Unforgettable Kyrgyzstan Horseback Adventure & UNESCO Heritage | 5-Day Issyk-Kul & Chong-Kemin Tour with Manas Airport Pickup

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Availability1

Endless mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and a journey on horseback.
This 5-day, 4-night riding adventure lets you fully experience the nature and culture of Kyrgyzstan.

The stage is Kyrgyz nature, which transforms completely with the seasons:
In spring, new life awakens.
In summer, the breeze of the lakeshore.
In autumn, golden mountains.
And in winter, serene snow-covered landscapes.
Even along the same routes, the journey feels entirely different depending on the time of year.

Beginner-Friendly
Local staff will carefully teach you the basics of the Kyrgyz riding style, starting with easy, slow-paced routes so you can join with confidence.

The journey also includes plenty of cultural encounters—making traditional fried bread boorsok, visiting the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower, and browsing local markets for souvenirs.

Accommodations are in clean guesthouses or lakeside hotels,
all with private showers and flush toilets—so even first-time international travelers can feel at ease.
With Japanese- or English-speaking guides, meals, and airport pickup at Manas included, everything after arrival is taken care of.

Surrounded by Kyrgyz mountains and lakes,
just walking with a horse is enough to gently untangle your heart.

Important Notes

Horseback riding is arranged in Issyk-Kul Region and Chong-Kemin Gorge, but the location may change depending on the season for safety reasons.
In winter, due to cold temperatures and icy conditions, riding near the lake may not be possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Even if horseback riding by the lake cannot be conducted, the tour still includes driving along the lakeshore, so you will be able to see Issyk-Kul itself.
Please note that activities are subject to weather conditions, and the final decision will be made on the day of the tour.

Day1

No meal

Altitude:approx.800m

Day 1｜Arrival in Kyrgyzstan & Hotel Rest (for some flights, arrival is technically around 0:30 on Day 2)

After a long journey, arrive at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Our staff will greet you at the airport—even for midnight arrivals.


You’ll be transferred by private car to a city hotel, where you can rest immediately after arrival. Take the evening to relax and recharge for the breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences that await from tomorrow.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek city (equipped with shower and flush toilet)
Meals: None



For those traveling from Japan via T’way Airlines, typical arrival is around 23:15 in spring, summer, and autumn, or around 00:30 (past midnight) in winter.
Please note: We do not arrange international air tickets, but we can introduce a trusted Central Asia–specialized ticketing agency upon request.

Day2

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Guesthouse

Bathroom

Flush Toilet

Wi-Fi

Power Outlet

riding horse5km〜

Altitude:approx.1800m

Day 2｜Journey to Chong-Kemin Gorge & Village Life Experience

After breakfast, set off by private car for Chong-Kemin Gorge (approx. 3–4 hours).
Surrounded by majestic mountains, this valley is a place where Kyrgyz nature and traditional culture remain deeply alive.
On arrival, you’ll join locals in making boorsok, the traditional fried bread enjoyed daily in Kyrgyz homes.

In the afternoon, enjoy a horseback trek of about 5 km around the village.
Before riding, local staff will teach you the Kyrgyz style of mounting and handling the reins, so even first-timers can feel at ease.

As you walk slowly alongside your horse, you’ll sense the distance between you and nature melting away.

In the evening, stay at Ashu Guesthouse, nestled in the gorge.
Its warm wooden interior and nostalgic atmosphere welcome travelers with a sense of homeliness.

Despite the rural setting, you’ll find modern comfort: flush toilets, showers, heating, and Wi-Fi. The guesthouse is also well-loved for hearty home-cooked meals made with local ingredients, with many repeat visitors returning year after year.

Campfires are complimentary, and from June to September, tour guests can also enjoy the pool and sauna free of charge.

Campfires are complimentary, and from June to September, tour guests can also enjoy the pool and sauna free of charge.

Day3

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Guesthouse

Day 3｜Transfer to Issyk-Kul Region & Horseback Riding Experience

After breakfast, depart by private car for Issyk-Kul Region.

Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the crystal-clear Issyk-Kul Lake from the car windows—one of the highlights unique to this day.

In the afternoon, set out on a horseback ride through routes around the lake, nearby villages, or mountain trails.
The exact path changes with the seasons, making every visit unique.

Please note: Riding routes may vary depending on the season and weather, always with your safety as the top priority.

For winter participants:
To ensure safety, rides take place on trails through villages and mountains away from the lake.

However, you will still be able to admire Issyk-Kul itself during the drive, so even in winter the lake’s beauty can be fully appreciated.

Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in Issyk-Kul Region
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

Day4

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel

Altitude:approx.800m

Day 4｜Visit the UNESCO-Listed Burana Tower & Return to Bishkek

After breakfast, depart Issyk-Kul Region and head back to Bishkek.


On the way, stop at the Burana Tower, an 11th-century archaeological site. Once part of the thriving Silk Road city of Balasagun, the tower stands today as one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important historical landmarks and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.


A local guide will explain the history of the Silk Road and the cultural background of this region.


Afterward, continue to Bishkek with a lunch stop en route, then check in at your city hotel.


Spend the evening at leisure—an ideal time to rest and recover from your journey.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek city
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

Day5

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude:approx.800m

Day 5｜Bishkek City Tour & Airport Transfer for Late-Night Flight
On the final day of your tour, enjoy a relaxed exploration of Bishkek city.

In the morning, visit Osh Bazaar, where locals shop for fruits, nuts, and traditional handicrafts—an excellent place to pick up souvenirs.

Afterwards, stop by a handicraft shop featuring Kyrgyz traditional goods, along with other recommended city sights (subject to change depending on conditions).


In the evening, you’ll be transferred to Manas International Airport around 21:00, in time for flights departing at 01:30 after midnight.

Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

Reservation Flow

Contact Us

Please contact us with your desired tour content, date, time, and number of people using the inquiry form.

Contact from us

We will send details of the tour and fees to the address you provide.

Application

Once tour details are confirmed, we will guide you through the application process.

Tour day

You will be met at the immigration gate at the airport. Please pay the tour fee upon arrival at your accommodation on the first day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring?

◼︎ for information on what you should bring.
Warm clothing (a down jacket is necessary in the morning and evening even in mid-summer), rain gear (riding in the rain is possible), sunglasses, insect repellent (in July and August), sunscreen, sturdy long pants for riding, shoes (please bring riding shoes or regular sneakers, as it is difficult to ride in climbing shoes), light, battery charge Mobile battery (please bring in carry-on baggage), gloves for riding (military gloves are acceptable), lip balm

Can I also ask you to arrange plane tickets?

We do not arrange airline tickets, but we can introduce you to a ticketing agency in Japan.Please contact Mr. Yasuda of JATM, Inc. at the following address
Japan Air Travel Marketing Inc.
Tokyo Head Office Mika Hoda
5F Tondan Building, 4-16-13 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023, Japan
Individuals, tours, corporations and groups: rtbinfo@jatm.co.jp Mr. Yoda's cell phone: 090-6477-2575
*Opening hours: 09:30-18:30 on weekdays

What should I check when entering Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan?

Checklist for entry into Kazakhstan
Japanese nationals are exempt from visa requirements for short-term stays of 30 days or less (each stay is limited to 30 days. Each stay is limited to 30 days, and the total stay is limited to 90 days within 180 days from the date of first entry into Japan.)
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of departure from Kazakhstan. If your passport is expired in 6 months or less, we recommend you to renew your passport.
You may be required to provide your accommodation upon ticketing in Japan and upon entry into Kazakhstan.
Please contact the following for accommodation
Kyrgyzstan, Kalmak-Ashuu,Borueva Str.22,724521 Ashu Guest House

You can enter Kyrgyzstan without any problem if you have already entered Kazakhstan. Please be assured that a Japanese-speaking guide will be with you when you enter the country.
Photography is not permitted in immigration-related facilities. Please be aware that you may be subject to a hefty fine if you attempt to take pictures.
In general, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are safe countries.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Overseas Safety Page Kazakhstan
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/m/mbimmigration_187.html
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Overseas Safety Page Kyrgyzstan
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/m/mbimmigration_265.html
Kyrgyzstan Safety Guide
https://www.kg.emb-japan.go.jp/information/anzen_tebiki.pdf
Kyrgyzstan Danger Information (Latest Information)
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pchazardspecificinfo_2023T036.html#ad-image-0

What is your cancellation policy?

The cancellation policy after this application is as follows
From 6:01 p.m. 40 days prior to the tour until 6:00 p.m. 20 days prior to the tour ...... 10% of the tour fee
From 6:01 p.m. 20 days prior to the tour until 6:00 p.m. 10 days prior to the tour ...... 20% of the tour fee
From 6:01 p.m. 10 days prior to the tour until 6:00 p.m. 3 days prior to the tour ...... 30% of the tour fee
From 6:01 p.m. 3 days prior to the tour until the start time of the tour on the day of the tour: ...... 50% of the tour fee
After the start time on the day of the tour ...... 100% of the price

Can I participate alone?

Yes, it is possible. Many of our customers travel alone, and some even travel with people they meet on the spot again on their next trip. If you want to travel alone at a great price, please use Join the tour .

What is Join the tour Recruitment?

If a single person joins the tour on the same day as other participants, the tour price will be applied as the price for two people. Dates that have candidates for travel companions are displayed as "Travel companions open". Please feel free to ask for more details.

Can I bring children with me?

Yes, you can participate. Horse riding is available for children aged 5 and over, and rafting and mountain climbing will be adjusted within reasonable limits. We can arrange activities according to your wishes.

When is the best season to travel?

The most popular months are June to September. You can enjoy horse riding, high altitude escapes, and stargazing in the lush mountains and grasslands. Meanwhile, trekking and skiing in the snowy scenery are also popular in winter, and Ashtravel also offers winter tours.

What kind of tours are available? Can I choose the number of days?

Ashtravel offers a wide range of tours depending on the number of days, as shown below. There are also tours that are not listed, so please contact us for details. Half-day/Full-day: Bishkek city/Ala-Archa sightseeing, etc.
1 night/2 days: Homestay + horse riding
2 nights/3 days - 4 nights or more: Lake, horse riding, rafting, craft experience, drone photography, etc.

Is customization or extension of stays possible?

Yes. We are flexible in our response, such as changing the itinerary, extending your stay, stopping by hot springs, etc. If you have any requests, please feel free to contact us.

Can a woman participate alone safely?

Yes. Many female solo travelers participate, and many of them are repeat customers. You can rest assured that you will have a reliable homestay and support from Japanese and English guides.

Is the tour departure date fixed? Can I join on the date I want?

Departure dates are not fixed and you can participate according to your wishes. However, we may not be able to accommodate your request depending on the number of people and the guide's schedule. Please contact us early to ensure we can implement a tour that meets your needs.

Will there be any interaction with other participants during the tour?

We don't actively encourage interaction, but some people naturally open up to each other during the trip and decide to join us again next time.

Will I be in a group with other people on the tour?

For horse riding experiences, you may join other participants, and we can split you into groups based on your skill level.