Enjoy freshly baked bread, local honey, jam and more
  • Tour photo
    After breakfast, depart for Bishkek
  • Tour photo
    Visit Burana Tower, a Silk Road UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Learn about the history of Balasagun, capital of the Kara-Khanid Khanate

    Then visit the Ak-Beshim Ruins (the site of Suyab), where Xuanzang is said to have stopped on his way to India

    Feel the grand footsteps of the Silk Road
  • Tour photo
    Lunch of traditional Kyrgyz home cooking at a local home

    Guests love it and often tell us they want to come back

    Enjoy the warm taste of home cooking

  • Tour photo
    Drive to Bishkek by private vehicle

    Drop-off at the hotel in Bishkek that you have booked

Important Notes

* Excavation and research are still ongoing at the Ak-Beshim Ruins, so the area open to visitors may change.

* We can accommodate food allergies to some extent if you let us know in advance. Feel free to ask.

* The order of activities may change depending on the weather and traffic.

* Safety comes first in our horse riding. Cantering is possible where the terrain allows, but it may be called off if the instructor judges it unsuitable based on your match with the horse or the horse's condition.

* Depending on the route, your English-speaking guide may change partway through the tour.

* As a rule, the tour price is paid locally in cash in US dollars.

* If you prefer an international bank transfer, please send payment within a few days after the price is finalized 3 weeks before departure. Note that a $30 fee is charged separately for withdrawing the funds in Kyrgyzstan.

* The itinerary and contents may change depending on the weather and local conditions.

* Children under 5 cannot join this tour.

* Showers at yurts and guesthouses may run lukewarm at busy times. Body wipes are handy to bring.

* If we arrive late due to traffic or vehicle trouble, the hot water in the tank may have run out and the shower may not be usable. The hot water often comes back after a while, so please let your guide know. We do our best to keep you comfortable, but unexpected situations like this may cause some inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding.

* To keep prices down, rooms are generally shared, men with men and women with women. We will arrange for families and friends to share a room, so please let us know when booking.

* If you do not pay the single supplement, you may share a room with 2 to 5 people.

* Private rooms are available for an extra charge (hotels in Bishkek can be arranged as private rooms free of charge). Please select a private room in the options when sending your booking request. For accommodation not shown in the options, please ask when booking.

* Answers to common questions about our tours are collected in our FAQ, which we update regularly based on the questions we receive. Please take a look if anything is unclear.
https://ashu-travel.com/en/attention/

About the Accommodation

Photos of each place you will stay: facilities, highlights and the food you can enjoy there.

A comfortable guesthouse amid stunning scenery

DAY1

Ashu Guesthouse

Rated 4.5 stars on Google! (*) A guesthouse with stunning views, stylish private rooms and delicious food that keeps guests coming back.

Set in the rich nature of Chon-Kemin National Park, this comfortable guesthouse has heating, a flush toilet and a private shower in every room. With stylish, warm wooden interiors and rooms decorated with charming Kyrgyz patterns, it's a place to truly recover from your travels. There's also a cool pool in summer and a heated pool in winter. Enjoy the luxury of doing nothing in the calm air of the village.
*Google Maps rating based on 412 reviews as of February 2026

Please note that shower water may be lukewarm at busy times. Hot water is still available, so shifting your shower time a little will make it more comfortable.

Charging
○
wifi
○
Toilet
Flush toilet
Hot shower
○
Sauna
×
Pool
○
More details

*A cool pool is available in summer and a heated pool in winter
*Please bring a swimsuit
*The pool may be unavailable during maintenance

What You Will Experience

Refresh in the pool

Refresh in the pool

After riding or walking, head to the pool at Ashu Guesthouse. ASHU TRAVEL guests can use the pool for free. A cool pool in summer, a heated pool in winter. A pleasant time to refresh and loosen up in the mountain air.

Ashu's popular homemade food

Ashu's popular homemade food

Every dish is homemade with nothing unnecessary added, letting the ingredients shine. Kyrgyz food culture centers on meat, but at Ashu we serve plenty of vegetables too. Many guests come back, and some even travel from overseas every year just for the food.

Scenic riding in a national park

Scenic riding in a national park

Ride through the villages and mountains of a beautiful national park, and as you climb the hills, the Tian Shan mountains come into view in the distance. As you gain altitude, you'll feel as if you're getting closer to the sky. If you like, you can also try cantering at the nearby Kok-Boru national stadium.

*Cantering depends on the horses' condition and the weather. It may be stopped if the instructor judges it unsafe.

Relax by the campfire

Relax by the campfire

An evening watching the stars around a campfire is especially popular with travelers. Put down your camera and simply spend time with the fire, the stars and your companions. Moments like these are an important part of a trip to Kyrgyzstan. With luck, you may also meet travelers from other countries.

Freshly fried and delicious! Making boorsok

Freshly fried and delicious! Making boorsok

Make by hand the fried bread that villagers eat every day, together with local staff. A heartwarming time to experience Kyrgyz food culture.

Burana Tower, a Silk Road UNESCO World Heritage Site

Burana Tower, a Silk Road UNESCO World Heritage Site

A Karakhanid minaret built in the 9th century. See the ancient tower rising against the mountains and the balbal stone figures scattered around it.

Peace of mind with a Japanese-speaking guide

Peace of mind with a Japanese-speaking guide

Even in a place with a different language and culture, you can relax with a Japanese-speaking guide by your side. From meeting nomads to getting to the hot springs, we support you all the way. Even on your first trip to Central Asia, you can just bring yourself and dive in.

Options

Post-tour transfer: hotel to Manas Airport $70 / time

For your post-tour stay, we arrange a transfer from your hotel in Bishkek to Manas Airport

*Discounted to $40 if others need a transfer at the same time

*We will make the arrangements after you book

Pre-tour transfer: Manas Airport to hotel $70 / time

For your pre-tour stay, we arrange a transfer from Manas Airport to your hotel in Bishkek

*Discounted to $40 if others need a transfer at the same time

*We will make the arrangements after you book

Post-tour transfer & stay | Hotel to Manas Airport + single hotel room $150 / time

A package for your post-tour stay combining a transfer from the hotel to Manas Airport and a single hotel room

*$25 cheaper if transferred at the same time as others on the same tour

*We will adjust this after you book

*Select 1 for one person, or 2 for two people in separate rooms

Pre-tour transfer & stay | Manas Airport to hotel + single hotel room $150 / time

A package for your pre-tour stay combining a transfer from Manas Airport to the hotel and a single hotel room

*$25 cheaper if transferred at the same time as others on the same tour

*We will adjust this after you book

*Select 1 for one person, or 2 for two people in separate rooms

Post-tour transfer & stay | Hotel to Manas Airport + twin hotel room $160 / time

A package for your post-tour stay combining a transfer from the hotel to Manas Airport and a twin hotel room

*The price is for 2 people, covering the transfer and one twin hotel room

Pre-tour transfer & stay | Manas Airport to hotel + twin hotel room $160 / time

A package for your pre-tour stay combining a transfer from Manas Airport to the hotel and a twin hotel room

*The price is for 2 people, covering the transfer and one twin hotel room

For those arriving early or staying on! Guided 1-day horse riding near Bishkek $190+ / tour

Ride in a beautiful location, with cantering possible depending on your skill

[4-hour riding] 1 person $450 / 2 people $280 / 3 people $220 / 4 people $190 (per person)

[6-hour riding] 1 person $520 / 2 people $330 / 3 people $270 / 4 people $230 (per person)

*Cheaper with an English-speaking guide (4 hours: 1 person $380 / 2 people $250 / 3 people $200 / 4 people $180)

*A Japanese- or English-speaking guide-driver accompanies you for the day

*Includes round-trip transfers from your hotel in Bishkek (about 40 minutes each way), lunch, and helmet/chaps rental

*Maximum 4 people due to vehicle seating. Please contact us for 5 or more

*If others join after you book, the price will go down

▶ See full details of the intensive riding course

For those arriving early or staying on! Ala-Archa & bazaar day tour with a Japanese-speaking guide (1-3 people) $200+ / tour

A light hike and cable car ride in Ala-Archa National Park, with views of stunning mountains.

Lunch is traditional Kyrgyz food at a local restaurant recommended by your guide.

In the evening, shop for souvenirs at a bazaar with your guide

1 person from $350 / 2, 3 or more people from $200 per person

(Adjustments may apply depending on the itinerary and transfer route)

*If others join after you book, the price will go down

▶ See full details of the Ala-Archa day tour

Kazakhstan excursion: Charyn Canyon + Kaindy + Kolsai, 2 days / 1 night Contact us / varies by group size & season

A luxurious 2 days / 1 night trip to Charyn Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Central Asia; Kaindy, the mysterious sunken forest; and the emerald-green Kolsai Lakes.

Kazakhstan day tour: city sightseeing & Kok-Tobe cable car $150+ / varies by group size & season

A day tour combining Almaty city sightseeing with stunning views from Kok-Tobe Hill, reached by cable car

Enjoy both the city and nature

*1 person $380, 2 people $250, 3 people $200, 4 people $150, 5 people $150

*We will adjust the price based on group size after you book

Kazakhstan city & Medeu cable car tour, 2 days / 1 night Contact us / varies by group size & season

A 2 days / 1 night trip with the cable car at Medeu, the world's highest skating rink, and city sightseeing. Enjoy the refreshing air of a mountain resort.

Standard double room $70 / person / night

A standard room for 2 people.

Standard single room $100 / person / night

A standard room for 1 person.

Luxury twin $100 / person / night

A luxury twin room for 2 people.

Luxury double $250 / room / night

A luxury double room for 1 or 2 people.

*The price is $250 per room, whether for 1 or 2 people.

Yurt building & overnight stay at Ashu Guesthouse $200 / group / night

Build an authentic yurt from scratch yourselves and spend the night in it under the highland stars. A special night to experience nomadic life with your whole body. Sleeps up to 4.

Cancellation Policy

Changes or cancellations may incur fees set by our company. For tours we operate, the following fees apply:

  • - From 18:01, 20 days before the tour, until 18:00, 10 days before: 20% of the tour price
  • - From 18:01, 10 days before the tour, until 18:00, 3 days before: 30% of the tour price
  • - From 18:01, 3 days before the tour, until the start time on the tour day: 50% of the tour price
  • - After the start time on the tour day: 100% of the tour price

* Because of the arrangements required for horses and vehicles, if we notify you of a separate cancellation policy at the time of booking, that policy shall take precedence.

Travel Insurance

Insurance Is a Must for Central Asia Horse Riding Tours! How to Choose Coverage for Falls and Emergency Evacuation [Must-Read Before You Travel]

Insurance Is a Must for Central Asia Horse Riding Tours! How to Choose Coverage for Falls and Emergency Evacuation [Must-Read Before You Travel]

Salamatsyzby! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, scenic horse riding tours in Central Asia. "I want to ride a horse across Central Asia all the way to the horizon!" Many people find ASHU TRAVEL with that dream in mind. But to make sure your dream riding experience becomes a lifelong memory, there's one thing you must never forget... And that is overseas travel insurance. At ASHU TRAVEL, we require everyone joining our horse riding tours to have overseas travel insurance. In this article, we'll explain from our staff's point of view why insurance is essential for a riding trip and how to choose the right one! Why Is Overseas Travel Insurance Essential for a Riding Trip? Our horse riding tours, centered on Kyrgyzstan, call for a different kind of risk management than city sightseeing. Horses are living animals. There's no such thing as 100% safe The horses on our tours are carefully raised by local riding instructors and nomads. Our director, Nuriya, always takes a strict look at how the horses are raised and where they ride whenever she inspects a site. But however well trained they are, horses are living creatures. They can be startled by a barking dog or a small animal darting out and move unexpectedly. Even if you think, "I have riding experience," you never know what might happen in untouched wilderness. That's exactly why being prepared for a possible fall is a must. Evacuation from remote areas can cost an enormous amount Some of our tours visit spectacular spots that can only be reached on horseback. If you get injured there and need to be rescued by a special vehicle, the cost can easily exceed what an individual can pay. Even bigger is the cost of transport back to Japan. For injuries or illnesses that can't be fully treated locally, you'd be flown back to Japan on a chartered plane accompanied by a doctor and nurse. In one case of transport from neighboring Mongolia to Japan, it cost about ¥16 million. There is also a record of ¥10.76 million for transport from Shanghai, China, and there have been cases where insurance payouts involving overseas transport exceeded ¥40 million. Local treatment costs themselves are often cheaper than in Japan, but once you need to be transported, the cost jumps by orders of magnitude. Be well prepared so that, if the worst happens, you can get the best medical care without worrying about the cost. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also says "¥10 million is far from enough" The ¥30 million figure isn't something ASHU TRAVEL came up with on its own. The Overseas Safety website of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearly warns about Kyrgyzstan. There are very few medical facilities that meet adequate standards in terms of hygiene and technology. Even for short stays, it is recommended that you take out overseas travel insurance with sufficient coverage that includes emergency evacuation services (for transport to Japan, a limit of around ¥10 million is far from sufficient, so unlimited coverage is desirable). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety website: "Kyrgyzstan: Basic Safety Data" (updated July 17, 2025) It even says "unlimited coverage is desirable." ASHU TRAVEL's requirement of ¥30 million or more is the minimum line based on this. Don't Get It Wrong! 3 Points for Choosing Insurance for a Riding Trip To choose insurance that works even deep in the mountains of Central Asia, check the following criteria. ① "Medical treatment + rescue costs" totaling ¥30 million or more At ASHU TRAVEL, medical treatment and rescue coverage of ¥30 million or more is required. If you're worried, a plan with unlimited coverage gives the most peace of mind. There's one tip for checking this.Depending on the insurance product, the policy document is written in one of two ways. Combined type: "Medical treatment & rescue costs: ¥XX" → judge by that amount Separate type: "Medical treatment costs: ¥XX" and "Rescuer costs: ¥XX" → judge by the sum of the two With many products, the cost of medical transport to Japan falls under "rescuer costs." If you only look at one item and decide "I have ¥10 million, so I'm fine," it won't be enough when you actually need it. Be sure to check both. ② Coverage in the countries you visit Choose insurance that covers you if something happens in the countries you visit, such as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan. If the coverage area is set to all of Asia or worldwide, it's usually fine, but check just in case. ③ Japanese-language chat support for emergencies Even if you panic in an emergency, it's reassuring to have a contact point where you can consult in Japanese via LINE or a dedicated app. Even if phone calls don't go through, you may be able to send messages if you have Wi-Fi. How Much More Does ¥30 Million Coverage Cost? Hearing "¥30 million," you might think the premium will be much higher. I thought so too at first. But when I actually got quotes on a comparison site, the difference was tiny. Example: 8 days, 1 person, age 50, sightseeing (as of August 2026) PlanMedical treatment & rescue costsPremiumCompany A, P1Treatment ¥10M / Rescue ¥10M¥2,770Company A, P2Treatment ¥30M / Rescue ¥20M¥3,400Company A, P3Treatment Unlimited / Rescue ¥30M¥4,230 Going from ¥10 million to ¥30 million only costs ¥630 more. Even unlimited coverage is only ¥1,460 more. Since these are different plans, things like death benefits also go up, but that's the difference including all of that. Compared with the tour price, it's about the cost of one or two cups of coffee. I don't think there's any good reason to cut corners here. * Premiums vary by insurance company, age, number of days and destination. Please check the actual amount for your own conditions. Isn't horse riding excluded as a "dangerous sport"? We get this question from time to time. In general overseas travel insurance, we rarely see leisure horse riding listed as a "dangerous activity" in the exclusions. The "dangerous activities" that insurers list as exclusions include, for example: Mountaineering (using ice axes, crampons, ropes, etc.) and rock climbing Skydiving, hang gliding and piloting aircraft Luge, bobsleigh and skeleton Competitions, races or practice using cars, motorcycles, motorboats, etc. Many insurers don't include horse riding on this list, but the scope of exclusions differs by insurer and product. Treatment can also vary depending on conditions, such as competitive riding. To be sure, check the policy terms or key information document before signing up, or ask the insurer. Is credit card travel insurance enough? This is the most common pitfall. Here's a rough guide to the coverage amounts of credit card travel insurance. Coverage itemStandard cardGoldPlatinumInjury treatment costs¥0.5–1 million¥1–3 million¥3–5 million or moreIllness treatment costs¥0.5–1 million¥1–3 million¥3–5 million or moreRescuer costs¥1–2 million¥1.5–3 million¥3–5 million or more Against the ¥30 million standard, that's short by two orders of magnitude. Even with a gold card, a single card almost never meets the requirement. If you have several cards, treatment and rescuer costs can often be combined, so adding up the cards you have is one option (there are also rules such as death and permanent disability benefits not being combined, with only the highest amount applying). For whatever is still lacking, top up with insurance that covers just the shortfall. [Real Story] Insurance Advice from Our Staff Member Sugi I currently live in Kyrgyzstan on a visa, so my travel insurance isn't the usual kind. Here I'll share my experience from when I traveled around Central Asia as a tourist. Check the activation conditions of your gold card's insurance! When I traveled to Kyrgyzstan, I used my gold card's included insurance as a base. However, even with a gold card, treatment coverage is often only around ¥1–3 million, which is nowhere near enough on its own. For tours that included riding, I always added extra coverage. One thing to watch out for is the "usage-based" condition, where the insurance only becomes valid if you pay for things like your plane ticket with that card. I always made sure to pay for things like transportation to the airport with that card so the insurance would be activated. Be sure to check whether your card's insurance is "automatic" (valid just by having the card). Cover the shortfall with top-up insurance Card coverage alone almost never brings medical treatment and rescue costs up to a total of ¥30 million. In that case, top up just the shortfall with online insurance costing a few thousand yen. A little effort multiplies your peace of mind. As for the specifics, I consulted an insurance agent I know and signed up through them. You can sign up cheaply online, but the conditions of top-up insurance are hard to understand and a hassle, so it was easier to get advice (personal experience). Before You Go! Be Sure to Prepare These A credit card with plenty of room on its limit You may need to pay up front at a local hospital, so be sure to carry at least one. A copy of your insurance certificate (both on paper and on your phone) Prepare a paper copy and a screenshot so you can see it even without a signal. Fully Prepared, Off to the Views from Horseback! Insurance is essential for a trip you can truly enjoy. It's the peace of mind of being well prepared that lets you enjoy the winds of Central Asia to the fullest. Prepare in advance and dive into the most amazing scenery with confidence! For horse riding tours in Central Asia, choose ASHU TRAVEL At ASHU TRAVEL, we offer moving, scenic horse riding tours through the magnificent nature of Kyrgyzstan and other parts of Central Asia. A Japanese- or English-speaking guide accompanies you, so there's no need to worry about language Meals, accommodation and transfers are all included, so first-timers can relax Scenery you won't find on ordinary sightseeing tours and deep experiences of nomadic culture https://ashu-travel.com/tour/ Sway on horseback into untouched nature. Your own "map" of the world is sure to be redrawn. 📸 Latest updates on Instagram 📩 We also welcome questions and inquiries on LINE ▶︎ Instagram here → @ashutravel_jp ▶︎ Ask on our official LINE → Add us on LINE here

Terms of Travel

Please read our Terms of Travel.

Flights

How to Book Flights for Central Asia: Choosing the Right Route for Your Tour Itinerary [Latest Edition]

How to Book Flights for Central Asia: Choosing the Right Route for Your Tour Itinerary [Latest Edition]

Salamatsyzby! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, a travel company specializing in Central Asia. "I want to go to Central Asia, but I don't know how to look for flights." "Where should I even start with my plans?" Many people probably feel this way. In fact, choosing your route is extremely important for a trip to Central Asia. Based on the flight situation as of January 2026, here's how to book flights without regrets, plus tips for putting together a smooth itinerary. Latest Flight Information for Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan (as of January 2026) To answer the question "How do you get to Central Asia?", let's first go over the typical routes to each country. In 2026, air travel to Central Asia is at a major turning point. By Destination: Typical Ways to Get There Uzbekistan: There's a direct flight from Narita (Tokyo) to the capital, Tashkent (Uzbekistan Airways), so access is excellent. If comfort is your priority, this is the way to go! Kazakhstan: Connections via South Korea, China or Uzbekistan are the norm. However, there are reports that a long-awaited direct Narita–Almaty flight (Air Astana) is scheduled to launch in spring 2026! If this happens, traveling to Kazakhstan from Japan will become much easier. Kyrgyzstan: Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Japan. The usual way is to connect via South Korea, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan or elsewhere. So for now, the typical style is to fly smartly to Uzbekistan on a direct flight, and to reach Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan by combining connecting flights with a bit of an adventurous spirit. Watch Out for Peak-Price Seasons Flights to Central Asia are by far the most expensive in summer (June to August). It's the best season, so if you don't book early, you may go over budget... Winter is the off-season and tends to be cheaper, but keep in mind that there may be fewer flights. Which Should You Choose? "Reliable via Korea" or "Budget via China" When choosing a connecting flight, pay special attention to the difference between routing via South Korea and via China. This is an important point that affects not only your budget but also the comfort of your trip. "Via Korea": Excellent Stability Connecting via South Korea (Incheon) is definitely the convenient choice. The biggest appeal is how comfortable Incheon Airport is and the large number of flights. The airport is clean, Japanese is understood in many places, and enjoying delicious Korean food during your layover is one of the joys of the trip! Using "Trinity Airways (formerly T'way Air)," which has many flights between Japan and Korea, you can get to Central Asia smoothly. "Via China" If Budget Is Your Priority For those who say, "I just want to go as cheaply as possible!", connecting via China is also an option. Depending on the season, you can sometimes find very cheap tickets. However, be careful with transfers at Chinese airports: some flights require you to enter the country first, and some have very short connection times. Plan Your Itinerary Together with Flight Prices and Days of the Week Once you have a rough idea of where you want to go, the next thing to consider is "when, and which flights are operating." Many Central Asia routes don't fly daily, and it's not unusual for flight availability to dictate your travel schedule. Beware of Big Price Swings on LCCs! Take the popular "Trinity Airways (formerly T'way Air)," for example. In the off-season you can sometimes get a round trip for around ¥80,000–150,000, but recently the price differences between seasons have become quite extreme. The other day, when I checked prices for a family member's trip, it showed a whopping ¥230,000 round trip...! Just because it's an LCC doesn't mean it's always cheap, so checking early is essential. Changing Your Route Can Save You Tens of Thousands of Yen Screenshot If flights on your preferred dates are expensive, try looking at things from a slightly different angle. For example, even in the same period, instead of searching for flights straight to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), you might find fares of ¥130,000–150,000 by flying via Almaty (Kazakhstan). In that case, you could think, "Why not see Kazakhstan too before heading into Kyrgyzstan!" and build a better-value, richer itinerary around your flights. Smart Ways to Search for Flights and Two Booking Options Where you buy your flights affects the whole trip. There are two main options: ① Search and Book Yourself Use sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner and book with a few clicks yourself. Pros: If you're lucky, you can find really cheap tickets! Cons: If there's a delay or cancellation, you have to handle everything yourself. Budget sites often have no Japanese support, so you may end up negotiating in English... ② Package Tours Including Flights Plans sold by major Japanese travel companies and others that bundle flights and accommodation. Pros: Everything is taken care of, so it's easy. Cons: The downside is limited flexibility. You may not be able to choose your flight times, and itineraries can include stops at souvenir shops you don't want to visit. How to Book a Tour with ASHU TRAVEL You may be wondering, "Should I book flights first or the tour first?" Either way, feel free to consult us first. At ASHU TRAVEL, we flexibly adjust our plans to match your flight schedule. Step ①: Start with a "Booking Request" First, send a booking request (free) through the form on each tour page. It's perfectly fine if you're at the stage of "I haven't booked flights yet, but I'd like to go around this time." Of course, you're welcome to consult us before sending a booking request too! Flights to Central Asia can be a bit tricky, so don't try to figure it all out alone — rely on us. Step ②: Arrange Flights and Adjust the Plan After your booking request, we'll decide which specific flights you'll take. Depending on your flights, such as "arriving late at night" or "return flight moved a day earlier," we fine-tune the length and contents of the tour. Together we'll create the best schedule for you, matched to your flights. Step ③: "Confirmed Booking" Once Everything Is Set Once your flights and tour contents fit together perfectly, your booking becomes a confirmed booking. Enjoying the Journey by Air Is the Central Asian Way Getting gradually closer through connection after connection is one of the joys of traveling abroad. Imagine the scenery waiting for you, and enjoy the views and encounters at each airport along the way. It may be a bit of a detour, but enjoying the whole process is the key to traveling in Central Asia. When you're ready for your adventure, let us know! 📸 Latest flight information and local updates Posting on Instagram ▶︎ Instagram here 📩 Tour booking requests and flight consultations Here ▶︎ Ask us on our official LINE ▶︎ Contact form

Confirmed Departures (Shared Tours)

Choose one of the dates below and there is no single supplement,
even if you travel alone.
On the booking request page, go to “Select dates” → “Confirmed departures”
and pick the matching tour
to join it.

2027

Popular Tour Ranking

Scenic Winter Riding in Kyrgyzstan: Snow-White Chon-Kemin | Departing Locally, 4 Days / 3 Nights and Up [For Riders Who Have Cantered]
Winter horse riding across the snowfields of Kyrgyzstan

Scenic Winter Riding in Kyrgyzstan: Snow-White Chon-Kemin | Departing Locally, 4 Days / 3 Nights and Up [For Riders Who Have Cantered]

Destinations
Bishkek, Chon-Kemin Valley
Season
12/1〜2/28
Riding distance
5~ km/day, 20~ km total
Tour price (party of 5)

$1,400+ pp

View details
Eagle Hunters & Scenic Horse Riding at Lake Issyk-Kul | From Bishkek, 4 Days / 3 Nights or Longer [No Experience Needed]
Riding & eagle hunters by a stunning lake, 5 days

Eagle Hunters & Scenic Horse Riding at Lake Issyk-Kul | From Bishkek, 4 Days / 3 Nights or Longer [No Experience Needed]

Destinations
Lake Issyk-Kul, Chon-Kemin Valley, Bishkek
Season
Year-round
Riding distance
5-20 km/day, 65-75 km total
Tour price (party of 9)

$1,200+ pp

View details
Jeti-Oguz Rock Formations & Riding with Nomads in Kyrgyzstan | From Bishkek, 6 Days / 5 Nights [Beginners Welcome]
Featured on TV!

Jeti-Oguz Rock Formations & Riding with Nomads in Kyrgyzstan | From Bishkek, 6 Days / 5 Nights [Beginners Welcome]

Destinations
Bishkek, Jeti-Oguz area, Burana Tower
Season
Year-round
Riding distance
5~20 km/day, 80 km total
Tour price (party of 9)

$1,400+ pp

View details

From Booking
to Tour Day

  • Computer illustration

    Booking request

    Send a booking request from the tour page. There is no charge.
    Please arrange your flights before your booking is confirmed.

  • Document illustration

    Confirmed booking

    Check the tour details on My Page.
    If everything looks good, confirm your booking from My Page to complete your application.
    * The cancellation policy applies from this point.

  • Money bag illustration

    Payment

    You can pay on arrival or by international bank transfer. We will send you the details by email.
    You can check your tour details on My Page at any time.

  • Airplane illustration

    Tour day

    We will pick you up at the pick-up point you chose when booking.
    Let’s enjoy Central Asia together!