RIDING IN KYRGYZSTAN WITH ALEXANDRA TOLSTOY
Wild and Exotic arrange riding holiday in Kyrgyzstan with Alexandra Tolstoy, who captured the imagination of travellers all over the world when she and three friends retraced the 5,000 mile long silk road through : Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, the Taklamakan Desert and China in 1999. Travelling only by horse and camel, they rode through deserts, mountains and forests following the ancient trade route between East and West, through landscapes synonymous with legendary conquerors and explorers of the past - Genghis Khan, Marco Polo, and Alexander the Great. That ride lead to the publication of her first book, Last Secrets of the Silk Road, as well as marriage to Shamil, the horseman and guide she met at the start of her adventures in Uzbekistan. You can keep abreast of Alexandra and Shamil's current rides by clicking this link to her website.
Wild and Exotic organise exciting riding itineraries guided and accompanied by Alexandra and Shamil, exploring the Sary Chelek region of Kyrgyzstan. Covering the southern side of the Chatkal mountain range, Sary Chelek is deemed a charmed land, and a destination that many Kyrgyz can only dream of visiting. The ride passes through a landscape of turbulent glacial fed rivers and aquamarine lakes shimmering beneath jagged mountain ridges. At lower altitudes the hills are rich in ancient fruit and nut forests, and rare alpine flowers.
Lake Sary Chelek itself, known as the ‘jewel’ of Kyrgyzstan, stretches for 7.5 kilometres into the mountains at an altitude of 1,940 metres. The lake is surrounded by towering yellow boulders, with spruce and fir trees clinging precariously to the steep slopes, their branches home to cormorant and merganser nests, as well as exquisite orchids and rare ferns. Founded in 1959, Sary Chelek Reserve provides habitat for more than a third of Kyrgyzstan’s species of flora and fauna, including many of the world’s rarest and most endangered animals and plants, such as the elusive snow leopard, which finds sanctuary and solitude in the highest reaches of the surrounding mountains. Turkestan lynx, brown bear, deer and boar are occasionally spotted, as are the short-toed eagle and greater horseshoe bat.
There may also be the opportunity on day 7 or 8 to watch a game of Ulak, an ancient contest, widespread among the Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Tajik, Uzbek and Kara-Kalpak peoples, which is similar to polo, only a dead goat is used instead of a ball.......the objective of the game is to seize the goat's carcass in the centre of the field and deliver it into the gates of the contesting team. Each team is made up of hundreds of competitors, who charge at full gallop as they attempt to wrestle the goat from their opponents. The winner of the game is the team that is able to fling the ulak through the other team's gates the greatest number of times. Beyond these basic rules, anything seems to be permitted, and it is an extraordinary sight to watch the riders thrash each other with their whips, as they surge backwards and forwards in a great body across the pitch.
Read P.J. O'Rouke's article on riding in Kyrgyzstan which was published in the April 2007 edition of Forbes Life by clicking on the link below:
P.J. O'Rouke: Horse Latitudes, Forbes Life April 2007
Read what our clients have to say about riding with Alexandra Tolstoy in Kyrgyzstan
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| Asia Mountain Hotel, Bishkek | Mountains and flowers | Horses at campsite |
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| Sary Chelek mountains | Steep climb | Alexandra and Shamil |
FACT SHEET FOR WILD AND EXOTIC RIDING HOLIDAYS IN KYRGYZSTAN (SARY CHELEK)
Accommodation: 6ft x 4ft dome sleeping tents (Terranova), which are fully water and wind proof. All are equipped with comfortable inflatable mattresses (Thermarests), and hot water bottles are supplied in the evenings if the weather is cold. There are 2 loo long drop loo tents, and new loos are dug at each campsite. There is also a shower tent with hot water is provided.
Activities: On non-moving days there is the opportunity to walk, swim and fish. We may encounter a local game of ulak, when two teams of men on horseback wrestle over the body of a dead goat, as well as horse races when boys as young as five years old gallop across a valley.
Cash: There are attractive things for sale in Bishkek, which can be bought in dollars, but in the countryside there is nothing to buy so we suggest that guests do not change more than $100 into local currency.
Children: We will accept children on riding holidays but they must be competent riders. There are no discounts for children.
Clothing List: Clothing list will be sent with booking forms.
Drinks: Local beers, vodka, fruit juice and bottled water are provided free of charge. We recommend bringing a bottle of your favourite spirits with you.
How to Get There: There are flights three times a week from the UK to Bishkek (BMI). A representative will meet you on arrival. Bishkek is five hours ahead of Greenwich meantime, so there is some adjustment required by the body clock.
Insurance: Whilst we carry public liability insurance and take all possible care it is imperative that you have full medical and holiday insurance. Wild & Exotic Ltd can arrange this if instructed.
Length of rides: 4 – 6 hours in the saddle. Everyday there are lunch breaks of up to two hours.
Meals: Delicious full breakfasts that comprise fruit, porridge, eggs, tomatoes and fresh bread are served every morning. Lunches are either served en route by support staff operating out of the kitchen lorry, or are simple picnics carried by saddlebag comprising cheese, cold meats and fruit. Dinner is Russian/Kyrgyz and served to us by candlelight under the stars and often besides a roaring campfire. We have two chefs who are extremely good and versatile. Vegetarians can also be catered for.
Medical and safety: A medical kit is on hand in camp. On horseback we are always in radio contact with the back-up trucks, and we have a satellite telephone. Clients should consult their GP at least 8 weeks prior to departure for advice on recommended inoculations; we suggest clients are inoculated against Japanese encephalitis and tic borne encephalitis. It is essential that clients have insurance which gives them a 24 hour emergency number to contact in case of an accident. We have a satellite phone and can call for medical help in case of an emergency. There is a European medical centre in Bishkek where patients can be flown to by helicopter. Alternatively people can be taken to Almaty, which is 3 hours from Bishkek where there are better facilities.
Non-Riders: We will take non-riders but this should be discussed with Wild and Exotic Ltd first. The full set departure trips are not recommended for non-riders.
Terrain: The rides are through the Tien Shan mountain range and we ride over the peaks and through the valleys, as well as through forests and orchards. There are many suitable places for cantering and fantastic views can be gained at the top of the mountain passes. Kyrgyzstan is full of lakes, rivers and waterfalls and each campsite is located near water, where it is usually possible to swim. From May to July the country we ride through is covered in rich carpets of flowers.
Type of horses: Indigenous Kyrgyz ponies. They are responsive, tough and fit, as well as extremely agile and sure-footed in the mountains.
Types of riding holiday: We operate riding holidays in remote mountain areas, using modern camping equipment. All are supported by two trucks and a full complement of trained and attentive staff. One truck drives ahead, using a completely different route than that taken by the horses, to prepare lunch (except on certain days when lunch is carried in saddlebags) while the second drives further to prepare the new campsite. We ride 15 miles a day on average and usually ride in a large circle, moving camp each night.
Riding ability: You should be comfortable at all paces. We ride in mountainous country and often have to ascend/descend steep and rocky passes. You should be fit enough to ride between 4 and 6 hours a day.
Single Supplement: Is only charged for those who are not prepared to share accommodation.
Size of the Rides: Maximum of 12 guests.
Tack: The saddles are Russian Military style, which are a hybrid of English and Western saddles. All snaffle bridles.
Weather: Kyrgyzstan has long, harsh winters but in April the snows melt and in May/June the spring flowers are at their height. We ride at an average of 6,500ft. The days are warm and sunny but it is cold at night. There is also the possibility of thunderstorms and rain, but they are short-lived. There are very few mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Weight Limit: Maximum weight is 200 lbs for a novice rider and 210 lbs for an advanced rider (15 stone or 95 kg).
Wild
and Exotic Sary Chelek itinerary June 18 to July 2 2008
Lake Sary Chelek itself, known as the ‘jewel’ of
There may be the opportunity on day 7 or 8 of the ride to watch a game of ulak,
an ancient contest, widespread among the Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Tajik, Uzbek and
Kara-Kalpak peoples, which is similar to polo, only a dead goat is used instead
of a ball... The object of the game is to seize the goat's carcass in the centre
of the field and deliver it into the gates of the contesting team. Each team is
made up of limitless numbers of men and boys, who charge at full gallop against
each other, attempting to wrestle the goat from their opponents. The winner of
the game is the team that is able to fling the
ulak through the other team's gates the greatest number of times. Beyond
these basic rules, anything seems to be permitted, and it is an extraordinary
sight to watch the riders thrash each other with their whips, as they surge
backwards and forwards in a great body across the pitch.
Thursday
June 19: Arrival in Bishkek at
03.50hrs and transfer to the delightful Asia Mountains Hotel where tonight
is spent. Facilities include air conditioning in all rooms, an outdoor swimming
pool, and barbeque. This afternoon we explore
Friday
June 20: Early
this morning we will leave Bishkek by minibus for the small
hamlet of Dharik Tash (approximately nine hours), breaking our journey for lunch.
Tonight’s campsite is beside a river and close by a small track leading up
into the mountains.
Saturday June 21:
We will meet our horses and start
the ride from camp after breakfast, covering approximately 30km through a stunning landscape of wooded mountains, jagged rocky peaks,
and meadows beneath, full of beautiful wildflowers. After enjoying a picnic
lunch we begin our descent to the
Sunday June 22:
Today we will ride approximately 27km, first passing through the
Monday
June 23: Today
we enter
Tuesday June 24:
This morning we ride 24km to
Wednesday June 25: Today
we ride from our campsite beside
Thursday
June 26: Today is a rest day
for the horses and guests. While the horses indulge themselves grazing through
waist-high grasses, guests can choose between fishing, swimming and walking
through a landscape that is close to heaven on earth. Or you may choose to move
no further than the campsite beside the lake, sipping chilled beer and relaxing
after the exertions of the previous few days. Our final night at
Friday
June 27: Today we ride over
the beautiful Kuturma pass (2446m) to
Saturday
June 28: Today we will ride
higher up into the mountains and visit summer yurts of the local Kyrgyz people.
After lunch there may be the chance to watch a game of ulak,
near our campsite beside
Sunday
June 29: Today we descend
from
Monday
June 30: Today
we will be transferred by road back to Bishkek. Tonight is spent at the Asia
Mountains Hotel.
Tuesday
July 1: Today is spent
relaxing in the grounds of the hotel, where facilities include an open air
barbeque and swimming pool, and also sightseeing and shopping in Bishkek for
those who wish. We will have a minibus and driver on hand for this service. This
evening there will be a celebratory farewell dinner in Bishkek.
Wednesday
July 2: This morning the
hotel will provide a simple buffet breakfast before we are transferred to the
airport at Bishkek in time to check in to the
Notes:
This ride for 2008 is fully booked
The cost of this itinerary is £2335 per person based on twin or double
accommodation throughout the itinerary. The cost includes accommodation in
Bishkek, tented accommodation whilst on the ride, food, vodka and beer on the
trek, English speaking guide, sightseeing costs, transfers, horses, support
staff including drivers, cooks, horsemen and camp assistants. The cost excludes
international flights, travel insurance, visas, gratuities and alcoholic drinks
other than those specified above. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your
place on this ride. The balance 50% is due no later than 23rd April
2008.
The single supplement of
£200 is waived if guests are prepared share accommodation.
Please note that this
ride will only go ahead should there be a minimum of 8 people and a maximum of
12 people signed up for the ride.
A valid passport with expiry date at least 6 months after date of return from Kyrgyzstan is required. Visas are easily obtained by UK residents from the embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic, website address: http://www.kyrgyz-embassy.org.uk/ Wild and Exotic can advise on all aspects of obtaining visas for Kyrgyzstan if required.
As ATOL license holders 6445, Wild and can book international flights on your behalf, subject to availability.
Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. Weather conditions in the mountains and at all stages of this ride can be unpredictable, and the decision of your guide must be respected at all times. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.
Booking forms and fact sheets, together with Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions of business can be obtained from Wild and Exotic.
