Comfort
During the trail you will sleep in 3-person tents (4 nights). You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, liner, mat and camping pillow.
You will spend two nights in a twin/double room at the guesthouse in Barskoon.
You will stay for one night in a twin/double/triple room in a 3* hotel in Bishkek.
Meals
The food is simple and abundant, using as many fresh ingredients as possible. Breakfast consists of eggs, bread, cheese and dried fruits. Lunch is a picnic and consists of bread, cheese, meat, dried fruit and chocolate. Dinner often starts with a hot soup followed by a main of meat, salad, pasta, rice and followed by cheese, dried fruits or chocolate.
Vegetarian, pescatarian and lactose-free diets can be catered for on this ride, but unfortunately it is not possible to accommodate strict vegan and gluten-free diets.
WATER
The guides will carry a water filter and some water purification tablets for the trek. We recommend that riders bring their own smaller, personal water-filters, and water purification tablets.
Climate
The weather is likely to be changeable.
In Bishkek and at low altitudes it can be hot and dry, but in the mountains and at altitude you can experience many variations. It can be warm during the day but the temperature will drop to around zero or below at night. You could experience rain, hail or even snow as well as wind but the bad weather rarely lasts long. The area actually reports low rainfall throughout the year but you should be prepared with many warm layers and waterproof clothing.
Tips
It is customary to tip but this is entirely at your discretion. We recommend a tip of around US$60 per rider to be shared between the team.
Packing list
Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. Please note: you will be riding at altitude and the weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer, so make sure to bring layers and enough warm clothing, waterproof gear and gloves – these are a must throughout the season. Your luggage for the ride should weigh a maximum of 10kg, including your sleeping bag and mat. Please bring a soft-sided bag which is more easily transported, as well as waterproof / plastic bags to put your belongings in during the ride (these will go in the saddlebags which the team will give to you). You can leave extra luggage not needed for the trail at the guesthouse in Barskoon. We also recommend bringing waterproof hiking/riding ankle boots that you can wear with half chaps, as there may be some sections where you will need to dismount and lead your horse downhill (and normal riding boots won’t provide enough grip). Please ensure these are suitable for riding, with ankle support and a small heel.
Head
- Riding helmet -- it is mandatory that you wear a riding helmet on this ride and that you bring your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding.
- Warm hat for cold nights.
- Sun hat for when not riding (optional).
- Buff or bandana.
Body
- T-shirts and long-sleeved tops for during the day (long-sleeves provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer if it's cold. You may also consider bringing thermals in case of cold weather).
- Warm fleece or jumper.
- Comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs.
- Down jacket - the evenings can be particularly cold.
- Waterproofs (jacket and trousers, which should have opening on the outside/bottom of the leg so you can take them off without removing your boots).
Hands and Feet
- Waterproof riding/hiking boots.
- Half chaps.
- Warm socks.
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding. We recommend waterproof gloves.
- Lightweight trainers (optional, for moving around camp in the evenings).
Night time - please remember it can get very cold at night (it may drop below 0°C or there may be wind and rain, so please pack accordingly.
- Thermals for sleeping in.
- Sleeping bag. We highly recommend a comfort rating of -15°C to -20°C. Alternatively, you can bring a lighter sleeping bag and a sleeping bag liner (silk, cotton or fleece) to add an extra layer.
- Sleeping mattress. We recommend Therm-A- Rest mats, which are inflatable and light.
Other essential items
- Water-purification tablets.
- Head-torch.
- Water bottle.
- Sun cream and lip balm with high SPF.
- Medical kit.
- Personal toiletries.
Other optional items
- Bumbag for accessing small items whilst riding.
- Small plastic bags for rubbish.
- Ear plugs and eye mask (for light sleepers).
- Solar charger/power bank.
- Swiss army knife.
- Swimwear and camping towel, (there may be a chance to wild swim on the way to/from Barskoon).
Other recommendations
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes / any essentials and valuables in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Please print copies of your passport and insurance documents and take them with you.
- Backpacks should not be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc).
- Please take your rubbish home with you and try to leave excess packaging material at home before travelling.
