Chon-Kemin, 148 kilometers east of Bishkek, is nestled in serene landscapes and made my first horseback riding adventure in Kyrgyzstan quite memorable. As I embarked on a day trip, I was enveloped by the region's lush meadows, mountains, and the tranquility of the Chon-Kemin River. Riding through this stunning valley, I was able to understand the rich cultural heritage and the significance of horse riding in Kyrgyzstan.
Join me as I recount my memory of my first horseback riding trip in Kyrgyzstan and the warm of the local Kyrgyz hospitality.
HORSE RIDING IN KYRGYZSTAN
Horse riding has been a way of life in Kyrgyzstan for centuries, woven into the country's rich cultural history. The Kyrgyz people have a long history as nomadic herders and horses were essential for transportation, herding livestock, and moving their belongings across vast distances. Kyrgyzstan's mountainous terrain and vast regions were also well-suited for horseback travel.
Horses play a significant role in many Kyrgyz traditions and ceremonies. They are central to various cultural festivals, and games, and these traditions are passed down through generations, reinforcing the cultural importance of horses. You'll commonly see horses in rural areas and even near the capital city, as horses are valuable for herding livestock and agricultural work.
HORSE RIDING IN CHON-KEMIN KYRGYZSTAN
After a month of moving to Bishkek and settling down, I decided to book a day trip with a local travel agency, called Kettik. They have a bunch of different day and multi-day trips that depart from Bishkek so if you are looking for a fun activity to do, I highly recommend you to see their offerings on their Instagram or WhatsApp account.
I booked their day trip for horseback riding to Kaindy, and was pleasantly surprised at the affordable price and the scheduled itinerary. We first met at the pick-up location near Ala-Too Square at approximately 7:00 AM, and there was a large van waiting for us. I was the only foreigner and the guide spoke in Russian, so if you don't speak the language, it may be slightly inconvenient for you.
We were each given a water bottle and our first stop was going to Globus before we started our 2.5-hour drive to Kaindy. We were responsible for bringing our own lunch and food, so it was a much-needed stop to go on a washroom break, buy prepared meals, and stock up on some water.
We arrived at Guesthouse Jekshen and the estate had various guest rooms, yurts, and a large dining hall. They had a beautiful garden, and I could've spent hours sitting on the benches with a book. You can book accommodation for any overnight stay through their Booking.com page. The prices are reasonable and they boast great online reviews. Here is their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/chon_kemin.cbt/.
This is my assumption but I don't think they are just a guesthouse. They offer various activities for tourists and guests such as horseriding, fishing, etc. I was surprised because when we all arrived, they had guides and approximately 15 horses already waiting for us. We soon started our horseback riding trip upon arrival and the main guide started to provide instructions for beginnings and things for us to note.
Turns out the main guide is the son of the owners of the guesthouse, and he speaks English very well! He worked in the tourism industry for a long time, which is why he was able to speak the language. I was the only one in the group who had never ridden a horse before, so the main guide just explained to me in English since everyone already knew how to ride a horse.
Since this was my first time riding a horse, I was quite nervous! I found that my horse wasn't as cooperative as I'd liked but there was one guide for around every five guests so they were extremely helpful in guiding the way and helping me. We rode approximately for two hours and took a rest to enjoy our lunch and take some beautiful photos of the mountains in the background.
After the break, we rode back to the guesthouse and were pleasantly welcomed by a table filled with fruits, baked goods, and of course, chai. I loved the various jams that were offered and it was so delicious to mix with our teas.
I highly recommend anyone to visit Kettik to book a day trip for horseback riding or visit the Guesthouse Jekshen. Hope you all enjoy your trip!
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