2 Days of Horse Riding
Extensive exploration of Song-Kol Lake
Magical Kyrgyzstan 8 Day Tour is a guided journey through Kyrgyzstan. agical Kyrgyzstan 8 Day Tour combines horse riding, trekking, spectacular mountain scenery, nomadic culture, and some of Kyrgyzstan’s most memorable natural attractions in one journey. The route begins in Bishkek and leads through Kyzyl-Oi, Kilemche Valley and the alpine landscapes of Song-Kol Lake before continuing toward Ysyk-Kol and Karakol. First, travel through dramatic mountain passes and peaceful rural villages before beginning a horseback journey through the highland pastures around Song-Kol. Along the way, stay in traditional yurts, experience local hospitality, and enjoy wide-open landscapes far from busy tourist areas. Next, explore the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol, including Skazka Canyon, Barskoon Waterfall and Jeti-Oguz Valley. Afterward, trek through pine forests and mountain scenery to Altyn Arashan, where natural hot springs provide a relaxing reward after the hike. The journey then continues to the forested landscapes of Chong-Kemin National Park. Finally, return to Bishkek for a city tour, with the possibility of visiting Burana Tower along the way. This varied itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience Kyrgyzstan’s mountains, lakes, nomadic traditions and cultural highlights within eight days.
Magical Kyrgyzstan 8 Day Tour is a guided journey through Kyrgyzstan. agical Kyrgyzstan 8 Day Tour combines horse riding, trekking, spectacular mountain scenery, nomadic culture, and some of Kyrgyzstan’s most memorable natural attractions in one journey. The route begins in Bishkek and leads through Kyzyl-Oi, Kilemche Valley and the alpine landscapes of Song-Kol Lake before continuing toward Ysyk-Kol and Karakol.
First, travel through dramatic mountain passes and peaceful rural villages before beginning a horseback journey through the highland pastures around Song-Kol. Along the way, stay in traditional yurts, experience local hospitality, and enjoy wide-open landscapes far from busy tourist areas.
Next, explore the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol, including Skazka Canyon, Barskoon Waterfall and Jeti-Oguz Valley. Afterward, trek through pine forests and mountain scenery to Altyn Arashan, where natural hot springs provide a relaxing reward after the hike.
The journey then continues to the forested landscapes of Chong-Kemin National Park. Finally, return to Bishkek for a city tour, with the possibility of visiting Burana Tower along the way. This varied itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience Kyrgyzstan’s mountains, lakes, nomadic traditions and cultural highlights within eight days.
Extensive exploration of Song-Kol Lake
Sleep in traditional nomadic yurts under the stars
Skazka Canyon, Jeti-Oguz, Barskoon Waterfall
Trek to natural springs at 2,500m
Forested valley, mountain rivers, panoramic views
Explore the capital's Soviet-era architecture and vibrant bazaars
No horse riding experience required!
Ride or travel through the high alpine landscapes around one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic mountain lakes.
Open each day to explore the route, experiences and practical details.
Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Bishkek. Next, drive south toward the dramatic Too Ashuu Pass (3,200m). The winding road offers spectacular views of alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and winding valleys. Stop at the summit for breathtaking photos.
Descend through the pass and continue to Kyzyl-Oi Village, a charming mountain settlement nestled in a valley, off the main tourist trail. Check into a local guesthouse, then take a leisurely walk around the village – an authentic glimpse into rural Kyrgyz life.
After breakfast, drive 1 hour to Kyzart Village, the gateway to Song-Kol Lake. Meet your horse and guide for the next three days. Afterward, no horse riding experience is required! Our horses are calm and well-trained.
Begin your horseback journey with a 4-5 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.
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.
After breakfast,drive to Kochkor.
Enjoy lunch in Kochkor, then board your vehicle for the drive to Bokonbaevo on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake (approximately 2-3 hours). On the way visit Ak say canyon and Eagle show.
Check into a guesthouse with beautiful views of the "Pearl of Central Asia."
Today you'll explore the spectacular southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake:
Skazka Canyon ("Fairy Tale Canyon") – Surreal red, orange, and yellow sandstone formations resembling castles, dragons, and mythical creatures
Barskoon Waterfall – Powerful cascade in a lush gorge; short hike to feel the refreshing mist
Jeti-Oguz Valley – Iconic "Seven Bulls" red rock formation and the legendary "Broken Heart" rock
Drive to your Hotel in Karakol for overnight.
After breakfast,drive to Ak-Suu Village – the starting point for your trek. Begin your trek to Altyn Arashan Valley (approximately 4-5 hours).
The trail follows the Arashan River upstream through dense pine forests, past glacial streams and waterfalls, with increasingly dramatic mountain views.
Upon arrival in the pristine alpine valley (2,500m), enjoy the famous natural hot springs. Soak in the mineral-rich waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks including Palatka Peak (5,200m).
Stay overnight in a guesthouse in the valley.
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning soak in the hot springs, then trek back to Ak-Suu Village (approximately 4 hours descent).
Transfer to your vehicle and drive to Chong-Kemin National Park (approximately 3-4 hours). This protected natural area is known for its pristine beauty – forests, rivers, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Check into a forest guesthouse, offering a tranquil setting surrounded by pine trees and mountain views.
After breakfast, depart Chong-Kemin and drive to Bishkek. En route, you may stop at the historic Burana Tower (optional, time permitting), an 11th-century Silk Road minaret.
Upon arrival in Bishkek, enjoy a city tour exploring the capital's highlights:
Ala-Too Square – Main square with Independence Monument
Oak Park – Shaded alleys with bronze sculptures
Victory Square – Memorial to WWII heroes
Osh Bazaar – Vibrant market for last-minute souvenirs
The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.
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 8-day Magical 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, a swimsuit, 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.