Questions, Answered

No experience is necessary. Our horses are not 'ridden' in the traditional sense. They are companions. We match every session to your comfort level, and our guides are trained to work with absolute beginners and seasoned riders alike. The healing happens in the connection, not the speed.

All accommodation in authentic felt yurts, all traditional meals prepared with local ingredients, guided horseback sessions, ground transportation from Almaty, cultural immersion activities, and 24/7 support from our local team. Flights to Almaty are not included.

International flights to Almaty, travel insurance (required), visa fees if applicable, alcoholic beverages, extra nights in Almaty before or after the retreat, and gratuities for guides and camp staff.

Citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 or 90 days. We will send you a detailed visa guide after you apply, and can assist with visa support letters if needed.

Comfortable layered clothing (mountain weather shifts quickly), sturdy boots with a small heel for riding, a warm jacket for evenings, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a camera. We provide riding helmets, sleeping bags, and all yurt bedding. A full packing list is sent after booking.

Yes. Our retreat location is in a quiet, settled area of the Almaty Region with local families who have lived there for generations. We have a first-aid trained guide on every retreat, satellite communication for remote areas, and 24/7 local team support. We also require all guests to have travel insurance.

Groups are intimate by design. 6 to 10 guests per retreat. This ensures personal connection with the horses, the land, and the nomadic families who host you. Our exclusive 7-day Berkut Pass retreat is limited to just 4 guests.

A $500 deposit is required within 48 hours of booking to secure your spot. Full refund minus the $500 deposit if cancelled 60+ days before the retreat. 50% refund if cancelled 30 to 59 days before. No refund for cancellations under 30 days, but we will offer you a credit to reschedule within the next 12 months. We recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected changes.

Late spring through early autumn (May to September). June and July offer lush green valleys and wildflowers. August and September bring golden light, cooler nights, and the best stargazing. Each season paints the steppe in a different color.

Many of our guests do, and they often say it was the best decision they ever made. Solo travelers are welcomed like family, and the small group format makes it easy to connect. We also offer a shared-yurt option to reduce costs.