2-Day Horse Trek to Song Kul Lake — Available All Year Round
Designed for confident riders short on time, this two-day horse trek follows the same mountain route Kyrgyz herders have ridden to Song Kul for generations. Cross the Kara-Kiya Pass at 3,400 metres, descend through open summer pastures, and arrive at the lake on horseback — exactly as it was always meant to be done. You will sleep in a yurt on the lakeshore, enjoy traditional Kyrgyz food, and ride back through the mountains the next morning.
Price from:
250USD
/ per person
Category:
Horse Riding
Season:
All year around
Duration:
/ 1 night
2 Days
Two Days on Horseback. 3,400m Up. Song Kul as the Reward.
This fast-paced 2-day horseback trek is designed for riders who want to reach Song Kul Lake in a short time while still enjoying a real mountain adventure. Starting from Kilemche pasture, you ride through wide alpine landscapes, following scenic trails used by local nomads for generations.
While available year-round, this journey is at its most beautiful during the summer months, when the highlands come alive with lush green pastures, flowing mountain rivers, and herds of horses, sheep, and cattle grazing freely across the jailoo.
The route takes you across open valleys and mountain passes before reaching the vast Song Kul Lake, surrounded by endless nature and silence. In the evening, enjoy a traditional yurt stay under a sky full of stars, far from any city lights.
With long riding hours and a dynamic route, this tour offers a rewarding experience for riders seeking adventure, nature, and authentic nomadic life in just two days.
While available year-round, this journey is at its most beautiful during the summer months, when the highlands come alive with lush green pastures, flowing mountain rivers, and herds of horses, sheep, and cattle grazing freely across the jailoo.
The route takes you across open valleys and mountain passes before reaching the vast Song Kul Lake, surrounded by endless nature and silence. In the evening, enjoy a traditional yurt stay under a sky full of stars, far from any city lights.
With long riding hours and a dynamic route, this tour offers a rewarding experience for riders seeking adventure, nature, and authentic nomadic life in just two days.
Highlights
Cross the Kara-Kiya Pass at 3,400 metres and take in some of the most beautiful mountain views in Kyrgyzstan
A two-day horseback adventure to Song Kul Lake — one of Kyrgyzstan's most iconic alpine destinations
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
Riding time: approximately 4–5 hours
Day 1
Bishkek — Kyzart — Kilemche Valley — Song Kul Lake
Song Kul Lake — Kyzart — Bishkek
Day 2
Riding time: approximately 3–4 hours
Your driver will pick you up early at your hotel in Bishkek. The four-to-five hour drive heads south into Naryn Region, passing the Orto Tokoy reservoir as the landscape opens into mountain terrain.
Arriving in Kyzart village, a short drive brings you straight up into Kilemche valley where your horses and guides are waiting — no time to waste.
The trail climbs from the first kilometre. Four to five hours in the saddle takes you up through open grassland to the Kara-Kiya Pass at 3,400 metres — wind-exposed, with long views in every direction. The descent brings you to Song Kul as the evening light settles on the water. Dinner is served inside the yurt. Outside, the silence is complete.
Meals: Dinner only
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Song Kul lake
Arriving in Kyzart village, a short drive brings you straight up into Kilemche valley where your horses and guides are waiting — no time to waste.
The trail climbs from the first kilometre. Four to five hours in the saddle takes you up through open grassland to the Kara-Kiya Pass at 3,400 metres — wind-exposed, with long views in every direction. The descent brings you to Song Kul as the evening light settles on the water. Dinner is served inside the yurt. Outside, the silence is complete.
Meals: Dinner only
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Song Kul lake
Step outside before breakfast. The lake in the early morning — mist on the water, horses grazing the surrounding jailoos, stars just fading — is one of the quiet highlights of this trek.
After breakfast, you saddle up and begin the return ride, descending through a different mountain pass with new views of the surrounding valleys. The trail drops steadily into Kilemche valley and levels out into Kyzart, where a final lunch waits at a local guesthouse.
Your driver will meet you in Kyzart and take you on the four-to-five hour journey back to Bishkek, dropping you at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
After breakfast, you saddle up and begin the return ride, descending through a different mountain pass with new views of the surrounding valleys. The trail drops steadily into Kilemche valley and levels out into Kyzart, where a final lunch waits at a local guesthouse.
Your driver will meet you in Kyzart and take you on the four-to-five hour journey back to Bishkek, dropping you at your hotel.
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
English-speaking horse trekking guide
Private transfers between Bishkek and Kyzart village
Horses and riding equipment (helmets available upon request)
Meals as per itinerary
(1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)
(1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)
Accommodation in a traditional yurt camp at Song Kul Lake
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek
Inclusions
Not Included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Travel and health insurance (Recomended)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Extra food, snacks, and drinking water during the tour
Tips for guides, horsemen, and yurt camp staff
English-speaking horse trekking guide
Private transfers between Bishkek and Kyzart village
Horses and riding equipment (helmets available upon request)
Meals as per itinerary
(1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)
(1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)
Accommodation in a traditional yurt camp at Song Kul Lake
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek
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 — Song Kul Lake
Riding time: approximately 4–5 hours
Song Kul Lake — Kyzart — Bishkek
Day 2
Riding time: approximately 3–4 hours
Your driver will pick you up early at your hotel in Bishkek. The four-to-five hour drive heads south into Naryn Region, passing the Orto Tokoy reservoir as the landscape opens into mountain terrain.
Arriving in Kyzart village, a short drive brings you straight up into Kilemche valley where your horses and guides are waiting — no time to waste.
The trail climbs from the first kilometre. Four to five hours in the saddle takes you up through open grassland to the Kara-Kiya Pass at 3,400 metres — wind-exposed, with long views in every direction. The descent brings you to Song Kul as the evening light settles on the water. Dinner is served inside the yurt. Outside, the silence is complete.
Meals: Dinner only
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Song Kul lake
Arriving in Kyzart village, a short drive brings you straight up into Kilemche valley where your horses and guides are waiting — no time to waste.
The trail climbs from the first kilometre. Four to five hours in the saddle takes you up through open grassland to the Kara-Kiya Pass at 3,400 metres — wind-exposed, with long views in every direction. The descent brings you to Song Kul as the evening light settles on the water. Dinner is served inside the yurt. Outside, the silence is complete.
Meals: Dinner only
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Song Kul lake
Step outside before breakfast. The lake in the early morning — mist on the water, horses grazing the surrounding jailoos, stars just fading — is one of the quiet highlights of this trek.
After breakfast, you saddle up and begin the return ride, descending through a different mountain pass with new views of the surrounding valleys. The trail drops steadily into Kilemche valley and levels out into Kyzart, where a final lunch waits at a local guesthouse.
Your driver will meet you in Kyzart and take you on the four-to-five hour journey back to Bishkek, dropping you at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
After breakfast, you saddle up and begin the return ride, descending through a different mountain pass with new views of the surrounding valleys. The trail drops steadily into Kilemche valley and levels out into Kyzart, where a final lunch waits at a local guesthouse.
Your driver will meet you in Kyzart and take you on the four-to-five hour journey back to Bishkek, dropping you at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
Personal expenses
Travel and health insurance
(including horse riding coverage)
(including horse riding coverage)
Extra food, snacks, and drinking water during the tour
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
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