- Visit Song-Kol and Ysyk-Kol — two of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic lakes.
- Enjoy horseback riding through stunning mountain landscapes.
- Experience authentic nomadic life while staying in traditional yurts.
- Relax at the hot springs in Altyn-Arashan Gorge.
Day 1. Drive to Kyzart Village. Horse riding to Kilemche
• Your journey through Kyrgyzstan begins with a drive to Kyzart Village near Song-Kol Lake. Upon arrival, enjoy a homemade lunch at a local homestay before receiving basic riding instructions from your guide.
• In the afternoon, start a gentle horseback ride along the beautiful Chaar-Archa River, passing through wide valleys and peaceful mountain landscapes on your way to Kilemche. The path is smooth, making it a great opportunity to gain confidence and build a good connection with your horse.
• By early evening, you arrive at a yurt camp run by a local herder family. After settling in, take time to walk in the surrounding hills, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and observe the daily life of Kyrgyz nomads. Overnight in a traditional yurt.
Transfer:
Total: 280 km – 4 h.
Asphalt: 280 km
Dirt road: 0 km
Horse riding: 21 km – 4-5h.
Meals:
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (2700m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: No
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 2. Horse riding to Song-Kol Lake
• Today’s horse ride will be more demanding. After breakfast, you’ll begin your ascent toward the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass. (3300m). The climb is challenging at times, but the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains make the effort worthwhile. As you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with your first sweeping view of the magnificent Song-Kol Lake shimmering below.
• After a rest break on the pass, you’ll descend toward the lake and arrive at a yurt camp for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll continue riding west along the lakeshore, passing traditional nomadic yurts, grazing animals, and wide-open pastures that define the highland landscape.
• Your destination for the night is the Tuz-Ashuu pasture, beautifully situated by the lake. Once you arrive, you’ll release your horses for the night, settle into the yurt, and enjoy a dinner surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of Song-Kol.
Transfer:
Total: 0
Horse riding: 23 km – 5-6 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at yurt,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (3100m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Although daytime temperatures can be warm at Song-Kol Lake, evening can get chilly, so be sure to bring warm clothing.
Day 3. Horse riding to the western shore of Song-Kol Lake
• Today you’ll enjoy a relaxing day of horse riding along the shores of Song-Kol Lake. After two days in the saddle, you are feeling more confident, and your guide will lead you at a canter or even a gallop across the smooth lakeside terrain, without needing to ride over any mountains.
• By midday, you will reach the Ozbek-Ashuu pasture on the western shore of Song-Kol, where you’ll stop for lunch in a yurt owned by local nomads. This is also where you will spend the night. After lunch, you have free time to walk by the lake, observe the peaceful nomadic life around you, or head out for another short ride into the nearby hills.
• Dinner will be served in the yurt before you settle in for an overnight stay.
Transfer:
Total: 0
Horse riding: 16 km – 4 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at yurt,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (3100m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 4. Horse riding to back to Kyzart Village. Road trip to Ysyk-Kol Lake
• Today you’ll return to Kyzart Village via the scenic Ozbek-Ashuu Pass After saying farewell to the nomadic family, you’ll set off on horseback, riding up to the pass at 3,300 m. From the top, enjoy your final sweeping views of the stunning Song-Kol Lake before descending toward Kyzart Village.
• Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch and a chance to rest and refresh after the morning ride. In the afternoon, your journey continues to Ysyk-Kol Lake, traveling along its southern shore with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Close to the evening, you can take a short trip to the Fairy-Tale Canyons and enjoy the sunset over the canyons and Ysyk-Kol Lake. Then you’ll arrive at your guesthouse in Bokonbaev Village, where you can enjoy dinner and relax after your memorable horse-riding adventure.
Transfer:
Total: 200 km – 3-4 h.
Asphalt: 200 km
Dirt road: 0 km
Horse riding: 20 km – 4-5 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse
WC: Shared / Private
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Bokonbaev is located a bit farther from the lake shore. If you prefer to stay closer to the lake, please confirm with your tour manager – yurt accommodation options are available by the lake.
– The tour to the Fairy-Tale Canyon is optional and available for an additional fee; please confirm with the tour manager.
Day 5. Horse riding to Boz-Salkyn pasture
• Begin the second part of your horseback adventure with a ride toward the Boz-Salkyn summer pastures, home to local nomadic families. You’ll start with a gentle ride through the village before following the mountain trail that leads up to the wide, open pasturelands.
• Upon arrival at Boz-Salkyn, give the horses a well-deserved rest and enjoy a traditional lunch in a welcoming yurt. After lunch, continue your journey on horseback to the Shatyly viewpoint. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of Ysyk-Kol Lake, framed by snow-capped peaks, dramatic canyons, and surrounding rural villages. Take your time for photos before riding back to the yurt camp along an alternate trail.
• Upon arrival in Boz-Salkyn, a warm welcome, hot dinner, and a peaceful night in a yurt await you.
Transfer:
Total: 0
Horse riding: 22 km – 5-6 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch-picnic,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (2500m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 6. Horse riding to Kok-Bulak Pasture pasture
• Today’s ride takes you on a more challenging ascent toward the Karaly-Archa Pass (2900m). You’ll begin by riding through a forest of alpine trees before gradually climbing higher into the mountains. From the pass, enjoy an even wider panoramic view of Ysyk-Kol Lake along with the impressive peaks of the Terskey-Ala-Too Range.
• After giving the horses a break and taking some time to rest, continue your ride down to the riverside. Here, the horses can graze freely while you enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch by Tuura-Suu River.
• In the afternoon, the trail continues with distant views of Ysyk-Kol Lake accompanying your ride. By evening, you will reach a yurt camp in Kok-Bulak Pasture for the night. Before dinner, feel free to stretch your legs with a short walk or simply unwind in the yurt.
Transfer:
Total: 0
Horse riding: 22 km – 5-6 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch-picnic,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (2300m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Depending on the nomads’ season, you will sleep either in a yurt or a homestay.
Day 7. Horse riding back to Bokonbaev. Drive to Karakol
• Wake up in a yurt in the mountains and mount your horse for the ride back to Bokonbaev Village. The trail downhill is easier, winding through a scenic gorge with stunning mountain views along the way.
• Upon reaching the village, you’ll meet Kyrgyz eagle hunters and witness the ancient art of eagle hunting. Learn about the traditions and techniques, and capture memorable photos with an eagle perched on horseback. After this unique experience, continue your final ride to the guesthouse for a lunch.
• In the afternoon, you’ll drive to Karakol along the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. On the way, stop for a short visit to the Fairy Tale Canyons, famous for their colorful rock formations and unique shapes. By evening, you’ll arrive in Karakol and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. After a full day of driving and horse riding, relax and rest overnight at your hotel.
Transfer: Total: 150 km – 3-4 h. Asphalt: 120 km Dirt road: 30 km Horse riding: 14 km – 3-4 h. Meals: Breakfast at yurt, lunch at guesthouse, dinner at restaurant Overnight: hotel WC: Private Internet: Wi-Fi Shower: Available |
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– The eagle hunting experience is a demonstration with explanations and staged hunting on animal skins. Real hunting on horseback is only available in winter.
– The eagle hunting demonstration is optional – if you prefer, you can skip it.
Day 8. Horse riding to Altyn-Arashan Valley
• Today you’ll drive to Ak-Suu Village near Karakol, the starting point for your three-day horseback riding adventure to Altyn-Arashan and Ala-Kol Lake. Begin your ride slowly through the village before following the trail into the stunning Altyn-Arashan Gorge. Surrounded by alpine forests and rivers, the ride is mostly easy and smooth.
• Along the way, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch and give the horses a rest. In the early evening, you’ll arrive at Altyn-Arashan, where there’s an option for extra riding to explore deeper into the gorge.
• You can also relax and enjoy a swim in the natural hot springs before returning to your guesthouse for a dinner and a cozy overnight stay amidst the mountains.
Transfer: Total: 0 Horse riding: 17 km – 5 h. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch-picnic, dinner at guesthouse Overnight: guesthouse WC: Sharing WC Internet: Wi-Fi Shower: Hot springs |
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Yurt accommodation is available.
Day 9. Horse riding to Ala-Kol Lake
• Today you’ll explore one of Kyrgyzstan’s most breathtaking destinations – Ala-Kol Lake. Start early for a full day of horseback riding through rivers, alpine forests, and scenic trails up to Keldike Gorge.
• From there, leave your horse and hike to Ala-Kol Pass at 3,900 m. The climb is challenging, but the panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains are unforgettable. Take time to rest, enjoy the scenery, and have a picnic or light meal by the lake.
• In the afternoon, hike back to your horses and ride down to Altyn-Arashan. End the day relaxing in the natural hot springs, followed by a hearty dinner and a cozy overnight stay at the guesthouse, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes.
Transfer: Total: 0 Horse riding: 18 km – 5-6 h. Meals: Breakfast at guesthouse, lunch-picnic, dinner at guesthouse Overnight: guesthouse WC: Sharing WC Internet: Wi-Fi Shower: Hot springs |
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Yurt accommodation is available.
Day 10. Horse riding back to Ak-Suu Village. Return to Bishkek
• Today marks the final day of your Kyrgyzstan adventure. Begin with a horseback ride back to Ak-Suu Village, following the same peaceful trail along the river.
• Upon arrival, say farewell to your horses and continue by car to Karakol, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, take some time to rest and soak in the last moments of the mountains before starting your journey back to Bishkek along the northern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake.
• Enjoy the stunning lake views and surrounding landscapes during the drive. Upon arrival in Bishkek, conclude your trip with your guide, taking home unforgettable memories of Kyrgyzstan’s majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and warm hospitality.
Transfer: Total: 420 km – 6 h. Asphalt: 420 km Dirt road: 0 km Horse riding: 16 km – 3-4 h. Meals: Breakfast at guesthouse, lunch at restaurant |
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– The drive back to Bishkek is long but on asphalt roads, so please make sure to depart from Altyn-Arashan early.
– You’ll arrive back in Bishkek at around 8–9 PM.
