Jety-Oguz

On the trail of mountain nature

After enjoying Kyrgyz hospitality in the village of Jety-Oguz (“seven bulls”), the seven rock formations will delight you with their stunning majesty and unique red colour. The trail opens into a green valley and cool shade of the mountain forests. Marvel at the mysterious broken heart mountain as you listen to its legend. After several days riding you will sink into the healing water of a hot spring. The unexpected hospitality of the shepherds will give you a real taste of Kyrgyz life.

Duration: 6 days horse trek
Season: July – 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 Drive to Jety-Oguz by car (about 65 km, 1.5 hours). Today, a short ride from Jety-Oguz to Kok-Jaiyk Valley in the afternoon. Along the way there is a cave where a lone monk used to live. Shepherds tell a lot of legends about the beautiful rock formations known as the “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart”. Overnight in tents.

Day 2 Ride down the At-Jailoo Valley to a beautiful lake which will leave a lasting image in your mind. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 4-5 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 3 Ride to Suttuu-Bulak jailoo which is well known for its beautiful forests and natural pastures. Then to Jyluu-Suu, a hot spring flowing with medicinal water. You can stop to swim and recover all your strength and health. Overnight in tents near the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu River. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 4 Ride for 25-35 km along the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu River where you will cross the river a few times. You will be awed by the steep, magnificent mountains. Here you will meet shepherds and acquaint yourself with their natural way of life. Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 5 Ride along the Kichi-Kyzyl-Suu Valley, named after the river. You will then cross the Kashka-Tor Pass (3937 m). Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 6 Ride along the Juukuchak Valley. On the last day of your trek you have lunch with shepherds near the hot spring. You will remount your horse feeling like a real nomad. Then you will go by car to Barskoon. Distance: 40 km. Time: 30 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

or

Bernard Repond
Buchille 14
1633 Marsens
Switzerland
Mobile:   +41 79 304 84 04
E-mail:   repondbernard77@gmail.com

Drink kymyz – the celestial mountain tonic !

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.