9-Day Horse Riding from Osh, Kyrgyzstan in the Alay Mountains

Day 1. Osh – Kozho-Kelen 

100 km, 3.5 hours

Your first day of horse riding odyssey starts with a drive to one of the most scenic villages of Kyrgyzstan – Kozho-Kelen. It is a 100 km and 3.5 hours of journey where you will witness the exotic nature of the south, driving along the mountains, flora, and shepherd huts and yurts. The road will also take you along the main water supply of Osh and its surroundings – the Papan Reservoir. Upon arrival at Kozho Kelen village (2230 meters above sea level), you will have a hearty lunch at the guest house and head towards the acclimatization hike (2-3 hours). You will visit the Blue Grot and the waterfall. Enjoy your dinner after the hike and prepare to rest before the major part of your adventures. 

Day 2. Kozho Kelen– Kosh Moinok 

14 km; 7 hours; 4 hours of riding

Charge your batteries with a filling breakfast, mount the horses, and depart on your journey along the slopes of the beautiful Cretaceous mountains of Kichi-Alay. You will cross the picturesque Sary-Bel Pass (3150 m), which translates to “Yellow Hill” in Kyrgyz, referring to specific terrain and color of the local landscape in certain seasons.

The path will lead you to a scenic Kosh-Moinok gorge. The name stands for “Two Pastures,” reflecting the pastoral nature of the region and the people who dwell in it. Unique scenery and tranquil surroundings of Kosh Moinok make it popular among travelers searching for exotic camping and trekking experiences. The day ends with reaching the local yurt camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 3. Kosh-Moinok – Sary-Mogol pass.

17km; 5 hours riding

Today, you are heading towards the Sary-Mogol pass via a little passage from Kyzyl-Chara. The path will take you to the south side, along the mountain river, surrounded by cliffs on both sides, with subalpine and alpine meadows that diversify the landscape.

Besides the nature, you will hear the crying marmots and birds singing. You will see the big birds like the vultures, golden eagles, owls, and hawks floating in the sky. As the area is also inhabited by mammals such as wolves, foxes, badgers, wild boars, mountain goats, and jackals, you may find their traces.

Relax upon arrival at the yurt camp.

Day 4. Cross the Sary-Mogol’s pass (4300m) – Camp of Sary-Mogol pasture.

12km; 6 hours riding to the camping point

Today, you are about to challenge your body and spirit and conquer a steep pass. It is not a long distance, but the pass takes time. You will blend with an incredible landscape, feel the sky, and the height of the Pamir-Alay. As you will finally ascend the Sary-Mogol Pass (4300 meters), you will see four rocky lakes (Besh-Kol) and the natural channels that connect the lakes.

After 15 km on horseback, the trail will bring you to the yurts of locals located near the mountain river. Overnight in a tent.

Day 5. Riding to the next camp over Kara-Kabak 

20km; 7 hours riding

Today’s trek begins with a gradual ascent, getting steeper as you approach the pass. You will cross the rocky terrain and may encounter snow patches, despite the summer. Karakabak Pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Alay Valley and the epic Lenin Peak (7,134 m). The rugged cliffs, jagged peaks, and expansive glaciers accompany you along the trail. Reaching the pass, you can choose to either return the same way to Tulpar-Kol or continue descending into the Karakabak Valley. The descent, which takes you through high-altitude pastures with herders grazing their livestock, is steep but doable. The valley is less touristic, giving you a chance to experience the untouched wilderness of the region. If time allows, you can continue the journey to Kashka-Suu pasture.

Day 6. Kara Kabak – Damdjailoo 

20 km; 8 hours riding

This day is about ascending higher. After passing the hill on the right, you follow up to the Kashka-Suu valley. The path leads through a narrow gorge among juniper trees and wild bushes. As you arrive in Kok Djar Valley, the landscape widens. You will cross the pass (4120 m) and descend into the lakes. Here you will set up the camp, have dinner, and spend a night in tents at 3870m.

Day 7. Kosh-Kol lakes – riding to Damjailoo – transfer to Sary-Mogol

Leave your stuff in camp, grab lunch boxes, light items, and walk up to 4130 meters to see a couple of lakes located higher. Return to the camp, grab your stuff, and head towards Kashka-Suu village, from where you will be transferred to Sary-Mogol (25km, 30-minute drive). 

Day 8. Sary-Mogol – Tulpar-Kol Lake

After breakfast, the driver will take you to the yurt camp located near Tulpar-Kol Lake (25km, 1 hour driving). Leave your heavy bags before heading to the Traveler’s Pass. Within 7 hours of a round-trip walk (14 km), embrace the majesty of the panoramic view of Lenin Peak, rugged terrain, glacial streams, rocky slopes, and alpine meadows. Replenish your battery with lunch before taking the same route back to your yurt for an overnight. 

Day 9. Tulpar-Kol – Osh.

Your 9-day horse riding journey in Alay Mountains is coming to an end. Enjoy your breakfast, say farewells, and head back to Osh. But the journey isn’t over yet, as you will be driving through the picturesque Alay valley on M41.

Arrival in Osh. End of trip.