Son-Kol Lake 3 days horseback tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included.
Son-Kol Lake 3 days horseback tour Highlights
This 3-day horseback tour from Bishkek leads from the village of Kyzart over the mountains to Song-Kol Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful high-altitude lakes. Ride through the scenic Kilemche Valley, across rolling hills and open pastures, and experience the traditions of nomadic life firsthand – no previous horse-riding experience is necessary.
After a short riding introduction in Kyzart, follow the Chaar-Archa River to a herder family’s yurt camp in Kilemche (2,700 m). On the second day, climb to the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,300 m) for your first view of the lake, then ride along the shore past nomad yurts and grazing herds to the Tuz-Ashuu pasture, where you spend the night in a traditional yurt by the lake (3,100 m). The last ride takes you over the Tuz-Ashuu Pass with a final panorama of Song-Kol back to Kyzart, followed by the drive to Bishkek.
Difficulty: Moderate Three riding days of 21 km (4–5 hours), 23 km (5–6 hours) and 20 km (4–5 hours) over two passes of about 3,300 m; no previous riding experience needed. Nights in yurts at 2,700 m and 3,100 m with cold evenings, and a drive of about 271 km each way between Bishkek and Kyzart.
Tour Itinerary
You will be picked up from your hotel in Bishkek and driven to Kyzart Village. On arrival, your guide gives you a short introduction to horse riding before you set off on an easy ride along the scenic Chaar-Archa River. The trail leads through open valleys and calm mountain scenery toward Kilemche – comfortable riding that is ideal for building confidence and getting to know your horse. After several hours in the saddle, you pause by the river for a picnic lunch, giving both you and the horses time to rest. In the afternoon, the ride continues to a yurt camp hosted by a local herder family. Once settled, explore the nearby hills, breathe in the crisp mountain air and watch the traditional way of life of Kyrgyz nomads. The first riding day ends with a hearty dinner in the yurt. The ride is about 21 km (4–5 hours) and no previous horse-riding experience is necessary. Large luggage is stored at the guesthouse in Kyzart, so bring only a small backpack with essentials and clothing for the next three days.
Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours, Kilemche
- Bishkek → Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours (271 km)
- Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours → Kilemche (21 km)
Overnight: Kilemche (Yurt camp)
- Shower: No
- Toilet: Shared (indoor)
- Internet: None
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Today’s ride is more challenging than the first day. After breakfast, you begin the ascent to the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,300 m). The climb can be demanding in sections, but the effort is rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. From the pass, you enjoy your first breathtaking view of the shimmering Song-Kol Lake spread out below. After a short rest at the pass, you descend toward the lake and arrive at a yurt camp for a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, the ride continues westward along the lakeshore, past nomad yurts, grazing livestock and the vast open pastures of the high-altitude steppe. Your overnight stop is the Tuz-Ashuu pasture, beautifully located beside the lake. On arrival, the horses are released for the night, and you settle into the yurt and enjoy dinner in the calm and serene setting of Song-Kol. The ride is about 23 km (5–6 hours). A shower at the yurt camp is available on request. Daytime temperatures at Song-Kol can be pleasant, but evenings are often cold, so warm clothing is essential.
Song Kul
- Kilemche → Song Kul (23 km)
Overnight: Song Kul (Yurt camp)
- Toilet: Shared (indoor)
- Internet: Mobile signal only
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you begin your return journey to Kyzart Village over the scenic Tuz-Ashuu Pass. After saying goodbye to your hospitable nomad family, you set off on horseback and gradually climb to the pass at 3,300 m. From the top, enjoy your final panoramic views of Song-Kol Lake, surrounded by wide pastures and dramatic mountain scenery. You then descend along a picturesque trail back to Kyzart Village. On arrival, you have a well-earned lunch and time to rest and freshen up after the ride, before the afternoon drive back to Bishkek. The ride is about 20 km (4–5 hours), followed by the transfer of about 271 km from Kyzart to Bishkek by car.
Song Kul, Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours
- Song Kul → Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours (20 km)
- Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours → Bishkek (271 km)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Private Tour Price
| Price per person Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $541 |
| 2 travelers | $351 |
| 3 travelers | $292 |
| 4 travelers | $311 |
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.
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What's included
Included
- Professional horse-riding guide (local horseman with basic English)
- Horse rental for 3 days
- Transfers to and from Kyzart (private transfers from Bishkek are available for an additional fee)
- Accommodation in traditional yurts (2 nights, shared yurt; a private yurt can be requested in advance)
- All meals during the trek: lunch and dinner on day 1, full board on day 2, breakfast and lunch on day 3
- Luggage storage at the guesthouse in Kyzart
Not included
- Hotel in Bishkek
- Airport transfers
- Guide with advanced English (available on request)
- Drinking water
- Travel insurance
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
Good to know
- Guide: You are led by an experienced local horseman with basic English; guides with advanced English are available on request.
- Riding experience: No previous horse-riding experience is necessary – you get a short introduction in Kyzart, and the first day’s trail is easy. The second day climbs to a pass of 3,300 m and is more demanding in sections.
- Luggage: Large bags are stored safely at the guesthouse in Kyzart; essentials for the ride are carried in saddlebags on your horse, so bring only a small backpack.
- Yurts: Shared yurts are standard because space is limited; a private yurt can be requested in advance.
- Weather: Daytime temperatures around Song-Kol Lake can be pleasant, but evenings are often cold, so warm clothing is essential.
- Start in Kyzart: The tour normally starts and ends in Bishkek; starting and ending in Kyzart is also possible.
What to bring
- Clothing: warm layers (fleece or down jacket) for chilly mornings and evenings, lightweight daytime clothing (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts), a waterproof and windproof jacket, a hat or cap for sun protection, gloves and warm socks, a scarf or buff for wind protection
- Horse riding: long pants suitable for riding, comfortable trekking pants and shorts, riding gloves (optional), lightweight breathable clothing
- Other essentials: a small daypack, sunglasses and sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, personal toiletries and a towel, a basic first aid kit and personal medications, a camera or smartphone, a power bank and charging cables, your passport, ID and copies of your travel documents
- Optional: binoculars for wildlife spotting, light 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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