6 Day horse riding tour in Kyrgyzstan with Son Kul and Issyk Kul
Accommodation, guides, transport included.
6 Day horse riding tour in Kyrgyzstan with Son Kul and Issyk Kul Highlights
Spend six days in the saddle on this private horse riding tour from Bishkek to Song-Kol Lake and the south shore of Issyk-Kul. You ride to remote high pastures, sleep in traditional yurts with nomad families and experience the warm hospitality of rural Kyrgyzstan, the land where horses are still part of everyday life – no riding experience is needed.
From Kyzart you ride along the Chaar-Archa River to the Kilemche pasture and over the Jalgyz-Karagay Pass (3,300 m) to Song-Kol Lake. A relaxed day along the lakeshore – at a canter or even a gallop once you feel confident – brings you to a nomad camp on the western shore, before you ride back over the Ozbek-Ashuu Pass to Kyzart and drive to Issyk-Kul.
From Bokonbaevo on the south shore you ride through summer fields and over the Karaly-Archa Pass (2,800 m), with views of the lake and the Tien Shan, to a shepherd’s yurt in the Boz-Salkyn valley. Optional extras are an eagle hunting demonstration on the last day and a sunset visit to the Skazka (Fairy-Tale) Canyon.
Difficulty: Moderate Six riding days of 16–23 km (4–6 hours a day), twice over passes of about 3,300 m and once over 2,800 m; no riding experience needed. Four nights in yurts at 2,500–3,100 m with shared outdoor toilets, and drives of 200–280 km on three days.
Tour Itinerary
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 starting point for Song Kul Tours, Kilemche
- Bishkek → Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours (280 km)
- Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours → Kilemche (21 km)
Overnight: Kilemche (Yurt camp)
- Shower: No
- Toilet: Outdoor (pit / drop toilet)
- Internet: None
Meals: 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, Song Kul
- Kilemche → Song Kul (23 km)
Overnight: Song Kul (Yurt camp)
- Shower: On request (paid)
- Toilet: Outdoor (pit / drop toilet)
- Internet: Mobile signal only
Meals: Breakfast, 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).
Song Kul
- Song Kul → Song Kul (16 km)
Overnight: Song Kul (Yurt camp)
- Shower: No
- Toilet: Shared (indoor)
- Internet: Mobile signal only
Meals: Breakfast, 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 starting point for Song Kul Tours, Bokonbaevo
- Song Kul → Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours (20 km)
- Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours → Bokonbaevo (200 km)
Overnight: Bokonbaevo (Guesthouse)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Shared (indoor)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast, 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)
Overnight: Boz-Salkyn (Yurt camp)
- Shower: On request (paid)
- Toilet: Outdoor (pit / drop toilet)
- Internet: Mobile signal only
Meals: Breakfast, 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, Bishkek
- Boz-Salkyn → Bokonbaevo (16 km)
- Bokonbaevo → Bishkek (270 km)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Private Tour Price
| Price per person Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $1,610 |
| 2 travelers | $1,035 |
| 3 travelers | $867 |
| 4 travelers | $828 |
Optional extras
Airport transfer (one way, per car for 1–4 people): $20 per group
Eagle hunting demonstration (per group): $70 per group
Visit to the Skazka (Fairy-Tale) Canyon (per group): $40 per group
Share this tour privately
Travelling alone or as a couple? Join other travellers who want to take this tour privately, or post your own request. The private price per person drops as the group grows.
No open requests for this tour yet. Post the first one and we'll show it here and on the group requests page.
What's included
Included
- Private transfers
- English-speaking guide for the horse riding
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (5 nights: 4 in yurts, 1 in a guesthouse)
- Full board (set menu), except breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 6
- Horse riding (6 days)
- Visits and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Airport transfer (20 USD one way per car for 1–4 people)
- Hotel in Bishkek
- Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 6
- Single room supplement
- Insurance
- Eagle hunting demonstration (70 USD per group)
- Visit to the Skazka (Fairy-Tale) Canyon (40 USD per group)
- Water and alcoholic drinks
- Tips for the guide, driver etc.
- Personal expenses
- Services not mentioned as included
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
-
Night 1
Kilemche
Yurt camp in Kilemche or similar
-
Night 2
Song Kul
Yurt camp at Song Kol or similar
-
Night 3
Song Kul
Nomad family yurt at Ozbek-Ashuu (Song-Kol) or similar
-
Night 4
Bokonbaevo
Guesthouse in Bokonbaevo or similar
-
Night 5
Boz-Salkyn
Boz-Salkyn nomad yurt or similar
What to bring
- Clothing: warm layers such as a fleece or down jacket for cool mornings and evenings, light clothing for the daytime (T-shirts and long-sleeve tops), a waterproof and windproof outer jacket, a sun hat or cap, gloves and warm socks, a scarf or buff against the wind, comfortable trekking boots
- Horse riding and trekking: long trousers suitable for riding, comfortable trekking pants and shorts, riding gloves (optional), sturdy trekking shoes or boots, lightweight breathable clothing
- Other essentials: sunglasses and sunscreen, a small backpack for daily essentials, a reusable water bottle, personal toiletries and a towel, a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications, a camera or smartphone, a power bank and charging cables, your passport, ID and copies of important travel documents
- Optional: binoculars for wildlife observation, energy snacks, a notebook or travel journal
Kyrgyzstan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Kyrgyzstan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan before booking.
The official currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). Bishkek has plenty of ATMs, but outside the larger towns and the northern shore of Issyk-Kul cash is how almost everything is paid.
ATMs and cards
Some ATMs in Bishkek dispense US dollars as well as som. Beyond the capital, ATMs are found in the few largest towns but mostly not in smaller ones, except on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. Mastercard works in all ATMs, but Visa is still the more widely accepted card. Demirbank's red ATMs have lately been the best option for foreign cards, with moderate fees.
Exchanging money
Exchange offices in the major cities change US dollars, euros and roubles into som. Notes must be clean, fresh and without any signs of wear. Exchange offices prefer larger notes from 50 USD and 50 EUR, and sometimes give a better rate for them.
Paying by card
Cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, large supermarkets and some museums in Bishkek and Osh, and occasionally even in taxis. Elsewhere, apart from the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, paying by card is not practical.
Kyrgyzstan is generally safe for travellers and tourism is growing fast, but the usual precautions matter.
Documents
Always carry your passport or a notarised copy. Without proper identification you can be detained by the police.
In towns
- Robberies, some of them violent, and thefts happen especially in crowded places such as the bazaars. Take care after dark.
- Sexual harassment has been reported on public transport. Avoid walking or travelling alone, especially at night.
- Book taxis in advance from established services.
- Stay away from crowds and demonstrations.
- Watch where you step: some streets have large holes and pavements are often uneven.
Laws and customs
- Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religious practices.
- Possessing or using narcotics is strictly prohibited.
- Do not photograph anything related to the armed forces or security services.
- Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely discussed or publicly recognised.
Border areas
Smuggling makes the southern border zones with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan unstable and best avoided.
Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for travellers from many countries. Others can apply for an electronic visa or through an embassy.
Visas
For a tourist visa, most passport holders need an invitation letter from a tourism company. Kyrgyzstan has had an electronic visa system since 1 September 2017.
Border regions
Visiting border regions requires a special permit.
The best times to visit Kyrgyzstan's lower areas are May–June and September. In the high mountains, July and August are best.
Lower areas: May–June and September
In late spring and early autumn the valleys, Issyk-Kul's shores and the towns are green or golden, days are pleasant rather than hot and there are fewer visitors.
High mountains: July and August
This is when the high pastures, yurt camps and mountain passes are open, and trekking and horse-riding routes that are under snow the rest of the year can be reached. Days in the valleys can reach about 30°C, and nights at altitude can still be close to freezing. Summer is also the time of festivals celebrating Kyrgyz traditions.
Winter
Winters in the highlands are long and close the high passes, but it is still a captivating season. Hiking, horse riding and skiing are all possible, and yurt stays are available too.
Healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is basic and medical facilities are scarce, so comprehensive medical and travel insurance is essential.
Medicines
If you rely on regular medication, bring enough for the whole trip: it can be hard or expensive to find locally.
Insurance
Arrange comprehensive medical and travel insurance before you arrive. A serious accident or illness may mean emergency air evacuation to a neighbouring country.
Food and water
Treat tap water and other local water as contaminated and boil it before drinking; bottled water is the safest choice throughout your stay. Be careful with unpasteurised dairy and other animal products.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations against polio and tuberculosis are recommended before entering the country, and others may also be advisable. Ask your doctor or travel clinic.
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