3-Day Horse Trek to Song Kul Lake Available All Year Round
This four-day horse trek is designed for all riding levels — whether it is your first time in the saddle or you have ridden before. Each day covers two to four hours on horseback at your own pace. Two different passes, two nights at Song Kul in different yurt camps, and a full day beside the lake — this is the most immersive way to experience Song Kul on horseback.
Price from:
250USD
/ per person
Category:
Horse Riding
Season:
All year around
Duration:
/2 night
3 Days
Three Days on Horseback. Endless Memories. Song Kul as the Reward.
Song Kul sits at 3,016 metres in the heart of the Tian Shan, with no towns on its shore and no light to block the sky. At night, the Milky Way stretches across the water from one mountain range to the other. Every summer, Kyrgyz herders migrate here with their families and livestock — and on this trek, you will ride through valleys filled with more sheep, horses, and cattle than most people see in a lifetime.
This three-day loop crosses two different mountain passes, each at 3,400 metres, making it a true circuit with new scenery every day. You will sleep in a shepherd's house on night one and wake up beside the lake in a traditional yurt on night two — eating fresh Kyrgyz food at every stop.
Your English-speaking guide rides with you throughout, looking after your comfort and safety from the first kilometre to the last. By the end of the trek, you will sit in the saddle with confidence — and if you are ready, your guide will teach you to gallop.
This three-day loop crosses two different mountain passes, each at 3,400 metres, making it a true circuit with new scenery every day. You will sleep in a shepherd's house on night one and wake up beside the lake in a traditional yurt on night two — eating fresh Kyrgyz food at every stop.
Your English-speaking guide rides with you throughout, looking after your comfort and safety from the first kilometre to the last. By the end of the trek, you will sit in the saddle with confidence — and if you are ready, your guide will teach you to gallop.
Highlights
Cross the Kara-Kiya Pass at 3,400 metres and take in some of the most beautiful mountain views in Kyrgyzstan
Ride through open valleys filled with horses, sheep, and cattle as far as you can see
Available all year round — lush summer pastures, golden autumn colours, or snow-covered winter trails
Alpine meadows by day, a sky full of stars at night, and horses grazing at sunrise
Sleep in a traditional yurt on the lakeshore and fall asleep to the stillness of the lake
Itinerary
3-4 people
260 USD
2 people
325 USD
1 person
560 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Inclusions
Transfer from Bishkek to Kyzart village (and back).
Professional English-speaking horse guide.
Horse and necessary equipment.
All meals: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 1.
Unique song kul yurt camp accommodation.
Authentic cultural experiences, blending an incredible horse riding
Kyrgyzstan adventure with thrilling trekking Kyrgyzstan.
Not Included
Health Insurance
Personal expenses
Lunch(can be covered on the spot)
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Bishkek - Kyzart - Kilemche Valley - Song Kul Lake
Start your Bishkek day tours with a hotel pickup and a scenic drive to Kyzart village past the Orto Tokoy reservoir. This route is ideal as a day trip in winter or summer. Enjoy an authentic lunch with a local Kyrgyz family, making this a memorable cultural experience tour.
Ride to Song Kul
After lunch, drive to Kilemche Valley, the starting point for your Kyrgyzstan horse riding adventure. You’ll meet your guides and begin your 4-hour ride. This route offers breathtaking mountain landscapes as you ride to Song Kul Lake. This journey is a fantastic example of horse riding tours in Kyrgyzstan.
As evening approaches, you'll arrive at the shores of the lake. Here, you'll be welcomed into a cozy Song Kul yurt camp where a hearty dinner awaits. Tonight, rest in comfort, ensuring a peaceful overnight in a yurt.
As evening approaches, you'll arrive at the shores of the lake. Here, you'll be welcomed into a cozy Song Kul yurt camp where a hearty dinner awaits. Tonight, rest in comfort, ensuring a peaceful overnight in a yurt.
Song Kul Lake - Kara Kiya Pass - Kyzart - Bishkek
Start your day with breakfast, then get ready for the most spectacular part of the journey: riding across the Kara-Kiya Pass. This high pass reaches 3,400 meters and offers amazing panoramic views that showcase the full splendor of your Song Kul Lake tour. This remote trail, also popular as a hiking trip for singles, highlights Kyrgyzstan's most beautiful places.
After crossing the pass, you'll descend to Kyzart village, where your horseback riding journey ends. You'll enjoy a tasty, traditional lunch with a Kyrgyz family, providing a final experience of local culture. The last part of your trip is a comfortable 4-5 hour car ride back to Bishkek. This marks a thoughtful and smooth end to your adventurous day tour.
Farewell to the Steppe
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.
ENTRY&EXIT
Citizens of many developed countries can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 60 days. If you are unsure about your specific visa requirements, simply contact us for assistance. We also arrange all special border permits required for your specific itinerary free of charge.
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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