Kyrgyzstan to host first Central Asian edition of global equestrian race

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (MNTV) — The international equestrian endurance race known as The Gallops is set to make its debut in Central Asia this July, with the 2025 edition taking place around the high-altitude lake of Son-Kul in Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn region.

Scheduled for July 19 to 27, Gallops 2025 will begin in the mountain village of Kyzart. Over five days, approximately 100 riders from over 15 countries will traverse more than 200 kilometers on horseback, tracing a rugged route around Son-Kul — one of Kyrgyzstan’s most scenic alpine lakes.

Inspired by the spirit of the Paris-Dakar rally, the event blends orienteering with endurance riding. Though not a traditional race, participants are tested on stamina, self-reliance, and group solidarity, making it as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

Organizers say the Kyrgyz edition will attract a high-profile mix of professionals and public figures, including athletes, media personalities, and even members of royal families. The event is being organized in cooperation with local government bodies, and officials are hopeful it will boost Kyrgyzstan’s international image as a destination for adventure and eco-tourism.

According to the office of the presidential representative in Naryn, Gallops 2025 has already attracted attention from global media and social platforms — a sign, they say, of the growing global interest in Central Asia’s remote and rugged landscapes.

Previous editions of The Gallops were held in Oman (2014), Morocco (2018), India (2019), and Jordan (2021). This year’s expansion into Kyrgyzstan marks a milestone for the region’s tourism sector, which is increasingly seeking to diversify beyond trekking and mountaineering.