SONG-KOL TO ALA-KOL: HORSE RIDING & TREKKING

Sights visited on this tour

Song-Kol Lake

Altyn-Arashan Valley

Karakol City

Ysyk-Kol Lake

Kilemche Pasture

Jety-Oguz Gorge

Fairy-Tale Canyons

Barskoon Gorge

Ala-Kol Lake

Why you will love this tour

Three-day horse riding adventure to Song-Kol Lake through wide alpine pastures.
Immersive nomadic life experience in traditional yurts at Song-Kol.
Stunning road trip along the south shore of Issyk-Kol Lake with scenic stops.
Three-day hike to breathtaking Ala-Kol Lake surrounded by glaciers.
Panoramic mountain views and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
Perfect blend of culture, adventure, and Kyrgyzstan’s iconic nature.

Itinerary

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 – 4-5 h.

Meals:

lunch at guesthouse,

dinner at yurt

Overnight: yurt (2700m)

WC: Sharing WC

Internet: No

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 three days. You will get your large bag back upon returning.

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: On request

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 back to Kyzart Village. Road trip to Ysyk-Kol Lake

• Today you’ll return to Kyzart Village via the scenic Tuz-Ashuu Pass. After saying farewell to the nomadic family, you’ll set off on horseback, riding up to the pass at an altitude of 3,300 meters. From the top, enjoy your final sweeping views of the stunning Song-Kol Lake and the vast highland pastures before descending toward Kyzart Village.

• Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch and time to rest and refresh. In the evening, after days of riding in the mountains, you’ll enjoy a hot shower, a welcome comfort after your wilderness adventure.

• Afterwards, your journey continues to Ysyk-Kol Lake, traveling along its picturesque southern shore with breathtaking views of the lake, canyons, and surrounding mountains. In the late evening, you’ll arrive at your guesthouse in Bokonbaev Village for dinner and relaxation.

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.

Day 4. Explore the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake

• Start your day with a fascinating eagle hunting demonstration by a local Kyrgyz eagle hunter, experiencing this unique tradition firsthand. Afterward, drive to the stunning Fairy-Tale Canyons to explore their dramatic rock formations and colorful landscapes.

• Next, stop in Tamga Village for lunch at the home of the famous Soviet-era mountaineer Lyubov Danichkina. After lunch, continue to the impressive Barskoon Waterfalls before heading to the picturesque Jety-Oguz Valley, known for its striking red rock formations.

• In the evening, arrive in Karakol. If time allows, take a short city tour to explore its charming streets and local sights before enjoying dinner at restaurant.

Transfer:

Total: 150 km – 3-4 h.

Asphalt: 120 km

Dirt road: 30 km

Meals:

Breakfast at guesthouse,

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 5. Hiking to Sirota hut

• This morning you’ll be transferred to the starting point of your hike to Ala-Kol Lake. After crossing the first bridge, shoulder your backpack and begin hiking through the scenic Karakol Gorge, following the river beneath tall alpine trees. The trail is pleasant and gradual at first, offering peaceful forest views and fresh mountain air.

• Along the way, stop for a relaxing picnic by the river and take time to rest. Later, the route turns left and becomes more demanding, with a steeper ascent over rocky and stony terrain.

• By late afternoon, you’ll reach a small gorge known among travelers as Sirota Hut. Here you’ll stay overnight in a traditional yurt, meeting fellow hikers from around the world. The atmosphere feels like a base camp for Ala-Kol Lake. Rest well – tomorrow’s hike is the most challenging.

Transfer:

Total: 20 km – 40 min.

Asphalt: 10 km

Dirt road: 10 km

Trekking: 14 km – 5-6 h.

Meals:

Breakfast at hotel,

lunch-picnic,

dinner at yurt

Overnight: yurt

WC: Shared

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: No

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Day 6. Hiking to Ala-Kol Lake

• Wake up early and prepare for one of the most rewarding hikes of the journey to Ala-Kol Lake. The trail begins with a sandy path climbing steadily up the gorge alongside a rushing mountain stream, with some sections proving physically challenging.

• After the final ascent, you’ll reach the breathtaking Ala-Kol Lake, its deep blue waters surrounded by dramatic snow-capped peaks. Take time to rest here, enjoy a picnic, and soak in the views. Continue hiking along the lakeshore as the trail gradually climbs toward Ala-Kol Pass at 3,900 meters. From the pass, enjoy sweeping panoramas of rugged mountains before descending through the scenic Keldike Gorge into Altyn-Arashan Valley.

• By evening, arrive at a guesthouse famous for its natural hot springs. Relax and recover by swimming in the warm pools after this demanding but unforgettable hike.

Transfer:

Total: 0

Trekking: 19 km – 7-8 h.

Meals:

Breakfast at yurt,

lunch-picnic,

dinner at guesthouse

Overnight: guesthouse

WC: Shared

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: Hot springs

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Day 7. Trekking back to Ak-Suu Village. Drive back to Bishkek

– After breakfast, you’ll begin your trek back to Ak-Suu Village, retracing the beautiful trail along the river and through the alpine forests. This is a chance to enjoy the scenery, take in the fresh mountain air, and reflect on the incredible landscapes you’ve experienced.

• Upon reaching Ak-Suu Village, you’ll drive to Karakol for a lunch in the town, giving you a final taste of local cuisine. Afterward, continue the journey along the northern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, taking in the sparkling waters and mountain vistas that line this famous “Pearl of Central Asia.”

• Arriving in Bishkek in the evening, this marks the conclusion of your Kyrgyzstan adventure, filled with horseback riding, trekking, alpine lakes, and the warmth of nomadic hospitality.

Transfer:

Total: 410 km – 6-7 h.

Asphalt: 410 km

Dirt road: 0 km

Trekking: 12 km – 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.

Map

Additional information

Month	June, July, August, September
Start from	Bishkek
Duration	7 days
Tour speed	Moderately paced
Accommodations	1 night at hotel, 2 nights at guesthouse, 3 nights at yurt
Activities	horse riding – 3 days, trekking – 3 days
Total drive	1030 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 & trekking

Long pants for riding
Comfortable trekking pants and shorts
Riding gloves (optional)
Comfortable trekking shoes or boots
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Trekking poles (optional)
Small daypack for essentials

Other 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:

This tour is ideal for active travelers who want to experience the true spirit of Kyrgyzstan through both adventure and culture. Perfect for nature lovers, first-time visitors, and adventure seekers, it combines horse riding, alpine trekking, nomadic life, and iconic mountain landscapes in one unforgettable journey.

Horse Riding & Trekking:

During horse riding to Song-Kol Lake,you will stay in a nomadic family’s yurt, which may be shared with other travelers. For a private yurt, please confirm with your tour manager in advance.
Radial trekking to Ala-Kol Lake is demanding and requires prior hiking experience. To make it easier, you can choose a 4-day option with shorter daily distances, or trek from the Altyn-Arashan side, where most of the route is done on horseback while still allowing you to visit Ala-Kol Lake.

You will leave your main luggage at the guesthouse or hotel during the horse riding and trekking days, taking only essential items needed for the 3-day trip.

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 cards are widely accepted in towns, but it’s recommended to carry some local currency (Kyrgyz Som) for small purchases.
Around 10 USD per day is usually sufficient for personal expenses.
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:

Internet is generally available in cities and towns, but coverage may be limited or slower in remote mountain areas.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better coverage. Recommended operator: MEGA.

Electricity:

Kyrgyzstan uses 220V electricity with Type C and Type F plugs (European-style round plugs). Bring the necessary adapters for your devices.

Languages:

Official languages: Kyrgyz and Russian.
Basic English is spoken in urban areas, but learning a few phrases in Russian or Kyrgyz can be helpful in rural regions. Don’t worry – you’ll always have your guide-translator by your side.

Health & Safety: