Salam! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, your guide to scenic horseback journeys in Central Asia.
Want to go to Kyrgyzstan over the Obon holidays (Japan’s mid-August break)? Never ridden a horse before, but want a trip that’s anything but ordinary?
Ride in the VIP seats of a Kyrgyz sightseeing train that runs only in summer, gazing at the spectacular Tian Shan mountains through its large windows on the way straight to Issyk-Kul. After arriving, enjoy an eagle hunter experience, scenic horse riding, Skazka Canyon and hot springs on this action-packed 5-day / 4-night tour.
Six people are already confirmed, so if you join now, the discounted shared-tour price applies right away! The more people join, the lower the price goes.
5 Highlights of This Tour
① Summer only in Kyrgyzstan! A scenic mountain route to Issyk-Kul by train in VIP seats
Board the summer-only sightseeing train from Bishkek together with your Japanese-speaking guide. The VIP seats are fully air-conditioned with large windows, making the journey a special experience as the peaks of the Tian Shan fill the view.
Your destination is Issyk-Kul, the “pearl of the sky.” Enjoy the journey itself as an activity!
*We have confirmed that the train is running, but it may be canceled due to landslides or similar events. In that case, a driver will take you to Issyk-Kul by private vehicle.
② Eagle hunter experience, scenic riding & Skazka Canyon at Issyk-Kul
In Bokonbaevo village on the south shore of Issyk-Kul, watch a demonstration of falconry, a traditional part of Kyrgyz culture. Seeing the trained eagles soar through the sky is stunning! Enjoy taking photos, too.
Riding takes place wherever conditions are best that day. A special time with horses amid spectacular lake views.
We also visit Skazka Canyon, one of Central Asia’s most spectacular sights. Its dreamlike landscape of reddish-brown rock is something you’ll find only in Kyrgyzstan.
*The eagle hunter experience may need to be adjusted depending on the weather and the condition of the animals.
③ Experience Kyrgyz life with a yurt stay & hot springs
In Bokonbaevo village on the shores of Issyk-Kul, you’ll stay in a yurt (a traditional mobile dwelling). A night among the pastures stretching along the lake carries you into a rhythm completely different from everyday life.
After riding, head to the hot springs. In Kyrgyzstan, hot springs are pool-style, with men and women bathing together in swimsuits. A wonderful way to soothe your tired body.
④ No travel worries! A nearly all-inclusive, worry-free plan
Transport, meals, accommodation, riding and a Japanese-speaking guide. We’ve included everything you need for the trip, in a plan that’s easy on both your wallet and your mind. Your guide fully supports you with currency exchange when shopping and communicating with locals. Apart from alcohol and flights, you’ll hardly need to spend much cash on site.
*Alcohol and flights are not included.
*Depending on your flights, you may need an extra night before or after the tour, which we can arrange separately.
⑤ Travel Kyrgyzstan smartly and affordably with our shared tour system
ASHU TRAVEL’s biggest feature is our shared tour system, where the price goes down as more people join. This time, 2 people have already booked, so the price drops immediately as more join. Even if you travel solo, with fellow travelers sharing the tour you can enjoy a luxurious experience while keeping costs down.
Who This Tour Is For
Among ASHU TRAVEL’s lineup, this tour is a relaxed, beginner-friendly riding course for enjoying nature and culture at a gentle pace.
- Riding beginners: For those who want to make their dream of “someday traveling on horseback” come true. Not long hours in the saddle, but relaxed, soothing riding.
- Train lovers: Travel in the VIP seats of Kyrgyzstan’s summer-only sightseeing train while enjoying spectacular Tian Shan views from the window.
- Those who enjoy cultural experiences: With eagle hunters, a yurt stay, hot springs, Skazka Canyon and more, it’s ideal for those interested not only in scenery but also in local life and culture.
*The tour’s riding level is set to match the first person who booked.
Itinerary
August 11–15, 2026 (5 days / 4 nights)
Day 1 | Tue, Aug 11 – Arrive in Almaty, transfer to a hotel in the city
Arrive at Almaty airport at 22:40. Your driver will meet you
Transfer by private vehicle to a hotel in Almaty. Get a good rest before the journey starts the next day
*You don’t need to take exactly the same flight; a flight with a similar time is fine. See the separate section for flight details.
*Because of the late-night arrival, dinner is not included. If you’d like dinner, we can point you to a nearby cafe or restaurant
◎Meals: None
◎Accommodation: Hotel in Almaty (shower, flush toilet, Wi-Fi / Altitude: approx. 700 m)
Day 2 | Wed, Aug 12 – Border crossing & Bishkek city sightseeing
After breakfast, depart for Kyrgyzstan by private vehicle
Cross the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on foot. Stepping across a border with your own feet is an experience unique to this tour.
Arrive in Bishkek in the afternoon. As time allows, enjoy sightseeing in the city: the bazaar, a honey specialty shop, the Manas statue and more
*The border crossing takes about 5 hours, so city sightseeing starts in the afternoon
After dinner, check in to a hotel in Bishkek. Get a good rest before the next day’s train journey
◎Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
◎Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek (shower, flush toilet, Wi-Fi / Altitude: approx. 800 m)
Day 3 | Thu, Aug 13 – To Issyk-Kul by train! Arrive at the yurt camp
Head to Bishkek station with your guide and board the summer-only train in VIP seats
Travel to Issyk-Kul while gazing at the Tian Shan mountain scenery through the large windows. The journey itself is a special experience
In the evening, arrive at the yurt camp in Bokonbaevo village
Enjoy feeling like a nomad among the pastures stretching along the lake
*If the train is canceled due to landslides or similar, we will take you to Issyk-Kul by private vehicle
◎Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
◎Accommodation: Yurt camp in Bokonbaevo village (toilet, hot shower / Altitude: approx. 1,600 m)
Day 4 | Fri, Aug 14 – Eagle hunter experience, scenic riding, Skazka Canyon & hot springs
Watch a demonstration of falconry, a traditional part of Kyrgyz culture. Seeing the trained eagles soar through the sky is stunning! Enjoy taking photos, too
Then enjoy horse riding wherever conditions are best that day. A special time with horses amid spectacular views over Issyk-Kul
Drive by private vehicle to Skazka Canyon. Enjoy its dreamlike landscape of reddish-brown rock
After riding and sightseeing, head to the hot springs. In Kyrgyzstan, hot springs are pool-style, with men and women bathing together in swimsuits. A wonderful way to soothe your tired body
*The eagle hunter experience may need to be adjusted depending on the weather and the condition of the animals.
*The riding route may change depending on the season and weather
◎Riding: Yes
◎Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
◎Accommodation: Hot spring guest house (Wi-Fi, toilet, hot spring / Altitude: approx. 1,600 m)
Day 5 | Sat, Aug 15 – Cross the border again toward Almaty, airport at night
Leave Kyrgyzstan early in the morning and head to Almaty by private vehicle
If time allows, you can also enjoy a short city tour of Almaty (depending on traffic and conditions)
At night, transfer to Almaty airport. We’ll get you there in time for your late-night flight, and the tour ends
◎Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
◎Accommodation: None (tour ends at Almaty airport)
Price
The price per person varies depending on the number of participants
| Number of participants | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | $1,480 |
| 3 people | $1,400 |
| 4 people | $1,300 |
| 5 people | $1,150 |
| 6 people | $1,050 ← current price |
| 7 people | $980 |
| 8 people | $860 |
*The price is finalized 3 weeks before departure based on the final number of participants
What’s included
- Hotel, guest house and yurt accommodation throughout
- All meals throughout
- Horse riding experience
- Eagle hunter experience
- Skazka Canyon sightseeing
- Hot spring bathing
- VIP train seat ticket
- Japanese-speaking guide throughout
- Vehicle, driver and fuel throughout
- Trip preparation support
What’s not included
- Round-trip flights
- Alcohol
- Travel insurance
- Extra nights before or after the tour
We’ll Support You on This Tour
Nuriya (Dushalieva Nuriya), Founder of ASHU TRAVEL
A professional guide who has led more than 3,000 travelers, and the head of ASHU TRAVEL. She supervised the planning of this tour and directs things behind the scenes so that everyone can safely enjoy the heart of Kyrgyzstan.
*Nuriya will not necessarily be your guide on the day. An experienced Japanese-speaking guide who shares her spirit of hospitality will accompany you.
Sugi
Customer support. As the point of contact for our customers in Japan, I’m with you from trip preparation to easing any worries on the ground. I’ll do everything I can so you can relax and enjoy a journey that’s anything but ordinary.
Reviews from ASHU TRAVEL Travelers
We’ve received lovely feedback from travelers who have joined ASHU TRAVEL tours!
“Everything was great: the food, the riding, the places we stayed and the guides’ care. I really want to join again!”
- Riding: “My horse listened to me so well, it was adorable! I learned how to tack up, and I got to trot and canter too. It was so much fun.”
- Food: “Every meal came with lots of dishes, and all of them were delicious. I looked forward to mealtimes every day.”
- Support: “They answered all my little questions carefully before departure, so I could start the trip without any worries. Nuriya’s hospitality was wonderful too, and she’s so reliable!”
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 goes down as more people join.
- Price confirmation: The final price is confirmed 3 weeks before departure. In other words, if other travelers book before then, the price goes down; conversely, if someone cancels, it may go up.
- Peace of mind: Even if someone cancels after the price is confirmed 3 weeks before departure, 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, register via the link below to make a booking request.
https://ashu-travel.com/news/almaty-issyk-kul-train-eagle-horseback-aug11-2026/
Contact Form or our official LINE account are also available if you’d like to talk with us first.
② Book your flights
Please book your flights yourself.
③ Confirmed booking: fill in the dedicated form
Once we hear from you, please make your confirmed booking from your My Page.
This 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, until 18:00, 10 days before: 20% of the tour price
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From 18:01, 10 days before the tour, until 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 someone cancels: The price may go up.
- When it’s confirmed: The final amount you pay is confirmed 3 weeks before departure. After that, the confirmed price will not change even if the number of participants changes.
We fix the price 3 weeks before so that you can book with peace of mind. Even if there are cancellations within 3 weeks of departure, your price won’t change.
⑥ Join the tour & pay in US dollars on site
As a rule, we ask for payment in US dollars cash. This cuts costs such as card processing fees, and we put the savings back into the quality of the tour for you.
Please hand the payment to your guide at the start of the tour.
About Booking Flights
Please arrange your own flights.
Example flights of travelers joining this tour
[Outbound] Aug 11 ZE135 Seoul (Incheon) dep. 19:25 → Almaty arr. 22:40
[Return] Aug 15 ZE136 Almaty dep. 23:40 → Seoul (Incheon) arr. 10:05 (next day), Eastar Jet
⚠️ You don’t need to book exactly the same ticket as the first traveler who booked. However, since we travel together, please arrange flights within the following times.
[Outbound] A flight arriving in Almaty by 22:40 on Tue, Aug 11
[Return] A flight departing Almaty at 22:00 or later on Sat, Aug 15
FAQ (Q&A)
We’ve gathered common worries and questions about the tour. If your question isn’t here, feel free to contact us via LINE or another channel!
[Train & Transport]
Q: What are the VIP seats on the train like?
A: It’s a special carriage with full air-conditioning, large windows and an on-board snack service. You can enjoy spectacular Tian Shan views from the window as you travel. If the train is canceled due to weather or natural conditions, we will take you to Issyk-Kul by car.
Q: Does a guide ride the train with us?
A: Yes. Your guide accompanies you from boarding to the final stop, so you can relax.
[Riding & Health]
Q: Can I join if I’ve never ridden a horse?
A: Yes, riding beginners are welcome. Your guide will give you a lesson before riding. As long as you love animals and want to ride and bond with horses, you’ll be fine.
Q: I’m worried about altitude sickness.
A: You’ll be staying overnight at altitudes of 3,000 m or higher, so your physical condition may be affected. If you have any health concerns, be sure to consult a doctor before the trip.
Also, in case of a fall from a horse or illness, travel insurance with unlimited medical treatment and rescue coverage is mandatory. We also recommend bringing preventive medication.
Q: Which insurance should I get?
A: We currently have no partnership with a specific 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 million or more ASHU TRAVEL requires this level of coverage. Advanced medical care in Kyrgyzstan and neighboring countries, or emergency transport back to Japan, can be very expensive, so ¥30 million 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. “Worldwide” or “Asia” settings are usually fine, but it’s important to double-check.
- Recommended: Chat support in Japanese 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 where phone calls are hard to get through, 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 Insurance for a Central Asia Horse Riding Trip
[Accommodation & Cancellations]
Q: What are the sleeping arrangements?
A: At guest houses, hotels and yurts, rooms are generally shared and separated by gender. If you’d like to share a room with family or friends, let us know in advance and we will give it priority.
Q: What is it like staying in a yurt?
A: You’ll stay in a yurt (a traditional mobile dwelling) set up for visitors. There’s no Wi-Fi, but you’ll get mobile signal with a Kyrgyz SIM card. There’s a simple outdoor shower with hot water, but the water pressure is weak and it’s cold. We recommend thinking of it as slightly glamorous camping.
Q: What happens to the price if someone cancels on a shared tour?
A: Until 3 weeks before departure, the price changes depending on cancellations or additional participants. If someone cancels and the group gets smaller, the price may go up; in that case, we will let you know by email 3 weeks before departure.
Once the price is confirmed 3 weeks before departure, we will not charge any extra even if the number of participants changes after that.
[Clothing & What to Bring]
Q: What should I wear?
A: In August, the Kyrgyz capital is hot during the day, but Issyk-Kul (altitude 1,600 m) is high up and gets quite cold in the mornings and evenings. A light down jacket and a windproof jacket are essential.
- Recommended layers: T-shirt + light down jacket + light outer jacket (put on and take off as needed)
- When riding: Bulky outerwear that restricts movement can be left in the car or at your accommodation.
Q: Is there anything I must bring?
A: Please refer to the checklist below.
- Essential: Warm clothing, rain gear (poncho, etc.), sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves (for riding; work gloves are fine), power bank, your regular medication.
- Handy to have: Motion sickness medicine, pain-relief patches (for sore muscles and bruises).
- Just for fun: Swimsuit (for the pool at ASHU Guest House).
Q: Do you lend riding gear?
A: We lend half chaps and helmets. You’re also welcome to bring your own.
[Hot Springs]
Q. What are the hot springs like?
A. Hot springs in Kyrgyzstan are pool-style, with men and women bathing together in swimsuits. Please bring a swimsuit
[Money]
Q. When and how do I pay the tour price?
A. As a rule, payment is made on site in US dollars cash. Please hand it to your guide at check-in on the first day. If you prefer an international bank transfer, please send it within a few days after the price is confirmed 3 weeks before departure. Note that withdrawing the funds in Kyrgyzstan incurs an additional fee of $26.
Q. How should I handle payments and currency when buying souvenirs locally?
A. Cards are accepted at most shops, but many places at bazaars and in rural areas are cash only. Japanese yen cannot be exchanged, so be sure to bring US dollars in cash. About $50 of pocket money should be plenty.
A Special Summer Journey by Train in Kyrgyzstan
A VIP train winding through the Tian Shan, the blue of Issyk-Kul spreading below, an eagle hunter experience with trained eagles soaring overhead, the dreamlike reddish-brown rocks of Skazka Canyon, and hot springs to soothe your body after riding.
On this trip, the journey itself is a special experience.
Whether you’re new to riding or simply want a slightly different kind of Obon holiday, you’re very welcome. We look forward to traveling Kyrgyzstan together under the blue August skies!
Contact Us
Even if you’re just a little curious, feel free to get in touch.
▶︎ Contact Form
https://ashu-travel.com/contact/
▶︎ Instagram (DMs welcome)
@ashutravel_jp
