Salam! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, scenic horse riding journeys in Central Asia.
“I’d love to visit Kyrgyzstan, but it’s hard to take a long vacation.” “I’ve never ridden a horse, but I’d love to ride through amazing scenery.” If that sounds like you, this popular plan is perfect: scenic riding by a lake and in a valley, packed into 2 days and 1 night.
We’ve received bookings from 2 people for September, so we’re looking for more travelers to join this shared tour!
This time, the setting is Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest alpine lake, and the lush Chong-Kemin Valley. The tour starts and ends in Bishkek, so getting around is easy, and no riding experience is needed. We can confidently recommend it whether it’s your first trip to Kyrgyzstan or your first trail riding in a while.
![Perfect for Your First Trip to Kyrgyzstan! Scenic Riding at Lake Issyk-Kul & Chon-Kemin | From Bishkek, 2 Days / 1 Night or Longer [No Experience Needed]](https://ashu-travel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/8f93d1846dbfbcfef3a1a3cf4c4e9c89-1.jpg)
Perfect for Your First Trip to Kyrgyzstan! Scenic Riding at Lake Issyk-Kul & Chon-Kemin | From Bishkek, 2 Days / 1 Night or Longer [No Experience Needed]
4 Highlights of the Tour
① Two kinds of scenic riding at Issyk-Kul Lake & Chong-Kemin (no experience needed)
On Day 1, enjoy scenic riding on the shores of Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake, with views of its crystal-clear water and the Tian Shan mountains. On Day 2, take a relaxed ride in the lush Chong-Kemin Valley. It’s a luxurious plan that lets you experience two completely different landscapes, lake and mountains, in just 2 days and 1 night.
Before riding, the guide gives you a thorough briefing. In open areas you can try a canter, and if you’re nervous, you can have your horse led on a lead rope. The instructor matches horses to riders and guides you with safety as the top priority.
*In winter, riding may take place in a village near Issyk-Kul for safety reasons.
② Burana Tower, a Silk Road World Heritage site once visited by Xuanzang
Visit Burana Tower, which stands on the ruins of Balasagun, the capital of the Kara-Khanid Khanate. Built in the 9th century, this minaret is a Silk Road World Heritage site that the monk Xuanzang is said to have visited. Explore the ancient tower rising against a mountain backdrop, along with the stone figures (balbals) scattered around it.
③ A comfortable stay at ASHU Guesthouse, a relaxing retreat
Stay at ASHU Guesthouse in the Chong-Kemin Valley, a relaxing place with many repeat guests. Homemade Kyrgyz food, a swimming pool, campfires and cozy wooden rooms: enjoy a comfortable stay at a guesthouse rated ★4.5 on Google.
④ Transfers, meals, riding, accommodation and Japanese-speaking guide all included
Everything is included in the tour price, from transfers to and from your hotel in Bishkek to meals, riding, accommodation and the guide, so it’s almost all-inclusive and worry-free. A guide and driver who speaks fluent Japanese and knows the history and culture well accompanies you and explains everything carefully in Japanese along the way. (*An English-speaking guide is also available.)
*Alcohol, round-trip airfare and travel insurance are not included.
Recommended For
Among ASHU TRAVEL’s tours, this one is an easy-to-join introductory course.
- ✓ First-time visitors to Kyrgyzstan: experience the best of Kyrgyzstan in 2 days and 1 night, including a World Heritage site, a lake, a valley, nomadic culture and Kyrgyz food.
- ✓ Riders with no experience or beginners: there’s a briefing and you can have your horse led, so all you need is the wish to ride.
- ✓ Anyone who finds it hard to take a long vacation: a short, compact plan that’s easy to fit into a weekend plus one day.
*Because the tour includes horse riding, children under 5 cannot join.
Itinerary
September 5 (Sat) to September 6 (Sun), 2026 (2 days, 1 night)
Route: Bishkek ▶ Burana Tower ▶ Issyk-Kul ▶ Chong-Kemin ▶ Bishkek
■ Day 1 | September 5 (Sat) [World Heritage site and scenic riding on the shores of Issyk-Kul]
- Around 8:00 | Pick-up at your hotel in Bishkek
- Around 9:30 | Visit the World Heritage site Burana Tower (Balasagun ruins)
- Midday | Travel to Bokonbaevo on the south shore of Issyk-Kul; lunch at the guide’s favorite cafe
- Afternoon | Horse riding in Bokonbaevo. After a briefing, ride out into stunning views of Issyk-Kul and the Tian Shan mountains
- Evening | Arrive at ASHU Guesthouse. Dinner of homemade traditional Kyrgyz dishes (allergies and vegetarian diets can be accommodated)
- After dinner | A campfire if the weather is clear. Relax in your cozy wooden room
◎ Meals: lunch, dinner ◎ Accommodation: ASHU Guesthouse (hot showers, flush toilets, Wi-Fi, swimming pool) (altitude: approx. 1,600 m)
■ Day 2 | September 6 (Sun) [Relaxed riding in the Chong-Kemin Valley]
- Morning | Breakfast at ASHU Guesthouse (freshly baked bread, local honey, jam and more)
- Late morning | Horse riding in a village in the Chong-Kemin Valley. Ride at a leisurely pace through the lush valley
- Midday | Lunch at ASHU Guesthouse
- Afternoon | Private vehicle to Bishkek. Drop-off at your booked hotel; tour ends
◎ Meals: breakfast, lunch (altitude: approx. 1,200 m)
*The instructor will choose the best route depending on your riding level and the weather.
*The order of activities may change depending on weather and traffic conditions.
Price
The price per person depends on the number of participants.
| Number of participants | Price per person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,000 |
| 2 people | $650 ← current |
| 3 people | $550 (lowest price) |
Right now, if just one more person joins, everyone gets $100 off! With a maximum of 3 people, the price drops to the lowest rate of $550 per person.
Included in the price
- Japanese-speaking (or English-speaking) guide and driver for the entire trip
- Meals (Day 1: lunch, dinner / Day 2: breakfast, lunch)
- Transfers from your hotel in Bishkek and throughout the trip
- Vehicle and fuel
- Burana Tower entrance fee
- Horse riding (horses and riding instructor)
- Accommodation at ASHU Guesthouse
Not included in the price
- Round-trip airfare
- Food and drinks other than the included lunches, and alcohol
- Travel insurance
What Makes ASHU Different: Our Shared Tour System
To help as many people as possible discover the charms of Central Asia, our prices go down as more people join.
- Price confirmation: the final price is confirmed 3 weeks before departure. If other travelers book before then, the price goes down.
- Peace of mind: even if someone cancels after the price is confirmed 3 weeks before departure, the amount you pay will not go up. You can book with confidence.
From Booking to Tour Day
- Inquiry and booking request: please register and send a booking request from the “shared tour tab” on the tour page. You’re also welcome to contact us via the inquiry form or our official LINE account.
https://ashu-travel.com/en/tour/bishkek-issykul-chong-kemin-2days/ - Confirmed booking: after your booking request, please book your flights and then make a confirmed booking. This is an important step where we check your blood type, allergies, health condition and so on for safety purposes. *You can book your hotel afterward.
- Cancellation policy applies: once your booking is confirmed, the cancellation policy below applies.
- Final price confirmed 3 weeks before departure
- Join the tour and pay locally in cash in US dollars
Cancellation policy
- From 18:01, 21 days before the tour, to 18:00, 10 days before: 20% of the tour price
- From 18:01, 10 days before the tour, to 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
Booking Your Flights
Please book your flights yourself.
*Whether you fly via Bishkek or Almaty, round-trip fares from Japan vary greatly depending on the season.
FAQ (Q&A)
Q: Can I join if I’ve never ridden a horse?
A: Yes, absolutely. The guide gives a briefing before riding, and if you’re nervous, you can have your horse led. The instructor matches horses to riders and guides you with safety as the top priority.
Q: Can I canter?
A: You can try it in open areas. However, if the guide judges it to be dangerous based on the horse’s condition or how well you and the horse are getting along, they may stop you.
Q: What is the accommodation like?
A: You’ll stay at ASHU Guesthouse. Rooms may be shared with travelers of the same gender. We generally arrange for families and friends to share a room, so please let us know when you book.
Q: What should I wear and bring?
A: Comfortable clothes, a layer for the chilly mornings and evenings, sunglasses and sunscreen will keep you comfortable. Long pants are recommended for riding.
Q: How do I pay, and what currency?
A: The tour price is generally paid locally in cash in US dollars. It’s a good idea to have a little extra cash for souvenirs. Cards are accepted in Bishkek, but in rural areas it’s cash only.
Q: Do I need insurance?
A: Since the tour includes horse riding, we strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical treatment and rescue costs, just in case.
Ride Through Two Spectacular Landscapes: a Lake and a Valley
The shores of crystal-clear Issyk-Kul Lake and the lush green Chong-Kemin Valley. The appeal of this tour is experiencing two completely different landscapes in just 2 days and 1 night. Visit a World Heritage site, relax at a cozy guesthouse, and ride with confidence even if you’ve never ridden before: a trip that’s perfect for first-time visitors to Kyrgyzstan and busy travelers alike.
If you’re wondering, “It’s my first time riding. Will I be OK?”, don’t worry. We at ASHU TRAVEL will support you all the way. We look forward to welcoming you in Kyrgyzstan this September!
Contact Us
Even if you’re just a little curious, feel free to get in touch.
▶ Inquiry form: https://ashu-travel.com/en/contact/
▶ Instagram (DMs welcome): @ashutravel_jp
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