Arabel Plateau & Barskoon Horse Trek — 9 Days
About this tour
This route follows the Barskoon gorge and the Juuku river on the south side of Issyk-Kul — country that has kept its wild beauty untouched: snowy mountains, pristine forest and rivers of crystal-clear water.
You ride along the trails nomads have always used to drive their herds to the summer pastures (jailoo), passing through every climate zone from semi-desert to tundra. Marmots, hares, foxes and falcons are common — and with luck, even a bear. Nights are spent in tents and yurts, with a Russian banya at the end.
Highlights
- Jashyl-Kol lake at 3,790 m and a pass at 3,800 m
- Wide views over Issyk-Kul, glaciers and green forest
- Wildlife: marmots, foxes, falcons — sometimes bears
- Burana Tower (11th–12th c.) and a swim in Issyk-Kul
- About 700 km by car and 100 km on horseback
Group departures
Join a group on one of these dates, or propose your own. A departure is guaranteed once 2 travellers have joined, and the price per person drops as the group grows.
Join a group: choose your date
Publish your dates and other travellers can join you. They go live as soon as you confirm your email.
- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary
01
Day
Arrival in Bishkek
Arrival, check-in at a hotel or guesthouse and a city tour.
02
Day
Bishkek – Tamga
Drive to the village of Tamga on the south shore of Issyk-Kul, visiting the Burana Tower on the way. Night in a guesthouse.
03
Day
Tamga – Jashyl-Kol
Drive up to Jashyl-Kol lake (3,790 m) and a first 2–3-hour ride. Night in tents.
04
Day
Over the pass
Ride over a 3,800 m pass (5–6 hours), fording two mountain streams. Night in tents at 3,200 m.
05
Day
Down the river valley
5–6 hours riding down along the river to about 2,500 m. Night in tents in the forest.
06
Day
Mountain slopes above Issyk-Kul
Ride along the slopes (5–6 hours) with views of Issyk-Kul, glaciers and green forest. Night in tents at 3,500 m.
07
Day
To the Chon-Jargylchak river
Through undergrowth and shrubs, then across the Chon-Jargylchak river. Night in tents at 3,200 m.
08
Day
Back to Tamga
Ride back to Tamga. Night in a guesthouse with a Russian banya.
09
Day
Tamga – Bishkek
Drive to Bishkek with a swim in Issyk-Kul on the way. Night in Bishkek.
10
Day
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route (car for up to 3 travellers, minibus for larger groups)
English-speaking guide
4 nights in hotels, guesthouses or yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
5 nights camping: tents, camp kitchen and a cook
Breakfast and dinner every day
Picnic lunches on trekking, riding and walking days
A horse for each traveller and your guide, with local horsemen
Pack horses with a horseman for the luggage and camping gear
Entrance tickets and park fees
Not included
International flights
Visa fees (if you need a visa)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $120 (4 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Lunch on travel days
Sleeping bag and mat (ask us if you need to rent one)
Drinks and snacks
Tips for your guide, driver and horsemen
Personal expenses
Who is this tour for?
- Confident riders — you will ride 5–7 hours every day
- Travellers looking for remote country far from roads
Difficulty & safety
The highest point of the route is about 3,800 m. Drink plenty of water, go slowly on the first days and tell your guide about any headache or dizziness. Riding days are 5–7 hours at a walking pace with an experienced horseman; mountain weather changes fast, so keep a warm layer and rain jacket at hand.
What to bring
Warm clothes — nights in the mountains are cold
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Rain jacket
Sunscreen and sun hat
Sleeping bag
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Do I need riding experience?
Yes — you will ride 5–7 hours every day, so you should be comfortable in the saddle.
