SONG-KOL LAKE ON HORSEBACK – 2 DAYS

Sights visited on this tour

Song-Kol Lake

Why you will love this tour

Itinerary

Day 1. Horse riding to Song-Kol Lake

• This morning you will begin your horse riding journey to the beautiful Song-Kol Lake. During the first hours, you’ll ride across smooth terrain while following the Chaar-Archa River, allowing time to gain confidence and build a connection with your horse.

• Midday, you’ll stop by the river for a relaxing break and lunch surrounded by nature. Afterward, the route continues uphill toward the Tuz-Ashuu Pass at 3,300 meters. At the pass, enjoy a well-deserved break and your first stunning views of Song-Kol Lake. From there, you’ll descend past traditional yurts and grazing livestock before reaching the yurt camp.

• Take a gentle walk along the lakeshore to stretch your legs before enjoying a warm dinner. If the sky is clear, end the day with peaceful stargazing under the vast night sky.

Transfer:

Total: 0

Horse riding: 22 km – 5-6 h.

Meals:

lunch-picnic,

dinner at yurt

Overnight: yurt (3100m)

WC: Sharing WC

Internet: Mobile phone

Shower: No

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– No prior horse-riding experience is required.

– You will leave your large bag at the guesthouse in Kyzart and take only a small backpack with essential items and clothing for the next two days.

Day 2. Horse riding to back to Kyzart Village

• Today, you’ll begin your return to Kyzart Village via the scenic Tuz-Ashuu Pass. After saying farewell to the welcoming nomadic family, you’ll set off on horseback, gradually riding up to the pass at 3,300 m. From the top, take in your final sweeping views of the magnificent Song-Kol Lake, surrounded by wide open pastures and dramatic mountain landscapes.

• You’ll then descend along a picturesque trail that leads you back toward Kyzart Village.

• Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and have time to rest and refresh after the morning ride. From here, you can choose to stay overnight in Kyzart or continue your journey to your next destination, depending on your travel plans.

Transfer:

Total: 0 km

Horse riding: 20 km – 4-5 h.

Meals:

Breakfast at yurt,

lunch at guesthouse

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Map

Additional information

Month	May, June, July, August, September, October
Start from	Kyzart
Duration	2 days
Tour speed	Moderately paced
Accommodations	1 night at yurt
Activities	Horse riding – 2 days
Total drive	0 km

What to pack?

Clothing:

Warm layers (fleece or down jacket) for chilly mornings and evenings
Lightweight clothes for daytime (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts)
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Hat or cap for sun protection
Gloves and warm socks
Scarf or buff for wind

Horseback Riding

Long pants for riding
Comfortable trekking pants and shorts
Riding gloves (optional)
Lightweight, breathable clothing

Other Essentials:

Small daypack for essentials
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Reusable water bottle
Personal toiletries and towel
Basic first aid kit and any personal medications
Camera or smartphone for photos
Power bank and charging cables
Passport, ID, and copies of travel documents

Optional:

Binoculars for wildlife spotting
Light snacks for trekking
Notebook or travel journal

Before you go

Tour Overview:

You can find this horse-riding tour in our ACTIVE KYRGYZSTAN trips, where it is featured as the horseback riding component of the itinerary
The tour starts and ends in Kyzart Village, the closest village to Song-Kol Lake. You can begin between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and the tour returns to Kyzart around 1:00–2:00 PM.
Private transfers from Bishkek or other locations are available for an additional fee.
Yurt accommodation is limited, so you may need to share a yurt with other travelers. If you prefer a private yurt, please inform the tour manager in advance.
Your guide is an experienced local horseman with basic English. If you prefer a guide with advanced English, just let us know.
This tour is suitable for beginners. Horses are well-trained and easy to handle. Please share your riding experience so we can assign the most suitable horse.
If you arrive by car, you can park at the guesthouse. Leave your large luggage there and take a small bag with essentials. It will be safely stored in saddle bags on your horse during the ride.

Meals:

Meals provided are traditional Central Asian cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available – please inform your tour manager of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Money & Payments:

Credit card payments are not accepted during the tour. Please bring cash in Kyrgyz Som if you wish to buy anything from local vendors.
Avoid exchanging USD at the airport; better rates are available at banks or official exchange offices in Bishkek. Your guide can assist with currency exchange.

Communication & Internet:

Stable internet is only available at the top of the passes. At Song-Kol Lake, MEGA operator works, but the connection is not always reliable.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better coverage. Recommended operator: MEGA.

Electricity: