4-Day Horse Trek: Song Kul Lake and Issyk-Kul in One Journey
This four-day tour is the most rewarding way to see Kyrgyzstan — combining two of its most iconic lakes in one seamless journey. Three days on horseback crossing mountain passes to Song Kul, then one full day on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul — eagle hunting, Skazka Canyon, and Barskoon Waterfall — before returning to Bishkek. Suitable for all riding levels, available all year round.
Price from:
250USD
/ per person
Category:
Horse Riding
Season:
All year around
Duration:
/3 night
4Days
Three Days on Horseback to Song Kol. One Day Exploring Issyk-Kul.
Song Kul is one of the highest alpine lakes in Central Asia — surrounded by endless rolling jailoos and snow-capped peaks with no roads through it and no light to block the night sky. At night, the Milky Way stretches across the water from one mountain range to the other. Each summer, Kyrgyz nomadic families migrate here with their livestock, grazing more sheep, horses, and cattle than most people see in a lifetime. On this trek, you spend three days on horseback crossing high mountain passes and arriving at the lake exactly as nomads have always done.
This four-day journey does not stop at Song Kul. After three days in the mountains, you continue to Issyk-Kul — one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, stretching over 180 kilometres from end to end and so vast it never freezes. The southern shore is where Kyrgyz culture runs deepest: a live eagle hunting show, the red cliffs of Skazka Canyon, and a hike into Barskoon Gorge — a valley of waterfalls once chosen by Yuri Gagarin as his personal retreat.
This four-day journey does not stop at Song Kul. After three days in the mountains, you continue to Issyk-Kul — one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, stretching over 180 kilometres from end to end and so vast it never freezes. The southern shore is where Kyrgyz culture runs deepest: a live eagle hunting show, the red cliffs of Skazka Canyon, and a hike into Barskoon Gorge — a valley of waterfalls once chosen by Yuri Gagarin as his personal retreat.
Highlights
3-day horse trek like a nomad to Song Kul Lake from Kyzart Village
Explore Skazka Canyon’s red cliffs and hike to Barskoon Waterfall
Experience authentic Kyrgyz nomadic culture, food, and daily life
Watch a live eagle hunting show with a golden eagle and capture incredible photos
Sleep under the Milky Way in a traditional yurt on the lakeshore
Itinerary
Riding time: approximately 3–4 hours
Day 1
Bishkek — Kyzart — Kilemche Valley
Kilemche — Jalgyz Karagai Pass — Song Kul Lake
Day 2
Riding time: approximately 3-4 hours
Your driver picks you up early at your hotel in Bishkek. The four-to-five hour drive goes south into the mountains of Naryn Province. Along the way you will pass the Orto Tokoy reservoir — a wide blue lake surrounded by mountain ridges that marks the start of real mountain country.
Arriving in Kyzart village around midday, you sit down to lunch at a local guesthouse — your first taste of Kyrgyz home cooking before a long afternoon in the saddle. After lunch, you meet your horses and guides for the first time. Your English-speaking guide gives you a short lesson — how to sit, how to steer, how to stop — and then you are off.
The trail climbs gently through open green valleys and grassland. Three to four hours of riding brings you to Kilemche — a beautiful mountain meadow at 2,500 metres where you spend the night in a shepherd's house. Dinner is served here, warm and filling. Sleep comes easily at this altitude.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Shepherd family homestay (simple, authentic)
Arriving in Kyzart village around midday, you sit down to lunch at a local guesthouse — your first taste of Kyrgyz home cooking before a long afternoon in the saddle. After lunch, you meet your horses and guides for the first time. Your English-speaking guide gives you a short lesson — how to sit, how to steer, how to stop — and then you are off.
The trail climbs gently through open green valleys and grassland. Three to four hours of riding brings you to Kilemche — a beautiful mountain meadow at 2,500 metres where you spend the night in a shepherd's house. Dinner is served here, warm and filling. Sleep comes easily at this altitude.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Shepherd family homestay (simple, authentic)
After a warm breakfast at the shepherd's house, you get back in the saddle for the most exciting day of the trek. Today you climb to the Jalgyz Karagai Pass at 3,400 metres. Your guide rides with you the whole way, keeping an eye on every rider, setting a comfortable pace, and making sure everyone is safe and enjoying the ride.
As you climb higher, the valleys below fill with thousands of horses, sheep, and cattle grazing freely on the open grass — a sight that most people never forget. At the top of the pass, Song Kul Lake appears below for the first time — a huge, calm lake with no towns on its shore and nothing blocking the view in any direction.
You ride down to the lakeside yurt camp and arrive in the early afternoon, with time to walk beside the water and rest. Dinner is served inside the yurt. When darkness falls, the Milky Way fills the sky from one side to the other — completely clear, with no city lights anywhere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional yurt camp
As you climb higher, the valleys below fill with thousands of horses, sheep, and cattle grazing freely on the open grass — a sight that most people never forget. At the top of the pass, Song Kul Lake appears below for the first time — a huge, calm lake with no towns on its shore and nothing blocking the view in any direction.
You ride down to the lakeside yurt camp and arrive in the early afternoon, with time to walk beside the water and rest. Dinner is served inside the yurt. When darkness falls, the Milky Way fills the sky from one side to the other — completely clear, with no city lights anywhere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional yurt camp
Riding time: approximately 3–4 hours
Day 3
Song Kul — Kara Kiya Pass — Kyzart — Issyk-Kul
Eagle Hunting — Skazka Canyon — Barskoon Gorge — Bishkek
Day 4
Wake up early and step outside. The lake in the morning — with mist on the water and horses grazing nearby as the last stars fade — is something you will remember for a long time. Take your time before breakfast inside the yurt.
After breakfast, you ride for the last time — crossing the Kara Kiya Pass, a different route from the way in with new views and new scenery. From the top of the pass you can see Song Kul behind you and the wide valley ahead. The ride down to Kyzart takes two to three hours through open mountain terrain.
A farewell lunch at a local guesthouse marks the end of the horse trek. Then your driver takes you to south shore of Issyk-Kul — about 2-3 hours by car, dropping steadily from the mountains to the warm, wide shores of one of the largest lakes in the world. The evening is spent at a lakeside yurt camp on the shores of Issyk-Kul.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lakeside yurt camp (Issyk-Kul)
After breakfast, you ride for the last time — crossing the Kara Kiya Pass, a different route from the way in with new views and new scenery. From the top of the pass you can see Song Kul behind you and the wide valley ahead. The ride down to Kyzart takes two to three hours through open mountain terrain.
A farewell lunch at a local guesthouse marks the end of the horse trek. Then your driver takes you to south shore of Issyk-Kul — about 2-3 hours by car, dropping steadily from the mountains to the warm, wide shores of one of the largest lakes in the world. The evening is spent at a lakeside yurt camp on the shores of Issyk-Kul.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lakeside yurt camp (Issyk-Kul)
Your last day takes you along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul to see some of the most beautiful and interesting places in Kyrgyzstan.
The morning starts with a live eagle hunting show. A local berkutchi — an eagle hunter — will show you how Kyrgyz people have trained golden eagles to hunt for over a thousand years. You can hold the eagle and take photos with the hunter and his bird.
Next stop is Skazka Canyon — which means "fairy tale" in Russian. The red and orange rock walls have been shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years into amazing formations. A short walk takes you inside the canyon, with great views over Issyk-Kul along the way.
Then you visit Barskoon Gorge for a hike to the waterfall — a beautiful spot in a narrow rocky valley surrounded by forest. This peaceful place was once a favourite destination of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space.
After the waterfall, your driver heads back toward Bishkek. The drive takes approximately four to five hours along the south shore of Issyk-Kul, with mountain views for most of the journey. You will arrive back in Bishkek at your hotel by early evening — around 7:00 to 8:00 PM depending on the pace of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: — Not included
The morning starts with a live eagle hunting show. A local berkutchi — an eagle hunter — will show you how Kyrgyz people have trained golden eagles to hunt for over a thousand years. You can hold the eagle and take photos with the hunter and his bird.
Next stop is Skazka Canyon — which means "fairy tale" in Russian. The red and orange rock walls have been shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years into amazing formations. A short walk takes you inside the canyon, with great views over Issyk-Kul along the way.
Then you visit Barskoon Gorge for a hike to the waterfall — a beautiful spot in a narrow rocky valley surrounded by forest. This peaceful place was once a favourite destination of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space.
After the waterfall, your driver heads back toward Bishkek. The drive takes approximately four to five hours along the south shore of Issyk-Kul, with mountain views for most of the journey. You will arrive back in Bishkek at your hotel by early evening — around 7:00 to 8:00 PM depending on the pace of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: — Not included
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
English-speaking guide
Private transport with air conditioning
All meals as per itinerary(3B, 4L, 3D)
Accommodation in a shepherd’s house and traditional yurt camps
3-day horse trekking experience to Song Kul (horses, saddles, helmets, and full riding equipment included)
Eagle hunting demonstration with a golden eagle
Visits Skazka Canyon and Barskoon Waterfall
Pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek Hotel
Inclusions
Not Included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Personal expenses
Travel and health insurance
(including horse riding coverage)
(including horse riding coverage)
Additional snacks and drinks outside of included meals
Tips for guides, horsemen, and yurt camp staff
English-speaking guide
Private transport with air conditioning
All meals as per itinerary(3B, 4L, 3D)
Accommodation in a shepherd’s house and traditional yurt camps
3-day horse trekking experience to Song Kul (horses, saddles, helmets, and full riding equipment included)
Eagle hunting demonstration with a golden eagle
Visits Skazka Canyon and Barskoon Waterfall
Pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek Hotel
Itinerary
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Inclusions
Not included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Day 1
Bishkek — Kyzart — Kilemche Valley
Riding time: approximately 3-4 hours
Kilemche — Jalgyz Karagai Pass — Song Kul Lake
Day 2
Riding time: approximately 3-4 hours
Your driver picks you up early at your hotel in Bishkek. The four-to-five hour drive goes south into the mountains of Naryn Province. Along the way you will pass the Orto Tokoy reservoir — a wide blue lake surrounded by mountain ridges that marks the start of real mountain country.
Arriving in Kyzart village around midday, you sit down to lunch at a local guesthouse — your first taste of Kyrgyz home cooking before a long afternoon in the saddle. After lunch, you meet your horses and guides for the first time. Your English-speaking guide gives you a short lesson — how to sit, how to steer, how to stop — and then you are off.
The trail climbs gently through open green valleys and grassland. Three to four hours of riding brings you to Kilemche — a beautiful mountain meadow at 2,500 metres where you spend the night in a shepherd's house. Dinner is served here, warm and filling. Sleep comes easily at this altitude.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Shepherd family homestay (simple, authentic)
Arriving in Kyzart village around midday, you sit down to lunch at a local guesthouse — your first taste of Kyrgyz home cooking before a long afternoon in the saddle. After lunch, you meet your horses and guides for the first time. Your English-speaking guide gives you a short lesson — how to sit, how to steer, how to stop — and then you are off.
The trail climbs gently through open green valleys and grassland. Three to four hours of riding brings you to Kilemche — a beautiful mountain meadow at 2,500 metres where you spend the night in a shepherd's house. Dinner is served here, warm and filling. Sleep comes easily at this altitude.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Shepherd family homestay (simple, authentic)
After a warm breakfast at the shepherd's house, you get back in the saddle for the most exciting day of the trek. Today you climb to the Jalgyz Karagai Pass at 3,400 metres. Your guide rides with you the whole way, keeping an eye on every rider, setting a comfortable pace, and making sure everyone is safe and enjoying the ride.
As you climb higher, the valleys below fill with thousands of horses, sheep, and cattle grazing freely on the open grass — a sight that most people never forget. At the top of the pass, Song Kul Lake appears below for the first time — a huge, calm lake with no towns on its shore and nothing blocking the view in any direction.
You ride down to the lakeside yurt camp and arrive in the early afternoon, with time to walk beside the water and rest. Dinner is served inside the yurt. When darkness falls, the Milky Way fills the sky from one side to the other — completely clear, with no city lights anywhere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional yurt camp
As you climb higher, the valleys below fill with thousands of horses, sheep, and cattle grazing freely on the open grass — a sight that most people never forget. At the top of the pass, Song Kul Lake appears below for the first time — a huge, calm lake with no towns on its shore and nothing blocking the view in any direction.
You ride down to the lakeside yurt camp and arrive in the early afternoon, with time to walk beside the water and rest. Dinner is served inside the yurt. When darkness falls, the Milky Way fills the sky from one side to the other — completely clear, with no city lights anywhere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional yurt camp
Day 3
Song Kul — Kara Kiya Pass — Kyzart — Issyk-Kul
Riding time: approximately 3–4 hours
Eagle Hunting — Skazka Canyon — Barskoon Gorge — Bishkek
Day 4
Wake up early and step outside. The lake in the morning — with mist on the water and horses grazing nearby as the last stars fade — is something you will remember for a long time. Take your time before breakfast inside the yurt.
After breakfast, you ride for the last time — crossing the Kara Kiya Pass, a different route from the way in with new views and new scenery. From the top of the pass you can see Song Kul behind you and the wide valley ahead. The ride down to Kyzart takes two to three hours through open mountain terrain.
A farewell lunch at a local guesthouse marks the end of the horse trek. Then your driver takes you to south shore of Issyk-Kul — about 2-3 hours by car, dropping steadily from the mountains to the warm, wide shores of one of the largest lakes in the world. The evening is spent at a lakeside yurt camp on the shores of Issyk-Kul.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lakeside yurt camp (Issyk-Kul)
After breakfast, you ride for the last time — crossing the Kara Kiya Pass, a different route from the way in with new views and new scenery. From the top of the pass you can see Song Kul behind you and the wide valley ahead. The ride down to Kyzart takes two to three hours through open mountain terrain.
A farewell lunch at a local guesthouse marks the end of the horse trek. Then your driver takes you to south shore of Issyk-Kul — about 2-3 hours by car, dropping steadily from the mountains to the warm, wide shores of one of the largest lakes in the world. The evening is spent at a lakeside yurt camp on the shores of Issyk-Kul.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lakeside yurt camp (Issyk-Kul)
Your last day takes you along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul to see some of the most beautiful and interesting places in Kyrgyzstan.
The morning starts with a live eagle hunting show. A local berkutchi — an eagle hunter — will show you how Kyrgyz people have trained golden eagles to hunt for over a thousand years. You can hold the eagle and take photos with the hunter and his bird.
Next stop is Skazka Canyon — which means "fairy tale" in Russian. The red and orange rock walls have been shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years into amazing formations. A short walk takes you inside the canyon, with great views over Issyk-Kul along the way.
Then you visit Barskoon Gorge for a hike to the waterfall — a beautiful spot in a narrow rocky valley surrounded by forest. This peaceful place was once a favourite destination of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space.
After the waterfall, your driver heads back toward Bishkek. The drive takes approximately four to five hours along the south shore of Issyk-Kul, with mountain views for most of the journey. You will arrive back in Bishkek at your hotel by early evening — around 7:00 to 8:00 PM depending on the pace of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: — Not included
The morning starts with a live eagle hunting show. A local berkutchi — an eagle hunter — will show you how Kyrgyz people have trained golden eagles to hunt for over a thousand years. You can hold the eagle and take photos with the hunter and his bird.
Next stop is Skazka Canyon — which means "fairy tale" in Russian. The red and orange rock walls have been shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years into amazing formations. A short walk takes you inside the canyon, with great views over Issyk-Kul along the way.
Then you visit Barskoon Gorge for a hike to the waterfall — a beautiful spot in a narrow rocky valley surrounded by forest. This peaceful place was once a favourite destination of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space.
After the waterfall, your driver heads back toward Bishkek. The drive takes approximately four to five hours along the south shore of Issyk-Kul, with mountain views for most of the journey. You will arrive back in Bishkek at your hotel by early evening — around 7:00 to 8:00 PM depending on the pace of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: — Not included
Personal expenses
Travel and health insurance
(including horse riding coverage)
(including horse riding coverage)
Additional snacks and drinks outside of included meals
Tips for guides, horsemen, and yurt camp staff
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
Ready to explore Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan?
/ Let's plan your perfect Central Asia trip /
If you don’t see your perfect tour, let us hand-craft a custom plan for you. Our local specialists excel at turning your ideas into an authentic journey. Reach our dedicated team 24/7 for expert local advice