Kochkor and Kilemche Jailoo Circuit

About the Kochkor and Kilemche Jailoo Circuit trek

This is the pasture version rather than the lake version, and it suits people who want the riding more than the postcard. Five days out of Kochkor, over the Kyzart pass into Kilemche, across the Jalgyz-Karagai pass at 3,400 m, then three more days working along the high jailoo through Kyr Jol, the Sook Kolot summer camp and the Uzun-Bulak valley before dropping back via the Kindick. Nights are in yurts throughout, including one at a named shepherd's camp. Riding is roughly five hours a day at a walk or light trot — the operator is explicit that there is no galloping on this terrain — which makes it genuinely approachable for beginners despite the length. Two things to plan for. Helmets are not supplied on this itinerary, so bring your own if you want one; nor are sleeping bags. And note the temperature guidance: this operator publishes night-time figures of 10 to 20°C, which is markedly warmer than every other source for the same altitudes, where 3 to 8°C is the norm. Pack for the colder figure. The final day is a two-hour ride followed by five to six hours in a vehicle, so budget a full travel day at the end rather than planning anything for that evening.