Hello everyone, this is Sugiura, the editor-in-chief of Ashu Travel, a travel agency specializing in Central Asia.
If someone were to ask me “What kind of country is Kyrgyzstan?”, I would immediately reply “A country of spectacular scenery”. The scenery created by the great outdoors is truly magnificent. However, there is another attraction in Kyrgyzstan that you definitely shouldn’t miss. That is horse riding.
In this article, we will introduce the appeal of horse riding through the vast plains of Kyrgyzstan, as well as the differences between horse riding in Kyrgyzstan and other countries, and recommended tours that even beginners can join. Let’s go on a trip to feel the spectacular scenery of Kyrgyzstan on horseback!
Ride a horse across the Kyrgyz steppe! The appeal of horse riding
There are many countries where you can enjoy horse riding overseas, but the horse riding experience in Kyrgyzstan is special. It is a rare experience where you can enjoy the vast land, nomadic culture, and spectacular scenery all at once.
Spectacular scenery x horse riding = an extraordinary adventure
Kyrgyzstan is a treasure trove of spectacular scenery. Riding a horse through vast grasslands, rugged mountains and crystal clear lakes is like a scene from a movie. Riding a horse through the great outdoors makes you feel free, as if you have become the wind. The feeling of riding through this magnificent scenery is truly an adventure in itself. Breathtaking beauty awaits you.
Deep ties to nomadic culture
One thing you shouldn’t forget about horse riding in Kyrgyzstan is its deep connection with the nomadic culture. The lives of the nomads and their horses are inextricably linked. Riding a horse and being able to experience a different culture first-hand is a unique experience that can only be had in Kyrgyzstan.
For example, you can receive a warm welcome in a yurt, a traditional nomadic tent, after riding a horse, or you can learn about the wisdom and culture of Kyrgyz life while looking after horses. The appeal of horse riding is that it is not just a sport or a hobby, but also gives you a sense of the deep history and culture of the area.
A warm horseback riding experience with the pro-Japanese Kyrgyz
The people of Kyrgyzstan are very friendly and warm towards the Japanese. As Kyrgyzstan has a long history of exchange with Japan, many people there show a warm welcome to Japanese travelers. The faces of the Japanese and Kyrgyz people are so similar that there is a saying that “Japanese and Kyrgyz people are brothers”, and this creates a sense of closeness. It will be a heart-warming experience, like adventuring with an old friend.
For more on the topic of how Kyrgyz people and Japanese people are alike, check out the following column↓
Can beginners ride horses in Kyrgyzstan?
Actually, I myself don’t have much experience of horse riding in Japan. In Kyrgyzstan, there are tours that even tourists like me can try.
A wide range of tours for beginners
If you want to enjoy horse riding in Kyrgyzstan but are worried because you’re a beginner, don’t worry! There are plenty of horse riding tours in Kyrgyzstan that even beginners can join. The nomadic people originally lived with horses, so horse riding is deeply rooted in the culture.
The locations and content vary depending on the tour offered by the travel agency. There are plans that take you around the lake, tours that take you through nature parks, and tours with Japanese-speaking guides, so please compare the different options and find the tour that suits you best.
Recommended for beginners: Ashu travel horse riding tour
At Ashu travel, we have a number of attractive horse riding tours. In particular, we recommend the “Tour to travel by horse riding on Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest lake in the world” for beginners.
Set off on a horseback riding adventure to Lake Issyk-Kul. With the careful support of a Japanese-speaking guide, even beginners can reach the lake while enjoying the nature of Kyrgyzstan to the full. Along the way, you can stay in tents and guesthouses and experience the life of a nomad. With your own driver, you can also travel to the airport and tourist spots with peace of mind. Enjoy the local attractions to the full and make it an unforgettable five days.
Points to note when horse riding in Kyrgyzstan
Horse riding in Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating experience, and there are also tours for beginners, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe experience. Make sure you understand everything beforehand and participate with full preparation!
Make sure you have all the necessary items with you.
The equipment needed for the horseback riding experience will differ depending on the tour, so check in advance.
We recommend that you prepare the following items for your horse riding experience tour with Ashu Travel.
- Sturdy long pants
- Riding gloves or work gloves
- Riding boots or sneakers (mountain climbing boots are not suitable for riding)
- Winter clothes (you’ll need a down jacket in the mornings and evenings even in summer)
- sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
Be aware that horseback riding is dangerous.
Riding a horse is fun, but horses can also make unpredictable movements. Even on tours for beginners, it is high risk to participate without any preparation. Let’s avoid accidents by acquiring at least a minimum amount of knowledge.
We would like you to check out the following horse riding manual. It was created by the Tsokt Mongolia horse riding tour that we support, but there are many parts that will also be useful for horse riding experiences in Kyrgyzstan.
[Must-read] Mongolian Horseback Riding Safety Manual – Tsokto Mongolian Horseback Riding Tour
Let’s enjoy the horse riding experience in Kyrgyzstan to our hearts’ content!
Horse riding in Kyrgyzstan is not just an “activity”, but a special time where you can experience Kyrgyz culture itself. Running with the horses surrounded by the great outdoors will give you a sense of being freed from your everyday life. By all means, enjoy the horse riding experience to your heart’s content on the vast plains of Kyrgyzstan. After your trip, you will surely have wonderful memories that will make you think, “I’m so glad I came to Kyrgyzstan!”.
Ashu travel is a travel agency specializing in Central Asia that specializes in horseback riding tours.
Why not go on an adventure through the vast plains of Kyrgyzstan on horseback with an experienced guide? At ASHU TRAVEL, they have a full range of support for beginners, so you can enjoy the horseback riding experience without overdoing it and take in the unique natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan. During your trip, you will also get to experience the local culture and the lives of the nomadic people, so you can be sure that you will have a special time that goes beyond just sightseeing. Please check out the tours and find the perfect plan for you.
Take a look at the tours other than Lake Issyk-Kul↓
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