3 Days at Song-Kul & Issyk-Kul with Yurt Stay & Horse Riding
Discover the true spirit of Kyrgyzstan in 3 unforgettable days filled with adventure, culture, and nature. Ride horses across wide open meadows, sleep in traditional yurts, and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul Lakes. Meet friendly local nomads, learn about their way of life, and see herds of yaks, sheep, horses, and cows grazing freely in the high mountain pastures. Enjoy tea brewed in a samovar, cross scenic mountain passes, and take a peaceful hike to a hidden waterfall. Wander through colorful canyons, shaped by wind and time, and take in the raw beauty of untouched nature. In the evenings, relax by a warm bonfire under the stars, surrounded by the silence of the mountains. This is more than just a tour — it’s a chance to truly experience authentic nomadic life, away from the crowds and deep in the heart of Kyrgyzstan.
Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul Lakes are two of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic and breathtaking destinations — each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s natural beauty and nomadic heritage.
Song-Kul Lake, set at 3,000 meters, is a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by wide grasslands where nomads still live as they have for centuries. Known for its untouched beauty and deep silence, it’s the perfect place to experience the traditional yurt lifestyle, see grazing yaks and sheep, and ride horses across endless pastures. The sunsets here are magical, and the clear night sky is filled with stars.
In contrast, Issyk-Kul Lake is the second-largest alpine lake in the world, famous for its crystal-clear waters and warm microclimate, even at high altitude. Its south shore offers stunning views of both lake and mountains, as well as colorful canyons, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. Issyk-Kul has been a place of rest and inspiration for travelers for thousands of years — a must-visit for anyone coming to Kyrgyzstan.
DAY 1
Bishkek - Burana Tower - Boom Gorge - Kochkor - Kalmak Ashuu(+3000m) - Song Kul lake
Your guide will meet you in Bishkek, ready to lead you on an unforgettable adventure. He will help you get comfortable and make sure everything is taken care of. Together, you will drive towards the mountains, where stories of the past and beauty of nature are waiting.
Your first stop is the ancient Burana Tower, standing tall since the Silk Road times. Your guide will take you around, show you the details, and tell you why this place was so important. He will lead you up the narrow stairs to the top, where you can enjoy wide views of the green valley below.
Next, you will continue to the beautiful Boom Gorge. Here, you will stop for a unique tea experience. Your guide will show you how tea is made in a traditional samovar, and you will enjoy it with warm, crispy katama bread. He will tell you how nomads have enjoyed tea this way for generations. It’s a simple, peaceful moment by the river — a chance to relax and connect with the land.
After tea, you will drive to Kochkor village. Your guide will take you to a cozy local restaurant, where you will enjoy a fresh and tasty lunch made by village families. He will help you choose dishes and explain the local food.
In the afternoon, you begin to climb the famous Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. Your guide will stop for photos and point out eagles, yaks, and nomads living high in the mountains. At over 3,000 meters, the views will take your breath away.
By evening, you will reach the yurt camp by Song-Kul Lake. Your guide will help you settle in, and after a warm dinner, you will rest in your cozy yurt, under a sky full of stars.
DAY 3
Bokobaevo – Skazka Canyon – Barskoon Waterfall– Bishkek
After breakfast in the yurt, we start the day by exploring the beautiful nature around the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. First, we visit Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon. Here, you’ll enjoy a 1-hour walk through colorful rock formations shaped like castles, animals, and towers. It’s a perfect place for photos and enjoying the peaceful, open landscape.
Next, we continue to Barskoon Gorge, famous for its tall waterfalls and forested mountain views. You can take a short walk to the falls, relax by the river, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. We’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch near the waterfall, surrounded by nature.
After lunch, we begin our drive back to Bishkek, taking in the last views of Issyk-Kul Lake along the way. We arrive in the evening, filled with memories of mountains, lakes, and real nomadic life.
Overnight in a traditional yurt in
Song Kul and Issyk Kul lakes
820 USD
Private tour for one person
525 USD
Group of 2 people
400 USD
Group of 3-4 people
BY REQUEST
Group of 5 and more people