Guide to Horseback Tour of the Last Wild Apple Forest Kazakhstan
Apples are from Kazakhstan and we offer you to take a horseback tour of the last wild apple forest Kazakhstan. The wild apple tree named as“Malus sieversii” grows in the Kazakhstan’s Tien Shan mountains and famous as the ancestor of modern domesticated apple.
The wild apple forests of the Tien Shan region are known for the ancestors of modern apple. Also, the forests are home to cultural biodiversity and home to variety of wild fruits and walnuts. The horseback tour to this region is considered as the best tour for multiple of reasons.
To know this, keep reading!
Horseback Tour of the Last Wild Apple Forest Kazakhstan
If you want to try unusual things to do in Kazakhstan, it is recommended to go on a horseback tour of the last wild apple forest in Kazakhstan. This is one of the best and unique experiences that you can’t forget ever while admiring the surrounding natural beauty.
The wild apple tree species like “Malus sieversii” growing there and being the direct ancestor of all cultivated apples today. This thing making them special for the global apple industry. Russian scientist named as Nikolai Vavilov first discovered this region as the founder region of apples.
Why Choose a Horseback Tour?
The unique combination of Traditional Kazakh nomadic culture and horseback travel is truly amazing and exceptional. The horseback tour is not only a unique experience to explore forest on your own but due to following reasons, you should try this experience once in a lifetime.
1. Accessibility
Kazakhstan apple forest’s terrain is steep and difficult to explore on vehicles. The horseback riding is one of the best and convenient ways to see forest without difficulty of sloppy roads. You can easily get into the main forest where wild trees are present.
2. Historical Connection
Across the region, horses are considered as best way to the dispersal of wild apple seeds historically. With horseback riding, you can easily connect to nature and admire the beautiful historical views without any disruption.
3. Respectful Exploration
Horses are well-known to the terrain and can easily get you through the forest with minimal disruption to the surrounding greenery and ecosystem. With vehicle, it is quite difficult to maintain respectful exploration as there are higher chances of minimal disruptions.
4. Flexibility
Horseback tours comes with different levels of riding experience, allowing for both experienced and beginner riders to enjoy their itinerary without any issues. Horseback ride tour operators offers customized experiences, perfect for all types of tourists.
5. Immersive Experience
Horseback ride through the forest allows you to closely observe the apple trees, wildlife and other natural features that is difficult when biking or driving. With this type of flexibility, you can easily make your Kazakhstan apple tour memorable and wonderful.
Best Time to Visit Wild Apple Forest Kazakhstan for Horseback Riding
The best time to visit wild apple forest in Kazakhstan and horseback riding is from May to September. During this time, the weather is favorable for horseback riding and exploring wild forest of Apple. Based on your customized travel itinerary all-year round, take a look at what you can do in four seasons.
Spring: It is the best time to go when weather is pleasant and blooming.
Summer: Summer is suitable only when you want to take deep look into mountain scenery along the forest.
Winter: Winter is bitter cold here and it is normally avoided to go here during winter.
Autumn: A good time to see the leaves changing colors.
Falls: Kazakhstan apples harvest normally in fall and apple season in Almaty, Kazakhstan starts. So, to see different types of apples, you can go here during fall.
How to Plan Your Horseback Tour?
To plan your horseback tour in wild apple forest, Kazakhstan, you need to follow these tips.
1. Choose a Tour Operator
Within the Almaty region in Kazakhstan, look for tour companies. Go for tour operators who have strong knowledge about wild apple forest accessibility with convenient ways. Select a tour operator specializing in horseback riding tours. Before finalizing your bookings, check reviews as well.
2. Decide on a Tour Duration
After finalizing tour operator, the next step is to decide on a tour duration. For a shorter experience, go for a day trip that rides you through the apple forests with focus on scenery and local culture. But if you want to go for multi-day trekking, consider a multi-day trek that allows you to enjoy fully.
3. Consider the Season
The season you prefer for horseback riding in wild apple forest greatly matters. The best time to see wild apples in Kazakhstan is typically in late summer or early fall when they are ripe. Be aware of potential weather conditions and try to avoid in early spring and winter.
4. Assess your Riding Capability Before
When booking a tour with horseback riding tour operator, do not forget to assess your riding capability before. For beginners, some routes may be challenging. Mountain terrain can be physically challenging, so consider your overall fitness level.
5. Proper Packing
Horseback riding tour is quite different from other types of tourist tours. Before heading towards to wild apple forest in Kazakhstan, be sure to know what to pack and what not to. Do not pack too much and bring only necessary essentials that you think you can use during your tour.
What to Pack & Prepare?
Horseback riding in Kazakhstan demands proper clothing essentials like Breeches, Jodhpurs, Riding Tights. Make sure that each essential is made from breathable and stretchy material for maximum range of motion and comfort.
Apart from riding tights and other packing essentials, try to pack these things too:
- Riding boots
- Helmet
- Gloves
It’s just not only about horseback riding essentials in fact you need to pack other travel documents, visas, and necessary vaccinations. With all these things, you can make your journey experience even more stress-free and convenient than you might think.
What to Expect on the Ride?
When going on a horseback ride through wild apple forest in Kazakhstan, you can expect these things:
Wildlife sightings: Depending on the season, you might see flora and other wildlife animals like birds and marmots.
Local Culture: Experience the Kazakhstan’s culture with this horseback ride in the form of herders or nomads during your ride.
Varied terrain: Get ready to expect a mix of flat meadows, gentle slopes, and possibly some steeper sections depending on the trail you choose.
Campfire Nights: There are chances that you may need to spend one or more nights in campfire under the sky of stars especially if you go for multi-day tour.
How Much is Horseback Tour of the Last Wild Apple Forest Kazakhstan Cost?
The horseback tour of the last wild apple forest Kazakhstan price varies. Here are some horseback tour of the last wild apple forest Kazakhstan packages.
No. | Tour Operator | Tour | Duration | Price |
1. | Powder Nomads | Kargaly Gorge Horseback Riding Tour | Approximately 5 hours | Falls between $96 to $146 |
2. | Caravanistan | In Search of Wild Apple Forests | 1-day tour | Starting from $95 per person |
3. | RedMaya Travel | 9 Days of East Kazakhstan | 9 days | From $1,800 per person |
4. | Kazia Tour | Horse Riding Tour | 3-4 hours | Available upon request |
Final Words!
The horseback tour of the last wild apple forest Kazakhstan is the amazing yet memorable tour that you will not forget ever. Wild apple forest in Kazakhstan’s natural beauty, beautiful surrounding views and uniqueness make it unique and one of the best places for horse riding experience.
No matter whether you want to go on this experience with your family, friends or solo, be sure to follow above-mentioned tips, tricks and other instructions. We hope that you have a memorable and wonderful tour of this unique forest of Kazakhstan.
Frequently Asked Questions!
1. Where is the last wild apple forest in Kazakhstan located?
The last wild apple forest in Kazakhstan is located in the Malus sieversii, Tien Shan Mountains near Almaty.
2. Why is this forest significant?
The forest is considered as the genetic origin of all cultivated apples worldwide, living museum of biodiversity and important conservation area.
3. Why take a horseback tour instead of a regular hiking tour?
Horseback tours provide following amazing experiences:
Authentic nomadic experience
Beautiful natural beauty
4. How much does a horseback tour cost?
It depends on duration, inclusion and tour operators. Normally the cost of horseback tour ranges between $95–$150 per person while multi-day tours can range from $500 to $2,000.
5. Do I need prior horseback riding experience?
No there is no need of prior horseback riding experience as most of the tours caters to beginners and experienced riders.
6. What should I bring on a horseback tour?
Comfortable riding gear
Layers for changing weather
Hat
Sunscreen
Waterproof clothing
7. How long do horseback tours last?
Half-day or full-day tours
Multi-day tours (3–10 days)