2-Day Tour: Horse Riding in Chon Kemin and Konorchek Canyons Hike
This fully private 2-day tour is built for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Ride horses through one of Kyrgyzstan's most beautiful mountain valleys, spend the night at a family guesthouse, and hike through the breathtaking Konorchek Canyons the next morning. Book your dates today.
Price from:
275 USD
/ per person
Category:
Cultural/Multi-Day
Season:
All year around
Duration:
/1 night
2 Days
Into the mountains on horseback. Into the canyons on foot.
This tour is for travellers who want to get away from the cities and into the mountains. You begin with a stop at the Burana Tower — a 1,000-year-old Silk Road minaret with breathtaking views from the top. From there, the tour is pure nature and adventure all the way.
Chon Kemin National Park is widely regarded as one of the best places for horse riding in Kyrgyzstan. A wide, peaceful valley tucked between forested ridges and snow-capped peaks, it offers open meadows and riding trails that feel completely untouched. There is simply no better place to experience Kyrgyzstan on horseback.
The Konorchek Canyons are one of the most popular and easily accessible canyons in the country — red, orange, and purple rock formations that deliver views that stay with you long after you get home. This tour covers it all. Book your dates today.
Chon Kemin National Park is widely regarded as one of the best places for horse riding in Kyrgyzstan. A wide, peaceful valley tucked between forested ridges and snow-capped peaks, it offers open meadows and riding trails that feel completely untouched. There is simply no better place to experience Kyrgyzstan on horseback.
The Konorchek Canyons are one of the most popular and easily accessible canyons in the country — red, orange, and purple rock formations that deliver views that stay with you long after you get home. This tour covers it all. Book your dates today.
Highlights
Climb the 1,000-year-old Burana Tower and look out across the Tien-Shan Mountains from the top.
Ride horses through the open meadows of Chon Kemin — one of the best horse riding destinations in Kyrgyzstan.
Spend the night in a warm family-run guesthouse or a traditional yurt camp — your choice.
Hike through the Konorchek Canyons — dramatic red and orange rock formations, one of the most accessible canyons in the country.
Optional stop at Issyk-Kul Lake — your chance to see the world's second-largest alpine lake up close.
Itinerary
(170 km | 4-5 hrs driving)
Day 1
Bishkek — Burana Tower — Kegety Gorge — Chon Kemin National Park
Your guide meets you at your hotel in Bishkek and you set off eastward, leaving the city behind for open степи and mountain views. The first stop is the historic Burana Tower — a Silk Road landmark dating back to the 9th–10th centuries. Walk among the ancient balbal stone figures as your guide brings the history of this site to life, then climb the tower for panoramic views stretching toward the Tien Shan mountains.
Continue to Kegety Gorge, a beautiful alpine valley known for its clear river, fresh mountain air, and forested slopes. A short walk takes you closer to the Kegety waterfall — a peaceful stop to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, and capture some of the best early photos of your journey.
By early afternoon, arrive in Chon Kemin National Park and settle into a welcoming family-run guesthouse. A freshly prepared homemade lunch is served, followed by time to relax.
In the afternoon, choose your preferred experience: a 2–3 hour guided horse riding journey through open meadows and gentle mountain trails, a relaxed horse carriage ride ideal for families, or a scenic hike for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Each option offers a different but equally rewarding way to experience the valley.
In the evening, enjoy a warm homemade dinner. Optional sauna and swimming pool access are available(extra). Overnight in a cozy guesthouse surrounded by quiet nature and a stunning night sky.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Family-run guesthouse in Chon Kemin
Continue to Kegety Gorge, a beautiful alpine valley known for its clear river, fresh mountain air, and forested slopes. A short walk takes you closer to the Kegety waterfall — a peaceful stop to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, and capture some of the best early photos of your journey.
By early afternoon, arrive in Chon Kemin National Park and settle into a welcoming family-run guesthouse. A freshly prepared homemade lunch is served, followed by time to relax.
In the afternoon, choose your preferred experience: a 2–3 hour guided horse riding journey through open meadows and gentle mountain trails, a relaxed horse carriage ride ideal for families, or a scenic hike for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Each option offers a different but equally rewarding way to experience the valley.
In the evening, enjoy a warm homemade dinner. Optional sauna and swimming pool access are available(extra). Overnight in a cozy guesthouse surrounded by quiet nature and a stunning night sky.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Family-run guesthouse in Chon Kemin
Chon Kemin — Konorchek Canyons — (Optional: Issyk-Kul Lake) — Bishkek
Day 2
(200 km 3-4 hrs driving)
After breakfast your guide collects you from the guesthouse and you head toward the canyons. The drive takes you through the dramatic Boom Gorge — a narrow rocky canyon where the Chu River cuts between high stone walls. It is a striking natural gateway and a great spot to stop briefly for photos.
You arrive at the Konorchek Canyons and set off on foot into one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Kyrgyzstan. Red, orange, and purple rock formations rise around you — carved into strange towers and ridges by millions of years of wind and water. The hike is easy to moderate, around 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Every turn opens a completely new and dramatic view. Some travellers say it looks like Mars. Others simply run out of words. Bring your camera — every corner is worth photographing.
After the hike, your guide gives you two options for the rest of the day. If you are in no rush, you can make a short stop in Balykchy — a laid-back town sitting right on the western tip of Issyk-Kul Lake. Walk along the local beach, take in your first view of the great lake, and enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back to Bishkek. It is a lovely and unhurried way to end the trip. If you are short on time or have an evening commitment in the city, your guide drives you straight back to Bishkek after lunch on the road.
Either way, you arrive back in Bishkek in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
You arrive at the Konorchek Canyons and set off on foot into one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Kyrgyzstan. Red, orange, and purple rock formations rise around you — carved into strange towers and ridges by millions of years of wind and water. The hike is easy to moderate, around 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Every turn opens a completely new and dramatic view. Some travellers say it looks like Mars. Others simply run out of words. Bring your camera — every corner is worth photographing.
After the hike, your guide gives you two options for the rest of the day. If you are in no rush, you can make a short stop in Balykchy — a laid-back town sitting right on the western tip of Issyk-Kul Lake. Walk along the local beach, take in your first view of the great lake, and enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back to Bishkek. It is a lovely and unhurried way to end the trip. If you are short on time or have an evening commitment in the city, your guide drives you straight back to Bishkek after lunch on the road.
Either way, you arrive back in Bishkek in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Professional English-speaking guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 1B, 2L, 1D
1 night in a traditional yurt camp
All entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Horseback riding(2-3 hours)
Visit to Issyk-Kul Lake
Bottled water throughout the tour
All fuel, road tolls, and parking
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek
Inclusions
Not Included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Travel and health insurance (Recomended)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Dinner on the last day
Accommodation on the last day
Tips for the guide (not required)
Any activities not listed in the itinerary
Professional English-speaking guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 1B, 2L, 1D
1 night in a traditional yurt camp
All entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Horseback riding(2-3 hours)
Visit to Issyk-Kul Lake
Bottled water throughout the tour
All fuel, road tolls, and parking
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek
Itinerary
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Inclusions
Not included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Day 1
Bishkek — Burana Tower — Kegety Gorge — Chon Kemin National Park
(170 km | 4-5 hrs driving)
Your guide meets you at your hotel in Bishkek and you set off eastward, leaving the city behind for open степи and mountain views. The first stop is the historic Burana Tower — a Silk Road landmark dating back to the 9th–10th centuries. Walk among the ancient balbal stone figures as your guide brings the history of this site to life, then climb the tower for panoramic views stretching toward the Tien Shan mountains.
Continue to Kegety Gorge, a beautiful alpine valley known for its clear river, fresh mountain air, and forested slopes. A short walk takes you closer to the Kegety waterfall — a peaceful stop to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, and capture some of the best early photos of your journey.
By early afternoon, arrive in Chon Kemin National Park and settle into a welcoming family-run guesthouse. A freshly prepared homemade lunch is served, followed by time to relax.
In the afternoon, choose your preferred experience: a 2–3 hour guided horse riding journey through open meadows and gentle mountain trails, a relaxed horse carriage ride ideal for families, or a scenic hike for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Each option offers a different but equally rewarding way to experience the valley.
In the evening, enjoy a warm homemade dinner. Optional sauna and swimming pool access are available(extra). Overnight in a cozy guesthouse surrounded by quiet nature and a stunning night sky.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Family-run guesthouse in Chon Kemin
Continue to Kegety Gorge, a beautiful alpine valley known for its clear river, fresh mountain air, and forested slopes. A short walk takes you closer to the Kegety waterfall — a peaceful stop to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, and capture some of the best early photos of your journey.
By early afternoon, arrive in Chon Kemin National Park and settle into a welcoming family-run guesthouse. A freshly prepared homemade lunch is served, followed by time to relax.
In the afternoon, choose your preferred experience: a 2–3 hour guided horse riding journey through open meadows and gentle mountain trails, a relaxed horse carriage ride ideal for families, or a scenic hike for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Each option offers a different but equally rewarding way to experience the valley.
In the evening, enjoy a warm homemade dinner. Optional sauna and swimming pool access are available(extra). Overnight in a cozy guesthouse surrounded by quiet nature and a stunning night sky.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Family-run guesthouse in Chon Kemin
Chon Kemin — Konorchek Canyons — (Optional: Issyk-Kul Lake) — Bishkek
Day 2
(200 km 3-4 hrs driving)
After breakfast your guide collects you from the guesthouse and you head toward the canyons. The drive takes you through the dramatic Boom Gorge — a narrow rocky canyon where the Chu River cuts between high stone walls. It is a striking natural gateway and a great spot to stop briefly for photos.
You arrive at the Konorchek Canyons and set off on foot into one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Kyrgyzstan. Red, orange, and purple rock formations rise around you — carved into strange towers and ridges by millions of years of wind and water. The hike is easy to moderate, around 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Every turn opens a completely new and dramatic view. Some travellers say it looks like Mars. Others simply run out of words. Bring your camera — every corner is worth photographing.
After the hike, your guide gives you two options for the rest of the day. If you are in no rush, you can make a short stop in Balykchy — a laid-back town sitting right on the western tip of Issyk-Kul Lake. Walk along the local beach, take in your first view of the great lake, and enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back to Bishkek. It is a lovely and unhurried way to end the trip. If you are short on time or have an evening commitment in the city, your guide drives you straight back to Bishkek after lunch on the road.
Either way, you arrive back in Bishkek in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
You arrive at the Konorchek Canyons and set off on foot into one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Kyrgyzstan. Red, orange, and purple rock formations rise around you — carved into strange towers and ridges by millions of years of wind and water. The hike is easy to moderate, around 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Every turn opens a completely new and dramatic view. Some travellers say it looks like Mars. Others simply run out of words. Bring your camera — every corner is worth photographing.
After the hike, your guide gives you two options for the rest of the day. If you are in no rush, you can make a short stop in Balykchy — a laid-back town sitting right on the western tip of Issyk-Kul Lake. Walk along the local beach, take in your first view of the great lake, and enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back to Bishkek. It is a lovely and unhurried way to end the trip. If you are short on time or have an evening commitment in the city, your guide drives you straight back to Bishkek after lunch on the road.
Either way, you arrive back in Bishkek in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
Travel and health insurance (Recomended)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Dinner on the last day
Accommodation on the last day
Tips for the guide (not required)
Any activities not listed in the itinerary
MONEY&COSTS
The national currency is the Kyrgyz Som (KGS). In Bishkek and major towns, ATMs are widely available in shopping centers and on main streets, and you can pay by card in most restaurants and shops. Visa is the most widely accepted card, while MasterCard is less common and accepted only by specific banks. However, when traveling to the mountains or small villages, you must carry enough cash as ATMs are non-existent. We strongly recommend bringing new USD banknotes, as old or marked bills are often refused by exchange offices.
SAFETY
Kyrgyzstan is widely considered the safest and most open country in Central Asia, known for its stable political situation and hospitable locals. While the country is very safe, we recommend taking standard travel precautions just like anywhere else in the world: keep an eye on your belongings, avoid unlit streets at night, and always use official taxi services. Your safety is our top priority, and we work closely with trusted local partners to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.
ENTRY&EXIT
Citizens of many developed countries can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 60 days. If you are unsure about your specific visa requirements, simply contact us for assistance. We also arrange all special border permits required for your specific itinerary free of charge.
BEST TIME TO GO
Kyrgyzstan features a dry continental climate with a striking contrast between the valleys and the mountains. In major cities like Bishkek and the Ferghana Valley, summers can be intense, with daytime temperatures soaring between 30°C and 40°C (86°–104°F). However, since most of the country sits above 1,500 meters, the mountain air is much fresher and more comfortable, typically hovering around a pleasant 20°C–25°C (68°–77°F) during the day.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
BEST TIME TO GO
Kyrgyzstan features a dry continental climate with a striking contrast between the valleys and the mountains. In major cities like Bishkek and the Ferghana Valley, summers can be intense, with daytime temperatures soaring between 30°C and 40°C (86°–104°F). However, since most of the country sits above 1,500 meters, the mountain air is much fresher and more comfortable, typically hovering around a pleasant 20°C–25°C (68°–77°F) during the day.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour starts at 7:40 AM from the meeting place and lasts around 9-11 hours.
The best way to pay is cash (USD or local currency) directly to the guide on the day of the tour. We also accept card payments and can provide a payment link if needed.
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If it rains, we recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat. If the weather is extreme, the boat ride may not be possible, but the rest of the activities will continue as planned.
Yes! You’ll have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery at Issyk Kul Lake, Burana Tower, and cultural sites.
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Comfortable sedan/minibus during the day
- Small-group tour (min 3 and max 15 passengers)
- Admission tickets to Burana Tower, Boat Tour, and Petroglyphs
- Small bottled water
- Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
- Weather-appropriate clothing (hat/sunscreen in summer, warm layers in winter)
- Packed lunch (optional) if you’d like to have a meal during the boat ride
- Towel and swimsuit for the hot springs
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