Summer Adventure with Horse riding Program
Students live in home stay families and have two weeks of language courses at our
center (20 hours a week). In the third and fourth weeks, students go either
horse-trekking or hiking in the mountains. The length of treks depends on the
applicants and may vary from one to two weeks. Between hikes over peaks and
river-crossings, students camp in tents or yurts. Enjoy untouched wilderness,
breathtaking views from 2500 meters and above, and wonders of the Issyk–Kul lake
region. Of course, trekking can bring unexpected surprises that may require schedule
changes (e.g. bad weather) - but then again, this is always part of the adventure!
The course is designed for four weeks but it can be tailored according to students'
wishes. This program is for either Russian or Kyrgyz.
Bergen Nelson
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 2010
"I like to consider myself a moderately adventuresome person. I spend much of my time
tracking down and placing myself in situations that most people do their best to avoid, and a
story to tell. But all my previous excursions and experiences paled in comparison to the week I
spend trekking though rural Kyrgyzstan. We spent six days on horseback, climbing mountains, fording
rivers, talking to people, and taking pictures that couldn't possibly capture the sheer magnitude
of the lend and the history in contained. The family pictured invited us into their yurt for kumis
(fermented horse milk, a traditional Kyrgyz drink), and extended all manner of hospitality, even
going so far as to let us pose with their (loaded) rifles. Watching their children ride horses
the way my little brother plays video games was astonishing and eye-opening. Kyrgyzstan was my
first trip outside the United States and I'm sad it was. I don't know that anywhere I go will
measure up.
"This is a basic description written of the trek that usually students take.
Obviously, the length of the trek can be stretched on either end, but in this
configuration we had one day of rest at the end to allow participants to unwind.
Sometimes, it also takes a day to teach students to get used to riding horses in
mountain conditions.
The sturdy Kyrgyz ponies are easy to ride, saddles are comfortable and horses provide
a leisurely way to see more of the natural beauty of the area.
Daytime activities are plentiful and varied. In the mountain valleys, it’s possible to
see the occasional mountain sheep and hear the high-pitched screech of marmots.
Watch eagles soar overhead and enjoy the fresh aroma of mountain flowers. Savor it,
for once you are back in the bustle and heat of Bishkek, you’ll surely miss it."