Ak-Terek
Horse riding through the wonders of Ala-Too
The world of the Kyrgyz mountains is magnificent and unique. The horse trek goes through meadows and high passes, along mountains lakes and rivers. You will enjoy open riding in beautiful mountain pastures and marvel at the views from high view points overlooking Lake Issyk-Kul. During your trek you will have the opportunity to see the nomadic ways of life of the Kyrgyz people and share your meal with the shepherds in their high pastures.
Duration: 3 days
Season: June – September
Itinerary
Departure and return of the trek in Barskoon village which is situated near Lake Issyk-Kul. Distance from Bishkek to Barskoon: 350 km (5-6 hours by car). Accommodation and excellent traditional Kyrgyz food in a private home/yurta in Barskoon.
Day 1 Enjoy the fresh early morning air, as you ride from Barskoon to Ak-Dobo. Cross the Tarylga River and go through fir-tree forests and beautiful mountains covered with snow. Enjoy the views of wide open pastures where shepherds herd their animals in summer. Spend the night in the Sary-Bulak Valley. Overnight in tents. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.
Day 2 Riding from Asry-Bulak, you will go along the Kichi-Jargylchak River and pass Kok-Bulak jailoo (meadows). Here you have a chance to meet shepherds and be introduced to their way of life. On the way down you will be amazed by the rich tapestry of flowers. Overnight in tents. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.
Day 3 Ride from Kok-Bulak to Kindik jailoo along the Ak-Terek River until you come to Ak-Terek village. On the way to Ak-Terek village, you will be awed by the views of Lake Issyk-Kul. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours. From Ak-Terek village to Barskoon by car (25 km, 15-20 min). Soak in a hot bath, enjoy supper and night in a private home/yurta.
The trek includes:
Accommodation in a house/yurta upon arrival and before departure in Barskoon village, accommodation in tents during the trek, English speaking tour guide, cook, horseman, 3 meals a day, tents, horses with all equipment, cooking equipment, first aid kit and visa support.
You need to bring:
Down jacket, warm sweater, warm sleeping bag, silk sleeping bag liner, rain gear (waterproof trousers should have an opening on the outside at the bottom of the leg in order to put on and take off without removing your trekking boots), 2-3 pairs of warm socks, waterproof trekking boots, gloves, sunglasses, sun cream with high UV-protection, lip balm with UV-protection, torch, personal medicine, metal water bottle (0.75 L), Therm-A-Rest mat, riding chaps, Micropure (or any other water purification)
Please contact:
Ishembi Obolbekov
P.o. Box 2032
720000 Bishkek
Kyrgyz Republic
Mobile: +996 772 51 83 15
Phone: +996 312 43 45 32
+996 312 66 13 92
E-mail: shepherd@elcat.kg
www.kyrgyztrek.com
Bernard Repond
Buchille 14
1633 Marsens
Switzerland
Mobile: +41 79 304 84 04
E-mail: repondbernard77@gmail.com
Feel the fascination of Kyrgyzstan !
Shepherd’s Way Trekking reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary due to weather conditions or other extenuating circumstances. Insurance ! Photos by Jacqueline Ripart, Hermine Dreyfuss and Shepherd’s Way Trekking archives.