3 Days at Song-Kul & Issyk-Kul with Yurt Stay & Horse Riding
Fully private adventure through Kyrgyzstan’s top landscapes and traditions with horse riding, eagle hunting, canyon hikes, and a traditional yurt stay by Issyk-Kul Lake.
Price from:
275 USD
/ per person
Category:
Cultural/Multi-Day
Season:
May-September
Duration:
/2 night
3 Days
Three days. Two lakes.
A lifetime of memories.
A lifetime of memories.
Experience two of Kyrgyzstan's most iconic natural wonders in one journey through the heart of the country. Song-Kul sits at 3,000 metres and is only reachable in summer — for a few months each year, nomadic families move their animals up to the surrounding meadows, and the lake becomes one of the most peaceful places in Central Asia. Issyk-Kul, just a day's drive away, is the second-largest alpine lake on Earth, so large it never freezes even in winter.
Between these two lakes, you will cross breathtaking high-altitude passes, ride horses across open mountain pastures, hike to a waterfall hidden below Song-Kul, walk through Skazka Canyon — a landscape of dramatic red and orange rock formations — and follow the river deep into Barskoon Gorge, where waterfalls drop through forested mountain walls. Your private guide leads every moment, keeping the pace relaxed and the experience fully adapted to your group.
Between these two lakes, you will cross breathtaking high-altitude passes, ride horses across open mountain pastures, hike to a waterfall hidden below Song-Kul, walk through Skazka Canyon — a landscape of dramatic red and orange rock formations — and follow the river deep into Barskoon Gorge, where waterfalls drop through forested mountain walls. Your private guide leads every moment, keeping the pace relaxed and the experience fully adapted to your group.
Highlights
Ride across Song-Kul’s vast alpine meadows at 3,000m on horseback
Explore Skazka Canyon, Barskoon Waterfall, Seven Bulls, and culturally rich Karakol
Climb Burana Tower and explore ancient Silk Road ruins
Hold a golden eagle on your arm and take stunning photos in Bokonbayevo.
Sleep in traditional yurts by Song-Kul and the shores of Issyk-Kul
Itinerary
380 km — 7-8 hrs driving
Day 1
Bishkek — Burana Tower — Kok Moynok Canyons — Song-Kul Lake
Song-Kul Lake — 33 Parrots Pass — Bokonbaevo
Day 2
Approx. 200 km — 4 to 5 hours of driving
Your journey begins in the morning, when your guide meets you at your hotel in Bishkek. After a short introduction, you leave the city and drive east toward the mountains. The first stop is Burana Tower, an ancient Silk Road site. Your guide explains the history of Balasagun and the meaning of the stone balbals scattered around the site. You can climb the narrow staircase of the tower for wide views over the valley and distant Tien-Shan mountains.
From here, you continue toward the Kok Moynok Canyons. The landscape changes into dry, colorful formations, and you take a short and easy 30-minute walk through the quiet canyon. Your guide keeps a relaxed pace, allowing time for photos and short breaks. Afterward, you drive to Kochkor village for lunch in a local setting.
In the afternoon, the road climbs steadily toward Song-Kul Lake via Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and the scenery opens into wide alpine pastures with grazing animals. By late afternoon, you arrive at your yurt camp by the lake. After settling in, enjoy a warm dinner and a peaceful evening under a clear, star-filled sky at 3,000 meters.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Song-Kul Yurt Camp
From here, you continue toward the Kok Moynok Canyons. The landscape changes into dry, colorful formations, and you take a short and easy 30-minute walk through the quiet canyon. Your guide keeps a relaxed pace, allowing time for photos and short breaks. Afterward, you drive to Kochkor village for lunch in a local setting.
In the afternoon, the road climbs steadily toward Song-Kul Lake via Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and the scenery opens into wide alpine pastures with grazing animals. By late afternoon, you arrive at your yurt camp by the lake. After settling in, enjoy a warm dinner and a peaceful evening under a clear, star-filled sky at 3,000 meters.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Song-Kul Yurt Camp
Wake up to the fresh air and quiet openness of Song-Kul Lake. After breakfast, the morning is yours. You can take a gentle horseback ride across the wide alpine meadows — suitable even for beginners — or simply walk along the shore and watch nomads tend their herds as they have for generations.
By mid-morning, you leave Song-Kul and descend via the winding 33 Parrots Pass. The road offers beautiful views at every turn, with stops along the way for photos. At the base, take a short and easy 30-minute walk to a hidden waterfall in a cool, shaded gorge — a peaceful stop before continuing toward Issyk-Kul. As you continue driving along the south shore, the scenery gradually changes, with new mountain formations unlike those around Song-Kul.
In the afternoon, experience one of the highlights of the trip — a traditional eagle hunting demonstration. Meet a local hunter who explains how the eagles are trained and how this ancient tradition still lives today. You will even have the chance to hold the eagle yourself — a powerful and memorable moment, ideal for unforgettable photos.
After the experience, check in at your yurt camp by the lake. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner, then relax by the bonfire, taking in the fresh air and a sky full of stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Issyk-Kul Yurt Camp
By mid-morning, you leave Song-Kul and descend via the winding 33 Parrots Pass. The road offers beautiful views at every turn, with stops along the way for photos. At the base, take a short and easy 30-minute walk to a hidden waterfall in a cool, shaded gorge — a peaceful stop before continuing toward Issyk-Kul. As you continue driving along the south shore, the scenery gradually changes, with new mountain formations unlike those around Song-Kul.
In the afternoon, experience one of the highlights of the trip — a traditional eagle hunting demonstration. Meet a local hunter who explains how the eagles are trained and how this ancient tradition still lives today. You will even have the chance to hold the eagle yourself — a powerful and memorable moment, ideal for unforgettable photos.
After the experience, check in at your yurt camp by the lake. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner, then relax by the bonfire, taking in the fresh air and a sky full of stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Issyk-Kul Yurt Camp
After breakfast, you have time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Issyk-Kul. You can choose an optional horseback riding experience (paid on the spot), either in the mountains with panoramic views or along the lakeshore at a relaxed pace. If you prefer, simply relax by the shore, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the scenery before starting the day around 11:00.
Your first stop is Barskoon Gorge, a wide and green valley known for its forests, rivers, and waterfalls. A clear mountain river flows through the gorge, and tall spruce trees cover the slopes. Here, you can choose between a short 30-minute walk to the first waterfall, or a longer hike of around 3 hours to a higher and more impressive waterfall deeper in the valley. Both options offer beautiful views and fresh mountain air.
Later, you continue to Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon. You spend about one hour walking through red, orange, and ochre rock formations shaped over thousands of years by wind and erosion. The canyon looks like a ruined city, and each turn reveals new shapes and views. The light here is perfect for photos, and your guide will show you the best spots.
In the late afternoon, you begin the drive back to Bishkek along the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The lake is vast, and the views stay beautiful for most of the journey. You arrive in Bishkek in the early evening, where your guide drops you at your hotel — marking the end of your journey.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
Your first stop is Barskoon Gorge, a wide and green valley known for its forests, rivers, and waterfalls. A clear mountain river flows through the gorge, and tall spruce trees cover the slopes. Here, you can choose between a short 30-minute walk to the first waterfall, or a longer hike of around 3 hours to a higher and more impressive waterfall deeper in the valley. Both options offer beautiful views and fresh mountain air.
Later, you continue to Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon. You spend about one hour walking through red, orange, and ochre rock formations shaped over thousands of years by wind and erosion. The canyon looks like a ruined city, and each turn reveals new shapes and views. The light here is perfect for photos, and your guide will show you the best spots.
In the late afternoon, you begin the drive back to Bishkek along the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The lake is vast, and the views stay beautiful for most of the journey. You arrive in Bishkek in the early evening, where your guide drops you at your hotel — marking the end of your journey.
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
Accomondation: 2 night in the traditional yurt
All entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Horseback riding (2–4 hours) at Song Kul lake
Live eagle hunting demonstration
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 and accommodation on the last day
Horse Riding in Issyk Kul lake
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 — Kok Moynok Canyons — Song-Kul Lake
380 km — 7-8 hrs driving
Your journey begins in the morning, when your guide meets you at your hotel in Bishkek. After a short introduction, you leave the city and drive east toward the mountains. The first stop is Burana Tower, an ancient Silk Road site. Your guide explains the history of Balasagun and the meaning of the stone balbals scattered around the site. You can climb the narrow staircase of the tower for wide views over the valley and distant Tien-Shan mountains.
From here, you continue toward the Kok Moynok Canyons. The landscape changes into dry, colorful formations, and you take a short and easy 30-minute walk through the quiet canyon. Your guide keeps a relaxed pace, allowing time for photos and short breaks. Afterward, you drive to Kochkor village for lunch in a local setting.
In the afternoon, the road climbs steadily toward Song-Kul Lake via Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and the scenery opens into wide alpine pastures with grazing animals. By late afternoon, you arrive at your yurt camp by the lake. After settling in, enjoy a warm dinner and a peaceful evening under a clear, star-filled sky at 3,000 meters.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Song-Kul Yurt Camp
From here, you continue toward the Kok Moynok Canyons. The landscape changes into dry, colorful formations, and you take a short and easy 30-minute walk through the quiet canyon. Your guide keeps a relaxed pace, allowing time for photos and short breaks. Afterward, you drive to Kochkor village for lunch in a local setting.
In the afternoon, the road climbs steadily toward Song-Kul Lake via Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and the scenery opens into wide alpine pastures with grazing animals. By late afternoon, you arrive at your yurt camp by the lake. After settling in, enjoy a warm dinner and a peaceful evening under a clear, star-filled sky at 3,000 meters.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Song-Kul Yurt Camp
Song-Kul Lake — 33 Parrots Pass — Bokonbaevo
Day 2
Approx. 200 km — 4 to 5 hours of driving
Wake up to the fresh air and quiet openness of Song-Kul Lake. After breakfast, the morning is yours. You can take a gentle horseback ride across the wide alpine meadows — suitable even for beginners — or simply walk along the shore and watch nomads tend their herds as they have for generations.
By mid-morning, you leave Song-Kul and descend via the winding 33 Parrots Pass. The road offers beautiful views at every turn, with stops along the way for photos. At the base, take a short and easy 30-minute walk to a hidden waterfall in a cool, shaded gorge — a peaceful stop before continuing toward Issyk-Kul. As you continue driving along the south shore, the scenery gradually changes, with new mountain formations unlike those around Song-Kul.
In the afternoon, experience one of the highlights of the trip — a traditional eagle hunting demonstration. Meet a local hunter who explains how the eagles are trained and how this ancient tradition still lives today. You will even have the chance to hold the eagle yourself — a powerful and memorable moment, ideal for unforgettable photos.
After the experience, check in at your yurt camp by the lake. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner, then relax by the bonfire, taking in the fresh air and a sky full of stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Issyk-Kul Yurt Camp
By mid-morning, you leave Song-Kul and descend via the winding 33 Parrots Pass. The road offers beautiful views at every turn, with stops along the way for photos. At the base, take a short and easy 30-minute walk to a hidden waterfall in a cool, shaded gorge — a peaceful stop before continuing toward Issyk-Kul. As you continue driving along the south shore, the scenery gradually changes, with new mountain formations unlike those around Song-Kul.
In the afternoon, experience one of the highlights of the trip — a traditional eagle hunting demonstration. Meet a local hunter who explains how the eagles are trained and how this ancient tradition still lives today. You will even have the chance to hold the eagle yourself — a powerful and memorable moment, ideal for unforgettable photos.
After the experience, check in at your yurt camp by the lake. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner, then relax by the bonfire, taking in the fresh air and a sky full of stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Issyk-Kul Yurt Camp
Bokonbaevo — Skazka Canyon — Barskoon Waterfall — Bishkek
Day 3
Approx. 400 km — 7 to 8 hours of driving
After breakfast, you have time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Issyk-Kul. You can choose an optional horseback riding experience (paid on the spot), either in the mountains with panoramic views or along the lakeshore at a relaxed pace. If you prefer, simply relax by the shore, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the scenery before starting the day around 11:00.
Your first stop is Barskoon Gorge, a wide and green valley known for its forests, rivers, and waterfalls. A clear mountain river flows through the gorge, and tall spruce trees cover the slopes. Here, you can choose between a short 30-minute walk to the first waterfall, or a longer hike of around 3 hours to a higher and more impressive waterfall deeper in the valley. Both options offer beautiful views and fresh mountain air.
Later, you continue to Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon. You spend about one hour walking through red, orange, and ochre rock formations shaped over thousands of years by wind and erosion. The canyon looks like a ruined city, and each turn reveals new shapes and views. The light here is perfect for photos, and your guide will show you the best spots.
In the late afternoon, you begin the drive back to Bishkek along the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The lake is vast, and the views stay beautiful for most of the journey. You arrive in Bishkek in the early evening, where your guide drops you at your hotel — marking the end of your journey.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
Your first stop is Barskoon Gorge, a wide and green valley known for its forests, rivers, and waterfalls. A clear mountain river flows through the gorge, and tall spruce trees cover the slopes. Here, you can choose between a short 30-minute walk to the first waterfall, or a longer hike of around 3 hours to a higher and more impressive waterfall deeper in the valley. Both options offer beautiful views and fresh mountain air.
Later, you continue to Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon. You spend about one hour walking through red, orange, and ochre rock formations shaped over thousands of years by wind and erosion. The canyon looks like a ruined city, and each turn reveals new shapes and views. The light here is perfect for photos, and your guide will show you the best spots.
In the late afternoon, you begin the drive back to Bishkek along the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The lake is vast, and the views stay beautiful for most of the journey. You arrive in Bishkek in the early evening, where your guide drops you at your hotel — marking the end of your journey.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
Professional English-speaking guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 1B, 2L, 1D
Accomondation: 2 night in the traditional yurt
All entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Horseback riding (2–4 hours) at Song Kul lake
Live eagle hunting demonstration
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 and accommodation on the last day
Horse Riding in Issyk Kul lake
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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