Group departures all year round

Horse trekking in Kazakhstan: 3 to 7 days in the Tian Shan mountains

Ride with a local team on trails where you won't meet other tourists, just 1.5 hours from Almaty. Nights in yurts, well-cared-for Karachai and Kazakh horses, groups of 8 riders maximum.

See treks and datesMessage us on WhatsApp
Guide in a hat on a black horse, with the snow-capped Tian Shan peaks behind
Duration
3 to 7 days
Price
from 330,000 ₸
Departure
Almaty, transfer included
Altitude
1,300 to 2,900 m
Group
8 riders max

At a glance

Eastern Paths, a local agency based in Almaty, runs 3- to 7-day horse treks in the Tian Shan mountains, starting from the Kaynazar ranch, 1.5 hours from Almaty. Nights are spent in traditional yurts, at a valley camp at 1,300 m (with a sauna) and a summer pasture camp at 2,350 m near the Kyrgyz border.

Treks run all year round (spring, summer, autumn and winter) in small groups of 8 riders maximum. Prices: 330,000 ₸ (3 days), 450,000 ₸ (4 days), 600,000 ₸ (5 days), 800,000 ₸ (7 days), payable in euros. Transfers, meals, a guide, an English-speaking translator and local riding insurance are included.

What makes our treks different

The horses

Karachai and Kazakh horses, sturdy and well cared for. Our horses' welfare is our priority: we only work with people we trust.

The routes

Unique, little-explored trails in the most remote corners of the Tian Shan. You won't run into other tourists.

Nomadic life

Nights in yurts, the ride up to the jailau (the summer pasture where semi-nomadic herders set up their yurts and flocks), archery and nomad games.

A local team

A local guide, a second English-speaking guide-translator and a whole team on site. Home-cooked meals, vegetarian options available.

Our 7 group horse treks

Pick your season and length. You can join any trek on your own or with friends; open “Day-by-day itinerary” for the details.

Two riders on a ridge trail in the Tian Shan mountains
3 days
Spring · Autumn

3-day spring or autumn horse trek

The perfect first taste: steppe, foothills and a ride up to the summer pasture, green in spring and golden in autumn.

Altitude:
2,500 m
Nights:
2 nights in a yurt
In the saddle:
3 to 8 hrs a day
Next dates
  • 26–28 Oct 2026 · last spots
  • 10–12 Nov 2026
  • 16–18 Apr 2027
  • 24–26 Sep 2027
  • 1–3 Oct 2027
  • 11–13 Oct 2027
Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: From the ranch to the valley camp · ~4 hrs riding

Setting off from the Kaynazar ranch through the village, the steppe and the foothills to the yurt camp (1,300 m). Canters possible, evening at camp and sauna.

Day 2: Up to the summer pasture · 6 to 8 hrs

A ride up to the jailau at 2,500 m near the Kyrgyz border, with views of the snowy peaks. Picnic on the way.

Day 3: Return to Almaty · ~3 hrs riding

An archery lesson in the morning, then back to the village at a trot and canter. Arrival in Almaty around 4-5 pm.

330,000 ₸
per person, payable in euros
Full itineraryBook
Saddled horses lined up in front of a yurt at the summer pasture camp
3 days
Summer

3-day summer horse trek

Three intense days: on day one we ride straight up to the summer pasture camp, in the heart of the high meadows.

Altitude:
2,500 m
Nights:
2 nights in a yurt
In the saddle:
3 to 8 hrs a day
Next dates
  • 12–14 Jul 2027
Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Up to the summer pasture camp · 6 to 7 hrs

From the Kaynazar ranch across the steppe to the high-altitude yurt camp (2,350 m) near the Kyrgyz border. Picnic on the way.

Day 2: The heights of the Tian Shan · 6 to 8 hrs

Exploring around 2,500 m, mostly at a walk with some trots and canters, then down to the valley camp (1,300 m): sauna, games and an evening together.

Day 3: Return to Almaty · ~3 hrs riding

An archery lesson in the morning, then back to the village. Arrival in Almaty around 4-5 pm.

330,000 ₸
per person, payable in euros
Full itineraryBook
Snow-covered Tian Shan mountains during the winter horse trek
3 days
Winter

3-day winter horse trek

The mountains under snow, on horseback. Sledging, snowball fights, a sauna and a hot bath at camp.

Altitude:
2,500 m
Nights:
2 nights in a yurt
In the saddle:
3 to 8 hrs a day
Next dates
  • 27–29 Dec 2026
  • 6–8 Feb 2027
  • 12–14 Feb 2027
Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: To the snowy camp · ~4 hrs riding

From the ranch across the steppe and snowy foothills to the camp (1,300 m). Hot lunch, sledging, archery, sauna and a hot bath.

Day 2: The winter pastures · 6 to 8 hrs

A climb on snowy trails up to the winter pastures at 2,500 m, with panoramic views of the peaks.

Day 3: Return to Almaty · ~3 hrs riding

A relaxed morning, then a ride back down to the village at a trot and canter. Lunch at the camp or ranch, arriving in Almaty around 4-5 pm. Snow is usual on these dates but not guaranteed.

330,000 ₸
per person, payable in euros
Full itineraryBook
Camel and her calf in the green, flowering spring steppe
4 days
Spring

4-day spring horse trek with camels

Foals, lambs and baby camels take their first steps as the shepherds head up to the summer pastures. One night in a tent among the camels.

Altitude:
2,582 m (pass)
Nights:
1 night in a tent + 2 in a yurt
In the saddle:
3 to 8 hrs a day
Next dates
  • 24–27 Apr 2027
  • 1–4 May 2027
Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: The camel pastures · 6 to 7 hrs

A ride across the hills to the spring pastures where the camels graze. Night in a tent, meals cooked by the team.

Day 2: To the yurt camp · ~6 hrs

Across the steppe and foothills to the yurt camp (1,300 m). Evening at camp and sauna.

Day 3: The summer pasture and the pass · 6 to 8 hrs

Up to the jailau (2,350 m) near the Kyrgyz border and over a 2,582 m pass. Back to camp in the evening.

Day 4: Return to Almaty · ~3 hrs riding

A relaxed morning, then a ride back down to the village at a trot and canter. Lunch at the camp or ranch, arriving in Almaty around 4-5 pm.

450,000 ₸
per person, payable in euros
Full itineraryBook
Guide in a hat surrounded by saddled horses on green hills in spring
4 days
Spring

4-day horse trek deep in the mountains

Wildflowers and peaks still under snow, with a night at the summer pasture camp if the weather allows.

Altitude:
2,700 m
Nights:
3 nights in a yurt
In the saddle:
3 to 6 hrs a day
Next dates
  • 12–15 May 2027
Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: From the ranch to the valley camp · ~5 hrs

Through the village, the steppe and the foothills to the yurt camp (1,300 m). Canters possible, sauna.

Day 2: The pass and the summer pasture camp · ~5 hrs

Up to the jailau (2,350 m), over a 2,582 m pass and a night at the high camp. In bad weather, we explore the lower valleys instead.

Day 3: The high meadows · ~6 hrs

A ride around the high camp, then down to the valley camp by another route. Sauna and campfire.

Day 4: Return to Almaty · ~3 hrs riding

A relaxed morning, then a ride back down to the village at a trot and canter. Lunch at the camp or ranch, arriving in Almaty around 4-5 pm.

450,000 ₸
per person, payable in euros
Full itineraryBook
Rider by a mountain lake on the summer pasture
5 days
May to September

5-day horse trek to the summer pastures

Live at the nomads' pace on the jailau, with a long day out to a remote lake or waterfall.

Altitude:
2,500 m
Nights:
4 nights in a yurt
In the saddle:
3 to 10 hrs a day
Next dates
  • 22–26 May 2027
  • 12–16 Jun 2027
  • 30 Jun–4 Jul 2027
  • 1–5 Aug 2027
  • 27–31 Aug 2027
  • 5–9 Sep 2027
Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: From the ranch to the valley camp · ~4 hrs

Steppe and foothills to the yurt camp (1,300 m). Canters possible, evening at camp and sauna.

Day 2: Up to the summer pasture · ~5 hrs

A steady climb to the jailau (2,350 m) near the Kyrgyz border, home of the high camp.

Day 3: The lake or the waterfall · ~10 hrs

The longest day: a remote lake or waterfall depending on the season. Picnic, a swim for the brave, back to the high camp.

Day 4: Back to the valley camp · ~5 hrs

Down by a different route, then a sauna, a hearty meal and a campfire for the last evening.

Day 5: Return to Almaty · ~3 hrs riding

A relaxed morning, then a ride back down to the village at a trot and canter. Lunch at the camp or ranch, arriving in Almaty around 4-5 pm.

600,000 ₸
per person, payable in euros
Full itineraryBook
Kazakh riders gathered on the summer pasture steppe
7 days
Summer

The great 7-day nomad horse trek

Our most complete expedition: a waterfall, a lake near the Kyrgyz border and a day of nomadic culture on the summer pasture.

Altitude:
2,900 m
Nights:
6 nights in a yurt
In the saddle:
Up to 10 hrs a day
Next dates
  • 19–25 Jul 2027
  • 14–20 Aug 2027
Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: From the ranch to the valley camp · ~4 hrs

Steppe and foothills to the yurt camp (1,300 m). Canters possible, evening at camp and sauna.

Day 2: Up to the summer pasture · ~5 hrs

A climb to the jailau (2,350 m) and settling in at the high camp.

Day 3: The waterfall · 8 to 10 hrs

A ride to a waterfall hidden in a neighboring valley. Swim, picnic, back to the high camp.

Day 4: Nomad day · Horses rest

Archery, nomad games, riding like a Kazakh warrior, dancing and a cooking class. Everyone joins in as they wish.

Day 5: The lake · ~10 hrs

The longest day, out to a remote lake near the Kyrgyz border. Picnic and a swim, back to the high camp.

Day 6: Back to the valley camp · ~5 hrs

Down by a partly different route, then a sauna and a campfire for the last evening.

Day 7: Return to Almaty · ~3 hrs riding

A relaxed morning, then a ride back down to the village at a trot and canter. Lunch at the camp or ranch, arriving in Almaty around 4-5 pm.

800,000 ₸
per person, payable in euros
Full itineraryBook

None of the dates work for you? Message us: we add new dates when there is demand.

Horse treks compared

All treks start from the Kaynazar ranch (1.5 hours from Almaty), with the transfer from Almaty included. Click a trek to see its full itinerary.

Length, season, altitude, accommodation and price of each Eastern Paths horse trek
TrekLengthSeasonMax altitudeNightsPrice / person
3-day spring or autumn horse trek3 daysApril, Sept to Nov2,500 m2 nights in a yurt330,000 ₸
3-day summer horse trek3 daysJune, July2,500 m2 nights in a yurt330,000 ₸
3-day winter horse trek3 daysDec to Feb2,500 m2 nights in a yurt330,000 ₸
4-day spring horse trek with camels4 daysApril, May2,582 m (pass)1 night in a tent + 2 in a yurt450,000 ₸
4-day horse trek deep in the mountains4 daysMay2,700 m3 nights in a yurt450,000 ₸
5-day horse trek to the summer pastures5 daysMay to Sept2,500 m4 nights in a yurt600,000 ₸
The great 7-day nomad horse trek7 daysJuly, August2,900 m6 nights in a yurt800,000 ₸

What a horse trek with us looks like

Line of riders on a hillside, a yurt in the misty distance

Getting there and back

We meet at 9 am in Almaty, then drive 1.5 hours to the ranch in Kaynazar village. You're back in Almaty around 4-5 pm on the last day; an airport drop-off is possible, just let us know if you have a flight.

Yurt at sunset, with a flock of sheep on the green hillside

Two yurt camps

The valley camp (1,300 m) has a traditional sauna and a proper shower. The summer pasture camp (2,350 m), near the Kyrgyz border, has camping showers, usually every other day.

Rider in front of a yurt and the Kazakh flag at the summer pasture camp

Luggage and phone signal

Your luggage follows by car to each camp; saddlebags are provided for the day. There's little signal in the saddle, but you'll have internet at camp to keep in touch.

A taste of what awaits you

Click a photo to enlarge it. For more photos and videos, follow us on Instagram: @easternpaths.kz or @kristinmyshkin.

Follow our treks on Instagram
Silhouettes of two riders at sunset Shepherd on horseback carrying a lamb in his coat Lit yurt under a starry sky Lone rider on the golden summer pasture facing the snow-capped Tian Shan peaks Panoramic view of the Tian Shan ridges from the summer pasture Mountain lake with ibex horns resting on a rock Rider lying back on her horse in the steppe Camel and her calf in the green, flowering spring steppe Kazakh shepherd among his flock of sheep Rider lying against her resting horse, a herd of horses in the distance Meditation session at the valley camp, horses grazing under the trees Full moon over the summer pasture hills at dusk Rider on a bay horse in the high steppe, snowy peaks in the distance Yoga session on the summer pasture facing the snowy mountains

What's included in the price

  • Riding every day on well-cared-for horses
  • Nights in yurts (plus 1 night in a tent on the camel trek)
  • Transfers from and to Almaty (or the airport on departure day)
  • Luggage transported to each camp
  • All traditional meals, with vegetarian options
  • An experienced local guide
  • A second, English-speaking guide-translator
  • Sleeping bags and bedding
  • Local riding insurance for the trek
  • Riding helmet if needed
  • An introduction to archery
  • Drone and iPhone footage of your adventure (on some treks)

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Tips (optional)

Payment

Prices are in tenge and payable in euros at the day's exchange rate. A 30% deposit is due on booking, refunded if you cancel at least 60 days before departure.

Rider leading her horse above a valley and its river in autumn

Private groups

Private horse trek: a tailor-made itinerary for your group

Family, friends, riding club or company team: from 4 people, we organize your trek on the dates you choose, with an itinerary built around you.

  • Length, pace and level adapted to your group
  • Your dates, all year round, subject to availability
  • Option to add other stops in Kazakhstan

The perfect combo: horse trek + road trip in the Almaty region

After a few days in the saddle, extend your stay on the road to see the region's highlights: Charyn Canyon, the Kolsay Lakes, Lake Kaindy and Big Almaty Lake. We organize both for you.

Plan my combo trip

They rode with us

“I got to understand the way of life of Kazakh shepherds and reconnect with nature and animals, sleeping in yurts at the bottom of a valley surrounded by mountains, far from the chaos of civilization.”
Enrico · Italy
“A different experience from the trips we usually take: more authentic, simpler. That's what stayed with us.”
Alia · France
“Thank you again for this memorable trip. What a wonderful experience: authentic and truly local, spontaneous and so full of emotion.”
Aurelia · United Arab Emirates
“I'll especially remember the 2 days spent exploring the mountains on horseback and stepping out of my comfort zone.”
Lucie · Belgium

How to book your horse trek

  1. Message us on WhatsApp

    At +7 775 915 28 76, with the trek and date you're interested in.

  2. Send us your details

    Name, riding level, dietary needs and any relevant medical information.

  3. Sign the contract

    We prepare a contract for you to sign.

  4. Pay the deposit

    30% to confirm. Two weeks before departure, we set up a WhatsApp group with all participants.

Frequently asked questions about our horse treks

Do I need to be an experienced rider?

We recommend these treks for experienced riders, but adventurous beginners are welcome. They are first and foremost adventures in the wild: being fit and ready to step out of your comfort zone matters as much as your riding level. If in doubt, message us.

How long do we ride each day?

Between 3 and 8 hours depending on the day, and up to 10 hours on the longest stages of the 5- and 7-day treks. We mostly walk on the climbs, with trots and canters when the terrain allows.

Where do the treks take place?

In the Tian Shan mountains, near the Kyrgyz border. We set off from the ranch in Kaynazar village, a 1.5-hour drive from Almaty. The transfer from Almaty is included; we meet at 9 am.

What is the best season for a horse trek in Kazakhstan?

There's a trek for every season: April-May for flowers and newborn animals, June to August for the summer pastures and longer treks, September to November for golden colors, and December to February for snow.

Where do we sleep during the trek?

In traditional yurts: at the valley camp (1,300 m), with a sauna and a proper shower, and at the summer pasture camp (2,350 m), with camping showers usually every other day. The camel trek includes one night in a tent.

Can I join on my own?

Yes. Many of our riders travel solo and join a group departure, limited to 8 riders (9 in exceptional cases).

Are the meals suitable for vegetarians?

Yes. All meals are home-cooked and included, with vegetarian options. Let us know your diet and any allergies when you book.

Do I need insurance?

Travel insurance valid in Kazakhstan is mandatory. We also take out local riding insurance for you that covers the trek.

Is there phone signal during the trek?

Very little in the saddle. You'll have internet access at camp to send news home.

How do I pay, and can I cancel?

Prices are in tenge and payable in euros at the day's exchange rate. A 30% deposit confirms your booking; it is refunded if you cancel at least 60 days before departure.

Do you organize private treks?

Yes. From 4 people, we organize a private trek or new group dates, with a tailor-made itinerary.

Who runs these treks?

Eastern Paths (LLP Eastern Paths) is a Kazakh travel agency founded by Kristin Myshkin, who was born in Almaty and grew up in Belgium. Knowing both worlds made it possible to build an agency that listens to the needs of Western travelers while staying close to local realities. Our team runs horse treks in Kazakhstan in summer and winter alike, with vetted partners and close attention to the horses' welfare.

Page updated on · 2026-2027 dates and prices

Ready to saddle up?

Tell us your dates and riding level. Book before the end of the year to get 2026 prices.

Book on WhatsAppBack to the dates

Type your email to follow the project!

LLP Eastern Paths
Baganaly Orda 28, 050048 Almaty, Kazakhstan
easternpathsdata@gmail.com
Pages
HomeBlogContactTerms & Condition + Privacy PolicySitemap
© 2023-2026 Eastern Paths All rights reserved