Comfort
During the trail you will sleep in 3-person tents (4 nights). You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, liner and mat.
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.
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 waterproof / plastic bags to put your belongings in (these will go in the saddlebags which the team will give to you).
You can leave extra luggage 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
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
- Warm hat for cold nights
Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer and T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece
- Warm fleece or jumper (and a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm and waterproof jacket - it can rain at any time of year and the evenings can be particularly cold. No ponchos or anything that can flap around!
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Thermals
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms
- Waterproof over trousers
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable and waterproof hiking/riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps.
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for moving around in the evenings
- Warm, thick socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding. Waterproof gloves can be particularly useful.
Nightwear
- Sleeping bag. You need at least a comfort factor down to minus 5°C, but would recommend at least minus 8 or 10°C (especially outside of July/August). It is possible to request a sleeping bag from the local team (limited availability)
- Sleeping bag liner - silk, cotton or fleece - adds an extra layer
- Sleeping mattress (Therm-A- Rest mats are inflatable,warm and light)
- Pyjamas or tracksuits or thermals for sleeping in. Please remember it can get very cold at night, especially if you are travelling in June/September: pack accordingly.
Other useful items
- Water-purification tablets
- Swimwear
- Towel - camping one will both dry and pack more easily
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Wet Wipes or equivalent (for when washing facilities aren't available)
- Small plastic bags for rubbish
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
- Solar charger/power bank
Medical kit
- Micropur tabs
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Water purification tablets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
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.
- Please use a soft sided case / bag which can easily be transported.
- 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.
