Ashu Guesthouse Yurt Hotel Nomad family home Guesthouse Tent 6 days / 5 nights Beginner riders Intermediate riders Advanced riders Hot springs Bishkek Chon-Kemin Valley Burana Tower Jeti-Oguz Nomadic culture Stunning scenery Horse riding

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

Departure: Manas Airport

Season: Year-round

Destinations: Bishkek, Jeti-Oguz area, Burana Tower

Accommodation: Hotel, guesthouse, yurt, tent

Riding level: Beginner

Riding distance: 20-30km* Per riding day

Tour Highlights

Ride through legendary scenery! Weave your way on horseback between striking rock formations
Hot springs added to the popular spot featured on the Japanese TV program "Gutto Chikyubin"
Experience the real Kyrgyzstan! An authentic mountain journey immersed in nomadic life
English-speaking guide, meals, accommodation, transfers and riding included! Great value with reliable support

Tour price (per adult)

$1,400–$4,250

Check prices & request a booking (free)

Check prices

1 pax$4,250+ pp
2 pax$2,700+ pp
3 pax$2,200+ pp
4 pax$2,000+ pp
5 pax$1,800+ pp
6 pax$1,700+ pp
7 pax$1,500+ pp
8 pax$1,400+ pp
9 pax$1,400+ 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

Hotel, guesthouse and nomad yurt accommodation throughout
All meals throughout
Horse riding
English-speaking guide throughout
Vehicle, driver and fuel throughout

Not included

Round-trip airfare
Insurance
Alcoholic drinks

Tour updates

◆Great-value shared tours open for booking◆

These departures of our scenic horse riding and hot springs tour in Kyrgyzstan are looking for participants. Joining others makes it more affordable.

Departing September 3, 2026 Sold Out (waitlist)
▶ Details and booking

Departing September 17, 2026 Open for booking
▶ Details and booking

ScheduleSchedule Tour Experiences OptionsOptions

Schedule

Tour Price

1 pax $4,250+ pp
2 pax $2,700+ pp
3 pax $2,200+ pp
4 pax $2,000+ pp
5 pax $1,800+ pp
6 pax $1,700+ pp
7 pax $1,500+ pp
8 pax $1,400+ pp
9 pax $1,400+ 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

Bishkek, Jeti-Oguz, Chon-Kemin Valley, Burana Tower

Riding distance

5~20 km/day * Per riding day

80 km in total

Day 1

Accommodation: Hotel in the city

Meals: None

Horse Riding: None

Elevation: 800

Charging: ○

wifi: ○

Toilet: Flush toilet

Hot shower: Hot shower

Sauna: ×

Pool: ×

Around 23:00

Your driver will meet you at the arrivals gate of Manas Airport holding an ASHU TRAVEL sign
(the sign may show your name instead)

* For T'way Air flights
Summer: Incheon → Bishkek flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only (dep. 18:50 → arr. 23:15)
Winter: Incheon → Bishkek flights operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays only, 19:45 - 00:30 (+1)
In this case, you will need accommodation even with a late-night arrival, so it counts as one night, making the tour effectively 6 days / 5 nights

* If you are connecting to Bishkek via Tashkent or Almaty, we can meet arrivals between 17:00 and 23:15
* If you would like an Almaty start/finish for an additional fee, please ask us
1:00 a.m.

Check in at a hotel in Bishkek

The hotel is near your guide's home so they can help if anything comes up

Rest well after your long journey and get ready for the adventures ahead.

Day 2

Open

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Horse Riding: 5~

Elevation: approx. 1200 m

Charging: ○

wifi: ○

Toilet: Flush toilet

Hot shower: Hot shower

Pool: ○

Around 9:00

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Chon-Kemin Valley
Around 11:00

Visit Burana Tower, a Silk Road UNESCO World Heritage Site
Around 13:00

Traditional lunch at a local home

A foodie spot popular with our guests
Around 15:00

Arrive in Chon-Kemin

Horse riding in the beautiful national park
Around 19:00

Dinner at Ashu Guesthouse, whose food has many fans

Relax in comfortable lodgings

[Exclusive perk for ASHU TRAVEL guests]

Free use of the pool at Ashu Guesthouse

▶ About Ashu Guesthouse
<a href="https://ashu-travel.com/en/news/about-ashuguesthouse/">https://ashu-travel.com/en/news/about-ashuguesthouse/</a>

Optional add-ons
(extra charge)

Yurt building & overnight stay at Ashu Guesthouse

$200 /group / night
Horse-cart tour of Ashu's village

$30 /group (6 people)
Sheep butchering: reflecting on life

$200 /group

Day 3

Open

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Horse Riding: 12~

Elevation: approx. 2,200 m

Charging: ×

wifi: ×

Toilet: None

Hot shower: None

Around 8:00

After breakfast, depart for the remote backcountry
Around 12:00

Lunch at a café on the way
Around 14:00

Ride past the red rock formations of "Jeti-Oguz (Seven Bulls)" and "Broken Heart"

On to Kok-Jaiyk Gorge, known as the "Valley of Flowers"

* Routes and accommodation vary depending on the season, weather and group size.
* Toilets are basically outdoors in nature.
Around 18:00

Stay in a yurt, tent or guesthouse
Enjoy dinner and relax

* Adjusted to the season and weather
* Yurts have wood stoves in autumn
* Showers may run lukewarm at busy times (body wipes are handy)

Day 4

Open

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Horse Riding: 15~22

Elevation: approx. 2,800 m

Charging: ○

wifi: ○

Toilet: Flush toilet

8:00

After breakfast, head deeper into the mountains
13:00

Picnic lunch at a scenic spot
Around 15:00

Arrive at a nomad family home and experience their traditional way of life
Around 18:00

Check in at a guesthouse with hot springs

Soothe your body after riding
Night

Stay at the guesthouse with hot springs

Relax in nature

Day 5

Open

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Horse Riding: 10~15

Elevation: 800

Charging: ○

wifi: ○

Toilet: Flush toilet

Hot shower: Hot shower

8:00

Depart after breakfast.

Return to Jeti-Oguz by a different route, enjoying new scenery along the way
Around 13:00

After lunch at the base camp, drive straight to Bishkek in a private vehicle
Around 20:00

After dinner, stay at a hotel in Bishkek

Day 6

Open

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Horse Riding: None

Elevation: approx. 800 m

Around 9:00

After breakfast, city sightseeing

Visit your guide's recommended spots as time allows, such as a lively bazaar for shopping and a honey specialty shop
20:00

After dinner, we drop you off at Manas Airport and the tour ends

* For T'way Air flights
Summer: Bishkek → Incheon flights operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays only (dep. 00:30 → arr. 09:35)
* Winter: Bishkek → Incheon flights operate on Wednesdays and Sundays only (01:30 - 10:45)

* If you fly home with an airline other than T'way, we will take you to the airport together with other guests if your flight departs between 00:00 and 1:30
* If you need to leave earlier, please ask us
You can go to the airport yourself using Yandex or similar, or we can arrange a private transfer for an additional fee
* As this is a package tour, we cannot offer discounts if you skip part of the tour (such as activities) for personal reasons
This is because it affects the price for other guests
Thank you for your understanding

Important Notes

* If you let us know about food allergies in advance, we can accommodate them to some extent. Please feel free to ask.

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

* Safety comes first in all our horse riding. Cantering is possible where the terrain allows, but the instructor may stop it if they judge it difficult based on the horse's condition or how well you and your horse are matched.

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

* Depending on the season and weather, we will arrange the most suitable accommodation from tents, yurts and guesthouses. Toilet and shower facilities vary accordingly.

* As a rule, tour fees are paid locally in US dollars cash.

* If you prefer to pay by international bank transfer, please transfer the payment within a few days after the price is finalized 3 weeks before departure. Please note that an additional fee of $30 applies for withdrawal 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. Bringing body wipes is a good idea.

* 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 make your stay comfortable, but unexpected situations like these may cause some inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding.

* To keep prices as low as possible, rooms are basically shared, with men and women in separate rooms. We will arrange for families and friends to share a room, so please let us know when you book.

* 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 field when sending your booking request. For accommodation not shown in the options, please ask us when you book.

* Private rooms are not available for yurt or tent stays due to the facilities. Thank you for your understanding.

* 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.

Start and end your trip in comfort

DAY1

DAY5

Hotels in Bishkek

City hotels used on arrival in Bishkek. With Wi-Fi, hot showers, flush toilets and breakfast, they offer the functional, comfortable setting you'd expect in the city. Facilities and amenities vary by hotel, but we carefully select convenient hotels where you can fully recover from your journey.

So that we can respond quickly in an emergency, we choose hotels as close to our guide's home as possible.

Charging: ○

wifi: ○

Toilet: Flush toilet

Hot shower: ○

Sauna: ×

Pool: ×

More details

*The specific hotel is not decided in advance; it depends on hotel availability at the time of your trip.

A comfortable guesthouse amid stunning scenery

DAY2

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

Yurts embraced by red rock mountains

DAY3

Yurts at Jeti-Oguz

A yurt in a valley embraced by the red rock mountains of Jeti-Oguz ("Seven Bulls"), one of Kyrgyzstan's famous sights.

Surrounded by majestic rock faces and open pastures, you'll stay in a storybook landscape. The spacious interior, with 3 to 4 beds, is covered in well-insulated felt, and in spring and autumn a wood stove keeps things cozy and warm.

The toilet is an outdoor natural toilet. Facilities are simple, but that means a wilder yurt experience where you can feel the vast sky and the sound of the wind.

Charging: ×

wifi: ×

Toilet: Outdoor

Hot shower: ×

Sauna: ×

Pool: ×

*The toilet is an outdoor natural toilet.
*Wood stoves are set up in the spring and autumn seasons.
*Yurts are limited, so rooms are generally shared, with men and women in separate yurts.

Kyrgyz hot springs in swimsuits

DAY4

Guesthouse with hot springs

Kyrgyzstan actually has many hot spring areas. Unlike Japanese-style bathing, the usual style is to bathe in swimsuits, like a pool.

At a hot spring lodge you can go straight from the bath to bed, a luxurious and efficient way to soothe a body tired from riding and sightseeing. More than just sightseeing, it's a place to relax while experiencing the local hot spring culture, a little-known way to enjoy Kyrgyzstan.

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: ×

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Jeti-Oguz, One of Kyrgyzstan’s Most Stunning Spots: Walk Among Legendary Red Rock Mountains and Valleys

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What You Will Experience

Ride to the legendary rocks of Jeti-Oguz

A ride weaving between the red rock formations known as the "Seven Bulls" and the "Broken Heart." Experience up close from horseback one of Kyrgyzstan's iconic landscapes, also featured on the Japanese TV show "Gutto Chikyu-bin." The ride also takes you to Kok-Jaiyk Gorge, the "Valley of Flowers," carpeted with alpine plants.

Riding in a beautiful valley

Before heading deep into the mountains, make your riding debut in the national park in Chon-Kemin Valley. Local staff give careful instruction, so first-timers can feel at ease. It also includes making boorsok, a traditional bread.

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.

4 full days of horse riding

From steep mountain routes to wide-open highlands that make you want to break into a canter. With the scenery changing every day, you'll fully enjoy the thrill of riding in Kyrgyzstan, from ups and downs to light cantering. Riding distance is 5 to 20 km per day.

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

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.

Souvenir shopping at a Bishkek bazaar

Visit your guide's recommended spots and look for Kyrgyz souvenirs at honey shops and bazaars. Enjoy the city's buzz at the end of your trip.

Hot spring retreat in the mountains

On day 3, visit a natural hot spring deep in the mountains. Soak away the fatigue from activity amid the quiet steam. In Kyrgyzstan you bathe in swimsuits, so don't forget yours.

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 | Almaty Airport to hotel $65 / time

For your pre-tour stay, a transfer from Almaty Airport to your self-booked hotel

*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

Eagle hunter experience in South Issyk-Kul $60 / person

Experience Kyrgyzstan's age-old eagle hunting culture. Watch a hunt with a stuffed toy standing in for a rabbit, then reward the eagle with chicken. Enjoy taking photos.

*Please consult us in advance

Guided museum visit in Bishkek $3 / person

A guided visit to a museum that brings together Kyrgyz history, culture and nature. A great-value option to get to know Kyrgyzstan more deeply.

Invite an eagle hunter to Chon-Kemin $70 / person

A special option to invite a real eagle hunter during your stay in Chon-Kemin. Watching the hunter and eagle work together against the majestic mountain scenery will be an unforgettable sight.

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.

Luxury single $130 / person / night

A luxury single room for 1 person.

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.

Boorsok-making experience $60 / group

Make boorsok, traditional Kyrgyz fried bread, by hand. You can eat it right after making it.

*Free if already included in your tour

Horse-cart tour of Ashu's village $30 / group (6 people)

Ride in a horse cart and leisurely take in the everyday scenery of Ashu's simple, welcoming village.

Sheep butchering: reflecting on life $200 / group

An intense, one-of-a-kind time to learn about Kyrgyz food culture and the value of life through hands-on experience.

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]

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

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Flights

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”
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2027

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