3-day Horseback Riding Adventure To Song-köl Lake
About this tour
Experience the best of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic culture and mountain landscapes on this unforgettable 3-day horseback riding adventure to Song-Köl Lake. Starting from Bishkek, travel to Kyzart Village and ride through the scenic Bazar-Turuk Valley, alpine meadows, and remote shepherd settlements before reaching Kilemche Jailoo. Continue across the spectacular Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,400 m) to the legendary Song-Köl Lake, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional lakeside yurt camp and experience authentic nomadic life. On the final day, ride across the vast high-altitude pastures of Song-Köl before returning to Kyzart and driving back to Bishkek.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Бишкек, Кыргызстан to Kilemche, Кызарт, Кыргызстан
Day 1: Bishkek → Kyzart Village → Kilemche Jailoo 280 km driving | 26 km horseback riding Morning departure from Bishkek and drive through the beautiful Suusamyr Valley to Kyzart Village, the starting point of your horseback adventure. Enjoy lunch in Kyzart and meet your local horseman and English-speaking guide. After a short safety briefing and riding instruction, begin your ride through the scenic Bazar-Turuk Valley toward Kilemche Jailoo. Ride through rolling green hills, alpine meadows, and traditional summer pastures where local shepherds graze their livestock. Main Spots Visited • Kyzart Village • Bazar-Turuk Valley • Kilemche Jailoo Accommodation Traditional Yurt Camp (2,950 m) Meals Included Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Kilemche, Кызарт, Кыргызстан to Ozero Sonkel', Кыргызстан
Day 2: Kilemche Jailoo → Song-Köl Lake 18 km horseback riding | 4–5 hours After breakfast, continue riding toward the legendary Song-Köl Lake. Cross the spectacular Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,400 m), enjoying breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. Descend to Song-Köl Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes and home to nomadic shepherds during the summer months. Spend the afternoon exploring the lakeshore, visiting local shepherd families, and experiencing traditional nomadic life. Main Spots Visited • Kilemche Jailoo • Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,400 m) • Song-Köl Lake Accommodation Traditional Lakeside Yurt Camp (3,016 m) Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Ozero Sonkel', Кыргызстан to Бишкек, Кыргызстан
Day 3: Song-Köl Lake → Kyzart Village → Bishkek 32 km horseback riding | 280 km driving After breakfast, begin your final ride across the vast pastures of Song-Köl and descend toward Kyzart Village. Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery and one last opportunity to experience the freedom of riding through Kyrgyzstan’s untouched wilderness. Upon arrival in Kyzart, enjoy lunch before meeting your driver and returning to Bishkek. Arrival in Bishkek in the evening. Main Spots Visited • Song-Köl Lake • Song-Köl Pastures • Kyzart Village • Suusamyr Valley Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch
What's included
Included ✅ Private transportation Bishkek → Kyzart → Bishkek ✅ Professional English-speaking guide ✅ Local horseman ✅ Horse rental for 3 days ✅ Horseback riding equipment ✅ Riding helmet ✅ 2 nights accommodation in traditional yurt camps ✅ 2 breakfasts ✅ 3 lunches ✅ 2 dinners ✅ Drinking water during the tour ✅ All local taxes and organization fees
Not Included ❌ Alcoholic beverages ❌ Soft drinks ❌ Personal expenses ❌ Travel insurance ❌ Tips for guide and horseman
Languages spoken
What to know
Horse Riding Advice & Recommendations Before the Tour * No advanced riding experience is required, but basic riding experience is helpful. * Inform your guide of any health conditions or previous injuries. What to Bring ✔ Comfortable long trousers for riding ✔ Waterproof jacket ✔ Warm fleece or insulated jacket ✔ Hiking shoes or riding boots ✔ Sunglasses and sunscreen ✔ Hat or cap ✔ Personal medications ✔ Power bank ✔ Reusable water bottle ✔ Camera for unforgettable landscapes Altitude Information * Kilemche Jailoo: 2,950 m * Song-Köl Lake: 3,016 m * Jalgyz-Karagai Pass: 3,400 m Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol before and during the trek. Weather Mountain weather can change quickly. Expected temperatures: * Daytime: 15–25°C * Evening: 5–10°C * Nighttime: 0–8°C Riding Tips 🐎 Always wear your helmet while riding. 🐎 Follow your guide’s instructions, especially on steep sections. 🐎 Keep a relaxed posture and let the horse find its footing on rocky terrain. 🐎 Bring a small backpack for water, snacks, and personal belongings. 🐎 Don’t forget your camera—the views from Jalgyz-Karagai Pass and Song-Köl Lake are among the most spectacular in Kyrgyzstan. Unforgettable Experiences ✨ Ride through remote alpine meadows and nomadic pastures. ✨ Spend the night in traditional yurts under a sky full of stars. ✨ Meet local shepherd families and learn about their lifestyle. ✨ Watch sunrise and sunset over Song-Köl Lake. ✨ Experience the freedom of horseback riding in the heart of the Tien Shan Mountains. 🏔️🐎🌅
Route & locations
Бишкек, Кыргызстан to Kilemche, Кызарт, Кыргызстан