Seventy-eight kilometres across the Chatkal and Babash-Ata ranges from Ozgorush to Arslanbob, with a riding-training day built in on day two.
Toktogul to Arslanbob on Horseback
Five riding days ending in the world's largest walnut forest
Chatkal and Babash-Ata ranges, Jalal-Abad region · from Ozgorush, transfer from Bishkek
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Distance
- ~78 km
- Max altitude
- 3193-3340 (the operator publishes both figures)
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Best months
- June to September
- Riding experience
- some
- Group size
- 2–12
- Price
- US$790-1,300 pp (~69,000-113,750 som) by group size: two $1,300 each, four $1,150, six $1,030, eight $900, ten $850, twelve $790. Single tent supplement US$80; sleeping bag rental US$10 a day.
- Permit
- No
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Seif and the team reply on WhatsApp 24/7 — trip questions, custom plans and booking help.
Ask Seif on WhatsAppAbout the Toktogul to Arslanbob on Horseback trek
The best-structured of the southern rides, and the only one here that builds a training day into the itinerary — day two is spent at Ozgorush learning to ride properly before you commit to five consecutive days of five to seven hours in the saddle. It's suitable for beginners with basic riding ability: you need some saddle time, but not much. Seventy-eight kilometres over the Oro-Bashy pass at 2,900 m and the Bel-Monchok at 3,340 m, with 4,423 m of cumulative ascent, from the Toktogul side across the Chatkal and Babash-Ata ranges to Arslanbob and its walnut forest — the largest in the world, and a genuinely different landscape from the bare high pasture everywhere else here. Riders are mounted throughout and separate pack horses carry the luggage. Three nights are in tents with mats supplied and sleeping bags at US$10 a day extra; the rest are homestays, including one at Kyzyl-Ünkür with a banya, which lands nicely after four days out. Two things to plan for. You may see the maximum altitude quoted as 3,193 m, but the route crosses a 3,340 m pass, so plan for the higher figure. And the tour ends in Arslanbob without onward transfer, so budget separately for the marshrutka or taxi to Jalal-Abad and Osh.
Day by day
| Day | Route | Hours | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bishkek → Ozgorush villageRoad transfer only. | 7 hours transfer | homestay |
| 2 | Ozgorush → OzgorushRiding training and a cultural programme before setting out — a genuinely useful day if your saddle time is limited. | — | homestay |
| 3 | Ozgorush → Kara-Suu lakeOver the Oro-Bashy pass at 2,900 m. | 5-7 in the saddle | tent camp |
| 4 | Kara-Suu lake → Kapka-Tash jailooFree riding and traditional activities on the pasture. | 5-7 in the saddle | tent camp |
| 5 | Kapka-Tash → Otuz-Art valleyOver the Bel-Monchok pass at 3,340 m, the highest point of the ride. | 5-7 in the saddle | tent camp |
| 6 | Otuz-Art → Kyzyl-Ünkür villageCanyon country, and the first proper wash in four days. | 5-7 in the saddle | guesthouse with a banya |
| 7 | Kyzyl-Ünkür → ArslanbobRiding through the walnut forests. | 5-7 in the saddle | guesthouse |
| 8 | Arslanbob → ArslanbobExploring Arslanbob, then departure. Onward transfer is not included. | — | — |
Included
- transfer from Bishkek to Ozgorush
- homestay accommodation in Ozgorush, Kyzyl-Ünkür and Arslanbob
- all meals
- horse rental for the whole programme
- experienced horseman
- pack horses for luggage
- English-speaking guide from Bishkek
- tents and sleeping mats, twin sharing
- all entrance fees
Not included
- hotel in Bishkek
- single tent supplement, US$80
- sleeping bag rental, US$10 a day
- transfer out of Arslanbob after the tour
- personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for the Toktogul to Arslanbob on Horseback trek?
The best time is June to September. Outside the season the high passes are snowbound and the summer yurt camps are packed down, so most operators only run it then.
How long is the Toktogul to Arslanbob on Horseback trek?
It runs 8 days / 7 nights and roughly 78 km, reaching about 3193-3340 (the operator publishes both figures). Difficulty is moderate.
How much does the Toktogul to Arslanbob on Horseback trek cost?
US$790-1,300 pp (~69,000-113,750 som) by group size: two $1,300 each, four $1,150, six $1,030, eight $900, ten $850, twelve $790. Single tent supplement US$80; sleeping bag rental US$10 a day. Prices vary by group size, season and operator, so confirm current rates when you enquire.
Do you need riding experience?
Some riding experience helps here (some). You should be reasonably fit and comfortable spending several hours in the saddle.
How do you book the Toktogul to Arslanbob on Horseback trek?
Enquire on WhatsApp with your dates and group size, and we arrange the guide, horses, yurt nights and transfers. In July and August it's worth booking a day or two ahead.
Book the Toktogul to Arslanbob on Horseback trek
Tell us your dates and group, and we’ll arrange the guide, horses and yurt nights.
Chat with a real person — free
Seif and the team reply on WhatsApp 24/7 — trip questions, custom plans and booking help.
Ask Seif on WhatsApp