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This morning’s ride is over mountains covered in wildflowers in spring and offering magnificent views of the valleys below. Lunch is a picnic en-route. After passing over Tas-Bel Pass, descend into the national park of Sary Chelek. Leaving the track, ride through orchards of wild apple and plum trees before skirting one of the park’s seven beautiful lakes and, after crossing at a ford, stop for a picnic lunch next to the park ranger’s little house.

After lunch, more riding through meadows and orchards with chances to canter before reaching the beautiful campsite on the shore of the turquoise waters of Lake Iri[1]Kel. Surrounded by mountains and meadows of wildflowers, you can swim in the pristine lake. Two nights spent here.

Ride around five of the lakes of Sary Chelek Reserve, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. Lunch on the shores of the main lake, at a local chai khana (tea house). In the afternoon, ride back to camp with the opportunity to canter through an expansive valley.

Today takes us over the imposing Kotorma Pass (altitude 2,446 m) to Lake Kara-Kamish. The route up is steep and narrow, but ably negotiated by the local Kyrgyz horses. Part of the path is taken on foot to avoid any stones dislodged by the horses’ hooves. On reaching the top, take in the magnificent view – often with griffon eagles circling above – before beginning to pick your way downhill, passing between tall boulders and waist-high eremurus.

After lunch and tea in a local yurt, ride over a lunar landscape of rocks to the banks of Lake Kara[1]Kamish, set on a high plateau. Here you can watch a game of ulak (a variation on polo but using the body of a headless dead goat) and in the evening enjoy a campfire and delicious goat kebabs whilst being sung to by a local singer accompanied by a komuz (stringed instrument) player.

Breakfast in camp and set off riding again, descending from Lake Kara-Kamish past a dramatic waterfall back to the village of Kara Suu. This will be the last evening in camp together.

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Suggested flights (not included) Turkish Airlines TK 345 departing Bishkek at 10.10 hrs arriving Istanbul at 13.05 hrs, connecting to TK 1971 departing Istanbul at 14.50 hrs arriving London Heathrow at 16.45 hrs.