Horse Riding to Song-Kol Lake
Ride through alpine landscapes to a celestial lake
This 5-day fast-paced journey takes you through the wild heart of Kyrgyzstan. First, ride across spectacular alpine landscapes to Song-Kol Lake via Tuz Ashuu Pass. Then, continue toward the remote turquoise waters of Kel-Suu Lake near the Chinese border. Along the way, discover traditional Kyrgyz culture, stay in authentic yurts and experience an eagle hunting demonstration. In addition, explore the dramatic red landscapes of Ak-Say Canyon. Although the itinerary lasts only five days, it combines horse riding, mountain scenery, nomadic culture and remote destinations. Therefore, this tour works especially well for travelers who want to experience several highlights of Kyrgyzstan in a short time.
This 5-day fast-paced journey takes you through the wild heart of Kyrgyzstan. First, ride across spectacular alpine landscapes to Song-Kol Lake via Tuz Ashuu Pass. Then, continue toward the remote turquoise waters of Kel-Suu Lake near the Chinese border.
Along the way, discover traditional Kyrgyz culture, stay in authentic yurts and experience an eagle hunting demonstration. In addition, explore the dramatic red landscapes of Ak-Say Canyon.
Although the itinerary lasts only five days, it combines horse riding, mountain scenery, nomadic culture and remote destinations. Therefore, this tour works especially well for travelers who want to experience several highlights of Kyrgyzstan in a short time.
Ride through alpine landscapes to a celestial lake
Sleep in traditional nomadic yurts at Song-Kol and Kel-Suu
Remote turquoise borderland gem near the Chinese border
Ancient nomadic tradition with golden eagles
Dramatic "Martian-like" red rock landscapes
No horse riding experience required!
Perfect for travelers with limited time
Cross a high mountain pass with wide views over alpine valleys and the Song-Kol basin.
Open each day to explore the route, experiences and practical details.
Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Bishkek. First, drive to Kyzart Village, approximately 4–5 hours away and known as one of the gateways to Song-Kol Lake. Along the way, you will pass through scenic mountain landscapes and traditional Kyrgyz villages.
Upon arrival, meet your horse and local guide for the next two days. No previous horse riding experience is required because our horses are calm and well trained. Before starting the ride, your guide will explain the basic riding techniques and help you feel comfortable.
Next, begin your horseback journey toward Song-Kol Lake. The trail leads through Tuz Ashuu and continues toward the lake, with approximately 5–6 hours of riding in total. As you climb higher, wide alpine landscapes gradually open around you. Eventually, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Song-Kol Lake surrounded by green meadows and snow-capped mountains.
After the ride, settle into a traditional yurt camp on the lakeshore. Finally, enjoy a hearty Kyrgyz dinner and, if the sky is clear, spectacular stargazing before your first night in the mountains.
Wake early to witness the sunrise over Song-Kol Lake. As the morning light reaches the water, the surrounding mountains and pastures create one of the most peaceful scenes of the journey.
After breakfast, begin a gentle 3–4 hour horseback descent back to Kyzart Village. Once you arrive, say goodbye to your horses and horseman before enjoying lunch in the village.
Afterward, continue by vehicle toward Tash-Bashat Village, with approximately 4–5 hours of driving through scenic mountain landscapes. Meanwhile, the scenery changes from the open pastures of Song-Kol to the valleys of the Naryn Region.
Upon arrival, check into a local guesthouse. Tash-Bashat is closely connected to traditional Kyrgyz rural life. In addition, tonight you can enjoy private facilities and Wi-Fi after your stay in the Song-Kol yurt camp.
Today, the journey continues deeper into the mountains toward remote Kel-Suu Lake near the Chinese border. Because this area lies within a controlled border zone, a border permit is required and is included in the tour.
First, drive through the beautiful At-Bashy Valley. Then, continue across Kyndy Pass at approximately 3,500 m. After crossing the pass, descend into the vast Ak-Say Valley, where traditional yurts, grazing horses and herds of yaks can often be seen.
As you travel farther into the mountains, settlements become fewer and the landscape becomes increasingly wild and remote. Eventually, arrive near Kel-Suu Lake.
Upon arrival, visit the spectacular turquoise lake surrounded by towering cliffs. Here, you can walk along the shoreline, photograph the dramatic scenery and enjoy the remarkable silence of this isolated mountain environment.
Afterward, return to the yurt camp for dinner. Finally, spend the night surrounded by one of Kyrgyzstan's most remote high-altitude landscapes.
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning exploration of Kel-Suu Lake. Take a short walk along the shoreline and capture additional photographs of the surrounding cliffs and turquoise water.
Then, begin the journey north toward Ysyk-Kol Lake. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours. Along the way, pass through Naryn City and cross scenic mountain landscapes before continuing toward the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol.
Eventually, arrive in Bokonbaevo, a village famous for its connection to traditional eagle hunting culture. Upon arrival, check into a local guesthouse and relax after the long mountain drive.
In the evening, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the southern shore and prepare for the final day of your Kyrgyzstan adventure.
After breakfast, begin the final day with a traditional eagle hunting demonstration led by a local berkutchi. During the demonstration, learn about this ancient nomadic tradition that has been passed from one generation to another. In addition, watch how the golden eagle responds to the commands of its handler.
Next, continue to the dramatic Ak-Say Canyon. Here, take a short walk through striking red rock formations and unusual landscapes that are often compared to the surface of Mars.
After exploring the canyon, begin the return journey to Bishkek. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours. Finally, arrive in the capital in the late afternoon, where 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.
For official destination information, visit the Official Tourism Department of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Find answers to the most common questions about this tour.
The 5-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.