Day by day:
Description below is an example of the program. The itinerary can be different during your travel week. We will do everything possible to follow the indicated itinerary, although spot changes can occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Rides are subject to change depending on weather, location, accommodation and difficulty of terrain. In the unlikely event that this happens on your trip, we ask you flexibility and understanding. This is a sporty and adventurous vacation!
Day 1 : Arrival in Almaty
Upon arrival in Almaty (check-in from 2:00 pm), you will stay in a charming and authentic hotel featuring elements of traditional Kazakh design. The hotel is located in the very heart of the city, in the so-called “Golden Square”, within walking distance of the main sights and attractions.
The hotel restaurant offers the opportunity to discover authentic Kazakh cuisine — a first introduction to the country you are about to explore.
Depending on your arrival time, we can introduce you to the city and take you on a scenic cable car ride to Medeo and Shymbulak, where you will enjoy beautiful mountain views just outside the city.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 2 : Into the Mountains & First Ride
Transfer to the starting location in Kainazar (approx. 1h30 from Almaty). After meeting your horse, you leave the city behind and begin riding gradually into the mountains. The transition is smooth but constant — from open foothills to grazing horses and distant ridgelines.
After around three hours in the saddle, you reach your yurt camp at approximately 1,300 meters above sea level. Hidden in the mountains, the setting feels completely remote, surrounded only by hills and open sky. A traditional dinner will be waiting for you, and in the evening you can relax in a hot sauna.
Overnight: Yurt camp (1,300 m)
Riding: ±3 hours
Day 3 : Higher into the Mountains
After breakfast at the camp, you ride higher into the mountains, following snowy trails toward the winter pastures at around 2,500 meters altitude.
This is a day of wide panoramas and fresh mountain air. The terrain opens up, the views become broader, and the sense of space becomes even more present.
Along the way, you stop for snacks, surrounded by silence, peaks, and vast winter landscapes.
In the evening, you return to the yurt camp for dinner and rest.
Overnight: Yurt camp
Riding: Full day (Time in the saddle varies depending on weather conditions and snowfall.)
Day 4: From Mountains to Village Life (Shien)
Leaving the mountain camp behind, you ride toward Shien, a small village at the foothills.
Distance: approx. 25 km in the saddle.
The terrain becomes gentler — wide pastures and open stretches where you can truly feel the rhythm of your horse. There are many opportunities for long canters and gallops.
Upon arrival in Shien, you stay with a local family. Here, you step directly into rural Kazakh life: livestock in the yards, homemade bread, tea served endlessly, and stories shared around the table.
Overnight: Local family (Shien)
Riding: ±25 km (Time in the saddle varies depending on weather conditions and snowfall.)
Day 5 : Across the Open Steppe (Besmoynak)
Today you continue riding across the steppe toward the village of Besmoynak (approx. 25 km).
The landscape opens completely — vast plains, endless horizons, and big skies. Herds of animals can be seen grazing in the distance.
This is riding in its purest form: space, speed, and freedom.
In the evening, another local family welcomes you. Simple, warm, and authentic.
Overnight: Local family (Besmoynak)
Riding: ±25 km (Time in the saddle varies depending on weather conditions and snowfall.)
Day 6 : Back Toward Shien via a New Route
You return toward Shien, following a different route through the mountains.
The scenery shifts again — rolling hills, valleys, and viewpoints overlooking the steppe below. A varied riding day with constantly changing perspectives.
Overnight again with a local family.
Overnight: Local family (Shien)
Riding: ±25 km (Time in the saddle varies depending on weather conditions and snowfall.)
Day 7 : Return to the Mountain Yurt Camp
Today you ride back toward your mountain yurt camp.
By the end of the day, you reach the camp once again. A farewell dinner awaits.
In the evening, you gather together, share stories from the past days, warm up in the sauna, and spend one last night surrounded by the stillness of the mountains.
Overnight: Yurt camp
Riding: Full day (Time in the saddle varies depending on weather conditions and snowfall.)
Day 8 : Back to the Ranch & Transfer to Saty
After a calm morning at the camp, you ride back to the ranch following a different scenic route. From there, you continue by vehicle to the village of Saty (approx. 3-hour drive), where you will stay with a local family.
Overnight: Local family (Saty)
Day 9 : Lakes of the Almaty Region
Today you explore some of the most spectacular highlights of the region — landscapes that become even more magical in winter.
You visit:
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Kolsai Lake — a stunning alpine lake surrounded by forested slopes and pristine nature. Near the lake, there is a cozy restaurant where you can enjoy lunch and a hot tea with an incredible view (extra).
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Kaindy Lake — famous for its submerged forest, a mysterious and breathtaking place, and the cradle of many local legends.
In the evening, you return to Almaty for an overnight stay at the same hotel as on Day 1.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 10 : Departure
Departure flight from Almaty
