6 Tage Reittour in Kirgisistan mit Son Kul und Issyk Kul

Start your adventure early in the morning, departing from Bishkek and heading toward Kyzart Village near Song-Kol Lake. After arriving, enjoy lunch at a local homestay before meeting your horse and guide. The journey begins along a gentle trail beside the Chaar-Archa River, allowing you to build confidence and get comfortable with your horse. By late afternoon, you reach the Kilemche pasture, a tranquil spot where herders bring their livestock. Take time to unwind, soak in the calm surroundings and witness the traditional nomadic lifestyle. As evening falls, settle into a yurt for the night. Dinner is prepared by your hosts, offering both a taste of local cuisine and a chance to connect with them and learn about their culture. Your night in the yurt, surrounded by nature, gives an authentic glimpse into rural Kyrgyzstan. The drive is 280 km on asphalt (about 4 hours) and the ride about 21 km (4–5 hours). No prior horse-riding experience is required. You leave your large bag at the guesthouse in Kyzart and take only a small backpack with essentials and clothing for the next three days; you get your large bag back when you return to Kyzart.

Kyzart, Kilemche

• Bischkek → Kyzart (280 km)
• Kyzart → Kilemche (21 km)

Über Nacht: Kilemche (Yurt camp)

• Shower: No
• Toilet: Outdoor (pit / drop toilet)
• Internet: None

Mahlzeiten: Lunch, Dinner

Today’s journey leads toward the Jalgyz-Karagay Pass, climbing to an altitude of 3,300 m. The ascent is demanding but highly rewarding: at the top you are greeted by a spectacular panoramic view of Song-Kol Lake, spread out below and framed by dramatic mountain ranges. After a rest while the horses graze, you descend to a traditional yurt camp on the lakeshore, where a warm and welcoming lunch awaits. After the meal, enjoy a leisurely ride along the western shore of the lake. The route is gentle and scenic, with stunning views of the clear blue water and the untouched landscape around it. Further west you visit another yurt camp belonging to a local nomadic Kyrgyz family and get an insight into their traditional lifestyle, from herding livestock to making dairy products. Back at the main yurt camp, a hearty Kyrgyz dinner is served in a welcoming atmosphere of local hospitality, followed by a restful night in a yurt by the tranquil Song-Kol Lake. The ride is about 23 km (5–6 hours). Although daytime temperatures at Song-Kol Lake can be warm, evenings get chilly, so bring warm clothing.

Jalgyz-Karagai Pass, Lied Kul

• Kilemche → Lied Kul (23 km)

Über Nacht: Lied Kul (Yurt camp)

• Shower: On request (paid)
• Toilet: Outdoor (pit / drop toilet)
• Internet: Mobile signal only

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a relaxing day of horse riding along the shores of Song-Kol Lake. After two days in the saddle you feel more confident, and your guide can lead you at a canter or even a gallop across the smooth lakeside terrain – without riding over any mountains. By midday you reach the Ozbek-Ashuu pasture on the western shore of Song-Kol, where you stop for lunch in a yurt of local nomads. This is also where you spend the night. After lunch you have free time to walk by the lake, watch the peaceful nomadic life around you or head out for another short ride into the nearby hills. Dinner is served in the yurt before you settle in for the night. The ride is about 16 km (about 4 hours).

Lied Kul

• Lied Kul → Lied Kul (16 km)

Über Nacht: Lied Kul (Yurt camp)

• Shower: No
• Toilet: Shared (indoor)
• Internet: Mobile signal only

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Lunch, Dinner

Today you return to Kyzart Village over the scenic Ozbek-Ashuu Pass. After saying farewell to the nomadic family, you ride up to the pass at 3,300 m. From the top, enjoy your final sweeping views of Song-Kol Lake before descending toward Kyzart. On arrival you have lunch and a chance to rest and refresh after the morning ride. In the afternoon the journey continues to Issyk-Kul Lake, travelling along its southern shore with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Towards the evening you can take a short trip to the Skazka (Fairy-Tale) Canyon and enjoy the sunset over the canyon and Issyk-Kul Lake. Then you arrive at your guesthouse in Bokonbaevo, where you can enjoy dinner and relax after your memorable horse-riding adventure. The ride is about 20 km (4–5 hours) and the drive 200 km on asphalt (3–4 hours). Bokonbaevo lies a little away from the lakeshore; if you prefer to stay closer to the lake, ask your tour manager about yurt accommodation by the lake. The visit to the Skazka Canyon is optional and costs extra – please confirm it with your tour manager.

Kyzart, Bokonbaevo

• Lied Kul → Kyzart (20 km)
• Kyzart → Bokonbaevo (200 km)

Über Nacht: Bokonbaevo (Guesthouse)

• Shower: Yes
• Toilet: Shared (indoor)
• Internet: Wi-Fi

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins early in the morning as you meet your guide and the horses in Bokonbaevo. After getting acquainted with your horse, you set off through lush summer fields dotted with wildflowers and traditional farmhouses, and take a break for a relaxing picnic by a tranquil river. After the break, the ride climbs toward the Karaly-Archa Pass (2,800 m). At the top you are rewarded with panoramic views of Issyk-Kul Lake shimmering in the distance and the towering Tien Shan mountains all around. From the pass you descend into the Boz-Salkyn valley on a path that winds through forest, where tall trees give shade and a sense of tranquility. The day ends with a warm welcome at the yurt of a local shepherd and a hearty dinner of traditional dishes. As night falls, watch the sunset cast golden hues over the valley, with the mountains and fields bathed in the fading light. The ride is about 23 km (5–6 hours).

Boz-Salkyn

• Bokonbaevo → Boz-Salkyn (23 km)

Über Nacht: Boz-Salkyn (Yurt camp)

• Shower: On request (paid)
• Toilet: Outdoor (pit / drop toilet)
• Internet: Mobile signal only

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Lunch (Picnic), Dinner

After a light breakfast, it’s time to saddle up for the last day of your journey. Today’s ride is relatively easy as you descend from the valley on trails that meander through the tranquil countryside. On the way you meet a local eagle hunter – a burkutchu – for a demonstration of eagle hunting, a unique glimpse into Kyrgyzstan’s cultural heritage and the enduring art of hunting with golden eagles. Back in Bokonbaevo, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local guesthouse. After lunch and some time to rest, you leave the village behind and drive back to Bishkek, where your 6-day horse riding adventure comes to a close. The ride is about 16 km (about 4 hours) and the drive 270 km on asphalt (about 4 hours); you arrive in Bishkek at around 7–8 pm. The eagle hunting demonstration is staged with explanations and animal skins – real hunting on horseback takes place only in winter. It is optional and can be skipped.

Bokonbaevo, Bischkek

• Boz-Salkyn → Bokonbaevo (16 km)
• Bokonbaevo → Bischkek (270 km)

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Lunch