At-Bashi Journey
A typical itinerary for our At-Bashi route, adapted as needed to weather and local conditions.
Example inbound flight: From London Heathrow with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, overnight to Bishkek.
Example outbound flight: From Bishkek to London Heathrow via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
Arrive in Bishkek and transfer to the Asia Mountains Hotel. After time to rest, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before a guided walk through the city’s leafy boulevards. Explore Bishkek’s striking Soviet architecture, with its distinctive (and often witty) nods to Kyrgyz culture.
Drive to Cholpon Ata (approximately five hours) on the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul, with a picnic lunch en route in Kok Moinok Canyon. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
Attend the final day of the World Nomad Games, a celebration of Central Asia’s nomadic heritage. Watch kok boru (goat polo), horseback archery and other traditional sports, followed by an evening of music and fireworks. Overnight in the guesthouse.
Transfer to Naryn (approximately five hours), stopping for lunch en route. Leave the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul and climb through wide valleys and over high passes, with views of snow-capped peaks and herds of grazing horses along the way. Arrive in Naryn, a remote mountain town set in a dramatic river gorge, and settle into a local guesthouse for the night.
Transfer to the horses (around one hour) and settle into camp. This afternoon’s first ride explores the Selkinchek mountain range, a wild landscape of remote valleys and little-trodden paths where Kozho-Zhash – Descendant of the Snow Leopard was filmed. From the small settlement of Bosogo, ride high into the mountains, stopping before the Kyndy Pass (3,400m). After tasting kumis (fermented mare’s milk) in a local yurt, cross the pass and continue deeper into the mountains before looping back to Bosogo and returning to camp.
Ride to Ozgorush village, surrounded by sweeping mountain scenery. From here, climb towards Taldy-Suu to visit a traditional water mill and see flour being ground by hand. Continue to the peaceful Zhol-Bogoshtu Gorge, where camp is set for the night beneath a canopy of stars.
Ride to the spectacular Shaar Waterfall, considered the highest in Central Asia. Follow a route through high pastures and rocky gorges to reach the cascade, pausing for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, descend to camp near the village of Bash-Kayndy.
Today’s ride leads to the ancient remains of the Koshoy-Korgon fortress before continuing to Kalinin village to visit its 18th-century mosque. Overnight at camp near Zhanyguch village.
Follow steep mountain paths, ford small rivers and cross open meadows before ascending the Kum-Bel Pass (3,600m), with sweeping views over the Naryn Valley. Descend to Pogranichnik village and overnight at camp nearby.
Set out on your final ride to Tash Rabat Caravanserai, on the banks of the Kara-Koyun River and considered Kyrgyzstan’s most important Silk Road monument. Built in the 10th century by the local ruler Mohammed Khan, this stone fortress once sheltered merchants and their caravans travelling to and from China. Tonight, stay in traditional yurts and visit a local yak herder, experiencing a way of life that has changed little over centuries.
Return to Bishkek (around seven hours), with lunch en route in Kochkorka. Visit a family-run felt-making cooperative, with the chance to watch traditional craftsmanship and purchase shyrdaks (felt rugs) or other handmade goods. Overnight at Asia Mountains Hotel, with dinner in a Georgian restaurant.
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Dates & Rates 2026
Journeys run for around 11 nights, with slight variations between routes.
Prices are based on a minimum of eight guests. Single Supplement is GBP 800.
Read below for more details.
At-Bashi Journey
(combined with World Nomad Games)
September 4th to 15th – GBP 10,950
accompanied by Alexandra Tolstoy
Rates
Rates include:
11 nights’ accommodation based on two people sharing a twin/double room and tent (three nights in a hotel, seven nights camping), all riding, guiding services and equipment, all meals within itinerary and tea, coffee and local beer with meals, group transfers within itinerary and airport transfers on first and last day at set times.
Rates do not include:
International flights/travel to Kyrgyzstan, taxes, visa fees, personal medical/travel insurance (which you must have), wine, spirits and additional non-included drinks, personal items at hotels (e.g. telephone calls, laundry, etc) and any tips you may wish to leave.
Single supplement:
Please note that if you book alone, you will need to pay the supplement for a single room/tent. This will be charged on all single bookings unless you have arranged a sharer.
Private rides and other dates available on request for groups between May and September.
More Information
Travel arrangements:
The meeting point for the Alexandra Tolstoy horse riding holiday is Bishkek airport. Arrival can be at any time on Day 1 and departure at any time on Day 11 as the first and last nights are spent in Bishkek. In most cases, the best option is to fly via Istanbul with Turkish Airways. Flights from London start from approximately £700 economy return plus taxes depending on time of year and availability. Our booking agent, The Ultimate Travel Company, is happy to advise on flights.
General visa and health information:
Please note that this is a brief outline; further information will be sent to you once your booking has been confirmed.
Visas:
Visas are not required for British and other European Union member passport holders visiting Kyrgyzstan for a stay of 60 days or less.
Health:
No inoculations are legally required to enter Kyrgyzstan if travelling from Europe, but tetanus is recommended for most travellers. You should always consult a health professional for further and more detailed personal medical advice.
For more information please read our FAQs.