2-Day Song-Kul Lake Tour: Horseback Riding, Yurt Stay & Issyk-Kul Visit
Leave the city behind and enter a world of mountains, wide valleys, and nomadic life. Ride horses to Song-Kul Lake, stay in a traditional yurt, and experience real Kyrgyz culture. Join this journey and discover Kyrgyzstan at its most authentic.
Price from:
275 USD
/ per person
Category:
Cultural/Multi-Day
Season:
May-September
Duration:
/1 night
2 Days
Where the mountains end
and nomad life begins
and nomad life begins
Song-Kul Lake sits at 3,016 metres above sea level — one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. It is surrounded by vast green meadows called jailoos, where nomadic families bring their horses, sheep, and yurts every summer, just as their ancestors did for thousands of years. The lake has almost zero light pollution, which means on a clear night you can see the Milky Way with your own eyes.
This tour takes you deep into that world. On the way, you cross some of the most breathtaking mountain passes in Central Asia — the kind of roads where you stop the car just to stare. You visit a 1,000-year-old Silk Road tower, ride horses across wide open pastures, and take a short hike to a beautiful mountain waterfall hidden from everyone's eyes.
This is a fully private tour — your guide is focused entirely on you and your group, and is happy to adjust the pace, the stops, and the activities to suit what you enjoy most.
This tour takes you deep into that world. On the way, you cross some of the most breathtaking mountain passes in Central Asia — the kind of roads where you stop the car just to stare. You visit a 1,000-year-old Silk Road tower, ride horses across wide open pastures, and take a short hike to a beautiful mountain waterfall hidden from everyone's eyes.
This is a fully private tour — your guide is focused entirely on you and your group, and is happy to adjust the pace, the stops, and the activities to suit what you enjoy most.
Highlights
Visit Burana Tower — a 9th century Silk Road landmark
Ride horses across the wide pastures of Song-Kul Lake
Stay in a traditional yurt and enjoy authentic Kyrgyz meals
Discover Issyk-Kul Lake with
a relaxing stop by the shore
a relaxing stop by the shore
Cross 33 Parrots Pass with stunning panoramic views
Itinerary
Approx. 280 km — 4 to 5 hours of driving
Day 1
Bishkek — Burana Tower — Boom Gorge — Kochkor — Song-Kul Lake
Your guide picks you up from your hotel in the morning and you set off toward the mountains. Your first stop is the Burana Tower — the remains of a 9th–10th century minaret from the Silk Road era, surrounded by ancient stone figures known as balbals. Your guide shares the history of this site, explaining its origins before you climb to the top for views over the Tien Shan mountains.
From there, you drive into the Boom Gorge where you stop for kattama — a traditional Kyrgyz layered bread — served with hot tea from an old Russian samovar. It is a simple but very memorable moment on the road. You then make a quick stop in Kochkor village before the road begins to climb.
The ascent to Song-Kul through the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass is one of the most beautiful drives in Kyrgyzstan. The landscape changes at every turn — rocky slopes give way to wide green hills, mountain yaks appear in the distance, and the views from the top of the pass are breathtaking. Your guide stops here so you can step outside, take it all in, and get some incredible photos.
You arrive at the yurt camp on the shore of Song-Kul Lake at around 5:00 PM. After settling in, enjoy a home-cooked Kyrgyz dinner. Then step outside and look up — at 3,000 metres with almost no light pollution, the Milky Way is clearly visible above the lake.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Song-Kul Yurt Camp
From there, you drive into the Boom Gorge where you stop for kattama — a traditional Kyrgyz layered bread — served with hot tea from an old Russian samovar. It is a simple but very memorable moment on the road. You then make a quick stop in Kochkor village before the road begins to climb.
The ascent to Song-Kul through the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass is one of the most beautiful drives in Kyrgyzstan. The landscape changes at every turn — rocky slopes give way to wide green hills, mountain yaks appear in the distance, and the views from the top of the pass are breathtaking. Your guide stops here so you can step outside, take it all in, and get some incredible photos.
You arrive at the yurt camp on the shore of Song-Kul Lake at around 5:00 PM. After settling in, enjoy a home-cooked Kyrgyz dinner. Then step outside and look up — at 3,000 metres with almost no light pollution, the Milky Way is clearly visible above the lake.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Song-Kul Yurt Camp
Song-Kul Lake — Horseback Riding — 33 Parrots Pass — Issyk-Kul Lake — Bishkek
Day 2
Approx. 350 km — 5 to 6 hours of driving
Start your morning with fresh mountain air and breakfast in the yurt. Afterward, enjoy a horseback riding experience across the wide open pastures of Song-Kul Lake. With a local handler riding alongside, this peaceful ride is suitable even for beginners. Surrounded by endless landscapes, it’s one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
Around 11:00 AM, begin the drive back to Bishkek, crossing the legendary 33 Parrots Pass with its winding road and panoramic views. Your guide will stop at the best viewpoints for photos. On the way, take a short walk to a hidden waterfall, a quiet and
lesser-known spot near Song-Kul.
Before returning to the city, make a stop at Issyk-Kul Lake. Visit a local beach and enjoy some time to relax by the water — a great bonus, especially for travelers with limited time. Lunch will be at a local restaurant along the way. Continue the drive back to Bishkek, arriving in the evening around 7:00–8:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
Around 11:00 AM, begin the drive back to Bishkek, crossing the legendary 33 Parrots Pass with its winding road and panoramic views. Your guide will stop at the best viewpoints for photos. On the way, take a short walk to a hidden waterfall, a quiet and
lesser-known spot near Song-Kul.
Before returning to the city, make a stop at Issyk-Kul Lake. Visit a local beach and enjoy some time to relax by the water — a great bonus, especially for travelers with limited time. Lunch will be at a local restaurant along the way. Continue the drive back to Bishkek, arriving in the evening around 7:00–8:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Professional English-speaking guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 1B, 2L, 1D
1 night in a traditional yurt camp
All entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Horseback riding(1-2 hours)
Visit to Issyk-Kul Lake with a stop by the beach
Bottled water throughout the tour
All fuel, road tolls, and parking
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek
Inclusions
Not Included
Travel and health insurance (Recomended)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Dinner on the last day
Accommodation on the last day
Tips for the guide (not required)
Any activities not listed in the itinerary
Itinerary
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Day 1
Bishkek — Burana Tower — Boom Gorge — Kochkor — Song-Kul Lake
Approx. 380 km — 7 to 8 hours of driving
Your guide picks you up from your hotel in the morning and you set off toward the mountains. Your first stop is the Burana Tower — a 1,000-year-old Silk Road minaret surrounded by ancient stone figures called balbals. Your guide shares fascinating stories about the history of this place, explains who built it, and takes you to the top where the Tien-Shan mountains stretch across the horizon in every direction.
From there, you drive into the Boom Gorge where you stop for kattama — a traditional Kyrgyz layered bread — served with hot tea from an old Russian samovar. It is a simple but very memorable moment on the road. You then make a quick stop in Kochkor village before the road begins to climb.
The ascent to Song-Kul through the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass is one of the most beautiful drives in Kyrgyzstan. The landscape changes at every turn — rocky slopes give way to wide green hills, mountain yaks appear in the distance, and the views from the top of the pass are breathtaking. Your guide stops here so you can step outside, take it all in, and get some incredible photos.
You arrive at the yurt camp on the shore of Song-Kul Lake at around 5:00 PM. After settling in, enjoy a home-cooked Kyrgyz dinner. Then step outside and look up — at 3,000 metres with almost no light pollution, the Milky Way is clearly visible above the lake.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Song-Kul Yurt Camp
From there, you drive into the Boom Gorge where you stop for kattama — a traditional Kyrgyz layered bread — served with hot tea from an old Russian samovar. It is a simple but very memorable moment on the road. You then make a quick stop in Kochkor village before the road begins to climb.
The ascent to Song-Kul through the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass is one of the most beautiful drives in Kyrgyzstan. The landscape changes at every turn — rocky slopes give way to wide green hills, mountain yaks appear in the distance, and the views from the top of the pass are breathtaking. Your guide stops here so you can step outside, take it all in, and get some incredible photos.
You arrive at the yurt camp on the shore of Song-Kul Lake at around 5:00 PM. After settling in, enjoy a home-cooked Kyrgyz dinner. Then step outside and look up — at 3,000 metres with almost no light pollution, the Milky Way is clearly visible above the lake.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Song-Kul Yurt Camp
Song-Kul Lake — Horseback Riding — 33 Parrots Pass — Waterfall — Bishkek
Day 2
Approx. 380 km — 6 to 7 hours of driving
Start your morning with fresh mountain air and breakfast in the yurt. Afterward, enjoy a horseback riding experience across the wide open pastures of Song-Kul Lake. With a local handler riding alongside, this peaceful ride is suitable even for beginners. Surrounded by endless landscapes, it’s one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
Around 11:00 AM, begin the drive back to Bishkek, crossing the legendary 33 Parrots Pass with its winding road and panoramic views. Your guide will stop at the best viewpoints for photos. On the way, take a short walk to a hidden waterfall, a quiet and
lesser-known spot near Song-Kul.
Before returning to the city, make a stop at Issyk-Kul Lake. Visit a local beach and enjoy some time to relax by the water — a great bonus, especially for travelers with limited time. Lunch will be at a local restaurant along the way. Continue the drive back to Bishkek, arriving in the evening around 7:00–8:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
Around 11:00 AM, begin the drive back to Bishkek, crossing the legendary 33 Parrots Pass with its winding road and panoramic views. Your guide will stop at the best viewpoints for photos. On the way, take a short walk to a hidden waterfall, a quiet and
lesser-known spot near Song-Kul.
Before returning to the city, make a stop at Issyk-Kul Lake. Visit a local beach and enjoy some time to relax by the water — a great bonus, especially for travelers with limited time. Lunch will be at a local restaurant along the way. Continue the drive back to Bishkek, arriving in the evening around 7:00–8:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
Professional English-speaking guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 1B, 2L, 1D
1 night in a traditional yurt camp
All entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Horseback riding(1-2 hours)
Visit to Issyk-Kul Lake with a stop by the beach
Bottled water throughout the tour
All fuel, road tolls, and parking
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek
Inclusions
Not included
Travel and health insurance (Recomended)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Dinner on the last day
Accommodation on the last day
Tips for the guide (not required)
Any activities not listed in the itinerary
MONEY&COSTS
The national currency is the Kyrgyz Som (KGS). In Bishkek and major towns, ATMs are widely available in shopping centers and on main streets, and you can pay by card in most restaurants and shops. Visa is the most widely accepted card, while MasterCard is less common and accepted only by specific banks. However, when traveling to the mountains or small villages, you must carry enough cash as ATMs are non-existent. We strongly recommend bringing new USD banknotes, as old or marked bills are often refused by exchange offices.
SAFETY
Kyrgyzstan is widely considered the safest and most open country in Central Asia, known for its stable political situation and hospitable locals. While the country is very safe, we recommend taking standard travel precautions just like anywhere else in the world: keep an eye on your belongings, avoid unlit streets at night, and always use official taxi services. Your safety is our top priority, and we work closely with trusted local partners to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.
BEST TIME TO GO
Kyrgyzstan features a dry continental climate with a striking contrast between the valleys and the mountains. In major cities like Bishkek and the Ferghana Valley, summers can be intense, with daytime temperatures soaring between 30°C and 40°C (86°–104°F). However, since most of the country sits above 1,500 meters, the mountain air is much fresher and more comfortable, typically hovering around a pleasant 20°C–25°C (68°–77°F) during the day.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
HEALTH
To ensure a healthy trip, avoid drinking tap water or using it for brushing teeth; rely on bottled or filtered water instead. When it comes to food, it is safer to stick to freshly cooked, hot meals and fruits that you can peel yourself. These simple habits are your best defense against common stomach issues and will help you stay energized.
Before you travel, we recommend checking that your routine vaccinations—specifically Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus—are up to date. Since medical infrastructure in remote mountain areas can be limited, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Before you travel, we recommend checking that your routine vaccinations—specifically Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus—are up to date. Since medical infrastructure in remote mountain areas can be limited, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour starts at 7:40 AM from the meeting place and lasts around 9-11 hours.
The best way to pay is cash (USD or local currency) directly to the guide on the day of the tour. We also accept card payments and can provide a payment link if needed.
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If it rains, we recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat. If the weather is extreme, the boat ride may not be possible, but the rest of the activities will continue as planned.
Yes! You’ll have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery at Issyk Kul Lake, Burana Tower, and cultural sites.
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Comfortable sedan/minibus during the day
- Small-group tour (min 3 and max 15 passengers)
- Admission tickets to Burana Tower, Boat Tour, and Petroglyphs
- Small bottled water
- Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
- Weather-appropriate clothing (hat/sunscreen in summer, warm layers in winter)
- Packed lunch (optional) if you’d like to have a meal during the boat ride
- Towel and swimsuit for the hot springs
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