Horse Riding to Song-Kol Lake
Two days of riding through alpine landscapes
Nomadic Kyrgyzstan 6 Day Tour combines Burana Tower, Song-Kol, Kel-Suu. Enjoy a guided journey through Kyrgyzstan with local experiences, scenic routes and authentic stays.
Nomadic Kyrgyzstan 6 Day Tour combines Burana Tower, Song-Kol, Kel-Suu. Enjoy a guided journey through Kyrgyzstan with local experiences, scenic routes and authentic stays.
Two days of riding through alpine landscapes
Sleep in traditional nomadic yurts at Song-Kol and Kel-Suu
Remote turquoise borderland gem near the Chinese border
Skazka Canyon, Jeti-Oguz, Barskoon Waterfall
Ancient nomadic tradition with golden eagles
Semenovka & Grigorievka – lush pastures and mountain rivers
No horse riding experience required!
Cross broad summer pastures and quiet mountain scenery on the approach to Song-Kol.
Open each day to explore the route, experiences and practical details.
Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Bishkek. Drive to Kyzart Village (approximately 4-5 hours), the gateway to Song-Kol Lake. The route takes you through scenic mountain landscapes and traditional villages.
Upon arrival in Kyzart, meet your horse and guide for the next two days. No horse riding experience is required! Our horses are calm and well-trained.
Begin your horseback journey with a 5-6 hour ride to Kilemche Valley (2,600m). The trail follows the Chaar-Archa River through rolling hills and alpine meadows. The pace is slow and relaxed, giving you time to build confidence and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Settle into a traditional yurt camp for the night. Enjoy dinner prepared by local hosts, learning about nomadic culture firsthand.
After breakfast at the yurt camp, saddle up for today's ride to Song-Kol Lake.
Today's ride is 5-6 hours through alpine landscapes. The trail ascends to the Jalgyz-Karagay Pass (3,400m), rewarding you with breathtaking first views of Song-Kol Lake below – a vast turquoise expanse set in a bowl of green meadows, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Descend to the lakeshore for lunch at a traditional yurt camp. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed ride along the lake's western shore, visiting a local nomadic family's camp to observe traditional herding and dairy production.
Settle into your yurt camp at Song-Kol Lake for the night. Enjoy a hearty Kyrgyz dinner and spectacular stargazing.
After breakfast, bid farewell to Song-Kol Lake. Today's drive takes you deeper into the mountains toward remote Kel-Suu Lake, near the Chinese border. A border permit is required and included.
The drive takes you through Naryn City, the beautiful At-Bashy Valley, crossing Kyndy Pass (3,500m). Descend into the vast Ak-Say Valley, where you'll see traditional yurts and herders tending to yaks and horses.
Arrive at your yurt camp near Kel-Suu Lake in the late afternoon.
After breakfast, explore the magnificent Kel-Suu Lake. Walk along the shoreline, photograph the turquoise waters against towering cliffs, and absorb the profound silence of this remote location. Optional horse riding is available for an extra fee.
After lunch, drive to Tash Bashat Village (approximately 4-5 hours). This village is deeply connected to Kyrgyz traditions. Check into a guesthouse.
After breakfast, drive to Kochkor Village, then continue to the dramatic Ak-Say Canyon for a walk through its "Martian-like" landscapes of red rock formations.
Experience a captivating eagle hunting demonstration with a local berkutchi – an ancient nomadic tradition passed down through generations. Watch as the magnificent golden eagle responds to its master's commands.
Arrive in Bokonbaevo on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. Check into a guesthouse.
After breakfast, drive to the Shatyly Panorama for a hike to one of Issyk-Kul's most breathtaking viewpoints. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise lake framed by snow-capped peaks.
Then visit the historic Burana Tower, an 11th-century Silk Road minaret. Climb the tower for panoramic views and explore the ancient balbal stones.
Continue to Bishkek. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel or Manas International Airport.
Discover the landscapes, culture and unforgettable moments of this journey.
The right gear makes your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. Here’s what we recommend for this tour.
Before your journey, please review the following practical information to help you prepare for a comfortable and enjoyable trip through Kyrgyzstan.
Major towns and cities accept credit and debit cards, but in villages and remote areas cash in Kyrgyz Som (KGS) is essential.
Mobile internet works well in cities but can be unstable or unavailable in high mountain regions. A local SIM card is recommended.
Kyrgyzstan uses 220V electricity with Type C and Type F sockets. Bring an adapter when required.
Kyrgyz and Russian are the main languages. English is increasingly common in tourism, while a few local words are useful in rural communities.
Travel insurance should include emergency medical care and the outdoor or adventure activities in your itinerary.
Choose a tour that matches your mobility and fitness level. Some itineraries include long drives, walking, trekking or horse riding.
Many journeys reach high elevations. Hydrate well, pace yourself and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
Mountain weather changes quickly. Pack layers and weather-resistant clothing for sun, wind, rain and cold temperatures.
Find answers to the most common questions about this tour.
The 6-day Nomadic Kyrgyzstan itinerary is ideal for travelers who want mountain scenery, nomadic culture, and a genuine horse-riding experience in Kyrgyzstan.
It combines horse riding with walking or hiking. Basic fitness is recommended, while the guide can adjust the pace to the group.
The program uses traditional yurt camps, local guesthouses and hotels, depending on the day. Exact facilities are shown in the detailed itinerary and may be simpler in remote mountain areas.
The standard Best Season is March–November. Mountain conditions vary by altitude, so the exact route and activities may be adjusted for weather and local conditions.
Meals are included as specified for each day in the itinerary. Please tell Kyrgyz Wonders in advance about vegetarian meals, allergies, or other dietary requirements.
Coverage is generally better in towns and villages, while remote valleys, mountain passes, yurt camps, and high-altitude areas may have weak or no signal.
Bring layered clothing, sun and weather protection, a refillable water bottle, personal medication, and closed-toe shoes suitable for riding, comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers for cool yurt-camp evenings. Use the 8 What to Pack categories in the Tour Builder for the complete checklist.
Yes. Private tours can be adjusted for your dates, group size, preferred pace, accommodation level, and selected activities, subject to weather and local conditions.
Tell us your preferred dates and group size. Our local team will prepare a personalized proposal.