Land of the Horse
Horseback Riding Holiday
Kyrgyzstan
Introduction
This journey is a celebration of the horse and
its importance to the nomads of Kyrgyzstan. The first half
concentrates on the role of the horse within mythology and culture,
exploring the sites of the great Kyrgyz warrior epic The Manas. We
also attend one of the great gatherings where equestrian games of
all types are played on the open grasslands. The second half takes
in an epic and beautiful horse trek through the canyons, mountains
and open plains of Northern Kyrgyzstan.
.
Kyrgyzstan, one of the former Soviet Central
Asian Republics, is an incredible land of dramatic mountain ranges,
huge grasslands and jewel-like lakes. Over its history, a wealth of
nomadic and equestrian traditions have been born, and even today
the horse remains of central importance among the nomadic herders.
Our journey into the land of the horse celebrates the unique
association between man and animal in the plains and mountains of
Central Asia.
Our holiday begins in Bishkek, the leafy
capital of Kyrgyzstan, before heading out by vehicle to the Talas
region in the Central Plains. Talas is particularly associated with
the Manas, the great Kyrgyz epic that tells of the heroic actions
and great deeds done by the great Khan Manas in forging together
the Kyrgyzi homeland. Stories of powerful warriors, magical horses
and the great migrations are set in a sweeping landscape, and we
spend two days exploring the historic sites in the area, including
a visit to the tomb of Manas, and exploring the ancient towns of
Suz and Sadyr-Kurgan.
Ancient artefacts can still be discovered on
the shores of nearby Kirov reservoir. From Talas, we cross into the
pasturelands of the Susamyr Valley, surrounded by a necklace of
sparkling snow-capped peaks, where each year the national
equestrian games are held. There is a long tradition of equestrian
tournaments held by the nomads in Kyrgyzstan, and there may be
thrilling displays of horsemanship as the nomads compete in the
various contests. Long distance races, pacer’s races,
horse-wrestling, a version of polo played using a stuffed goat’s
carcass, and shooting at targets on horseback are just some of the
more intriguing sports played during their tournaments.
For this and the following two nights,
accommodation will be in yurt camps, as we head back to Lake
Issyk-Kul for the start of our riding adventure. Traditionally the
Kyrgyz were nomadic shepherds who lived in felt tents known as
yurts and migrated seasonally with all their flocks.
Horses and camels transported the yurt, along
with its entire household. The walls and floor of the yurt are
covered with felt rugs and carpets, and are still used by the
shepherds. You will be able to gain a deep insight into the
fascinating ways of the nomads, sharing in their food and customs,
and learning about the way they survive and flourish in such harsh
surroundings. En route to Issyk-Kul, we visit Son-Kul Lake, one of
the most beautiful spots in Kyrgyzstan, situated at over 3500
metres and surrounded by lush pasturelands favoured by the herders
during the summer months. This is a sublime place to see the sun
come up, and if you wish, you may trade tea, salt, sugar or vodka
with the herders in exchange for cheese or fermented mare’s milk.
We then continue to turquoise-coloured Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the
world’s deepest lakes, set amidst a northern spur of the Tian Shan
Mountains.
It is from here that we begin our guided
horseback ride and, after a chance to meet and familiarise yourself
with the animals and their guides, it’s time to saddle up and ride
off for a week of absolutely stunning horseback riding. The route
will take us up epic valleys dotted with tall, stately Tian Shan
fir trees, through the dramatic and colourful Barskoon Canyon, over
high passes and across seldom-frequented plains. All provisions are
carried with the expedition so that we can strike wilderness camps
at favourable spots.
The wild flowers and grasses in June here are
absolutely incredible, and the vistas unimaginably huge. We may
happen upon lonely a falcon-hunter, or, with a great deal of luck,
even a snow leopard. Perhaps more than anywhere else in Central
Asia, the Northern Tian Shan evoke a history of felt-clad horseman
galloping across the high valleys, and it is with great regret that
we leave this wonderland behind at the end of the ride, and head
back for Bishkek and the end of the journey.
We would recommend this journey only
for those who are competent riders
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- before you go
REF: Land of the Horse – Kyrgyzstan
(Grassland) - HW0003
