Song-Kol and Issyk-Kul 5 Days Horseback Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included.
Song-Kol and Issyk-Kul 5 Days Horseback Tour Highlights
This 5-day horseback tour from Bishkek rides to Song-Kol Lake and on to the summer pastures above Issyk-Kul’s south shore. It is made for travelers who want to experience Kyrgyzstan’s mountain landscapes and nomadic culture from the saddle – no previous riding experience is needed, and three of the four nights are spent in traditional yurts with local herder families.
From the village of Kyzart, ride along the Chaar-Archa River to a yurt camp in Kilemche (2,700 m), then climb over the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,300 m) for your first view of Song-Kol Lake and follow the shore to the Tuz-Ashuu pasture (3,100 m). On the third day you ride back to Kyzart over the Tuz-Ashuu Pass and drive to the south shore of Issyk-Kul, with an optional sunset visit to the Fairy-Tale (Skazka) Canyon.
From Bokonbaevo, a fourth riding day crosses the Karaly-Archa Pass (2,800 m), with panoramic views over Issyk-Kul, to a nomad yurt camp in the Boz-Salkyn Valley (2,500 m). The last ride follows a scenic gorge down to Bokonbaevo, where you meet Kyrgyz eagle hunters before the drive back to Bishkek.
Difficulty: Moderate Five riding days of 21 km (4–5 hours), 23 km (5–6 hours), 20 km (4–5 hours), 23 km (5–6 hours) and 16 km (about 4 hours), over the Jalgyz-Karagai and Tuz-Ashuu passes (3,300 m) and the Karaly-Archa Pass (2,800 m); no previous riding experience needed. Three nights in yurts at 2,500–3,100 m with chilly evenings, and drives of 200–280 km on asphalt roads.
Tour Itinerary
Begin your Kyrgyzstan adventure with a scenic drive to Kyzart Village near Song-Kol Lake. Enjoy a homemade lunch at a local guesthouse before your guide gives you basic riding instructions. In the afternoon, set off on your first horseback ride along the Chaar-Archa River, through wide valleys and peaceful mountain landscapes, to Kilemche. The smooth trail is ideal for beginners and helps you build a connection with your horse. In the early evening, arrive at a yurt camp run by a local herder family. Settle in, explore the surrounding hills, breathe in the fresh mountain air and experience traditional Kyrgyz nomadic life before your first night in a yurt. The drive is about 280 km (about 4 hours, all asphalt) and the ride about 21 km (4–5 hours). No previous riding experience is needed. Leave your large bag at the guesthouse in Kyzart and take a small backpack with essentials for the next three days; you get your bag back when the ride returns to Kyzart on day 3.
Kyzart, Kilemche
- Bishkek → Kyzart (280 km)
- Kyzart → Kilemche (21 km)
Overnight: Kilemche (Yurt camp)
- Shower: No
- Toilet: Shared (indoor)
- Internet: None
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Today’s ride is more challenging but incredibly rewarding. After breakfast, begin the ascent to the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,300 m). The climb can be demanding at times, but the sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains make it unforgettable, and from the pass you catch your first glimpse of Song-Kol Lake shimmering below. After a rest on the pass, descend toward the lake and arrive at a yurt camp for lunch. In the afternoon, continue riding west along the lakeshore, past nomad yurts, grazing animals and vast highland pastures that show the beauty of Kyrgyz nomadic life. Your day ends at the Tuz-Ashuu pasture, where you release your horses, settle into a yurt and enjoy dinner in the peaceful atmosphere of Song-Kol. The ride is about 23 km (5–6 hours). A shower is available on request. Evenings at Song-Kol can be chilly, so bring warm clothing.
Jalgyz-Karagai Pass, Song-Kul Lake
- Kilemche → Song-Kul Lake (23 km)
Overnight: Song-Kul Lake (Yurt camp)
- Toilet: Shared (indoor)
- Internet: Mobile signal only
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride back to Kyzart Village over the scenic Tuz-Ashuu Pass (3,300 m). Say goodbye to your nomad hosts and enjoy a last sweeping view of Song-Kol Lake before descending to the village. After lunch and a short rest, set off on a road trip to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, with wide views of the lake and the mountains. Toward evening you can visit the Fairy-Tale (Skazka) Canyon for a stunning sunset over the colorful rocks and the lake. The day ends at a guesthouse in Bokonbaevo Village, where you enjoy dinner and relax after your ride. The ride is about 20 km (4–5 hours), followed by a drive of about 200 km (3–4 hours, all asphalt). The Fairy-Tale Canyon visit is optional and costs extra. Bokonbaevo lies a little away from the lakeshore; if you prefer to stay closer to the lake, yurt accommodation by the shore can be arranged on request.
Song-Kul Lake, Tuz-Ashuu Pass, Kyzart, Skazka Canyon, Bokonbaevo
- Song-Kul Lake → Kyzart (20 km)
- Kyzart → Bokonbaevo (200 km)
Overnight: Bokonbaevo (Guesthouse)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Shared (indoor)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day riding toward the nomads’ summer pastures in the Boz-Salkyn Valley. The morning ride is gentle, through open fields, meadows and small nomad farms – a perfect way to enjoy the fresh mountain air and watch daily life in the highlands. Around midday, stop for a picnic by a river before the more challenging climb to the Karaly-Archa Pass (2,800 m). From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Issyk-Kul Lake framed by mountains, canyons and villages. Descend through fragrant forests to a traditional nomad yurt camp in Boz-Salkyn, where you are welcomed with hot tea and a peaceful evening in a yurt. The ride is about 23 km (5–6 hours). A shower is available on request.
Bokonbaevo, Boz-Salkyn
- Bokonbaevo → Boz-Salkyn (23 km)
Overnight: Boz-Salkyn (Yurt camp)
- Toilet: Shared (indoor)
- Internet: Mobile signal only
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up in your mountain yurt and set off on the final ride down to Bokonbaevo Village. The downhill trail is easier and winds through a scenic gorge with spectacular mountain views. In Bokonbaevo, meet Kyrgyz eagle hunters and learn about this ancient tradition and its techniques – a great chance for photos with an eagle perched on horseback. After lunch at a guesthouse, drive back to Bishkek, reflecting on five days of mountains, lakes and nomadic landscapes. The ride is about 16 km (about 4 hours), followed by a drive of about 270 km (about 4 hours, all asphalt). The eagle hunting demonstration is staged with animal skins – real hunting on horseback takes place only in winter – and taking part is optional.
Boz-Salkyn, Bokonbaevo
- 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 | $1,300 |
| 2 travelers | $817 |
| 3 travelers | $690 |
| 4 travelers | $667 |
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What's included
Included
- All transfers as listed in the itinerary
- Horses for the five riding days
- English-speaking guide for the whole tour (on the riding days an experienced local horseman with basic English)
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4 nights: 3 in yurts, 1 in a guesthouse)
- Full board (set menu) from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 5, including all meals during the ride
- Visits and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
- Storage of large luggage at the guesthouse in Kyzart
Not included
- Airport transfers (additional cost)
- Hotel in Bishkek (additional cost)
- Fairy-Tale (Skazka) Canyon visit on day 3 (optional, additional fee)
- Guide with advanced English (available on request)
- Travel insurance
- Water and alcoholic drinks
- Tips for the guide
- Personal expenses
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 Lake
Yurt camp at Song Kol or similar
-
Night 3
Bokonbaevo
Guesthouse in Bokonbaevo or similar
-
Night 4
Boz-Salkyn
Boz-Salkyn nomad yurt or similar
Good to know
- Guide: On the riding days you are led by an experienced local horseman with basic English skills; a guide with advanced English is available on request.
- Luggage: Large bags are stored safely at the guesthouse in Kyzart during the Song-Kol ride, while essentials for the ride are carried in saddlebags on your horse.
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
- Horseback riding: long pants suitable for riding, comfortable trekking pants and shorts, riding gloves (optional), lightweight and breathable clothing
- Other essentials: a small daypack for daily essentials, sunglasses and sunscreen, 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 your travel documents
- Optional: binoculars for wildlife spotting, light snacks for the ride, 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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