Explore Ala Archa on horseback and enjoy the freedom of the mountains
Escape the city and experience the mountains in one of the most authentic ways — on horseback.
This tour takes you to Ala Archa National Park, where you will ride through scenic mountain landscapes just a short drive from Bishkek. Surrounded by rivers, forests, and peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains, the experience offers both relaxation and light adventure.
With the support of your guide and local horseman, even beginners can feel comfortable and enjoy the ride. The horses are calm and well-trained, allowing you to focus on the views and the feeling of freedom as you move through the mountains.
After the ride, you will continue exploring the park on foot and enjoy a peaceful picnic in nature.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want to try horse riding in a safe and easy way, while connecting with Kyrgyz culture and enjoying the beauty of the mountains.
Highlights
Enjoy a safe and comfortable ride, even for complete beginners
Ride through the mountains like local nomads have for centuries
Combine light adventure with peaceful mountain relaxation
Relax with a picnic in nature after your ride, surrounded by mountain scenery
Enjoy panoramic views you can’t reach on regular walking trails
Itinerary
3-4 people
50 USD
2 people
80 USD
1 person
150 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Book now
Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Bishkek
Bottled water during the tour
Photo stops at scenic viewpoints
Horse, saddle, and local horseman (2-hour ride)
Entry tickets to Ala Archa National Park
Comfortable vehicle with air conditioning
Professional English-speaking guide
Inclusions
Lunch in the National Park
Personal expenses and health insurance
Not Included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Book a private tour
Bishkek
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Bishkek and we begin a short drive to Ala Archa National Park (about 40 minutes). As we leave the city, the scenery quickly changes to mountains, forests, and fresh alpine air.
01
Horse Riding
Upon arrival, you will meet your local horseman and your horse for the day. After a short safety briefing and basic instructions, you will begin your 2-hour horseback ride.
The trail follows mountain slopes and scenic paths, offering panoramic views over the valley, rivers, and the Tien Shan peaks. The ride is calm and comfortable, making it suitable even for beginners. Your guide and horseman will stay close throughout, helping and adjusting the pace if needed.
This is one of the best ways to experience the mountains — slow, peaceful, and connected to nature.
02
Ala Archa National Park
After the ride, we take a short shuttle bus deeper into the heart of Ala Archa National Park, where the most scenic areas begin.
From here, we start a gentle walk along the river, surrounded by forest and fresh mountain air. This is a relaxed and enjoyable part of the day where you can take photos, explore at your own pace, and even feed birds and squirrels. If you choose to walk a bit higher, there is also a chance to spot more wildlife and enjoy wider views of the valley.
For those who prefer less physical activity or feel tired, there is an option to take a cable car ride, which quickly brings you to higher viewpoints with beautiful panoramic mountain views, without any effort.
03
Lunch
For lunch, you can choose what suits you best. There are local restaurants inside the national park where you can enjoy a meal with mountain views, or you may bring your own food and enjoy it in nature.
Your guide will help with recommendations and arrangements.
04
Return to Bishkek
After your time in the mountains, we return to Bishkek. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel, leaving you relaxed and refreshed after a peaceful day in nature.
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.
HEALTH
To ensure a healthy trip, avoid drinking tap water or using it for brushing teeth; rely on bottled or filtered water instead. When it comes to food, it is safer to stick to freshly cooked, hot meals and fruits that you can peel yourself. These simple habits are your best defense against common stomach issues and will help you stay energized. Before you travel, we recommend checking that your routine vaccinations—specifically Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus—are up to date. Since medical infrastructure in remote mountain areas can be limited, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
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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