Song-Kol Lake 4 Days Horseback Loop
Accommodation, guides, transport included.
Song-Kol Lake 4 Days Horseback Loop Highlights
This 4-day horseback tour from Bishkek follows Kyrgyzstan’s most popular riding route – from the village of Kyzart over the mountains to Song-Kol Lake and back. It is made for travelers who want to experience a true nomadic lifestyle combined with the thrill of horse riding: the pace is moderate, and every turn of the trail brings views of alpine meadows, wildflowers and crystal-clear streams.
After a riding briefing in Kyzart, follow the Chaar-Archa River to the Kilemche pasture and spend the first night with a local shepherd family. Cross the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,400 m) with panoramic views over Song-Kol, where a herder family welcomes you with kymyz, the traditional fermented mare’s milk, at the Tuz-Ashuu pasture. A smooth ride along the lakeshore – with the chance to gallop across the open pastures – and the return over the Kara-Kiya Pass (3,350 m) to Kyzart complete the loop. All three nights are spent in traditional Kyrgyz yurts, with hearty home-cooked meals and brilliant starry skies.
Difficulty: Moderate Four riding days of 22 km (6–7 hours), 18 km (6–7 hours), 21 km (6 hours) and 22 km (5 hours), crossing the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,400 m) and the Kara-Kiya Pass (3,350 m); the descent from Kara-Kiya is moderately challenging. Three nights in yurts at the high-altitude Song-Kol pastures with chilly evenings, and a drive of about 280 km (4–5 hours) each way between Bishkek and Kyzart.
Tour Itinerary
In the morning you are picked up from your hotel in Bishkek and driven to Kyzart Village. On arrival, your guide-instructor gives you a briefing and an introduction to horse riding before you start your horseback adventure along the Chaar-Archa River toward the stunning Kilemche pasture. Ride through breathtaking mountain landscapes and immerse yourself in traditional Kyrgyz nomadic life. You spend the night with a local shepherd family, who welcome you with a cup of tea and let you discover their daily routines. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the surrounding mountains and valleys for incredible views. As evening falls, enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, then settle in for your first night in a classic Kyrgyz yurt, experiencing authentic life on the steppe. The ride is about 22 km (6–7 hours).
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 (22 km)
Overnight: Kilemche (Yurt camp)
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast in Kilemche, continue your horseback journey toward the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,400 m), en route to the breathtaking Song-Kol Lake. From the pass, enjoy stunning panoramic views of both Song-Kol Lake and the Kilemche Valley. After a short rest for riders and horses, the trail winds across grassy hills dotted with grazing sheep, goats, horses and cattle – a true taste of Kyrgyz pastoral life. During the warm summer months you may see nomadic families doing their daily chores, such as milking cows and mares. Arrive at a yurt camp by the lake for a hearty lunch before continuing along the lakeside trails. After about two more hours on horseback, you reach the Tuz-Ashuu pasture, where a local shepherd family welcomes you with kymyz, the traditional Kyrgyz drink made from fermented mare’s milk. Spend the rest of the day immersed in nomadic life and observing the family’s daily routines. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the surrounding mountains and valleys and enjoy the tranquil, wild beauty of the region. The ride is about 18 km (6–7 hours).
Song Kul
- Kilemche → Song Kul (18 km)
Overnight: Song Kul (Yurt camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast in your yurt before mounting your horse for another scenic ride. Today’s route follows the eastern shore of Song-Kol Lake; the ride is smooth and easy, with spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains at every turn. Midway, stop for a hearty lunch at a local shepherd’s yurt and experience the warmth of traditional Kyrgyz hospitality. In the afternoon, as your confidence on horseback grows, enjoy the thrill of a gallop along the lakeshore, where the open pastures give the horses plenty of room to run. By evening, arrive on the western side of Song-Kol Lake, where a delicious dinner awaits. Before settling into your yurt for the night, gaze at the brilliant starry sky, which shines exceptionally bright over this remote, pristine landscape. The ride is about 21 km (6 hours).
Song Kul
- Song Kul → Song Kul (21 km)
Overnight: Song Kul (Yurt camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day by soaking in the scenery of Song-Kol Lake in the morning sunlight, framed by the surrounding mountains. Then mount your horse and follow the upper trail, with panoramic views of the lake, toward the Kara-Kiya Pass (3,350 m). The ride down from the pass is moderately challenging, with a gradual descent toward the village followed by a few hours of smooth riding through picturesque valleys. On arrival in Kyzart, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local guesthouse before the drive back to Bishkek, carrying unforgettable memories of your Kyrgyz horseback adventure. The ride is about 22 km (5 hours), followed by the transfer of about 280 km (4–5 hours) to Bishkek.
Song Kul, Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours
- Song Kul → Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours (22 km)
- Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours → Bishkek (280 km)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Private Tour Price
| Price per person Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $667 |
| 2 travelers | $455 |
| 3 travelers | $378 |
| 4 travelers | $391 |
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What's included
Included
- English-speaking guide-driver
- Transport from Bishkek to Kyzart and back
- Horse for the 4 riding days
- Accommodation in traditional yurts (3 nights)
- Meals during the tour
Not included
- Hotel and meals in Bishkek
- Last dinner in Bishkek
- Water
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Good to know
- Pace: The tour is moderately paced, with 5–7 hours in the saddle on each of the four days.
- Guidance: You are led by an experienced local horseman with basic English skills; guides with advanced English are available on request.
- Luggage: Large bags can be stored safely at the guesthouse in Kyzart, 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
- Horse riding: long pants suitable for riding, comfortable trekking pants and shorts, riding gloves (optional), lightweight 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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