song kul horse trek

WHERE TO ORGANISE THE HORSE TREK TO SONG KUL & PRICES

You can organise your horse trek either in Kochkor or Kyzart village. We came to Kochkor from  Tosor in Issyk Kul . And immediately went to Kyzart by shared taxi for 350 – 400 KGS per person ($4 – 4.5), depending on your negotiation skills. Be prepared once you arrive in Kochkor, taxi drivers will fight for you to take you to Kyzart or organise the horse trek for you. The problem is, they ask for hefty amounts! Take your time negotiating, and don’t pay more than 400 som per person for a ride to Kyzart! 

Another option, if you don’t take a shared taxi, is to take a marshrutka going to Chaek and ask the driver to drop you off at the beginning of Kyzart village. We didn’t know the timetable of this marshrutka, and since the sunset was soon, we couldn’t wait any longer to find out when is coming.

Organise your trek in Kyzart Village

 This is the option we did. We took a shared taxi the same day from Kochkor to Kyzart, from where the two days horse treks start. Since we arrived late, we pitched the tent before the village and decided to find a horse and a guide the following day.

We went directly to the guesthouse  Horseback Holiday at Kyzart village . The only person home was 17 years old Adin since the rest of the family was already by Song Kul Lake with other guests. We negotiated the price of  10 000 KGS ($114)  for two people, but we stayed in our tent, cooking our own food that we brought with us. He originally asked 15 000 KGS ($170). It is still more than we expected, as we thought the price should be 8000 KGS (check the prices below).

Anyway, it was almost 11am, so we didn’t want to waste time searching for other options as the Kyzart village seemed to be very quiet, and there was a chance we won’t find a horse with a guide to go to Song Kul Lake that day, so we took it. Be prepared for that. Kyzart is a small village. And looking back into it, the safer option is organising your trek from Kochkor. As if Adin wasn’t home, finding other people who would go with us to Song Kul could be hard.

Organise your trek in Kochkor

You can stay the night in Kochkor and organise your horse trek starting from there. Basically, any guesthouse can book it for you. Or you can try a local travel agency. They charge 18 000 KGS ($205) for two people in Caravan Tourism Agency (WhatsApp: +996707259282) or Shepherd’s Life (WhatsApp +996777013747). The price includes the transport between Kochkor and Kyzart, horses, a guide and a stay in the yurt camp with dinner and breakfast. You can also organise it through CBT , but they overcharge even more ($250 for two people). The prices in Kochkor are usually a bit higher than if you arrange it yourself in Kyzart.

How to get to Kochkor

To get to Kochkor, take a marshrutka from Bishkek’s Western bus station for 300 KGS ($3.4). Or take a bus from villages around Issyk Kul to Balykchy. Then change for a shared taxi to Kochkor (250 KGS). 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE of the tour

We paid 10 000 KGS ($114), including two horses for me and Jakub. Guide with his horse (you shouldn’t pay for the guide’s horse, as it is guaranteed they already have their horse and don’t expect you to pay for it). And that’s it. Bear in mind that it was just me, Jakub and our guide. Some places might put you with another group of travellers, so ensure you know the details before booking. We met many groups who started their trip from Kochkor, and their group had 10-15 people.

If you want to stay in the yurt camp with dinner and breakfast included, expect to pay  13 000 KGS ($150) for two people.

Note:  we opted for a 2 days/1 night horse trek from Kyzart village to Song Kul Lake and back. We also decided to take our camping gear with us and sleep in our own tent and cook our food.

Price examples

Following prices as they should be in August 2022. We found people in Kyrgyzstan often overcharging, so to get these prices; you must have good negotiation skills or try to organise everything in advance through WhatsApp. This way, you have space to contact more providers and negotiate the price. 

• Renting horse: 1000 KGS per day
• Services of the guide: 1500 KGS per day (Don’t pay for their horse, it should be included) 
• Night in the yurt with breakfast: 2000 KGS 
• There is no entry fee to Song Kul Lake.

This way, the price for two people should be 7000 KGS sleeping in their own tent or 11 000 KGS with B&B. Good luck with the negotiation, and let us know in the comments if you can get the right price. 

Camping or sleeping in the yurt?

If you have your camping gear, you can enjoy being alone by the Song Kul lake shore, as we did. It was an incredible experience, and we would do it anytime again this way. You stay 400 m from the yurt camp anyway, so you can go there to look, ask for food or coffee & tea and use all the facilities if you feel like it. 

Or, if you want to experience staying with a local family in a yurt, try their traditional food and see how the lives go in the yurt camp, you can do so too! The guide will arrange everything for you in advance. Usually, if the family rents out horses & guide services in Kyzart, they also own the yurt camp by the lake. So you have everything easily arranged for you. 

If you are vegetarian, like us, there is no point in paying for food in yurts unless you let them know in advance and they have time to prepare something more special for you. As most of the food consists of meat. If you want a vegetarian dish, you usually get plain potatoes, eggs and, if lucky, some vegetables. We found it much easier to bring our food. 

If you don’t mind this, go for it. If you eat meat, congratulations! You found paradise. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Make sure you have proper travel insurance for riding a horse in Kyrgyzstan. Be aware that not every travel insurance covers horse riding in their basic packages or higher altitude trekking. Song Kul Lake is more than 3000 m above sea level. IATI Insurance covers all that and also any expenses regarding Covid 19. 

You can also arrange it when you are already travelling so you don’t need to be in your country of residence. The prices are fair, and customer service is excellent. In addition, as a reader of Broken Navigation, you get an exclusive 5% discount for any insurance plan with IATI Insurance. 

Get your 5% discount with IATI Insurance here.

THE HORSE TREK: OUR EXPERIENCE – 2 DAYS ITINERARY

Day 1: from kyzart village to song kul.

• Distance: 19 km 
• Lake elevation: 3016 m
• Max elevation: 3310 m, Tuz Ashu pass
• Starting point: Kyzart village, guesthouse Horseback Holiday at Kyzart village
• End point: Song Kul Lake, yurt camp
• Total time: 5.5 hours with one short break along the way 

Once you arrange your tour in the morning, the guide will briefly explain how to control a horse. How to turn left, right and stop. Luckily, horses are pretty intelligent animals, so they usually know where to go. 

We put our backpacks with all the camping gear into a huge handmade pocket, and our guide was carrying that on his horse. Let’s go. First, we had to cross the main road, which was quite a challenging task for someone sitting on the horse for the second time. 

Luckily, Kyzart is a tiny village with barely any traffic. After a couple of minutes, we got to the beginning of the Song Kul Lake trail. At this point, I already knew riding a horse would be a painful experience. Oh Lord, how right was I? It is not just sitting on the horse; it feels like good exercise as you need to balance and control him, which takes a certain fitness level. 

Today plan is to get to the yurt camp by the Song Kul Lakeshore, and the distance is roughly 19 km. The first 2-3 hours of the trail are relatively easy, as the terrain is mostly flat or slightly uphill. You get a wonderful view of the Kyzart mountains and mountainous steppes. Jakub’s horse was not impressed and didn’t want to move any faster than a human could. He was constantly hundreds of meters behind us. Chuuu! Chuuu! Our guide yelled and gave Jakub’s horse a good whip, which only made the horse start running. Well, did I already mention that this is a painful experience? Haha. I can’t say the same about my horse, as he was super active and always started running, so I had to stop him quite often. 

Then you cross the Tuz Ashu pass in 3310 m. From there, the scenery starts to unfold rapidly. When you turn back, you see all the mountain ranges of Kyzart; in front of you, in a far distance, you see the first glimpse of Song Kul Lake. Sheep, goats and cows are running all around you. This is Kyrgyz wilderness at its best. 

Note:  There were no yurts along the way. The first yurts you can stay in are once you reach the shore of Song Kul! 

You follow the trail for another hour or two, depending on where you stay tonight, and here, you already go past the nomadic yurts. Some of them are for tourists, and some of them belong to local shepherds. We are here! Our guide yelled. We could choose whether to pitch a tent on the lake shore or go 400 m further to the valley, where his yurt camp is. We couldn’t resist and decided to stay camping alone by the lake. Our guide took horses and left us alone; we agreed he would pick us up the next morning around 10 am. 

Camping by the lake is an absolutely amazing experience, as you get to watch the breathtaking sunset, horses are running freely around you, and occasionally, they come to drink water from the lake. 

Song Kul Lake is different from the other cute, turquoise alpine lakes. In reality, it is the second-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, with lengths of 29 km! So even though everyone is talking about it as one of the most popular hikes in Kyrgyzstan, you barely meet other tourists since the yurt camps are kilometres from each other. The scenery is wast, reminding us of our second home, Iceland. Except, the temperatures were much warmer in Song Kul. 

DAY 2. From Song Kul to Kyzart

• Max elevation: Max elevation: 3310 m, Tuz Ashu pass
• Starting point: Song Kul Lake, yurt camp
• End point: Kyzart village, Horseback Holiday at Kyzart village guesthouse
• Total time: 4.5 hours

After we cooked breakfast, had coffee and chilled by the grassy lake shore, our guide picked us up at 10am. We loaded our stuff on his horse and started the hike back to Kyzart village. 

Today, you go back exactly the same way you came yesterday. The only difference is you are faster as most of the trail goes downhill. It took us roughly 4,5 hours to get back to Kyzart. But only because we were caught in an unexpected, quick storm after reaching the highest point of the trail. The wind got so strong that our horses didn’t listen to our commands, and we couldn’t hold ourselves on the horse and descend the mountain on him at the same time as the horses were constantly trying to run. We ended up jumping down and going this part on foot, as it was too dangerous to ride the horse. After 30 minutes of rain and strong wind, we safely descended the valley. Sun started to shine, and we could continue our trek on the horse again. 

Make sure you have gloves and a hat because the temperature up there was almost freezing when the storm came. And it was the middle of the summer! 

The last part of the trek is easy, through the grasslands and slight descents, with the last km on a flat gravel road. We enjoyed the final moments of our two days horse trek until we reached the  Horseback Holiday at Kyzart village guesthouse , where our tour officially ended. 

WEATHER IN SONG KUL

We went to Song Kul Lake in early August 2022 and were surprised it was quite warm, even at night. The temperatures at night were around 15°C. During the day, it was around 22°C. This was on a sunny day. The next day we woke up to a cloudy and rainy morning, wearing a down jacket as it was around 10°C. We were met by a storm while crossing the highest point of the Tuz Ashu pass, where the strong wind made it feel freezing, and we couldn’t continue without our gloves and hat. So as you see, the weather in Song Kul is changeable; you are at an altitude of more than 3000 m, so make sure you have warm clothes and a rain jacket with you. 

It is also a good idea to bring good rain protection for your backpack as there is not much you can do while riding the horse if it starts raining. We just bought the regular garbage plastic bags and put our things in them inside the backpack. But also we had a rain cover for our bags. 

Tip:  Bring a swimsuit! You can have a refreshing dip in Song Kul Lake! 

WHERE TO STAY BEFORE AND AFTER THE HORSE TREK

After returning from the trek, we didn’t plan anything ahead as we weren’t sure when exactly we would return. Since we returned quite early, around 3 or 4 pm, we decided to return to Kochkor for a better starting point the next day. Our guide called a shared taxi for us, which costs 400 KGS ($4.5) per person, and it came to pick us up directly to the guesthouse within 45 minutes since the phone call. 

Optionally, marshrutkas run between Kochkor and Chaek. You just go on the main road to make sure you can stop it. 

Where to stay in Kyzart

Budget I Horseback Holiday at Kyzart village – we organised horses and guide through this guesthouse. They also stored our things we didn’t need during the horse trek. The guesthouse is nice, providing better comfort than we saw in other remote places. They will cook you lunch and dinner if you want. Breakfast is included. 

Budget I Kyzart Guesthouse – another place in Kyzart where they can organise a horse trek for you. Run by a lovely family, a basic room and breakfast are included. 

Where to stay in Kochkor

In Kochkor, the accommodation scene is much bigger than in Kyzart.

The budget I Center Guesthouse – the top option amongst travellers is the Center Guesthouse. As the name suggests, it is located in the city centre. You can book basic rooms with breakfast and wifi, and they can organise the horse trek for you. You will likely meet fellow travellers here. 

Budget I Guest House Nur – another family stay in Kochkor. Rooms are spacious, with breakfast and wifi included. You can store your bags before you return from the trek. The location is central. 

Mid-rage I Olive Hotel – if you need more privacy and, after a couple of weeks in Central Asia, you want to treat yourself to a proper hotel room, Olive Hotel is a place to be. It is close to the city centre, with breakfast and wifi included. 

We liked Kochkor as it is more traditional than other villages, and it also seems that people here are more religious. There is a market, stores, and restaurants, and overall, staying here is quite pleasant after the horse trek. Marshrutkas and shared taxis run between Kochkor and Bishkek, Naryn, Balykchy & others multiple times daily. 

TIPS FOR HORSE RIDING IN KYRGYZSTAN

Wear long sleeves  – on sunny days, it gets extremely hot, and remember, you are sitting on the horse with no chance to hide from the sweltering heat. A hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves are a must. Even long trousers are a good idea since your leg can get itchy. 

Travel insurance  – check if your travel insurance cover is trekking at a higher altitude (more than 3000 m) and if they also cover you while horse riding! Some policies even differentiate if you go for a leisure 1-hour ride or do proper overnight trekking, like the one to Song Kul. We recommend IATI Insurance. You can use our 5% discount if you purchase your travel insurance through this link . 

Have a small backpack  – fill it with everything you might find necessary and easily accessible while sitting on the horse. Water, quick snacks, gloves, hat, rain cover, toilet paper, warm clothes and whatever else you might need. 

Warm clothes  – this is obvious as you will spend a night at an altitude higher than 3000 m above sea level. But once you ride to the top of the Tuz Ashu pass, the weather gets immediately colder and windier. Have your jacket ready. 

Never let go of the reins  – even when your horse drinks from the stream. Sometimes they suddenly start running, so you must always be in control. 

Don’t put your feet fully in the stirrups  – if you lose balance or fall, your leg will be stuck, which might get pretty dangerous.

Water filter –  bring a water filter so you don’t have to carry water for two days. You can filter water directly from the lake, but we don’t recommend this option as the water was mixed with sand, and it almost blocked our Sawyer water filter. Instead, filter the water from the stream in the yurt camp. The water there is much cleaner, and people from yurts use it too.

First time on the horse?  – yes, you can. Yes, you should. Don’t worry; it might sound scary at first, but you will get used to it after a few minutes. The horses are used to going to Song Kul with tourists often.

Next time  – the only thing we would change for the next time is to ask our guide to have a break more often. To take more photos or have snacks. As we stopped just one time for maybe 10 minutes. 

MORE FROM KYRGYZSTAN

Four day hike over Ala Kul Lake pass: Epic hike in Kyrgyzstan

Top things to do in Karakol & The Best Day Trips

Korday Border Crossing: Almaty to Bishkek (Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan)

Visit Osh: Our favourite city in Kyrgyzstan

A quick guide to visiting Fairytale Canyon, Kyrgyzstan

More from central asia

Epic hike to Kolsai Lakes

Natural reserve in Kazakhstan: Aksu Zhabagly

Best day and multi-day trips from Almaty

Uzbek ghost town Moynaq and Aral Sea: Visit the ship cemetery

How to travel by train in Uzbekistan: Epic train rides

2 weeks itinerary & Uzbekistan ultimate guide

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Travelling for years now, she found the passion in unique and off the beaten path places. Romana is a food lover, but it doesn’t stop her from hiking the mountains for several days. By sharing her experiences, she wants to help you experience the same.

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Kyrgyz Nature Travel Company

3 days horse trek to Song-Kul lake (whole year)

Lake of Son-Kol The truly magical mountain lake of Son-Kol is situated at an altitude of 3,016m above sea level in the Tien-Shan mountain range. The lake is 13,2m deep at the deepest point, 29km long and 18km in width. Since olden days, nomads from Kochkor, Naryn and At-Bashy have settled here for summer pasture.Together with their families, they spend the summer here, using the Son-Kol shore for pasture. The lake shines like a pearl, set in a mount of a snow-white chain of mountains.In summer, the water temperature is 11-12В°C, from November till May the lake is ice-bound.No trees or shrubs grow here, but you have a unique opportunity to see a scattering of edelweiss and lots of other rare flowers. 66 species of water-fowl inhabit the Son-Kol shore – they fly in, in the middle of May and stay until September.The reservoir is a unique source for ornithological scientific research, especially for those, who study ducks.The number of species runs up to 14. The wild shore is home to many species of beasts (snow leopard, red wolf, fox, etc). Hospitable shepherds will greet you as dear guests in their yurt camps.Here you will be able to slake your thirst with the national Kyrgyz drink – kymyz.It is fermented from mares’ milk using special equipment and possesses medicinal qualities.

Transfer to Kyzart village which is 2hour drive, arrive to horseman house, lunch at his house, after your horseman

prepares your horses, your guide will train you how to ride a horse, continue horse riding along the Bazar-Turuk

gorge and Kilemche vallaey, first night you will spend in Kilemche, arrive to the yurt camp set in a yurt, night and

dinner in local nomad yurt camp. 4-5hour ride

In the morning after the breakfast, we go on our trip to Song-Kul lake with crossing Jalgyz-Karagai pass which altitude 3400m high above sea level, here you will have amazing views to Kilemche valley and to the lake Song-Kul, after go down to Jaman-Echki where you will have lunch, after lunch continue to Tuz-Ashuu valley where you will spend the 2nd night, night and dinner in yurt camp. 4-5hour ride

Lately in the morning we will ride to Kyzart, with crossing Tuz-Ashuu pass which altitude 3400m high above sea level, arrive to Kyzart, lunch in horseman house, transfer back to Kochkor end of the trip.

• Accomadation in yurts
• 3 time meals
• Eng.speaking guide
• horse guide, horses
• Transportation from Kochkor back to Kochkor

Not include:

• Alcohol drinks
• Travel insurance
• Air tickets
• Tax of Bank
• Additional service: Disco, bar, international calls,
• laundry etc.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

• ALA-TOO SQUARE
• GAPAR AITIEV ARTS MUSEUM
• ATA BEYIT MEMORIAL COMPLEX
• Day Tours & Weekend Tours
• Horse Riding
• Adventure & Nature
• Biking & Cycling

Related trips you might interested in

2 days horse trek to Kol-Ukok lake

2 days horse trek to Altyn Arashan valley

Song Kul Lake: Hike, Bike or Ride a Horse to This Stunning Lake

Song Kul Lake rightfully stands out amongst all of Kyrgyzstan’s beautiful destinations. This high-altitude lake, surrounded by an expansive jailoo (summer pasture) and soft rolling hills, is a sight for sore eyes. 

It’s not just about Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty though. With dozens of yurt camps scattered around the lake and ample time to interact with their inhabitants, spending time at Song Kul Lake is a great way to dive deeper into Kyrgyzstan’s rich nomadic culture. 

Visit Song Kul and see for yourself just how beautiful Kyrgyzstan is. 

Kyrgyzstan Travel Resources

• Getting there: search for flights to Kyrgyzstan
• Guidebook: pick up a Bradt Kyrgyzstan guidebook
• Where to stay: search for guesthouses or yurts
• How to get around: rent a car to get around Kyrgyzstan
• Travel insurance: get travel insurance for your trip
• Money: get a Wise travel card to save big time in Kyrgyzstan
• Gear: pick up a Steripen for clean water 24/7

Table of Contents

What is Song Kul 

Song Kul is a high alpine lake situated at an altitude of 3016m. Measuring in at 270 square kilometres, it’s the second-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and easily one of its most famous. 

While Song Kul itself is undoubtedly beautiful, what really makes a trip out special is the surrounding scenery and the remote location of the lake. It takes on average two days to reach the lake and en route, you’ll pass the classic high-altitude scenery Kyrgyzstan is famous for: jailoos, rolling hills and mountains and endless vistas. Ahhhh, beautiful Kyrgyzstan. 

Want to visit another stunning lake in Kyrgyzstan? Read all about remote Kel Suu

Where is Song Kul

Song Kul is located in Naryn Oblast in Central Kyrgyzstan. The lake is surrounded by a large summer pasture fringed by rolling hills. 

The nearest hub, and where most people base themselves to get organised for a trip to Song Kul Lake, is Kochkor, about 40 km away. 

Kyzart, about 72 km from Kochkor, is a small village close to Song Kul and from where most horse treks and treks begin. 

Best time to visit Song Kul

The season for vising Song Kul Lake is from June to September. The best time to visit Song Kul is in July and August. During this time, the weather will be at its warmest (but by no means hot). 

Due to its high elevation, Song Kul’s weather is unpredictable: it can be sunny in the morning and then turn windy and stormy in the space of a few hours. Even in summer, it can be very cold (and freezing at night), so be sure to pack warm clothes. 

Don’t know what to pack? Don’t sweat, we’ve got you covered. See our packing list below . 

Read next: Ala Kul Lake Essential Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Why you should visit Song Kul

As one of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous and beautiful destinations, visiting Song Kul is usually a high priority for any visitor to the country. 

Song Kul is not just about Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty. Visiting Song Kul is as much a cultural experience as it is a natural one: nowhere in the country affords such a wonderful opportunity to engage with Kyrygyzstan’s rich nomadic culture. With yurt camps (some authentic, some solely set up for tourists) peppered around the massive lake, there are unlimited opportunities to learn more about this cultural heritage. 

You can hang out with families, milk a mare, try kumys (fermented horse milk) and if you’re lucky, catch a bit of kok boru (headless goat polo). The true joys of travel in Central Asia!

Read next: Kol-Tor Lake: The Best Hike Near Bishkek

How to get to Song Kul

We’ll be honest with you: there’s no easy way to get to Song Kul. 

Song Kul is surrounded by multiple passes, all of which are over 3000m. To reach the lakeshore, you’ll have to cross at least one of these. This is one beautiful place in Kyrgyzstan where the journey really is as exciting as the destination itself. 

When planning how you’re going to get to Song Kul, the sky’s the limit. You can hike, take a horse, ride a bike, drive or even do a combo. The choice is yours, my friend! 

Horse Trekking

Doing a horse trek to Song Kul is by far the most popular option. There’s something deeply romantic about riding a horse through the rolling hills and across the jailoo to reach remote Song Kul Lake.  

When choosing a horse trek to Song Kul, there are unlimited options. You can go from anywhere to 2 – 10 days, with countless variations. Let’s just say it’s well beyond the scope of this humble travel blog to attempt to lay them all out. 

Our two cents? Unless you really love riding, 3 days are enough. You go very slowly on a horse and your body will begin to ache. 3 days felt like the sweet spot in terms of duration. 

We chose an option where we reached the lake in one day, spent a whole day meandering around the lake and then returned in a day. We loved this route. The second day traversing the lake was beautiful, peaceful and allowed us to see the lake from different perspectives. We couldn’t recommend it more. 

How to Organise a Horse Trek to Song Kul

From Kochkor, there are about a million different travel agencies in town that will be able to organise a horse trek to Song Kul for you. Speak to your guesthouse and it’s almost guaranteed they can put together a trip for you too. For a classic 3-day / 2-night horse trek, these should cost approximately 14,000 – 15,000 KGS per person. 

Our recommendation? Jailoo Tourism in Kochkor. 

Why? Their prices are fair and the woman who runs it is an absolute legend. She knows everything about the area and can advise you on a million different options so you can tailor the trip to your liking. 

We also really enjoyed the yurt camps they set us up with. They were local families and had a very authentic vibe. We’ve heard a lot of negative feedback about some of the other camps that feel a bit manufactured. 

They’ll also give you a price breakdown of all the costs and you can pick and choose what you want included (i.e., you can take out meals, or choose to camp, etc.). For an all-inclusive 3-day / 2- night trip, it should cost somewhere around 12,000 KGS per person.

Pro tip: to save some cash, skip an arranged lunch and pack your own. We usually pack some bread, cheese and tomatoes to make easy sandwiches on the way, along with some snacks like chocolate, dried fruit and nuts. 

Of course, you can always pre-arrange a horse trek to Song Kul in advance. Being such a popular destination, there are multiple tours available.

Organising a Horse Trek to Song Kul Independently 

You can also go directly to Kyzart and arrange a horse trek independently. It’s the main departing point for horse treks, so every second house will know someone who can guide you to Song Kul Lake. 

That said, it actually doesn’t come out to much cheaper (we’re talking a few dollars per person), so unless you’re really on a budget, it’s not really worthwhile. 

Want more horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan? Visit Tash Rabat Caravanserai

Trekking to Song Kul Lake is another great, and very popular, option for those who want to experience Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty. 

Another bonus is that trekking to Song Kul is one of the least difficult hikes you can do in Kyrgyzstan. Compared to some of the country’s more arduous treks, the passes are relatively moderate in terms of gradient and technical challenge. 

As with horse trekking, there are many different routes you can take, each varying in duration and difficulty. 

The most popular hike route to Song Kul departs from Kyzart Pass. From the Kyzart Pass, it takes 2 days of moderate trekking to reach Song Kul Lake. 

If you want to explore more obscure or long-distance options, stop by the CBT in Kochkor and pick up a copy of the hiking map with all the trails laid out. 

Transportation to the Trailhead 

You will need to arrange transportation to the Kyzart Pass. From Kochkor, the cheapest way to do this is to get a shared taxi in this direction (towards Jumgal) and get out early. 

You can also arrange transport directly to the trailhead via the Kochkor CBT, any travel agency in town or your guesthouse. When arranging this, ask them to drop you off at Km 46 on the Kochkor-Jumgal Road (this is very well-known).  

2-Day Trekking Itinerary to Song Kul

Day 1: Kyzart Pass to Kilemche Valley

• Distance: 15 – 17 km (depending on exactly where you stop)
• Elevation: +900m / -850m

The trail starts at Kyzart Pass, right on the main road between Kochkor and Jumgal.

Once you get out of the car, follow the trail of car tracks that lead toward the southern chain of mountains. 

Over the course of the day, you’ll go over two passes: first up is the Chaar-Archa Pass and then the Kyzyl Bel Pass. Both are just over 3000m. 

The day’s destination is the Kilemche Valley. If camping, you can overnight at the river. If yurting, there are several yurt camps in the area. 

Day 2: Kilemche Valley to Song Kul

• Distance: 15 – 17 km
• Elevation: +800m / -400m

From the valley, you’ll climb the 3325m Jalgis Karagai Pass. From the top, there are excellent views of Song Kul and the mountains to the north. 

From the top of the pass, there’s a clear path straight down to the lake. 

When you get to Song Kul, there are plenty of spaces to wild camp and many yurt camps to arrange a bed for the night. 

Important : fill up on water in the Kilemche Valley, as you won’t have water again for most of the day! Be sure to treat all your drinking water, as there are many animals around. A Steripen is a great way to have access to clean water 24/7.

How to get back to Kyzart or Kochkor from Song Kul

There are a few different options for getting back to either Kyzart or Kochkor. 

• Obviously, you can re-trace your steps and return along the same route. 
• You can go hike over the Tuz Ashu Pass and get to Kyazart in one day. This is along an old Jeep road.  
• You can also return via the Ozbek Ashuu Pass. This is more difficult, more remote and will take a couple of days. 
• You can go back by car. Even though Song Kul is one of the country’s most popular destinations, it’s best to arrange in advance. You can do so via the Kochkor CBT, one of the travel agencies in town, or your guesthouse. Just note that it’s not cheap – around 3000 KGS.

The route is not signposted, so it’s a good idea to get your hands on a map. There are multiple online maps, on either maps.me , AllTrails and Wikiloc . 

Paper maps of the hiking routes in the region can be sold at the CBT office in Kochkor. 

Driving to Song Kul

If you have your own car, you can drive to Song Kul. It’s both easy and common to rent a car in Kyrgyzstan and it’s a great way to explore the country’s natural beauty. In our experience, it’s cheaper and easier to rent a car online. Our recommendation? Hop over to Discover Cars for the best deals – it’s what we personally use and recommend.

If you don’t have a car (nor want to rent one ), then you can arrange a car and driver to take you there. This can be arranged from Kochkor or Naryn (although Naryn will cost significantly more). 

To arrange a driver, simply speak to the CBT of whichever town you’re in, or your guesthouse. We’ve always had better results arranging anything through guesthouses than through the CBTs. 

Mountain Biking 

Another fun option is to ride a bike to Song Kul Lake! 

If you’re fit and an experienced rider, you can take any of the horse trekking or hiking trails to Song Kul via bicycle. 

Accommodation at Song Kul Lake

Song Kul is THE place in Kyrgyzstan to get a taste of nomad culture, so it’s only fitting that you should stay in a yurt whilst there. 

There are plenty (and we mean plenty) of yurt camps at the lake and en route. Although they’re now set up for tourists, they still give you insight into the culture. It’s a great experience. 

We camp a lot, and normally always elect to camp when given the choice, but in this instance, we really enjoyed the experience of staying in the yurts. It’s part and parcel of the entire Song Kul experience. 

How to organise a yurt stay at Song Kul 

If you’re going with a pre-organised tour, then all of your accommodation will be arranged for you and included in the price of your trip. 

If you’re visiting Song Kul independently, then just rock up and see what’s free! It’s that simple. There are heaps of yurt camps at the lake and en route, so there’s no need to pre-book. 

It should cost around 1000 – 1200 KGS per person, including dinner and breakfast. 

Camping at Song Kul

Of course, of course, you can always camp at Song Kul. It’s a massive, flat jailoo, so space is definitely not an issue. Find a nice spot and make your home for the night. 

Just be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and clean up after yourself. 

Heading to Kazakhstan? Read our complete guide to Almaty

What to Expect at Song Kul

Song Kul is a super safe place. For a remote destination, it’s relatively busy with tourists and shepherds and there’s not a lot to worry about. 

That said, if hiking, be sure to always take adequate precautions. Check the weather, inform people of your plans and have a backup plan if things go south. 

As with all hikes, accidents do happen, so good travel insurance is essential.

We use and recommend SafetyWing . It covers up to 4000m and is specifically designed for long-term travellers and nomads. 

Mobile Reception and Electronics

There is no reception at Song Kul Lake, so make sure to download any offline maps you may need. 

We also recommend bringing a power bank to keep your devices fully juiced.

Song Kul is not a place to work on your tan. Even in the height of summer, temperatures are mild and can be downright cold. 

In summer, expect mild days (around 10 – 20C) and cold nights (anywhere from 5C to 0C). It can also get super windy at the lake. We always use this website for weather in more obscure locations such as Song Kul. 

Be sure to pack warm clothing, and if camping, appropriate gear (see below ). 

Be sure to treat your water before drinking it, as it is most likely contaminated by animal droppings. We use a Steripen to clean all of our water.

Tips and Tricks

• Bring a windbreaker. It gets bloody windy at the lake. 
• If horse trekking, bring paracetamol / ibuprofen. Your body will ache!
• Bring warm clothes. It’s cold!
• If offered, try the kumyz. It’s not delicious, but it is a great cultural experience!

Packing List

Women’s clothing.

• Hiking boots
• Hiking pants
• Long sleeve hiking shirt
• Merino underwear
• Lightweight Merino socks (I’m a fan of wearing two pairs when hiking)
• Warm socks to wear at camp
• Down jacket
• Rain jacket
• Beanie / Toque
• Thermal top
• Thermal leggings
• Waterproof sandals

Men’s Clothing

• Hiking pants/shorts
• Sports t-shirt
• Lightweight merino socks (also a fan of the double socks)
• Thermal bottoms
• Waterproof sandals  
• Hat (full brimmed)
• Biodegradable toothpaste
• Deodorant paste
• Blister first aid kit
• First aid kit
• Lip balm with SPF
• Book / kindle  
• Games to play at camp – deck of cards, or our favourite, Yahtzee

Electronics

• Phone and charging cables
• Power bank and/or solar panel
• Camera and/or GoPro plus charging cords

If Camping :

• Good quality hiking backpack ( men’s and women’s )
• Raincover for backpack
• Sleeping pad
• Blow up pillow
• Sleeping bag
• Waterproof compression bag (for the sleeping bag)
• Stuff sack (for keeping clothes in while hiking)
• Ground blanket 
• Trekking poles  
• Personal locator beacon (PLB)
• Cooking set (pot, bowls and mugs)
• 1 x 230 grams fuel canister
• Collapsible tea kettle (a luxury, but it’s worth it!)
• MSR MugMate Coffee Filter
• Pocket knife
• Lighter and matches (in a waterproof bag)
• Water bladder
• Water bottle
• Steripen Ultra Rechargeable Portable UV
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper
• The Deuce Backpacking Potty Trowel
• Hydralites / Electrolytes (if you can’t find, salt and powdered juice packets work a treat)
• Biodegradable dish soap
• Mini sponge (just cut a regular one)
• Rubbish bags
• Dettol spray

Where to Stay in Kochkor Before or After Your Trip

MALIKA Guesthouse

Guesthouse Mira

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book anything through them, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us run this website and create comprehensive guides to help you get off the beaten track. We only recommend products and/or services that we use ourselves and trust. 

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Kyrgyzstan: A Horse Trek to Song-Kol Lake

A country with a horseback tradition, trekking to song-kol lake over the jalgyz-karagai pass.

By Nick Wharton

Kyrgyzstan is a country deeply connected to the traditions of horseback riding. Kyrgyz people are raised in equestrianism like Canadians are raised in hockey.

They sometimes learn to straddle a steed long before they can even walk. Traveling to Kyrgyzstan, a place so profoundly connected to horses, we knew that we had to plan a trek on the back of these nationally revered animals.

When we arrived in Kochkor, a small village in Kyrgyzstan’s rugged North, we went straight to Shepard’s Life office. Shepard’s Life and CBT are community-based tourism projects that you can find all over Kyrgyzstan. They arrange everything from guides and drivers to homestays and meals.

Encouraging Sustainable Growth

We usually booked our trips in Kyrgyzstan with a local group because they give a large number of profits back to the local communities and they help to encourage sustainable growth of tourism in the country.

We met with the owner of the office in Kochkor and she quickly helped us arrange the best route for our horse trek. We planned on a 3-day trek over the Jalgyz-Karagai pass and down to the beautiful Song-Kol lake. She set us up with a guide and three horses that were to meet us the following day. We went back to our homestay and packed our bags, excited for our next big adventure.

The Day Of The Trek

When we woke up the next morning, the sky was dark. Deep, bellowing thunder warned us that today was a risky day to venture into the mountains. We tried to ignore the somber weather as we packed our bags and headed outside.

Our guide, Ascot, met us right on time, but he was with an old beat-up car and a groggy driver rather than three willing horses.

He explained to us that the horses were in their stable about a 1-hour drive from Kochkor, so we hopped in the car and were on our way.

As the tiny rusted car clunked and hopped over the bumpy Kyrgyz roads, the skies started to close in and it became obvious that rain was on its way.

We told Ascot that we may want to cancel the trip to Song-Kol lake, but he assured us that the rains would hold off… so we continued.

We drove through a small village, where kids were playing in the streets. As soon as they noticed foreigners passing through, they quickly waved and yelled hello.

Despite the relative popularity of this trek, few people visit Kyrgyzstan at all, so no matter where we were in the country, we were always greeted with pleasant surprise and curiosity. We pulled into the stable house and met our horses while a group of giggling children surrounded the action.

My horse was a large, black stallion, so Dariece named him Denzel Washington, while hers was a smaller orange horse with a golden mane. She named it Mustard. After loading up our bags and mounting our new equine companions, we were on our way.

Starting Out: How to Get to Song-Kol Lake

Just being on the horses felt great. We’ve done a few trips on these animals in the past, but never for such an extended period of time. Today we planned to ride for 5 hours before arriving at a small yurt camp at about 3,500 meters in altitude, close to the Jalgyz-Karagai pass.

Somehow, despite the clouds in the distance, the sun continued to find us and its warmth was welcomed on our faces. Light pierced through the clouds and lit up the green grass around us, while the horizon was painted in a dark and dismal mist.

We road through lush pastures, down into river valleys and through a couple of small villages before starting our ascent towards the icy peaks of the Song-kol ridge. The sights were spectacular but the cool air and howling wind warned us that our views were about to change.

Finally, after four hours of riding, the skies could hold off no longer and they finally released their freezing contents. The rain was accompanied by tiny hail balls and we were soaked within minutes. Luckily, just as the weather started to punish us for ignoring it, we saw a scattering of yurts on the horizon.

“Is that where we’re headed?” I asked Ascot over the howl of the wind and the drumming of the rain.

“Yes! Not long now!” he called back.

Denzel Washington and Mustard seemed oblivious to the falling rain and they got us to our yurt-stay safely. We hopped off of the soaked and exhausted animals and ran into the nearest shelter where a family awaited us with cheese, homemade soup, freshly baked bread and delicious tea.

That first night we sipped on the warm brew and spoke to the family through Ascot’s translations. They told us of wolves, of their “summer homes” and of their children, who chased chickens outside as we talked.

We dried off in the warm sanctuary of the yurt before Ascot prepared our bed of wool blankets and pillows on the floor.

We slept comfortably, serenaded by the sound of grazing horses and the crackle of burning cow manure in the stove. Our thoughts were on the weather on that first night and I think we were all silently wishing for clear skies in the morning.

Day 2 Song-Kol Lake

We awoke at 5 am on our second day of the trek and our bodies were slow from the chill. The cow manure stove had run out and we were happy to have 4 layers of warm blankets on top of us, but we didn’t want to come out of our cocoons until Ascot lit the fire again.

He did so, and we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of porridge, homemade jam, bread, and tea before saddling up and bidding farewell to the family who had so graciously hosted us for the night.

The rain returned shortly after our yurts disappeared behind us. Luckily it was only a sprinkle, but I’m sure that Denzel and Mustard appreciated the cool mist as they puffed and grunted their way up the rocky mountainside.

After about 2 hours of steep riding, Ascot pointed ahead and yelled back to us “You see that opening where the trail leads? That’s the pass!”

We gave our horses a light heel of encouragement and called out to them “ Tshoo ” (GO! In Kyrgyz).

The rocky pass became steeper and steeper and our horses were slowing down with each step, despite our constant words of motivation and definitive pokes into their lower rib cages, they were quickly tiring.

Suddenly and without warning, the clouds completely disappeared and we were treated to a bright blue sky. Denzel and Mustard slipped and skidded up the jagged cliff side but we made it to the top of the pass safely.

On Top of the World

The views from the pass were spectacular. We could see where the steep windy trail meandered its way down the mountainside before meeting the dazzling Song Kol lake in the distance.

The sun glimmered off of its rippled surface and even from way up at the top of the pass, we could clearly see its vivid colors and sandy shores.

We had about 10 minutes at the top before it was time to get back on the horses and head down. A dense fog crept over the ridge and we were quickly engulfed in an opaque mist that made it almost impossible to see Ascot and his horse trotting in front of us.

We arrived at the bottom of the trail after another hour of riding, the cool wind from the top of the pass still left a numbing sensation on our faces.

The dense fog had lifted and we were trotting along at a good pace, despite Mustard’s refusal to listen to Dariece. We followed the lakeshore for about an hour before arriving at our second yurt stay.

A Perfect Round Lake

The lake itself was stunning, a perfect round pool set amongst the beautiful Borbor Alabas and Moldo-Too mountains. Its glass calm surface is famous for reflecting its snowy peaks. The yurts where we were to sleep that night were scattered over a perfectly green pasture, or jailoo in Kyrgyz, with the jagged white cliffs scraping the sky in the background. The place was heavenly and it felt like we had discovered it for ourselves, though a few other tourists joined the camp that evening.

We spent another night with Ascot, chatting and learning about the unique Kyrgyz culture. He explained to us how he hopes to one day kidnap his girlfriend and make her his wife, a common and controversial custom in Kyrgyzstan.

We drank a couple of beers and played cards by the heat of the stove before retreating to our beds on the floor for another peaceful and silent night’s sleep.

Early in the morning on our last day, Ascot was saddling up his horse and tying Denzel and Mustard in tandem behind it. He was to ride back alone, 12 hours in one day, all the way to the village with the horses’ stable.

Dariece and I would take a taxi along the bumpy mountain roads to Kochkor . We bid Ascot farewell and watched as our trusty guide and three loyal horses disappeared into the mountains.

We were sad to see Ascot go, but happy to be free of the hard saddles that had so battered our inner thighs and butts. We hopped in the taxi and took the winding, gravel roads back to the comfort of our village homestay, where we ate a warm home-cooked stew and talked about the amazing things we had seen, and the friendly people we had met on our overnight horse trek in Kyrgyzstan .

For more on traveling to Kyrgyzstan check out our “Ultimate Guide To Backpacking Kyrgyzstan ”

Visit Song-Kol Lake

Nick Wharton is half of the nomadic couple behind Goats On The Road , a website designed to help others live a financially sustainable, location-independent lifestyle. Masters at making money abroad and traveling forever, they’ve been on the road for over 4 years and have traveled to some of the least visited places on Earth, finding adventure wherever they go.

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Kyrgyzstan Horseback riding: Everything you need to know about horse riding in Kyrgyzstan+ the 9 best horse Riding destinations

The horse is a national symbol of Kyrgyzstan and the animal is intrinsic to the country’s heritage. For thousands of years, the horse has bolstered life for Kyrgyz people and continues to do so.

A known saying of the country is “every Kyrgyz man’s wings are his horse” and it’s said that Central Asians hunter-gatherers were the first to ride horses.

These calm creatures have played a pivotal role in Kyrgyz agriculture, economy, defense and traditions. Even fermented horse milk is cherished – Westerners, make sure your stomach is as strong as steel before you dazzle your tastebuds…

Kyrgyz people are expert horsemen and their national games champion their equestrian skills, such as Dead Goat Polo .

Ready Steady Goat: An insight into Kok Boru, Kyrgyzstan’s unusual national sport

Kyrgyzstan has a myriad of peaks, streams and prairie plains. Each region has its own throng of striking landscapes for you to delve into. Whenever I close my eyes and think of Kyrgyzstan, I’m transported to the image of a shepherd galloping across the plains with such care-free and vivacious spirit.

The stallions are the country’s most trusted transport in the mountains: you can go off-road, across small rivers and cover great distances while having a four-legged companion to guide you. I’ve found it the most grounding way to experience this magnificent country.

I could keep chewing your ears off about why to try horse riding in Kyrgyzstan, but instead here’s everything you need to know about getting in the saddle, horse riding tours and my top 9 destinations for horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Kyrgyzstan Travel Essentials

• 20 things you need to know before traveling to Kyrgyzstan
• The 25 best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan
• The top 28 things to do in Kyrgyzstan
• The 14 best hikes & treks in Kyrgyzstan
• The 9 best horse riding destinations in Kyrgyzstan
• Kyrgyzstan Budget Guide
• Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tours & Kyrgyzstan Tour Planning
• Visa: Required Kyrgyzstan travel documents
• Getting there: Search for flights to Bishkek or Osh
• Where to stay : Find a yurt camp,homestay, hotel, hostel or guesthouses
• Travel Insurance: Choose the best travel insurance for Kyrgyzstan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When is the best time to go horse riding in Kyrgyzstan?

Shepherds and their horses move out to the mountains from June to September. This also means yurt camps operate in a similar timeframe, so logistically this would be the most suitable window for your trip.

From a weather perspective, from June until September, you’ll have a far greater chance of clear skies and warmer rays (but remember you’re at the mercy of the mountains and no doubt it will lash it down now I’ve said this… don’t hold it against me).

It can be quite wet in May and in spring it’s still chilly in the mountains. If you are inexperienced, wait until the weather is better.

From late September onwards it becomes icy and snowy in the higher altitudes so think about this when booking with a tour group.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: 20 useful things you need to know before you go

Things to know before horse riding in Kyrgyzstan

Is horse riding in kyrgyzstan safe.

Yes, horse riding in Kyrgyzstan is perfectly safe if you listen to your guide and act responsibly. The Kyrgyz horses are a relatively small breed and are born at high altitudes so can handle the heights.

Here are some general safety tips for swotting up on before you’re in the hills:

• If you find yourself a little nervous on the day you are due to ride, tell your guide . Your guide can either keep you close or find you a horse with a placid personality.
• Mounting/dismounting: Do not stand or walk near the horse’s rear . Horses kick and it’s flipping dangerous. They also let off “steam” on that end, so for your nose’s sake, keep away…
• When riding, stay on the path and follow the guide at all times. Don’t gallop without permission of the guide.
• The horses like to “snack” along the way on the plants and grasses you come across. Don’t let them feed as they’ll soon realize they’re the boss instead of you… Also, don’t let the horse drink unless your guide says it’s okay.
• If you can see or are passing other stallions in pastures and your horse pulls towards them, be quick, pull on the reins and steer your horse to stay on the path. Wild stallions are often aggressive and your horse may want to show you off! Be vigilant and know how to control your horse.
• If riding in a group, don’t let the horses kiss or start nibbling each other. Yeah yeah, looks cute right? Well, it’s actually a way of showing dominance and the horses can start kicking off with each other. Keep at least six to seven meters away from each horse and if yours starts getting flirty, keep on a tight rein and be in control.
• If you see any problems with your horse, however small, raise it with your guide.

Horse riding in Uzbekistan: 3 best horse riding destinations

Do you need horse riding experience before going on a horse trek in Kyrgyzstan?

You don’t need horse riding experience, but beginners should start with an easy day trek to get accustomed to the Kyrgyz saddle and the instructions. Kyrgyz horses are very calm and a relatively small breed. If a horse is nervous (or maybe you are!) the guide will not let you ride off unless they trust you.

Here are my basic top tips for riding:

• Never let go of the reins . You need to be in control the entire time.
• Don’t pull too hard to stop, otherwise the horse will rear.
• Rest the ball of your foot on the stirrups. If your foot is too deep in the stirrup, it can get stuck and/or slide through the stirrups. If it is not deep enough, you may easily lose your stirrups while riding.
• Say “chu” to go and repeat it to go faster.
• Say “trrrrrr” or “dak dak” to stop.
• When going uphill – which you’ll do often when horse riding in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan -, hold in one hand the reins and use your other hand to hold on to the front of your saddle and lean a bit forward. When going downhill, hold on with one hand to the back of your saddle and lean a bit backward.

Are the horses in Kyrgyzstan well-treated?

Horses are such an integral part of Kyrgyz life, so the majority are well-cared for. However, with tourism and the shiny prospect of money, some horses are sadly exploited. It’s important to check your horse is healthy before you agree to the trip, especially if you’re organizing with nomadic people directly.

I learned my lesson years ago when I arranged a trip from the Altyn Arashan Valley to Ala Kul Lake . I didn’t know that many horsemen use and abuse horses to take tourists to Ala Kul Lake. I got there, and the horses were tired, skinny, and neglected. It was so heartbreaking to see them like that and also incredibly dangerous for the rider because the horse tripped and nearly had a treacherous fall.

So please, do thorough research before you book and ensure you check your horse for injuries.

Never go horse riding alone

Don’t be that plonker. Here’s your friendly reminder that it is dangerous in the Kyrgyz mountains. You’re at the mercy of the weather, it’s super remote with a sparse phone signal and there are few places to stock up on supplies. Throw a large mammal in the mix and that’s a lot of stress.

The guides won’t let you rent a horse solo so unless you absolutely know what you are doing and you are thinking of buying a horse, do not go alone.

Only male horses are used for riding

Only stallions are used for riding in Kyrgyzstan, while the mares are used for breeding and milk ( kymys ). While riding through the pastures, you’ll see the mares and foals cantering in groups.

One thing to watch out for is your stallion may want his ego stroked and he may start showing off in front of them – so be vigilant and be in control. Same goes for passing wild stallions which I covered above in my general safety tips.

The 28 things to do in Kyrgyzstan

How to organize a horse riding trip in Kyrgyzstan

Join a tour or go with a local agency.

Joining a tour or using the services of a local agency is the safest and least stressful way to do it. Everything is taken care of including accommodation.

Contact me and I’ll help connect you with the best local tour guides and companies. I also help with tailoring private trips.

10-day Feel Like A Nomad Horse Riding Tour

Directly with nomads at a yurt camp

This is probably a better option if you’re backpacking around Kyrgyzstan, you’ve stopped at a yurt camp and you want to plan a day trip or a multi-day trip. Bear in mind, there will be a language barrier when you talk to the nomads unless you speak good Russian .

It’s important to be able to communicate clearly so you can understand the guide’s safety advice, flag up any problems and talk through requests/concerns etc. There’s a disadvantage of that you never know if/when a horse will be available.

The price for organising a horse trip at a yurt camp starts at $15 for a horse per person per day and $25 for the horseman (they won’t let you go horse riding without a horseman to accompany you).

Buy a horse at the animal market

For the horse’s sake – and your own – only do this if you absolutely know what you are doing. You can buy horses from around USD $1,000 at the animal market in Karakol.

Costs of horse riding in Kyrgyzstan

How much does it cost to go horse riding in Kyrgyzstan?

A general rate averages around 1500 KGS SOM per horse per day. You will not be able to ride without a horseman accompanying you (not on the same horse!) which costs around 2,500 KGS SOM. This fee can be shared if there’s more than one of you.

If it’s a multi-day trek, then tour guides can also factor in yurt camp accommodation along the way.

Yurt camps provide shelter, warmth, and mugs of steaming chai tea. Most of them have coal stoves, which keep the domed homes toasty during the chilly evenings.

Even in summer, the temperatures can drop to minus figures, so the yurt camps are a welcome sight to wandering travelers. It costs around 2,500 KGS SOM per person in a shared yurt with breakfast and dinner included.

How much does it cost to travel in Kyrgyzstan?

What to pack for a horseback riding trip in Kyrgyzstan

• Travel Insurance – Absolutely crucial! I’ve written up a handy guide for budget-friendly backpacking and adventure travel insurance here.

Need Travel Insurance for Central Asia ? I use and highly recommend HeyMondo Travel Insurance . As a reader of Journal of Nomads, you get a 5% discount off your insurance plan!

• High hiking boots: to protect your ankles in the stirrups
• Small backpack: to keep everything you need for the day in. A small bag won’t weigh you down on the horse and won’t interfere with your balance.
• Cycling pants: really recommend these to add comfort to your bum
• Helmet: this is optional if you choose to bring one, people in Kyrgyzstan don’t use them.
• Rain gear: bring a waterproof jacket and trousers. Do not bring a rain poncho as it scares the horses!
• Sunscreen: super important as the altitude makes those sun rays veeerrrrry strong.
• Snacks – obviously.
• Water bottle: keep topping up with bottled water or I highly recommend bringing a reusable bottle with a microfiltration device. It allows you to safely drink tap water and fresh mountain water from rivers and streams without becoming sick. When you drink water using a bottle like this, any dirt, bacteria or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through. I use and highly recommend the Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . Another way to filter water is by using a steripen .

The Complete Packing List for Trekking and Traveling in Kyrgyzstan

Where to go horse riding in Kyrgyzstan: 9 best horseback riding trips

Kyrgyzstan is rich in destinations and has endless possible adventures for horse riding. You can pretty much ride anywhere, which almost makes it more difficult to choose a trip!

The 25 m o s t b e a u t i f u l places to visit in Kyrgyzstan

Luckily for you, I’ve whittled down my favorite treks with all the important stuff you need to know with booking.

These trips include single and multi-day treks (maximum of five days) but longer adventures are possible in some regions. Please contact me if you’re craving any of these horse riding adventures below or even 7-day, 10-day or 15-day treks as I can bring you in touch with experienced English-speaking local guides.

1. Song Kul Lake

Song Kul Lake is one of my absolute favorite spots. Its shores emanate peace, and its sunsets gleam bronze, pink and purple.

Forged in between the Tien Shan mountains and charming pastures, the lake is very remote so at night, stars ignite the skies.

During summer, its meadows burst into life and you can see shepherds cantering across the hills. The destination is really popular with horse riders because it gives you a true taste of Kyrgyzstan through many easy routes.

DAY TRIP on horseback at Song Kul Lake:

A five-hour horse ride from Song Kul Lake shores onto the nearby mountain pass and back along the shores of the lake.

If you’re new to horse riding, this is a calm and incredibly spectacular way to get friendly with the horses while taking in the scenery.

I offer this day trip during my 9-day Kyrgyzstan Overlanding Tour and 14-day Highlights of Kyrgyzstan Tour .

MULTI-DAY HOrse riding TRIPS at Song Kul:

• The horse riding trail from the village of Kyzart to Song Kul is adored by many. As a round trip it takes three or four days.
• Some people also start their horseback trek in Kochkor and ride all the way to the lake and back as part of a 4- or even 6-day adventure.

Want more information about horse riding in Son Kul? I’ve written a handy guide to planning a horse trek to Song Kul with all the important stuff you need to know.

Everything you need to know about horse riding in Song Kul Lake

2. Tash Rabat

Tash Rabat is one of Kyrgyzstan’s rare historical treasures. The ancient Tash Rabat caravanserai is nestled in a luscious valley at an altitude of 3000 meters.

The area’s rolling hills have been carved out by the Tash-Rabat River which is a vital water source for grazing horses, cows, sheep, and yaks. The soothing and grounding energy of this place is why I love coming here.

Over many years, shepherds have forged a network of paths that are friendly for new horse riders.

Day Trip on horseback at Tash Rabat :

An 8-hour round trip (22km) from Tash Rabat to Panda Pass at 4,100m. This route is really something special. The trail is humming with wildlife, yaks and cows graze in the meadows while eagles soar above you.

Horseback is a wonderful way to experience the 1,000-meter climb, which varies from green pastures to pearly gray rock formations.

I offer this day trip as part of the 9-day Kyrgyzstan Overlanding Tour and 14-day Highlights of Kyrgyzstan Tour .

Multi-day HOrse riding trip at Tash Rabat:

A 2-day trip from Tash Rabat to Chatyr Kul Lake .

Chatyr Kul Lake, translated in Kyrgyz as “heavenly lake”, is an alpine wonder which sits between the At Bashy and Torugart-Too mountain ranges. It is the third largest lake in the country, following Issyk-Kul and Son-Kul.

The route meanders through Panda Pass (see above) so you’ll truly get to see a lot in two days. You can wild camp by the waters or stay at one of the few yurt camps on the lake’s shore. To arrange a horse trip from Tash-Rabat to Chatyr Kul, you’ll need to book it with a local company.

Important note: You need a border permit to get to Chatyr Kul. You can apply for it at least two weeks in advance by emailing the CBT (tourist information center) in Naryn . Permits cost between 1,000 and 2,000 KGS and you will need a clear photo of your passport.

You do not need a border permit if you are just going up to Panda Pass and returning back down.

Want more information about Tash Rabat and horse riding there?

H o w t o v i s i t T a s h R a b a t C a r a v a n s e r a i – T h e C o m p l e t e T r a v e l G u i d e .

3. Sary Chelek

Sary Chelek is located in the Jalal-Abad region in the west of Kyrgyzstan, tucked into the Western Tien Shan Mountains at the foot of the Chatkal Mountain Range. This alpine lake is the highlight of a larger area called Sary Chelek Nature Reserve which was declared as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978.

The dense forest with its wild fruit and walnut trees and the valleys surrounding the lakes are a habitat for thousands of plant species, hundreds of birds, and around 40 species of mammals, such as bears and lynx.

Sary Chelek is one of those places that makes you feel grateful and in awe for what Mother Nature has to offer!

Day trip by horse at Sary Chelek:

Day trip around the lakes in the Nature Reserve. Sary Chelek is very remote so if you have a day to spare, explore the nature reserve’s lakes on horseback.

There’s a stunning 20km trail called ‘Seven Lakes Hike’ which is also great for horse riding. The route takes you to six out of the seven alpine lakes in Sary Chelek Nature Reserve. I’ve written everything you need to know about the route and the area here (scroll down for Option 2 ).

Multi-day Horse riding trips at Sary Chelek

• 3-day trek from Sary Chelek to Kara Kamysh Lake .

This route is SO beautiful! You’ll witness spectacular views while riding through flower-cloaked valleys, going up into panoramic mountain passes, and descending by the shores of alpine lakes.

A highlight of this trip is reaching Kotormo Pass at 2,446m. The views of the Sary Chelek Valley and the towering peaks of the Chatkal Mountains are incredible! I offer this trip as part of my 10-day Feel Like a Nomad Kyrgzstan Horse Riding Tour.

• 4-day trek from Kara Kamysh Lake, Sary Chelek Lake to Kyzyl-Köl Village.

This adventure is a brilliant way to get to explore the nature reserve while also reaching the heights of Makmal Pass and Ashuu Pass.

It’s organized by Destination Jalal-Abad’s Tourist Center. Bear in mind you will need to get to the starting point and have arranged travel to get back after!

Want to learn more about Sary Chelek Nature Reserve?

H o w t o v i s i t Sary Chelek Nature Reserve including the best hikes and horse trips

4. Alay Mountains near Osh

The majestic Alay mountains sit in southern Kyrgyzstan. The passes here offer striking views over snow-capped mountain peaks and colorful valleys dotted with crystal-clear alpine lakes. It’s also home to one of the highest mountains in Central Asia – Lenin Peak at 7,134m.

The Alay mountains are super remote, so it’s worth spending a good chunk of time doing a multi-day trek here .

7 Best Hikes in Osh and the Alay Mountains

Multi-day Horse riding trip in the Alay Mountains

Truly Nomadic Land , a 5-day trip from Osh to Murdash village . This 71km adventure has everything taken care of including accommodation in yurt camps and meals included.

It’s a great multi-day trek for beginners to intermediate riders while covering lots of distance and seeing spectacular sights including the Airy Bell (2956m) and Ak Tor (3,500m) mountain passes.

This tour is organised by Visit Alay who can be flexible with the days and times you need. Visit Alay has guided me personally on several of my trekking trips in Kyrgyzstan, and they have a community-based travel agency based in Osh.

For those with a little more riding experience and craving a longer adventure, why not combine this destination with Sary Chelek National Park? I offer a 4-day trip exploring the Alay mountains as part of my 10-day Feel Like a Nomad Horse Riding Adventure.

During this trek, you’ll meander through magnificent peaks and summit Airy Bell Pass and Ak Tor Pass. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to learn and live the Kyrgyz nomadic life.

5. Arslanbob

Arslanbob is a valley in the Jalal-Abad region of western Kyrgyzstan. The valley is located at an altitude of around 1400m and is surrounded by the scenic and sacred Babash Ata mountain range.

Arslanbob is famed for its walnut forest which is estimated to be 50 million years old! It is also home to 130 varieties of other nut and fruit trees… some of which have been around for more than 1000 years.

DAY TRIPS by horse at Arslanbob:

• Horse riding in the Arslanbob walnut forest

As mentioned above, riding in the walnut forest is an absolute must. In the heat of summer, the luscious woodland provides shade and you’ll learn about how the harvest nourishes the village.

This beginner-friendly route allows you to see all the natural attractions in and around Arslanbob Village, including a visit to the walnut forest, the waterfalls and Panorama Hill. Read more info here .

Side note: Coming here in early Autumn would be super cool – Almost all Arslanbob’s residents will camp out in the forest to collect the walnuts for the month. You’re very welcome to join in for an afternoon, a day, or even a week.

• Arslanbob to Holy Rock

This 16km route meanders through the Toguz-Bulak pastures where you’ll see a lot of underground springs and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

You’ll then reach Holy Rock at 3200m which offers a great panoramic view over the Arslanbob and surrounding mountains.

Contact CBT (community-based tourism) in Arslanbob for more information or to arrange the above tours.

Multi-day horse riding trip in Arslanbob

The 3-day loop trip from Arslanbob to Holy Lake is AMAZING and I have so many warm memories of it! In my experience, the route is one of Kyrgyzstan’s best for horse trekking.

You’ll ride across the Chakmak Tash Pass (3262m) and Ontomo Pass (3400m) descend into the Sere Valley (2600m). After camping, you’ll then head into Tash Koro Canyon and reach the beauty of Holy Lake.

Please note: You can only go to Holy Lake on horseback if you’re a relatively experienced horse rider. This horse trek isn’t suitable for beginners as the days of riding are long and quite demanding on the body.

You can book this adventure tour through CBT Arslanbob . The tour costs around 30000 som (which is about €300), including food, a guide, horses, a horseman, and camping gear.

12 Best Things to do in Arslanbo b : w a t e r f a l l s , w a l n u t f o r e s t s a n d o u t d o o r a d v e n t u r e s

6. Kol Ukok Lake

The teal-tinted waters of Kol Ukok are cradled between the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains in the Naryn region.

The lake, which in Kyrgyz means ‘lake in a chest’, is small but it doesn’t yield beauty. In the hotter months, the meadows awake with edelweiss and forget-me-not flowers. The mountain slopes are home to foxes, wolves, marmots, goats and hares while trout dart in the waters.

Nature here takes the center stage and it is relatively untouched by tourism, which makes this an ideal spot for horse riding. Due to its remote location, I’d recommend a few days of exploring here.

MULTI-DAY horse riding TRIP to Kol Ukok

The 2-day adventure to the Ters-Tor jailoo, Kol Ukok and Kol-Tor lake is packed with smaller 2-3 hour trails winding through mountain passes and flowering pastures. This a great route for beginner riders because there is flexibility with hiking and riding.

While staying with shepherds in their yurt camps, you’ll be taught the traditions of making kymyz (fermented mare milk), airan (Kyrgyz yogurt), and kurut (dried salty cheese). Another option is to camp by Kol Ukok shores.

The tour can be arranged by CBT Osh/ Visit Alay .

7. Chon Kemin

The Chon Kemin Nature Reserve sits 150 km east from Bishkek. It boasts roaring rivers, rocky gorges and alpine forests. Its terrain is abundant in possibilities for hiking, horse riding and all sorts of other outdoor sports.

Day trips on horse back in Chon Kemin

There are several trekking possibilities, from easy short walks along the Chong Kemin River to higher passes. It’s possible to camp in the reserve or stay with a family in a yurt camp so a horse trek can be a beautiful way to spruce up your trip.

If you need some advice about where to go and how best to make the most of your adventure, drop me an email !

Multi-day horse riding trips in Chon Kemin

Travel on horse back from Chon Kemin to Issyk Kul Lake . This four-day adventure packs in visiting the Burana Tower , Kol-Tor lake and Tamchy pass at 3,400 meters with your final stop at one of Earth’s largest mountain lakes: Issyk Kul.

This route is really great for those wanting a taste of Silk Road history while riding through some mighty landscapes. The tour is provided by Visit Alay who have guided me personally on several of my trekking trips in Kyrgyzstan.

T o p Things to do at Issyk Kul Lake – a one week travel itinerary

8. Kel Suu Lake

Kel Suu is a mighty jewel in the crown of Kyrgyzstan’s lakes. If you’ve had research online, you’ll be familiar with images of jagged rocks plunging into emerald waters. As secluded goes, it’s pretty up there.

Kel Suu is tucked in between in the Kakshaal Too mountain range in the At-Bashy district of the Naryn region. One thing you need to know is that Kel Suu is elusive (which makes it more impressive when you see it).

The Kel Suu water is held in place by a natural dam that was formed after a landslide in the 1980s. The natural dam is formed of soil and pebbles, so the water trickles through. This means there is a small chance in some years there will be no water there.

This place has such ethereal energy and I often hear comparisons to scenes from Lord of the Rings (sadly I can’t promise Aragorn on a horse though).

Important note: Due to Kel Suu’s location teetering with the border to China, you’ll need a permit. You can apply for a permit at least two weeks in advance by emailing the CBT in Naryn. Permits cost between 1,000 and 2,000 KGS and you will need a clear photo of your passport.

How to get to Kel Suu Lake, a handy travel guide

Day trip on horseback to Kel Suu Lake

Half-day round trip from Kok Kiya valley to Kel Suu Lake. Kok Kiya Valley is worth it for the views alone. It’s nestled below towering 5,000-meter mountains and a river snakes alongside the yurt camps.

This route will take you past snow-cloaked peaks, rushing rivers and jailoo landscapes… which will beckon you in and you won’t want to leave!

Although this is a short trip, the trail passes over some steep faces so I’d recommend that beginners organize a few hours before the trip to get yourself used to being on a horse in mountainous terrain.

It is 1,000 KGS per horse and around 1,200 – 1,500 for a horse guide per group. You can organize it beforehand through a local tour company or on the spot with one of the yurt camps at the Kok Kiya Valley.

Multi-day horse riding trip to Kel Suu Lake

If you’re an intermediate or strong rider, the horseback tour from Naryn to Kel Suu lake is a beautiful route with a variety of terrain.

From Naryn, you’ll cross roaring glacial rivers and summit Bogoshty Pass at 3928 m, before heading to the final gift of Kel Suu. It takes three to five depending on how fast you like to travel on horseback and your capabilities.

Contact me if you’re interested in doing this tour!

9. Yrdyk Lakes

The Yrdyk Lakes are tucked away in Karakol Nature Park, one of the largest national parks in Kyrgyzstan.

Most people travel to this region to hike to Ala Kul Lake or visit the hot springs of Altyn Arashan , but barely anyone visits the 3 Yrdyk Lakes, named Ak kul, Karak kul and Zhashyl Kul. That’s because barely anyone knows that those three lakes are even there while it’s rather easy to get there.

My friend Aydar from Hiking in Kyrgyzstan guided me there on a horse trip last summer. The first lake, Zhashyl Kul, is about 30km from Karakol and lies at an altitude of 3200m, surrounded by high cliffs. The other lakes are smaller, about an hour of riding from Zhashyl Kul.

Day trip on horse back to Zhashyl Kul

The 25,7km day trip to Zhashyl Kul starts near the entrance of Karakol Nature Park. You’ll ride along the Karakol River through the forest and gradually uphill through green pastures from where you see the mountains rising in the background, all the way to the turquoise lake. There’s also a viewpoint along the way with a panoramic view of lake Issyk Kul.

The only people you’ll meet are the few shepherds who spend the summer in a yurt or tent camp.

Multi-day horse trip to the Yrdyk Lakes

A 3-day horse riding trip to the Chelpek Valley and Yrdyk Lakes . The 77-km trip starts at Jeti-Oguz, one of the famous rock formations in Kyrgyzstan, and you’ll ride through the Valley of Flowers, the Chelpek Valley and Yrdyk Valley. You’ll visit the three Yrdyk Lakes and spend the night in tents so you get treated to stunning sunrise and sunset views over the lakes and valleys.

Aydarbek from Hiking in Kyrgyzstan will help you organize both trips mentioned above to the Yrdyk Lakes.

I hope this travel guide gave you lots of useful information and inspiration for your horse riding trip in Kyrgyzstan! If you have any questions or remarks, let me and other readers know in the comments below.

If you need help with organizing one of the above trips or you want a tailor-made horse riding tour in Kyrgyzstan, you’re always welcome to contact me .

More about Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Money Guide: Costs of Living and traveling in Kyrgyzstan in 2024

The best way to get from Tashkent to Osh and from Osh to Tashkent, crossing the Dostyk border (Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan)

Best Tips and complete Packing List for Traveling in Central Asia in 2024 – When to go and what to wear when visiting Central Asia

• 8 beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan

9 places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in spring and autumn, including best hikes

Hiking in Kyrgyzstan: The 21 best Jyrgalan and Karakol Trekking Trails

More kyrgyzstan travel resources.

• The Complete Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan
• The 14 best hikes in Kyrgyzstan
• The 25 most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan
• 15 useful safety tips for Kyrgyzstan
• The complete packing list for Kyrgyzstan
• 28 Things to do in Kyrgyzstan
• 13 Top Things to do in Bishkek – City Guide
• How to visit the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek
• 14 Top Things to do in Osh – City Guide
• 15 Best Things to do in Karakol – City Guide
• The 21 best hikes in Karakol and Jyrgalan
• Tash Rabat Travel Guide
• The complete travel guide to Kel Suu Lake
• The complete travel guide to Arslanbob
• How to visit Sary Chelek Lake and Nature Reserve
• Top things to do around Issyk Kul Lake, a one week itinerary
• Facts and legends of the Burana Tower
• Everything you need to know about horse riding to Song Kul lake
• A comprehensive guide to skiing in Kyrgyzstan
• 6 reasons why you should visit Kyrgyzstan in winter
• Visit Kyrgyzstan in winter by using this 10-day Kyrgyzstan winter itinerary
• Here are the 7 best hikes in the Alay Mountains near Osh
• Use this day-by-day itinerary to hike independently to Ala Kul lake
• Hike independently to Son Kul lake by using these 2 itineraries
• 8 great day trips and hikes near Bishkek
• Ready steady goat! An insight into Kok Boru, Kyrgyzstan’s unusual national sport
• Meet the Golden Eagle Hunters of Kyrgyzstan

2 thoughts on “Kyrgyzstan Horseback riding: Everything you need to know about horse riding in Kyrgyzstan+ the 9 best horse Riding destinations”

Cynthina, Thanks for your thorough breakdown of the different trips this beautiful land has to offer. I’m an inexperienced rider but am eager to learn and will probably try to ride at least once before I leave for Kyrgyzstan. That being said my plan is to get there in late September and into October. Zhashyl Kul or Kok Kiya Valley to Kel Suu LakeI are on the list and I’m worried that with the change in season, it will be too cold and wet making it impossible to go horseback riding. What are your thoughts?

Hi Eliza, Zhashyl Kul will be the best place to go by the end of September. Sent you an email 🙂

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• Expeditions

Horseback Tour to Song-Kul lake with 3 day horse trek

• Enjoy the views of the Tien Shan glaciers and alpine meadows
• Visit small mountain villages and shepherd's yurts to plunge into the life of nomads
• Permanently enjoy indescribable beautiful scenery and unite with pristine nature
• Live a true nomadic life - horseback and donkey riding, wild honey, lamb, fresh trout, nights in yurtas with shepherds and an endless sky with millions of stars above
• Wildlife: Mountain goats, Marmots, Birds, Predator birds, Rodents, Yaks, Hare, Reptiles

Explore our travel itinerary

• Deposit: 30% of total price
• Deposit deadline: 5 days after booking
• Payment method: Cash or Bank transfer
• Final payment: 20 days Before trip start
• Transfers from/to airport
• All transfers according to the itinerary (comfortable mini bus)
• Accommodation throughout the trip, including hotels, guesthouses and yurts (based on double/twin room sharing, four people in a yurt)
• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinners)
• Mineral bottled waters (1L per day)
• All activity fees according to the itinerary
• All entrances fees and permits according to the itinerary
• English speaking tour leader accompanying the group for the whole program (or any language upon request)
• Horse rental for horse trek, including helmets (better to bring yours)
• Horseman for the group
• Flight to Bishkek and from Bishkek back home (Let us know if you need help finding the best deals)
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Visa (if needed)
• Tips for guides, drivers and porters
• All additional deviations from the program
• Hotel charges for additional services
• Personal expenses, e.g. souvenirs
• Alcoholic beverages
• 3G mobile internet (prepaid local sim card with unlimited internet) - $20 for 14 days
• Rent of extra personal equipment, if needed (full kit: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, etc.) - $50 for the entire expedition
• Upgrade individual transport to Premium Class SUV 4WD cars (Toyota LC/Prado, Lexus GX/LX or similar) - price on request
• Upgraded hotels in cities (4-5 star hotels) - price on request

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What is important to know about our adventure.

• Travel insurance is required for this tour. You are free to choose any insurance company of your choice. We recommend for example using World Nomads .
• Departure for this tour is guaranteed
• During your travel time, please respect local culture, customs, traditions, and religion.
• Try to buy local products and make a benefit for the local economy.
• Always give fair prices for lodging, food and other services.
• Take off your shoes, when entering home or yurt stay.
• Smoking is prohibited at home.
• Please share your ideas on food and accommodation preferences.
• Ask people for photographing them.
• Be friendly and try to get in contact.
• Be careful during the evening and night time and aware of mass meetings.
• Be careful with your documents, money and valuable items.
• Be aware of pickpockets and strangers at bazaars and streets.
• If someone asking for documents, wallets or cameras, saying that they are from the police, ask them to go police together.
• Never give your belongings to strangers.
• Wear good hiking shoes for outdoor activities.
• Bring warm waterproof clothes even in summer.
• Have your torch sunscreen and repellent.
• Do not drink very cold water from unknown sources.
• Drinking alcohol at high altitudes is unsafe.
• If the food fat or not acceptable for you can taste a bit and say thanks.
• Do not drink cold water after eating out, better hot tea or c It helps in high altitude digestions cases.
• Wear warm clothes in the mountains, usually after eating out.
• Bring your medicines and first aid kit.
• If you feel unsafe or have issues to discuss, please share with your staff, host or tour manager.
• Collect your litter. Pack up all non-biodegradable rubbish.
• Please don't drop cigarette butts or litter.
• High altitude vegetation is very fragile. Save the environment.
• Use toilets in nature wherever available. Where are none, stay at least 40-50 m from streams and water sources and bury all waste and paper.
• Leaving footprints, take just your photographs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• The program may change due to weather conditions. We all look forward to good weather. But anything can happen, for reasons beyond our control.
• All final decisions on the program are made by the team's main guide.

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Song Kul Lake Horse Trek

After trekking Ala Kul Lake, I decided to head to Song Kul Lake. Situated at an altitude of 3,016m, Song Kul Lake is the largest freshwater alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan. The good and bad thing about Song Kul is that you can drive up there.

Being a freshwater water, Song Kul freezes much more easily than the salty lakes like Issyk Kul. Being less accessible than Issyk Kul, it is also less commercialised. You won’t find hotels and shopping centres here. Accommodation is all in yurts and toilets are the traditional holes in the ground. People who still choose to come here are those who with hearts big enough to accommodate Mother Nature. People in this club often get blown away by the awesome scenery of Song Kul. It is regarded as one of the most scenic spots in Kyrgyzstan. There are several ways to get to Song Kul Lake and you can find them in any guide book. I planned to go up there from the nearest town, not on wheels but on four legs.

The horse is an integral part of Kyrgyz culture and tradition. Kyrgyz people rear them, ride them and even eat them. Beshbamak, a soupy noodle dish often made with horsemeat, happens to be Kyrgyzstan’s national dish. Kumis is an alcoholic drink made from fermented mare’s milk. How can a trip to Kyrgyzstan be complete without a horse trek? I decided to go on a horse trek to Song Kul Lake from Kochkor. I did ask Prof Chung if he would like to join me, but he confessed that he had never ridden a horse before and wasn’t keen on riding such a long distance on his first attempt. I went alone.

When I first shared the videos of my horse trek on social media, many friends and even my parents were surprised that I can ride. In Singapore, riding is a very expensive hobby. Surely, I couldn’t afford it. So where did I learn to ride? The short answer – from the School of Soft Landings. My first experience riding a horse was in Indonesia. First, was the beach at Parangtritis. Then the sand sea of Mt Bromo. I rode independently, took a couple of falls on the soft sand and was soon able to gallop confidently. I rode several times in China by informally renting horses for the day from Tibetan horsemen. I had a lot of fun galloping on the grasslands, so a horse trek, though a novelty, was not entirely unfamiliar to me.

From Karakol, there is no direct transport to Kochkor. From Karakol’s avtovazal or bus station, I had to get to the sleepy fishing village of Balykchy first. As you can see, it’s not a short trip, going back in the direction of Bishkek, along the northern shore of Issyk Kul. From Balykchy, I was lucky to be able to get the last seat on a shared taxi to Kochkor.

It was an uncomfortable 1-hour ride, squeezed on the backseat of a car on a winding road. Presently, we arrived at Kochkor. Hot and dusty, with crudely constructed buildings, it resembled a nondescript town in Nepal. Not being able to book any accommodation with apps, I asked around but got no answers. I didn’t have a good experience with the local CBT (community based tourism) office at Karakol, but left with no choice, carrying my large backpack in the 30 degree heat, I decided to head for the CBT office off the main road, just opposite the bus station.

I was served by an unusually small woman by the name of Nora. She was very friendly was enthusiastic. In perfect English, she described the 2-day horse trek to Song Kul that would suit me. We discussed a few optional extensions, but given my limited time, I decided not extend the trip.

Nora found me a guesthouse that was still under renovation. It’s rather shabby, but for about USD 8, there’s really nothing to complain about. What’s more, Nora gave me the keys to the whole place. Again, I felt flattered by her trust as I had felt with Prof Chung who decided to join me on my trek after just a brief conversation on the bus to Karakol. I could have thrown a party at the guesthouse, but unfortunately, I didn’t know anyone in Kochkor.

The next morning, I went down to Nora’s office and found a very big young man sitting there. He reminded me of my son and was introduced to me as my horse trekking guide. His name was Beck. I collected my riding helmet from the office, bade Nora farewell and got into a car with Beck. An hour later, we arrived at a vast rolling field where Beck held a brief discussion with a horseman and then began to saddle up two horses.

“This will be your transport for the next two days.” he said in jest.

The animals were beautiful, with the metallic sheen of Central Asian breeds and the thick mane of Mongolian horses. Over many generations, the Kyrgyz horse has been bred for endurance and agility at high altitudes. I mounted my horse, but the animal refused to move at first. Beck asked me to whip him. I was reluctant to do so, but when I did, the animal obligingly followed Beck. We were soon on our way. Every time my horse slowed down to a crawl, I would show him the whip and he would get the message and obediently get moving. I was relieved as I really didn’t want to whip him. Soon, we were on a dirt track, slowly climbing till we reached a pass with an amazing panoramic view of the velvety, rolling grassland below. From here, the grazing horses and cattle looked like tiny dots. The yurts were the only sign of human habitation. After a brief stop for photos, we descended from the pass to continue our ride to the night stop.

Without a tree in sight, this part of Kyrgyzstan seemed quite a world apart from the forests and snow capped peaks of the Celestial Mountains around Karakol. Despite the full sunlight sweeping across this ocean of grass, it wasn’t hot. In fact, it was quite chilly when the wind blew. When we were back on the grassland where a crystal clear stream meandered, we dismounted to let the horses rest. Far from the road, the fields here were bursting with wild flowers of every colour. There were a few bushes here and there, but without the screening effect of the trees, it’s easy to imagine how strong the winds can get.

My guide Beck spoke excellent English. I was surprised to learn that he was only 19 years old. Unlike the majority of the “conservatives” here, Beck comes from a politically enlightened family that does not see a future in Russia. He and his cousins have enrolled in schools in Bishkek. They are focused on learning English, hoping eventually to find a job in Dubai and the US. Horse trekking was Beck’s summer job and he would be graduating as a software engineer in a couple of years. Meanwhile, he has already secured an internship with an MNC. Like many young people in Singapore, he is concerned about rising property prices and stagnant wages and their impact on his future.

From our rest point, we rode on and finally came to a jailoo with grazing cows on a vast carpet of grass studded with yurts. This temporary settlement was run by an elderly lady, two young ladies and a 12-year-old boy. While this jailoo was obviously catering to tourists, it has decidedly not given up its traditional nomadic, self-sufficient lifestyle as we shall see. Lunch was served in one of the yurts, furnished like a dining room.

Sweets, candy and fried pieces of dough called boorsok are laid out uncovered for diners to nibble on before the main course was served. There were also cups of jam and cream to dip the chunks of bread in. The cream was my favourite, but the bread was cold and stale. Still, with a proper kitchen, the food here was a lot more inspiring than what I had on the Ala Kul Trek .

The beds were to be found in another yurt. I went inside to do comfort test after lunch. Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the yurt. I heard shouts from Beck and loud neighing. Beck then mounted my horse and tried to “tame” it for me. There was no TV, no mobile signal. We spent the afternoon just horsing around, enjoying the freedom of the steppes. I found this landscape extremely therapeutic for the squeezed and oppressed. How much more space does one need? How do such lands inspire conquerors?

Presently, a group of three foreigners, two French and one Briton rode into the jailoo. Without going through a CBT, they had negotiated directly with a random horseman on the steppes and rode here with him. They had saved money bypassing the agency and guide, but they also tried to get a “free ride” by getting information from Beck, all the while ignoring me. In return, they offered to add Beck into some Facebook group where he could mingle with folks like them. Folks like them? No thanks. They probably weren’t thinking of supporting the industry with what it needs most.

Dinner was served. The French woman couldn’t stop talking, to Beck, to her companions, completely ignoring me as if she didn’t know that Beck was a commercial guide and I was the one who hired him. Evening time was also milking time. It wasn’t my first time watching someone milk cows manually, but it was still fascinating to watch the old lady do it. She collected two plastic buckets of milk. The cream, the cheese and the mare’s milk fermenting somewhere, came straight from the animals being herded here. Nothing was for show like in China. As the sun set, it became decidedly chilly and there was nothing else to do.

There was total darkness in the yurt. Sleep was reasonably good. The next morning, the jailoo was already ablaze with sunshine at 5.00am. The ladies were busy preparing breakfast while Beck and the boy were busy preparing the horses. After a quick breakfast, we mounted our horses and continued the trek. There was another pass to clear. This time, the trail was not so deserted. We ran into another group of tourists, a family with children on horses.

They had spent the night at another jailoo but we converged at the second pass on the trek. They were all excited when we came to the top of the pass. It was cold, breezy and beautiful. This pass was a little higher than what we encountered the day before. Looking back, the distant landscape resembled a brain coral. When we descended into the steppes on the other side, the altitude was still above 3,000m. It was cloudy but the silvery white Song Kul Lake was visible in the distance.

By midday, we had arrived at another jailoo. It was another vast open space where the kids could play football with herds of sheep grazing in the distance. It took quite a while before lunch was served but once we were done, Beck rushed off to our night stop, trotting and galloping until we finally reached the shore of the lake. It was a windy day and the gusts sent waves crashing on the beach lined with gravel instead of sand. Riding along the edge of the choppy waters, we came to a group of picnicking locals. Like our East Coast Park, the place was thronged with weekenders.

Beck dismounted and greeted one of the groups. It was only then that he revealed to me that his elder brother was celebrating his birthday party by Song Kul Lake. After a brief exchange with the folks, he brought me to our night stop, galloping all the way. After checking in to our yurt, he told me that he would be back for dinner after the party. Off he went with my horse. I unpacked my stuff in the yurt and walked out to take some pictures. Song Kul Lake presented the unusual scene of people sitting by the sunny beach, wearing their warm clothing. It was bright and sunny but only slightly warmer than Ala Kul Lake.

Song Kul Lake is indeed picturesque. In a virtually endless sea of grass was a massive body of water and majestic mountains in the background. As I walked along the shore of the lake, a youngster approached me. He was Beck’s cousin Erbek. He somehow recognised me and invited me to join Beck’s brother, Mr Azamin’s birthday party. Beck had gone out with the car to buy some things. So I sat with a group of total strangers who offered me food and drinks. They were all very hospitable. Like Beck, his cousins were fluent in English and saw their future in the West instead of the East. I tried the familiar BBQ chicken wings and vodka. As a sign of courtesy, I didn’t refuse the unfamiliar kumis either. My impression of fermented mare’s milk? It tasted like a mixture of beer and yoghurt.

After a long wait, Beck returned from his errand. As all guests were required to bring a gift, the birthday boy requested for a birthday song from me. I gladly obliged. We sang together and Mr Azamin led in a prayer to close the party.

We returned to the camp and waited for dinner. The dining yurt here was considerably more opulent than the one I dined in the night before. At least there were chairs to sit on. But on the table, were the same beautifully displayed but uncovered candy, bread and snacks. I tried not to snack and waited for dinner. At least that was freshly prepared.

There was a group here that refused to leave even after most of the local visitors had left that evening. Summer sunsets are always lingering and Song Kul Lake seemed reluctant to end the day. The group here had several bottles of vodka left on the dining table and one might wonder if they still wanted them. Anyway, they asked if I could sleep in a smaller yurt since they had more people. I agreed to move. Probably I should have asked for the vodka in return for the favour.

The next morning, Beck had the rather unenviable task of returning the horses. He had to ride over 50km, retracing our steps over the last two days to where he got the horses. For me, I had the whole morning to myself and I just had to wait for the jeep to arrive and send me back to Kochkor.

There was no wind that morning. The lake was calm and the water was clear. The crowds from the previous day had also dispersed – along with their vodka. The yurts were emptied ahead of another summer’s week. I strolled pensively along the shore, only interrupted once by a Russian woman who politely asked to see the photos on my camera attached to a telephoto lens. I had plenty of time to kill.

Back in the yurt, the lady in charge of the jailoo tried to strike up a conversation with me. Her English was nowhere near Beck’s, but I understood that she was trained as a nurse and wished she could work in a hospital in Dubai some day. At the moment, her children were having their summer holidays. By September, Song Kul would be abandoned as snow block the roads. Her kids would be back in school and she would be looking after the animals on the lower, warmer pastures in the lowland village.

By noon, the jeep arrived and took me back to Kochkor. Nora asked me for a brief appraisal and after giving my feedback, she invited me to stay another night at Kochkor. I declined after hastily booking a hotel with my app, I boarded a marshrutka minibus to Bishkek.

Return to Kyrgyzstan contents page

3 DAYS HORSE RIDING TRIP TO SONG-KUL LAKE

• Horseback Tours
• Trekking Tours

Important!!!

Most of the travelers ride a horse first time, so if you are not an experienced rider there isn’t reason to worry. Our horses are calm and easy to manage. Moreover, we have an equipments for safe horse riding.

Our office is located in Kochkor town and mostly travelers come to Kochkor by themselves. You can take a shared taxi or you can come by marshrutka (minibus) from bus station.

WEAR- Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen.

Kochkor - Kileche pasture

Car time 1 and half hours Horse riding time 4-5 hours

Kileche pasture - Tuz Ashuu

Horse riding time 5-6 hours

Tuz Ashuu yurt camp - Kochkor

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Song Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan: the ultimate travel guide

This post is about Song Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. Before I went to Kyrgyzstan every tour agency I emailed told me it was not possible to get to Song kul lake in may. It would still be too cold and the season only starts in june. It was with much regret that I had to let go of my plan to visit Song kul lake.

Why visit Song kul lake?

Song kul lake is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes to visit in Kyrgyzstan. Almost every guide book describes Song kul lake as a tourist highlight and a must visit on any Kyrgyzstan itinerary . Its the perfect Kyrgyz picture of mountains, yurts and horses and the perfect place to experience the life and culture of the Kyrgyz nomads.

Song kul lake is rather difficult to access which protects it from being overrun by tourists. The alpine lake lies in a remote valley above 3000 meters and is surrounded by high mountain pastures. The fertile marshlands make it a favourite destination for the nomadic Kyrgyz herdsmen to let their livestock graze in the green meadows.

The yurts that stand on the shores of Song kul lake are not only for the Kyrgyz nomads though. Although it is still an off the beaten path destination when backpacking Kyrgyzstan , tourism is increasing every year. The Kyrgyz nomads are happy to welcome visitors and most of the yurt camps are now solely set up for this purpose.

Because of the high altitude the tourist season is a short one. Winters are harsh and long and it can snow any time of the year, even in summer. Therefore most yurt camps will not open their tents before June.

My experience in Song kul lake

It was not easy to let go of my plan to visit Song kul lake and I probably never really did. Once in Kyrgyzstan, I couldn’t stop thinking about going there. Was it really impossible?

It was the last week of may and a few days before I had to cross the border to Almaty in Kazakhstan . Even though I already emailed the cbt in both Kochkor and Naryn I wrote to them again.

Kochkor did not respond, but Naryn did. The road had just opened and even though their yurt camp was still setting up camp they could arrange a trip for a reasonable price.

From kochkor to Song kul lake

I met my driver in Kochkor and we left for the incredibly scenic drive from Kochkor to Song kul lake. In Kyrgyzstan you keep thinking the scenery can’t get more beautiful, but even after a month, the country keeps amazing me. Beautiful mountain valleys, small villages and green meadows where horses are grazing passed me by as I looked out of the window.

There was still snow on the mountain pass where we stopped for a little break to enjoy the views. The road was clear, but the lonely toilet shed was completely snowed in. From the top of the pass I could already see Song kul lake in the distance. The journey had been just as spectacular as the lake.

Staying with the nomads

I arrived early afternoon when the people at the CBT yurt camp were still busy. Everywhere there were bundles of wood and felt. One of them was to become my yurt for the night. So far, only the restaurant yurt was finished and I was invited inside for a cup of tea.

The rest of the afternoon I spend hiking around the lake and watching my yurt camp in action. I was impressed to see the speed and efficiency with which the yurts were build. Once the sun was going down most of them were set up.

The sunset was incredible by the way. Everything I read about Song kul lake was true. It is indeed one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan. The nomadic family that was running the yurt camp made a delicious late dinner and served me lots of tea to keep warm.

It was a cold night. When it was time to go to bed the son of the family first lighted up the stove in my yurt. It was quite cozy inside with the fire burning and the colourful felt carpets. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep.

When I woke up the next morning the fire had long stopped and it was difficult to leave the comfort of my warm blankets. The outdoor toilet was a simple wooden shed far removed from the actual yurts. The grass was still frozen and so was the water in the toilet.

Back at my yurt a warm cup of tea was already waiting for me. With the rising sun the lake looked different from yesterday evening. Different colours were reflected in the water. After breakfast I took another walk along the lakeshore before heading back to Naryn and Bishkek .

The legends of Song Kul Lake

Song Kul Lake is not only a tourist highlight, but also an extremely important place for the Kyrgyz people. For a long time the lake has been a meeting place for the different tribes in the area and around the shoreline you will find ancient burial mounds and stone monuments. Kyrgyz people believe the lake is sacred and many come to pray.

Many legends about the lake exist among the Kyrgyz nomads. One story tells about a powerful king. His harem consisted of the most beautiful girls in the Tien Shan mountains, but they suffered a lot under his cruelty. Their suffering crushed the mountains and flooded the valley where the kings palace stood. This became song kul lake whose stunning scenery still reflects the beauty of the king’s wives.

Things to do in Song Kul Lake

Song kul lake is surrounded by the Tien Shan mountains and high altitude summer pastures. It’s a spectacular location, but there is not a lot to do except for enjoying the scenery and getting to know the Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle and culture in the so called jailoo’s.

Horse back riding

Every yurt camp at Song kul lake can organise horse back riding trips around the lake and up into the mountains. It’s a great way to explore the area. If I wasn’t afraid of horses I would have done it for sure, because this is definitely one of the best places in Kyrgyzstan for horse back riding.

Hiking up the mountains

Without horses the best thing to do at Song kul lake is wandering around. Basically anywhere you go its beautiful. Just go a bit higher in the mountains for spectacular panorama views over the lake.

Watching the sunset

The sunsets at Song kul lake are incredible and definetly worth the somewhat cold experience. Once the sun is gone, temperatures go down quickly. Dress warmly and bring a torch and then enjoy the colours in the sky change.

Watching the stars

At night it is also worth getting out of your yurt to see the stars. There is almost zero light pollution at Song kul lake and being at a high altitude makes the stars even more bright. On a clear night it is almost as if you can touch them and you can easily see the milky way.

Watching wildlife

Truth must be told that you must be very lucky to spot any wildlife at Song kul lake as most species are highly endangered. Deer, bears, wolves, lynx and snow leopards have become extremely rare, because of illegal hunting. Therefore parts of the area are now protected and the Karatal Japyryk Nature Reserve was established.

The animals you are most likely to see are horses, sheep, goats, cows, yak and the occasional wild marmot. Song kul lake is also still a great destination for birdwatching. It is an official ramsar site , because of its importance as a stop over point for a variety of migrating birds such as black stocks and mountain geese. There are over 70 species of birds.

Song kul lake Travel tips

Where to sleep in song kul lake.

Camping : If you have your own tent there is nobody stopping you from camping at the shores of Song kul lake. It will probably be one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan to do so. However, bring enough warm clothes, food and water with you. Even in summer it gets very cold at night.

Yurt camps : In summer there are a number of yurt camps welcoming tourists. Sleeping in a yurt is one of the best ways to experience Kyrgyz nomadic life. It is the only option if you don’t have your own tent.

Each travel agency has their own yurt camps that they work with. Most of them will accomodate independent travellers as well. The yurts charge around 10 USD per night including breakfast and dinner.

Facilities at the yurt camps are basic. The yurts will either have beds or matresses on the floor with blankets. The toilet is outdoors and probably nothing more than a hole in the ground.

Where to eat in Song kul lake

There are no restaurants and you will eat at your yurt camp. There is plenty of tea. For dinner and breakfast you can expect basic Kyrgyz cuisine like plov, laghman or dimlama. It’s possible to request a packed lunch if you like to go on a day long horse back riding or hiking trip. However, it is a good idea to bring some snacks and enough water with you.

If you are vegetarian I would make sure to tell your hosts or travel agency beforehand so they can take this into account when preparing food for you.

When to visit Song kul lake

Above 3000 meters winters are harsh and long and the road from Kochkor or Naryn to Son kol lake is closed, most of the year, because of snow.

Therefore the tourist season is short and runs from June till September. Yurt camps open up their doors in the last week of may and close in mid october.

That said, Song kul lake can be visited on the back of a horse throughout the year, even in winter when the lake is frozen and covered in snow. You can read this excellent post about going on a horse trek in winter .

Going off season does mean you need to prepare well and go through a travel agency. Only a handful of yurts are open and it will be very cold so it will be dangerous if you don’t have good horses and the proper equipment.

Hiking or cycling independently to Song kul lake is only possible in summer.

How to get to Song Kul lake

There is no public transport to Song kol lake and the difficulty in getting there is part of the fun. Basically there are three options. The most popular way to travel to Song kol lake is on the back of a horse and this is possible all year long. The other option is by road and requires your own mode of transport. In summer you can also hike or cycle independently to the lake.

Horse back riding trips : Horse treks are one of the most popular ways to reach Song kol lake. They can take between 1 to 3 days and even longer if you like.

The advantage of horse treks is that they are available any time. The disadvantage is that you need to go through a travel agency and that this is certainly not the cheapest option. Reliable agencies are CBT kochkor , CBT Naryn and Kyrgyz Nomad .

For more information I can recommend this post from Journal of Nomads about horse treks to song kol lake .

Hiking independently : In summer you can also hike independently to Song kol lake. It takes about 3 days and you can start in Kochkor or Kyzart. From June till September you can stay in yurt camps along the way and if you are an experienced hiker you don’t necessarily need a guide.

In the off season, there will be no yurt camps so be prepared to bring everything you need (tent, sleeping bags, food, water). It can get really cold as well and there might be snow. Regarding safety it is better to go with a guide if you travel outside of the summer tourist season.

How to get to Song Kul lake by car

From Bishkek : When travelling from Bishkek or Karakol to Song kul lake you can take a combination of public transport and your own transport. The first part is to get to Kochkor. From Bishkek or Karakol to Kochkor there are frequent minivans or shared taxi’s. The journey takes about 3 hours.

From Kochkor : In Kochkor you need to arrange your own transport to the lake. I arranged a car with driver through CBT Naryn. There is a CBT in Kochkor as well, but they were slow in responding and when they did they turned out more expensive as well.

You pay per car and it is therefore best if you can find a group of people and share the costs. The journey takes about 3 hours.

You can also rent a car. Whether you need a 4 by 4 depends on the weather. If there is no rain there is no need for it, but if there is heavy rain the last part of the road becomes pretty bad.

From Naryn: Most people start their journey in Kochkor, because Kochkor is closest to Bishkek. However, it is also possible to get to Song kol lake from Naryn. CBT Naryn can arrange transportation. The journey is very scenic and takes around 3 hours.

Song kul lake packing list

Warm clothes : it can get very cold in song kul lake, even in summer

Snacks and water : there are no shops in song kul lake and although you are fed well at the yurt camps it is a good idea to bring some snacks and enough water with you. Consider bringing a water filter so you can refill your own bottle.

Toilet paper : toilet facilities are very basic. Bring some toilet paper and wet wipes.

Sunscreen : remember that at higher altitudes the sun is more strong and you get sunburn more easily.

Money : There is no ATM at the lake, so bring enough money in Kyrgyz som to pay for your yurt stay.

Sustainable Travel in Song Kul Lake

Song Kul Lake is a remote area with a fragile ecosystem. It is better to try Kyrgyz cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. For example, pollution is a growing problem. Traveling sustainably to Song Kul Lake is essential to minimize your environmental impact.

Leave no trace principle : Song Kul Lake is famous for its pristine natural beauty, and it’s crucial to keep it that way. To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter that you can refill at your accomodation. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

When exploring the area around Song Kul Lake, stick to designated trails when they are there, avoid disturbing wildlife or picking plants, and leave no trace of your presence. Ensure you take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. Even better, is when you bring something to pick up any of the trash that other people left behind.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to be sensitive of the community’s way of life. Kyrgyzstan is an Islamic country with a nomadic culture that is just opening up to tourism. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly. Learning a few basic phrases in Kyrgyz or Russian, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This post with a travel guide about Song kul lake in Kyrgyzstan contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

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Blasted beasts: horse trekking to Song Kul lake

Three frustrating beasts, one massive lake, and a lot of gorgeous steppe: our tale (tail?) of a Kyrgyz horse trek. Head to the end of the post for information on how to independently arrange a horse trek to Song Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan.

“A cat can make you look clumsy, and a dog can make you look stupid, but only a horse can make you look both at the same time.”

Gregory David Roberts

After five minutes on this horse, I know this will be awful.

Dark (like his soul) and bristly (like his personality), he knows I am but a tourist in Kyrgyzstan, and thus decided there is no need to listen to any of my commands.

Or move, for that matter.

I, however, have other plans. Over the next few days, Sebastiaan and I are to ride through the mountainous steppe to Song Kul , Kyrgyzstan’s largest freshwater lake. Sitting at over 3,000 meters high, and stretching for 29 kilometers, the remote lake is a summer home to many a nomadic family who come to graze their flocks on the lake’s grassy shores. It’s one of the  things to do in Kyrgyzstan .

The plan is to ride from the village of Kyzart, through the 2,664 meter high Kyzart pass, to one of the family-run yurt camps on the lake’s shores.

Kyzart, Kyrgyzstan, the starting point of our sluggish venture.

All I need to do now is make the horse move… easier said than done.

Nudging it with my heels proves futile, so I give it a firm series of kicks, to no avail. A thrust of the hips, a technique recalled from bygone years of riding, causes him to snort with irritation and step backwards.

Time to try vocals: “Chuu! Chuu!” The common cry of Kyrgyz horsemen gets me a salty stare from the corner of the horse’s eye. When paired with a slap on the bum, his ears turn back and down—a sign that I’m sitting on one pissy pony.

Should I ask for a whip?  All Kyrgyz horsemen carry one, and they certainly aren’t afraid to use them. The moment of consideration passes quickly—whipping is brutal, and at home I was taught a good rider never needs to use a whip. I will find my own way to master this blasted beast.

After minutes trying various combinations of shouting and thrusting, our Kyrgyz guide rides up behind my horse and gives it a massive smack with his whip. With a start, we’re trotting. I give the horse another nudge with my heels to increase the pace, and he stubbornly slows to a walk.

Sigh. At least we’re moving.

For six hours, we ride through golden, rolling hills, zig-zag through stony outcrops in Kyzart pass, and cross over peaks overlooking the vast waters of Song Kul.

Nomads, conquerors, and Silk Road merchants alike have traversed these hills in past millennia, and it’s easy to believe that nothing has changed since. There are no paved roads, no power lines. Only blue sky, grazing animals, and the occasional yurt.

Traffic jam!

… not that I care. My horse hasn’t moved faster than a walk since the initial burst of trotting, and often refuses to move at all. I’ve spent the last hours staring at the speck-sized backs of Sebastiaan and our guide from a kilometer away.

All I want to do is ride this god-forsaken horse to the glue factory.

The sun begins to set as we (finally) reach the yurt camp, and it is time to part ways with our horses. I give mine the obligatory pat on the neck, thanking him for his [lack of] service. Being a crafty horse, he detects my lack of sincerity and walks off in reply. Bastard.

Heading to Kyrgyzstan? Make sure to check out our backpacking in Kyrgyzstan budget report!

Home sweet yurt camp, home sweet place-to-sit-that-is-not-on-the-@#!$ing-horse.

On the bright side: bright nights!

The next morning begins in much the same way–going nowhere.

A local man clambers onto the saddle behind me, attempting to show me the proper Kyrgyz way to ride. The horse is grouchy about the extra weight, but his stubbornness is eventually worn away by the extra 80 kilos of loudly roaring, hard kicking, whip-cracking Kyrgyz man. I sit in front of the man like a demure bride riding away on her wedding night, completely useless as he magically manages to make the horse gallop around the camp.

The horse begins to heave from shuttling around two people at once, so the man clambers off, taking his whip with him. He tells me to try again, but the horse is no fool–I am light, soft-voiced, and most importantly, whipless. Despite my throaty attempts at a Kyrgyz manvoice, we go nowhere, and I must resort to being herded through the steppe by our guide.

Me: Let’s go? Horse: Bitch please.

We lope along the lake and ride through the jailoos , alpine pastures. Our journey is punctuated by stops at yurts to curdle our bellies with kyzmyz , fermented horse milk, the Kyrgyz nomad’s drink of choice.

Alcoholic sour milk and bumpy riding make for a great combination, by the way. /sarcasm

As the horse plods on, I while away the hours explaining to him the different ways I will to cook him when the trek is over, down to the spices I would use on his roasted flanks (cumin, coriander and some dried chilies).

In the afternoon, everything changes. In a moment of desperate creativity, I remove the lead rope from Sebastiaan’s horse and tie it to my horse’s bridle. A meter of rope hangs from my hand, dangling against the horse’s side, not unlike the whips that the men use on their horses.

It feels like that moment when Harry Potter finally finds his first wand. Magic is about to go down.

The horse’s ears are suddenly attentive and alert. Gone is his give-no-fucks attitude–he is watching, waiting to see what I do next. With a few circular swings and a tap of the rope on his withers, we are, to my amazement, trotting.

For the first time in this trek, riding is actually fun . When I want to walk, the horse walks. When it’s time to trot, with a twirl of the rope, he starts to move. I’m finally riding neck and neck with my companions, rather than trailing a kilometer behind.

An exciting moment: seeing a part of the horse that is NOT its bum.

We crest a hill and come onto a flat, grassy plateau. It’s all too perfect: the sun is just breaking through the clouds, and the grass is catching the sun’s rays just so. There are no people, no animals, no rocks or trees or streams blocking our path. It’s just us, the horses, and the wide open world.

What more could you need?

I bring the horse to a speedy trot. Rope in hand, I flick it back and forth over his sides, and attempt my best Kyrgyz mancry. “ Chuu! Chuu damn you!”

And we gallop.

Hooves thunder beneath me, and rushing winds whip my hair around my face. I stand in my stirrups, laughing in exhilaration and relief, while the horse stretches his neck out to gallop faster. For once, we’re working together, not fighting. For once, we’re both enjoying ourselves. We gallop across the plain, racing forward until we’re finally forced to stop and catch our breaths. This is what I imagined when I pictured horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan.

As the day winds down, we alternate between walking and galloping back to camp. With each interlude between gallops, my mind muses.

Kyrgyzstan is a land of nomads, a land of horsemen. People have been taming and riding horses here for at least 2,000 years, and it is said that Kyrgyz people can ride before they can walk.

I, on the other hand, have only ridden horses extensively in America, usually within the confines of a ring, according to strict Western riding etiquette. Refusing to use a whip was applying Western expectations to a Kyrgyz horse. Who was I to think that was the “right” way, that my way was better than methods deeply ingrained in Kyrgyz culture for thousands of years?

It’s something that we Western travelers do much more often than we realize. Countries are viewed through our Western lens, and we judge people’s lives and cultures based on our standards, rather than their own. We like to tell others how they should want to dress, the way women should act, the way families should be raised. We think of ourselves as saviors, forgetting that the people we’re scrutinizing have survived this long on their own. I can cite my English riding history all I want—that doesn’t mean it works the same out here in the wild Kyrgyz steppe.

Upon our return, before releasing the horse to graze, I rub him on the neck.

“Just so you know, I kind of like you. And I promise I won’t cook you in a stew.”

For once, he doesn’t snort back at me. He sighs contentedly, enjoying the attention for a moment before moving on to graze in the evening light.

Song Kul is calling!

Want to independently arrange a horse trek to Song Kul lake?

It’s quite easy to independently arrange your own horse trek to Song Kul, sans expensive tour company.

Head to either Kochkor or Kyzart, Kyrgyzstan. Marshrutkas from Bishkek to Chaek pass by Kyzart—just tell the driver where you’re going so he knows where to drop you off. The drop-off point is at a gate about half a kilometer from the town. Walk down the road and into town, then ask people where you can find horses. Bring a picture of a horse, or say “loshadi”, horse in Russian.

Prices (per day)

• Horse: 600 som / $8.75 / €7.80
• Guide: 1000 som + 600 som for his horse – we think this was B.S. but couldn’t argue our way out of it. Try to avoid paying for your guide’s horse, we can assure you he already has one…
• Yurt: 700 per person including (very stale) breakfast
• Food:  1,200 per person for dinner and lunch at the yurt camp. In our opinion it’s expensive for what you get, so try to stock up on supplies ahead of time. Beware, Kyzart is lacking in shopping options.
• Total cost for two people for a three-day trek:  12,000 som / $174 / €156

Alex Reynolds

21 thoughts on “ blasted beasts: horse trekking to song kul lake ”.

Want to do the same trip with 3 friends! But is there any risk that there are no horses/guides available when you arrive in kochkor/Kyzart?

My friends want to book a tour in advance…

Regards and great story!

Nice article. I wish you could do a horse trek called Truly Nomadic Land in the Alay Mountains.

Link has been removed because it was irrelevant – moderator

Glad you finally got the horse to move. Thanks for sharing. I am looking for affordable and interesting horse riding off the beaten path around the world but I hear of a lot of issues with handling horses roughly (Mongolia for example) I just returned from riding horses in Tusheti Mountains of Georgia. Now that is one place where horses are treated with a lot of respect, look great and love to trot and gallop. The food is amazing, the people are welcoming, nature stunning and it is affordable. If anyone wants more info how we arranged it, they can reach out to me at crazyparentstravel.com. Greetings from senior adventurers.

Loved the storytelling! I am planning my trip to kyrgyzstan. Would you recommend this trip to someone who has no experience of horse riding and very questionable core strength?

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Year-Round Adventure: 3 Days Horse Trek to Song Kul Lake

• Transfer from Bishkek to Kyzart and back to Bishkek
• English speaking horsemen guide
• First night in shepherd's house in Kilemche
• Second night in yurt camp in Song Kul Lake
• Health Insurance
• Our driver and guide will pick you up from a hotel or any other point in Bishkek.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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Year-Round Adventure: 3 Days Horse Trek to Song Kul Lake provided by Datka Travel

Trek to Song-Kul Lake from Kyzart Pass

All details you need to trek in 2 days to the stunning Song-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan starting from the Kyzart Pass. Since there are no signs whatsoever on these trails I strongly recommed to read carefully through this post and download the GPX-files I provide.

* This website is supported by its users. Sometimes I earn a small commission when you use the affiliate links on my website .

Table of Contents

Where to stay before and after the trek to Song-Kul?

My recommendation would be to stay in Kochkor. This town has some restaurants and nice guesthouses and you can easily arrange all the necessary transportation from here at the local tourist offices .

In total I stayed 4 nights in Kochkor and always at the lovely Malika Guesthouse. Prices were very low, beds were comfy and breakfast was included. Also important to mention, if you want to do some work, the wifi was excellent!

Check availability for Malika Guesthouse or any other accomodation below:

Preparations before leaving on the trek to Song-Kul Lake

General tips.

When it comes to preparing for the trek to Song-Kul this is not very different than a trek anywhere in the world. The difference with other countries is that there are no mountain huts or chalets available. If you are not planning to camp with your own gear you can instead sleep in yurts hosted by local families. They also provide breakfast and dinner.

Another very important item to bring is a waterfilter. I know in other parts of the world you could usually drink directly from mountain streams but in Kyrgyzstan there’s pretty much everywhere livestock so if you don’t want to get sick use a waterfilter.

Transportation to Kyzart Pass?

As the trailhead for this trek is pretty much in between different places and not next to a specific spot you will beed to very clear about where you want to be dropped off. I joined a group of tourists from Kochkor that were going to do a horse trek from Kyzart that day and I knew where to be dropped off specifically (use the Google map I provided below). I paid 500 KGS for this at the tourism office next to CBT in Kochkor . You could also try to hitchhike but make sure you leave early enough because it could take a while before someone takes you. Also they most likely are going to ask you money for this 1h30 trip from Kochkor.

Transportation from Song-Kul Lake back to Kochkor

Another important thing to arrange in advance is transportation from Song-Kul lake back to Kochkor (or Kyzart) . I didn’t arrange this in advance because I wasn’t sure if I would hike back or not. However I would recommend booking a ride in advance. Most likely you will stay in Kochkor before starting this trek and right outside the center there are 2 tourism offices where you could ask to arrange transport. Do keep in mind that any transportation specifically for tourists is extremely expensive. Always try to bargain prices and also find other travelers to share a taxi with. I joined a family fron Son-Kul to Kochkor and paid 1600 KGS (+/- 19 USD or EUR) but first they asked me 3500 KGS (+/- 43 USD or EUR). This was for a ride that they were going to do anyway and I just asked to join them so this makes it quite expensive if you ask me. In most places in the world they wouldn’t charge anything for hitching a ride like this.

Sleeping in a Yurt

If you decide not to carry your own camping equipment you can sleep in yurts instead. These are mostly hosted by local families. There are also yurt camps from tourism organizations like CBT but I always tried to avoid these and stayed with authentic nomadic families instead. Prices on this trek to Song-Kul range from 1000 KGS to 1200 KGS. Dinner and breakfast are usually included in the price and if you ask I’m sure they’ll prepare, for a small fee, a packed lunch for you as well.

There are different sizes of yurts and depending on availability you could probably have a private yurt. The first night I was the only guest in the yurt camp and I had a large yurt all to myself. The second night I shared the yurt with 2 others. It all depends but if you would book in advance you could probably request a private yurt if you so desire. I didn’t book anything in advance and had no problem finding a spot and this was in July during high season.

Don’t worry about cold temperatures, the families provided me with 3 matrasses and several heavy blankets and I didn’t feel cold at all during the nights.

Alternative ways of reaching Song-Kul lake

One of the most popular ways to reach the lake is by joining an organized horseback riding tour. Also lots of people just arrange a ride to the lake, stay there for 1 or more nights and drive back. Furthermore there are several other options to hike to the Song-Kul lake (and back).

If you wish more information about all the Song-Kul possibilities I would strongly suggest to check out Cynthia’s blog called Journal of Nomads , she’s a fellow Belgian who has traveled extensively in Kyrgyzstan. Cynthia also organises group travels in Kyrgyzstan so if you’re unsure about wether to do this on your own or not, check out Journal of Nomads group itineraries.

Day 1 : Kyzart Pass to Kilemche Valley

Hiking details.

Distance:  The total distance for this hike is 17 kilometers (point-to-point hike) Elevation gain:  The total incline was 742 meters Moving time:  According to  Strava  my moving time was 4 hours and 20 minutes (total time was 6 hours 39 minutes) Difficulty:  I would rate this as an intermediate/hard hike. Address start:   Start trail Kyzart Pass Price:  Transportation to Kyzart Pass was 500 KGS (+/- 6 USD or EUR) and staying at the yurt was 1200 KGS (+/- 15 USD or EUR) with breakfast and dinner included. Water: Make sure to bring plenty of water because it will take about 12 kilometers to reach the river again.

Use the pinned location below so you can navigate straight to where the hike starts.

Hiking map and GPX-File

Generally speaking for all hikes, the easiest way is to download a  GPX file  that you can view on a gps device, a smartphone or smartwatch. It will tell you step-by-step how to walk. It also includes an elevation profile of the hike which can help you to decide if this hike is for you or not.

Click through to Strava to see all the details:

Download the GPX file right here:  1-2-Song-Kul-trek-Kyzart-pass-to-Kelimche-Valley .gpx

Kilemche Valley

Kilemche valley is situated in the Jumgal region at an altitude of about 2550 m above sea level and is a popular destination for horse trekking tours and hikers on the way to the famous Song-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. Generally tourists stay in yurt camps that are managed by local nomadic families or tourism organizations.

Without having a reservation in advance I had no issues finding a spot in a yurt for the night during the month of July.

How I experienced Day 1 of the trek to Song-Kul

When embarking on this journey I didn’ really have an idea what to expect also this was my very first hike in Kyrgyzstan. All I knew was that I would be hiking for 2 days to one of the biggest lakes in Kyrgyzstan. The taxi dropped me off at Kyzart pass at around 10h30 am. I knew the distance wasn’t terribly far so I didn’t worry much about timing.

Only a few hundred meters into this hike I realized already that I was in for a real adventure, one I never experienced before. Trail markings were basically non-existent so I was glad that I had preloaded a GPX track on my watch. I would definitely recommend you to do the same!

After about 2 kilometers the first real climb of the day started. A section of about 4 kilometers with an elevation gain of 400 m. It was pretty steep but not the worst ever. What made it hard however was the weather. Locals told me afterwards that it was one of the hottest summer days they had experienced in this region in recent history.

When reaching the first peak I decided to eat my packed lunch before continuing the journey. It was while eating my sandwich that I met 2 portuguese guys and those were the only other hikers I met over the 2 next days. I met plenty of nomadic sheppards however!

From that peak all the way to when I reached around 12,5 kilometer the trail is flat or downhill. That felt good after this first steep section! I even had a celebratory refreshment in the ice cold river (see video).

Over the next 2 kilometers there was again a steep section from around 2550 m up to 2750 m. I was pretty tired already at that time. Not because the hiking was difficult but more because the temperatures were so high!

Now it was time for the last 2 kilometers which were all downhill, luckily, because I was pretty broken by then. As I was approaching Kilemche Valley dark clouds started rolling in. I couldn’t be more excited to see some yurt camps!

I stayed in the first camp I encountered. It was owned by local farmers which had their farm next to the camp. If you use my GPX-file it will lead you straigh to it. There was a very lovely lady that served good food. In my Youtube video below you can see more of the yurt camp and the food I got served.

Day 2 : Kilemche Valley to Song-Kul Lake

Distance:  The total distance for this hike is 13 kilometers (point-to-point hike) Elevation gain:  The total incline was 874 meter Moving time:  According to  Strava  my moving time was 3 hours and 43 minutes (total time was 6 hours 30 minutes) Difficulty:  I would rate this as an intermediate/hard hike. Address start: Anywhere in Kilemche Valley Price:  Staying at the yurt was 1000 KGS (+/- 12.5 USD or EUR) with breakfast and dinner included. Water: Make sure to refill all your bottles at Kilemche Valley because it will take pretty much till the end of this hiking day to find a river again.

Download the GPX file right here:  2-2-Song-Kul-trek-Kelimche-Valley-to-Song-Kul-lake.gpx

Song-Kul Lake

Song-Kul is an alpine lake that lies at an altitude of 3016 m above sea level. It has an area of about 270 km 2 and is the largest fresh water lake in Kyrgyzstan.

Around the lake there are huge pastures where thousands of animals roam freely, mostly horses and cows. The lakes temperature during the summer months varies between 10 and 15 degrees Celcius. The most common question among locals is: “Do you dare swimming in Song-Kul?”. Honestly I swam in it twice and the temperature felt quite alright.

How I experienced Day 2 of the trek to Song-Kul

After spending a night in a yurt for my very first time I was ready to start day 2 of this trek to Song-Kul. Similar to day 1, but way harder, the trek started with a huge climb. It was 6 kilometers to reach the first peak with an elevation gain of 800 m. Because it was higher than 3000 m for a while the oxygen became a bit of aproblem as well. I won’t deny that I took several small breaks before I reached the top. In total it took me 2 hours to reach the peak. There was a rewarding view when reaching the 3330m high peak, Song-Kul lake became visible in the distance which obviously helped with my motivation!

To get a better feel of this trekking day to Song-Kul I would recommend you watch my Youtube video below:

The next 6 kilometers were either flat or slightly downhill. And mostly I was walking between cows, sheep and horses which added something extra to the beauty of these stunning Kyrgyz landscapes.

It was when I was refilling my water bottles that I was approached by the kids of Andash. They spoke a few words of English and invited me to have some tea at their yurt camp. Eventually I ended up staying there for the night.

Let me know in the comments or through my  Instagram  if you enjoyed this hike!

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Horse Trekking in Kyrgyzstan: Crossing Mountains and Camping in Yurts

Kyrgyzstan holds an ancient nomadic culture. Key to this nomadic culture, is the horse. For more than 2000 years, the Kyrgyz people have relied on horses for transport and labour, and, still to this day, horses are seen as an integral part of life in the Kyrgyz mountains. It’s even said that Kyrgyz people can ride before they can walk. As such, one of the best ways to explore Kyrgyzstan’s stunning landscapes and nomadic culture is to hit the mountains on horseback.

For centuries, nomads and Silk Road merchants alike have traversed these mountains. There are no paved roads or large buildings; just epic valleys, grazing animals and a few yurts. We were to be trekking on horseback from the small village of Kyzart to Song Kul lake, the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. Many Kyrgyz nomads stay at Song Kul during the summer months, as they bring their herds to the high pastureland here for grazing.

Our journey was to take two days, and we’d be staying at yurt camps in the mountains en route. I was excited to see how these people live and to learn about the nomadic culture here in Kyrgyzstan.

Horse Trekking in Kyrgyzstan: Kyzart to Song Kul Lake

The horses had been brought to our homestay in Kyzart and were already saddled up and waiting by the time we’d finished breakfast. I’d already identified the horse I wanted to ride – a bay stallion with a voluminous, wavy mane. One of the guides told me the horse’s name was Torozar and asked me to mount.

We set off. Our journey saw us through lush green meadows, towering peaks and glistening rivers; a beautiful location to ride a horse. Even though I hadn’t ridden properly in a few years, I quickly picked it up again and thoroughly enjoyed the ride through the valleys. Luckily, Torozar was pretty obedient, so I would often ask him to stop so that I could take some photos of the scenery.

We rode for about 6 hours, stopping halfway to relax by a river. Needless to say, when we arrived at our yurt camp, we were famished and so eagerly tucked into a late lunch. An entire spread had generously been laid out for us, with bread, pastries, fruit, sweet treats and a delicious soup.

I soon learned that Kyrgyz people are incredibly hospitable, going out of their way to ensure you’re comfortable and feeding you to within an inch of your life. A girl from the family even sat by the kettle, ensuring that nobody’s teacup was ever empty.

The yurts look pretty basic from the outside, but inside they’re beautifully decorated with colourful rugs and prints. The basic structure of a yurt comprises of latticework made from bamboo or wood to make the walls, with curved poles that bend inward to support the structure. The yurt is then covered with animal skin, often felt, for insulation and to keep out the elements.

We spent the evening relaxing at the yurt camp and enjoying the beautiful scenery around us. Our horses grazed nearby, while other livestock and dogs roamed around. We even found two tiny puppies!

At nightfall, we were treated to another incredible meal before our host family laid down mattresses and copious amounts of blankets for us to sleep in. While the sun was scorching during the day, we were up at 2500m here in the mountains and so the temperature plummeted after sunset. Luckily, the yurts were surprisingly warm so I slept very well indeed.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast of porridge, we set off again on our horses. We still had a fair amount of ground to cover before reaching Song Kul, and, to reach it, we would be trekking up a staggering mountain pass. As we climbed higher and higher, the views became more and more astounding. Although, I have to admit that I was slightly nervous to be sitting on a horse that was climbing up the side of a mountain! Torozar seemed to know what he was doing, so I clung to his mane and let him climb at his own pace.

I have to say, I was quite relieved when we reached the top of the pass. We dismounted our horses to let them have a break after their climb, while we gazed at the unmatched views of the mountains around us. They truly were a spectacular sight.

We continued onwards towards Song Kul Lake, reaching our second yurt camp in the mid-afternoon. It is arguably quite fortunate that Song Kul is difficult to access, as it’s very peaceful, and I worry that too many tourists would ruin the tranquillity and way of life here.

Song Kul was a glistening blue lake, whose waves gently lapped against the shoreline. A few people from my group braved the cold and went for a swim, and the horsemen took some of our horses into the water to be cooled down after the trek. The valleys surrounding Song Kul were impressively green, with a few yurt camps and many herds of cows and horses dotted around the area.

We went exploring for a while, walking along the lake and appreciating the crisp, clear air. I befriended our camp’s resident puppy, who kept running off with my shoes, clearly thinking it was a hilarious game. It began to get pretty cold as evening fell, so we huddled up in one of the yurts to enjoy copious amounts of tea, before falling asleep under a thick pile of blankets.

A few tips for horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan

• Pack for all kinds of weather.  During the trek, we experienced scorching sun, cold weather and rain. The mountains have no weather forecast and can be very unpredictable, so I recommend to pack a lot of layers and rainproofs so you’re prepared.
• Stay hydrated.  While riding, it’s easy to not drink water. I was guilty of barely drinking any water during the entire first day, even though the sun was very hot.
• Wear sun protection.  Sitting on a horse at high altitude is a recipe for sunburn. Wear long sleeves if you can and a sun hat wouldn’t go amiss.
• Bring a torch.  The yurt camps do not have outdoor lights. You can imagine the difficulty of navigating to the toilet in the middle of the night without a torch.
• Bring wet wipes.  There’s really no chance of a shower at the yurt camps! If you can brave the cold of the lakes and streams to wash yourself, then go for it, but I personally just opted for wet wipes.
• Prepare for a sore butt!  Long days in the saddle really aren’t kind on your body! I woke up on the morning of day 2 with a sore butt and stiff legs – the experience completely outweighs this though.

I did this horse trek as part of a tour organised by Kyrgyz Nomad and Journal of Nomads.   The guys at Journal of Nomads documented our trek, which you can watch below!

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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20 comments.

Thanks for all the info, very informative. Just wondering about the Privacy policy page. How do you avoid having very similar Privacy content on all the PBNs? I see there are a handful of plugins and a few websites that create a free policy, but I am worried of leaving a footprint through this one page.

Sorry, I’m not quite sure what you mean? I used a plugin to create my privacy policy, and I don’t have a PBN, just this one website.

I had no idea Earth even had a place called Kyrgyzstan. How informative! I loved reading about your experience, and that puppy is so cute!

It does indeed! I didn’t know about it until about a year ago either! There’s nothing better than cute puppies 😉

I don’t know what I’m more excited about: the puppies, landscape or horses. All seem like they added to a wonderful experience. I’ve never given much thought about visiting Kyrgyzstan but lately I’ve been seeing great things about it. Have fun!

I really recommend it! Everything about the country was simply wonderful.

Looks like a fascinating trip! Kyrgyzstan looks really interesting and would love to try their food!

Delicious food! There is a sweet, poppyseed pastry type thing that they eat and it’s so so good.

I never knew that I wanted to go horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan until now! This sounds like it was such a wonderful experience (minus the sore butt thing) and the pictures only confirm. And the puppies. That helped convince me too.

I can’t recommend it enough! Puppies and foals EVERYWHERE in Kyrgyzstan.

What a grand adventure! Horses, endless landscape and skyline vistas, yurts and doggone it (sorry) those puppies!!! Too cute.

It was a brilliantly scenic country with too many cute animals!

This looks so awesome!! I would totally do this- but like you said, sore butt!! Ha i am not sure I could get back on after I got off!

Yeah it can make you quite stiff after a long day in the saddle but it’s totally worth it!

You already had me at yurts and horseback riding, but then… PUPPIES! This has to be the most adorable adventure ever 😍 Those views are absolutely spectacular, you must have really felt like you were the only people left on earth. Great post.

Thanks Erica! Yes we did feel very isolated at times in the mountains which was nice. I love how everyone in the comments is mentioning how adorable the puppies are 😅

This sounds like so much fun! I haven’t been on a horse since I was a kid. The yurt does look really basic from the outside but the inside looked really cozy. And those puppies!!! How adorable 🙂

It was fun – you should go riding again! And yes the yurts were incredibly cosy inside. Very fun to sleep in 🙂

This sounds like a classic way to see the country-side in Kyrgyzstan! Were the saddles English or Western style? They look unique. Do you need much riding experience? The scenery looks amazing and riding around on horseback must give you the opportunity to gaze all around and take it all in. Fiona grew up with horses around her house and is very keen on horses, but sadly I have a slight fear of them! I suspect I would give this a go if we ever visit Kyrgyzstan.

The saddles were Western and you do not need any riding experience – some of the people on my tour had never ridden a horse before! The horses are pretty laid back and will keep you safe. But yes, you should definitely give it a go if you visit Kyrgyzstan 🙂

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3 or 4 day horseback ride to Song Kul Lake

My friend Aigul is passionate about horses and travelling, and she runs a travel agency in Kyrgyzstan. She understands that many travellers want to go horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan, in complete safety, but have a limited budget .

Since 2015, I have been regularly referring blog readers to her.

To discover Song Kul, she has created a programme that respects nature, animals and the local people, with experienced and competent Kyrgyz guides.

This is a ride for everyone, 90% of the people who do it are beginners , the horses and the route are accessible to all.

Major advantage: The direct bus from Bishkek to Kyzart saves you a lot of time and money, as it saves you shopping around agencies in Kochkor.

Readers of the blog tell you about their horseback trek to Lake Song Kul:

In July 2019, I had the chance to share this adventure with several readers of the blog, here you can discover their testimonies:

What is the program of my 3 or 4 day horseback trek to Song Kul Lake?

Compared to the classic 3-day trek, the 4-day trek allows you to spend an extra day at the lake and is more relaxing. It is the ideal programme for families with children and beginners.

The 4-day programme is my favourite. It allows you to immerse yourself even more in the nomadic life, to enjoy the shores of the lake and to see the different landscapes.

• 4-day programme
• 3-day programme

Your 4-day programme is as follows :

• Day 1: Transfer by bus from Bishkek to Kyzart. Lunch in Kyzart before horseback riding. 3 hours horse riding to Kilemche. Dinner and overnight with the shepherds in a yurt.
• Day 2: 3-hour horseback ride to Song Kul Lake. Lunch, free afternoon around the lake, dinner and overnight in a yurt camp.
• Day 3: 3-hour horseback ride from lakeside Tuz Ashuu camp to Kyrjol camp, also on Lake Song Kul - Lunch, afternoon free, dinner and overnight in the yurt.

Kilemenche in July 2019

Duration : 4 days and 3 nights

Best period: June to September

Accommodation and meals: 3 nights in yurts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners and breakfasts.

Your 3-day programme is as follows :

• Day 1 : Transfer by bus from Bishkek to Kyzart. Lunch in Kyzart before horseback riding. 3 hours horse riding. Dinner and overnight with nomads in a yurt.
• Day 2 : 3-hour horseback ride to Song Kul Lake. Lunch, free afternoon around the lake, dinner and overnight in a yurt camp.

Song Kul in July 2019

Duration : 3 days and 2 nights

Accommodation and meals: 2 nights in yurts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners and breakfasts.

This includes :

• Horse rental
• Guide with limited English
• 1 guide for up to 3 people
• 2 guides from 4 people
• Accommodation

This does not include :

• Transportation (approx. 800 som one way by bus) / a private transfer from Bishkek to Kyzart costs $50 per car. You can easily stay at the Apple Hostel next to the west bus station, which is ideally placed to spend the night before departure .

Readers of the blog, get a 10% discount on their stay at the Apple Hostel, you can require it via the form below.

Answers to the most frequently asked questions:

What means of transfer are available to and from kyzart.

What is the bus number to Kyzart?

You can take bus 514 from Bishkek to Kyzart, leaving at 6 a.m. for 800 soms. To make sure there are enough seats, you need to be at the west bus station before 5.30 am.

How to get to Kochkor after the trek?

The last Marshrutka from Kyzart leaves at 2pm. If you start at 7 or 8 am on day 3, you should be able to arrive on time. If you need a taxi, you can ask Aigul. It will cost you 2000 soms from Kyzart to Kochkor but it must be booked in advance.

Can I go to Karakol after the trek?

Do you have any other practical information?

Can I have a vegetarian menu?

Yes, you just have to warn Aigul in advance.

Are the yurt sheets washed daily?

No, this is a tour in the real life conditions of the nomads. The living conditions are rustic. If necessary, you can bring your sleeping bag.

What clothes should I take?

At night it can be 0°, so you must have warm clothes for the evening. Even in summer, you can expect four seasons. So you need warm clothes as well as rain trousers and a rain jacket.

Can I leave luggage in Kyzart?

Yes, you can leave your extra luggage on day 1 in a guesthouse as you will return to the same guesthouse on day 3.

Can I charge my electronic devices?

Yes, if you have an external battery.

The yurt camps have no electricity or a small solar battery that nomads use to run a light bulb or a satellite phone. You won't be able to plug in your electronic devices. You will have to learn to manage your batteries and use your devices wisely.

What is the rate for my group?

Prices are in Soms:

• Rates for 4 days
• Rates for 3 days

The price of your 4-day tour is as follows:

• 1 person = 24,400 KGS
• 2 people= 36,400 KGS
• 3 people= 49,300 KGS
• 4 people= 69,70000 KGS
• 5 people= 81,200 KGS
• 6 people= 92,600 KGS

The price of your 3-day tour is as follows:

• 1 person = 17,300 KGS
• 2 people= 26,400 KGS
• 3 people= 35,200 KGS
• 4 people= 50,600 KGS
• 5 people= 58,800 KGS
• 6 people= 66,900 KGS

These rates apply from June to mid-September. Off period, hiking is still possible, but due to the climate and snow conditions, more logistics are required. The prices are therefore different. Aïgul will give you the price according to your travel dates.

The Kyrgyz people are very concerned about the horses' health, but if you are offered a horse with an injury, especially to the girth. I invite you to refuse to take this horse and ask for another one. It is also our responsibility as travellers to look after animal's wellbeing.

You can form groups with other people to get a better price. (Make use of the group travel to Kyrgyzstan to look for travel companions).

Book with Aïgul :

To contact her you can use the form below, or write to her at [email protected]

Your email address

When do you want to leave?

Would you like to go for 3 or 4 days? 3 days 4 days

How many people are in your group? 1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people

Do you have any questions? (in English please)

Terms and conditions

See the other walks that Aigul can organise for you:

24 Réponses à 3 or 4 days horseback riding on Song Kul Lake

It was amazing! The guides were so cool, the horses were so beautiful, the scenery was crazy, and the yurts were a total blast!

I'm so happy!

Thanks to Berksultan, our guide for this 4-day trek. His kindness made this adventure an extraordinary experience. The horses were in excellent condition. Nights in yurts added an even more authentic dimension to our trip. It was a total immersion in Kyrgyz culture, and I returned home with exceptional memories.

Thanks for your comment, I'm glad it was such a great experience.

Just back from Song Kul, it's like paradise. Thanks Aigul for your amazing guide

Wow, thanks

We chose the 3 day trek to Song Kul from 5 to 7 August by booking through Aigul. We left Bishkek and went by local bus to kyzart (400 soms per person for about 3h30 journey). We then met our guide in the village and after a lunch in a yurt we left for the 3 days horse riding. It was a unique and wonderful experience! Everything went very well, we slept in a yurt every night. Magical moments with the locals. The landscapes are incredible! We even dared to take a dip in the lake but it was really cold (11°c!) Thanks to Aigul for the organisation of this trek and to Georges Michel for your great blog which allowed us to find all this information!

Hi Justine, what can I say except thank you for this comment! I'm glad you liked it, your story makes me really want to go. I look forward to seeing you again!

Thank you very much for the contact of Aigul! We just came back from 10 fabulous days in KG, she was an excellent guide and above all organised incredible and authentic activities for us. Big surprise this country, my friends and I have all taken a big slap. The variety of landscapes (we went from the Swiss Alps to the Death Valley on 100 km), the Soviet heritage, the hospitality and the authenticity of the inhabitants make it a very beautiful destination.

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it Aigul. It's good to see that travellers are coming back. See you on the road or on the internet

We were 2 and booked a 3 day horse riding tour to Song-Kul lake. Aigul organised everything for us. I had never ridden before. The guide gave us the right instructions and advice to make sure everything went smoothly. The horses were also well chosen and docile. Throughout the 3 days, the organisation was impeccable. We travelled through beautiful landscapes. We shared meals in yurts with the locals and learned more about this nomadic people. A real immersion!

I recommend this tour 100%!

I did this hike with a friend in July. 3 days/2 nights. We paid 90e each. Everything went very well. I had never been on a horse before, no worries, the guide handles everything. Our guide was fantastic. Despite not speaking a word of French and hardly any English, he was just great with us. The families in the yurts who hosted us were great and so were the meals. I should mention that I am a vegetarian, I indicated this and they made me special meals. A wonderful memory of my trip! On the other hand, it is necessary to assume the 3 days with horse because in the end that hurts quickly.

Ahahah thank you for the buttocks it's better to have riding trousers for the next time. See you soon

We did this trek in mid September and had an unforgettable 3 days. Our guide Ascar was adorable and full of attention. Despite his limited English (as expected at the time of booking) he was always talking. Apart from being a very good rider, he is also a very nice person who taught us a lot about the nomadic life of the Kyrgyz. During our 2 nights in yurts, we were the only 2 people, which made the meeting with our hosts even more intense. What a pleasure to be outside the full yurts of the CBT (some tourists we met explained to us that they were in full yurts of the CBT...). Of course we can only advise you to go through Aigul to do this trek, don't hesitate! Moreover, the booking is very easy via the blog.

Thank you for your feedback and I'm glad you enjoyed the experience so much.

A big thank you GTLA for your blog and your precious advice. We have just returned from 18 extraordinary days in Kyrgyzstan. Among the many trips we have made, this country is surely one of our favourite. Your friend Aigul was our entry point and we organised our treks on horseback and on foot with her, exactly as we wanted. She is available, lovely and very efficient. She took my requests into account with attention and often had ingenious ideas. I can only recommend her with my eyes closed to all the readers of your blog. We have only one desire: to continue to discover Central Asia. Thank you again and we hope that our travel routes will cross one day.

Hi Anne, thanks a lot for your feedback, it's very nice and pleasant to read comments like yours. I'm glad you liked the country, my blog and Aigul. I look forward to seeing you on the road

Hi Anne Thank you for your comment, I'm so glad you enjoyed Kyrgyzstan so much and I'm also glad that my friends there helped you make your trip a great one. Thank you for Aigul. I look forward to seeing you on the road

We did this hike over 4 days with our 3 children (16, 7 and 3 years old). One of our best memories of our trip. The children loved it. The smallest was on a horse with a guide and the 2nd was alone on his horse but it was held by another guide. Our guides were amazing and looked after our children as if they were their own! Very good welcome in the yurt camps...around beautiful landscapes...No worries, I recommend this trek! And I really want to do another one...and the kids too!

Thanks, so when is the next hike?

3 day hike with 2 friends and the guide, really superb and magnificent. Splendid landscapes all along and warm welcomes in the evenings in the yurts by the Kirghiz families! Certainly one of the most beautiful memories of this trip!

It's nice to hear, thanks for the feedback

I did this 3-day hike with my partner in June 2019. We have really great memories of it. Our guide spoke little English (no surprise as it was indicated at the time of booking!) but what a rider! We felt very confident with him during these three days. Each of our hosts warmly offered us room and board.

I highly recommend this hike, which I will not forget!

Thank you Céline, always a pleasure to read feedback like yours

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Home / Tours / Jailoo hiking “Lake Song-Kul”

Jailoo hiking “Lake Song-Kul”

The jailors are the pastures where Kyrgyz shepherds tend their flocks in the summer, and Song-Kol is the jewel of the jailoos, a stunning 270 km2 of sparkling water at 3016 m, surrounded by 3700 m mountains on all sides. For the fullest jailoo experience, approach the lake via the mountains enclosing the western end of Kochkor Valley, moving from jailoo to jailoo and staying with shepherd families in remote meadows far off the beaten path.  Enjoy homemade jam, fresh cream, bread still warm from the oven, and the best kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) around.  The route traverses remote Jumgal rayon and reaches Song-Kol via Jalgyz-Karagai (Lone Fir) Pass on the north shore.

• Itinerary:  Bishkek –  Horse trek/Trekking – Song-Kul – Bishkek
• Duration : 3 days
• Best Season: Mid-June – September
• Category: Trekking
• Level of Difficulty:  Difficult
• Group Size:  2-12 pax
• Highlights: horse riding, yurt overnights, nomad culture, songkul valley, sook jailoo, saralasaz jailoo
• Requirements:  weatherproof warm clothes, trekking boots, hat, sunglasses, sleeping bag, and sunscreen.

The tour is available in two options: Trekking on feet or taking a horseback riding tour. For the price and more details please contact us at [email protected] 

Day 1: BISHKEK– KILEMCHE

Morning transfer from Bishkek heads west to the Kochko village to Jumgal region (3 – 4 hours driving). Follow the road by car to the Kyzart Pass, where you can start hiking with crossing the Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, an enormous, relatively flat sea of grass. Continue over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3 061 m) into the Chaar-Archa Valley and eat a tasty lunch by the racing river, with views of holy 4400 m Baba-Ata Mountain. Sated, ford the river and follow the trail over verdant hills to Kilemche Jailoo. The name means “like a carpet,” and this swathe of grass covers whole mountain ranges, with shadings as subtle as any shyrdak (shyrdak is a Kyrgyz felt carpet). Dine and sleep in a yurt, naturally. Transfer by car 3 hours. Trekking time: 5-6 hours

DAY 2: KILEMCHE – SONG-KOL

After breakfast at Kilemche, spend the morning climbing to Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400 m), over the Song-Kol Mountains and into the lake’s basin. The morning climb affords wonderful views of Kilemche jailoo, and the pass itself is rocky and exciting. From the pass, Song-Kol is still distant, but as you traipse down the slopes, it gets larger and larger; the mountains on the other side get higher and higher, until finally the lake fills most of your field of view and the southern mountains tower above it. After lunch at Jaman Echki, follow the lakeshore west to the yurt at Tuz-Ashuu. Upon arrival meet your host family of Kyrgyz shepherds. Meals and overnight are in a yurt of shepherds. Trekking time: 5 hours.

DAY 3: SONG-KOL – BISHKEK.

Last breakfast in SongKol Jailoo and leave to Kyzart village via TuzAshuu Pass. The pass opens you to a spectacular panoramic view of Jumgal valley and the SongKol Valley. Say “Goodbye SongKol” and hike down to the village where your lunch will be waiting for you in the family homestay. Late afternoon transfer back to Bishkek by car. Arrived in Bishkek around 19:00 pm.

What included and excluded?

It is included:

• Overnight in the yurt camp of Kilemche and SongKul
• Eng.speaking guide (horseman service and horse rental for horseback riding option)
• All meals during the tour in the yurt camps  (Lunches, Dinners, and breakfasts)
• Mineral water
• Individual transport from Bishkek to the start point and picking up you from SongKul back to Bishkek.

It is not included:

• Air flight ticket
• Bishkek hotel accommodations
• Personal expenses
• Alcohol drinks
• Other services out of the program

How to book?

The tours start upon request,  please contact us . The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit into your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.

After having solved all the questions and programs confirming we issue an invoice for payment. You can make a bank transfer or pay upon your arrival time in Bishkek before the trip starts.

Am I fit enough?

Kyrgyzstan is a mountain country and some point you prefer to do walking and hiking. We recommend you train with sport or jogging 2-3 times a week in the run-up to your trip

Is the beginners can do horseback riding tour?

It is Ok to do horse treks in Kyrgyzstan for beginners or the people who have never ridden before. This tour is ideally relevant for beginners who want to have a great experience.

The 90% of our visitors have no horseback riding skils but they can manage the horse treks because we use for our clients’ very quiet and calm horses with comfortable saddles and choose the relevant trek for horse tours. Our horseback guides will be your individual instructor to ride a Kyrgyz horse and help you to manage it.

What kit do I need?

Clothing for hiking in temperatures from +25C to -0C. A detailed kit list will be sent to you when you book on.

What about accommodation?

You will stay in the yurt camp with meals. We provide you yurts by two people in each one.

Notes to know?

The basic hints for travelers.

• During your travel time, please respect local culture, customs, traditions, and religion.
• Try to buy local products and make a benefit for the local economy.
• Always give fair prices for lodging, food and other services.
• Take off your shoes, when entering home or yurt stay.
• Smoking is prohibited at home.
• Please share your ideas on food and accommodation preferences.
• Ask people for photographing them.
• Be friendly and try to get in contact.
• Be careful during the evening and night time and aware of mass meetings.
• Be careful with your documents, money and valuable items.
• Be aware of pickpockets and strangers at bazaars and streets.
• If someone asking for documents, wallets or cameras, saying that they are from the police, ask them to go police together.
• Never give your belongings to strangers.
• Wear good hiking shoes for outdoor activities.
• Bring warm waterproof clothes even in summer.
• Have your torch sunscreen and repellent.
• Do not drink very cold water from unknown sources.
• Drinking alcohol at high altitudes is unsafe.
• If the food fat or not acceptable for you can taste a bit and say thanks.
• Do not drink cold water after eating out, better hot tea or c It helps in high altitude digestions cases.
• Wear warm clothes in the mountains, usually after eating out.
• Bring your medicines and first aid kit.
• If you feel unsafe or have issues to discuss, please share with your staff, host or tour manager.
• Collect your litter. Pack up all non-biodegradable rubbish.
• Please don’t drop cigarette butts or litter.
• High altitude vegetation is very fragile. Save the environment.
• Use toilets in nature wherever available. Where are none, stay at least 40-50 m from streams and water sources and bury all waste and paper.
• Leaving footprints, take just your photographs.

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[email protected]

Kyrgyz Republic. Bishkek city

Mon – Sat 9.00 – 18.00 Sunday CLOSED

© Kyrgyzstan tourism

Click one of our contacts below to chat on WhatsApp

Working hours: 08:00 am -07:00 pm (Bishkek time)

Neil Young And Crazy Horse Kick Off Love Earth Tour 2024: Here’s The Setlist

N eil Young’s highly-anticipated Love Earth Tour just kicked off with Crazy Horse in San Diego, California yesterday at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. As always, Young puts on one hell of a show and hasn’t slowed down at this point in his six-decade career.

[Buy Tickets to See Neil Young and Crazy Horse Live in 2024]

Young performed some of his greatest hits, including “Cortez The Killer” and “Heart Of Gold” to fans’ delight. He performed a couple of deep cuts as well.

Young and Crazy Horse killed the performance, and it’s clear that both the legend and the band have quite a bit of pent-up creativity. They’ve just put out a new collaborative album as well, FU##IN’ UP , which was released just a few days ago on April 20. An all-format version will be released tomorrow, April 26.

Neil Young’s Love Earth Tour Setlist

Curious about what you can expect from Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s current tour? Here’s the setlist from last night’s show:

1. “Cortez The Killer”

2. “Cinnamon Girl”

3. “Scattered (Let’s Think About Livin’)”

4. “Don’t Cry No Tears”

5. “Down By The River”

6. “The Losing End (When You’re On)”

7. “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere”

8. “Powderfinger”

9. “Love And Only Love”

10. “Comes A Time” (Solo/Acoustic Performance)

11. “Heart Of Gold” (Solo/Acoustic Performance)

12. “Human Highway” (Solo/Acoustic Performance)

13. “Don’t Be Denied”

14. “Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black)”

While fans shouldn’t expect Young’s setlist to be exactly the same for all of the Love Earth Tour’s upcoming dates, last night’s show in Cali gave a pretty solid preview of what fans can expect from the rest of the trek.

Young and Crazy Horse will perform another set tonight at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre before traveling to Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and onward towards Canada.

Photo courtesy of Warner Records

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The post Neil Young And Crazy Horse Kick Off Love Earth Tour 2024: Here’s The Setlist appeared first on American Songwriter .

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Song Kul Independent Trek Kyrgyzstan | The Planet D

Written By: The Planet D

Adventure Travel , Kyrgyzstan

Updated On: April 30, 2021

We were ascending towards the lake through the Kyrgyz steppe but, between plenty of zig-zags and different confusing trails that went over rolling hills, we were not sure if we had taken the right path. We were trekking to Song Kul independently and hoped we were on the right track.

Luckily for us, these beautiful mountains are, occasionally, transited by kind Kyrgyz nomads who were always happy to interact with us and, thanks to our extremely basic Russian, they could point us out in the right direction.

Table of Contents

Trekking Song Kul

We finally reached the mountain pass, where we were blessed with a 360º view: velvet-green, rolling hills on one side and a massive lake in the middle of an even more massive plain on the other.

This was the top of Kyzart pass, located 2,664 meters above sea level from which, even though it may not seem that high, the view was more than epic.

After eating a gourmet pork sausage we had bought in a fancy store in Bishkek and drinking half a bottle of some, surprisingly good, wine from Crimea, we descended and left the pass behind, where the landscape became more alpine, trees disappeared and, once we got to the lake shore, we were received with a warm welcome from the nomads, horses and the endless blankets of wildflowers.

Welcome to Song Kul

Trekking to Song Kul independently from Kyzart

Situated at 3,061 meters high, Song Kul is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the main touristic attractions in the country.

Song Kul is surrounded by a huge plain, filled with all kinds of flowers and colors which, at the same time, are surrounded by velvet-smooth, green hills.

During the summer months, the shore of this almost round-shaped alpine lake is filled with yurt camps and nomads, whose flocks graze freely over those fertile, yummy and grassy meadows.

With an emerging but highly organized tourist infrastructure, despite its remote location, it is very accessible and the easiest place to experience the real Central Asian nomadic culture.

It’s very common to think that, for many travelers, Song Kul is the postcard and ultimate tourist destination in Kyrgyzstan.

Therefore, it’s not at all surprising that, for the last couple of years, during high season, Song Kul has become a pretty busy place.

It is filled with foreigners, which, consequently, produce the rise of money-oriented nomads with signboards at their yurt entrances, announcing that you can stay at their camp.

The crowds are completely true but, on the other hand, it’s not all these travelers and commercial yurt camps are concentrated in one tiny spot.

At 29 kilometers long, Song Kul is big enough to enjoy its shore and nature in a different way.

Since most people come to Song Kul by car from Kochkor, I decided to go by foot from the other side of the lake, on a 2-3-day trek.

This is the easiest trek I did while traveling in Kyrgyzstan , which means that it could be completed by the most amateur of trekkers.

The following guide to trekking to Song Kul from Kyzart aims to show you the complete day by day itinerary plus a couple of very useful tips.

Trekking to Song Kul – Itinerary day by day

Day 1 – from kyzart to the north-west lakeshore.

This is, definitely, the only challenging day, as most of the trial aims at reaching the Kyzart pass. Until then, the landscape is dry and wild, composed of dense bushes, plenty of trees, and views of a rocky mountain range.

After the pass, trees and bushes are replaced by velvet grass and the air becomes significantly more humid.

The trek starts from a tiny village named Kyzart, which is 71km from Kochkor, a relatively big town and the official base for going to Song Kul.

You can easily get to Kyzart by shared local taxi for less than 2USD. If you want to go by private taxi, you will pay at least 10USD.

When you are in Kyzart, I recommend you take a taxi or hitchhike to the beginning of the trail, as the first 4 kilometers go over a boring, dusty and unpaved road. The actual hiking trail starts right after crossing the main river.

From the starting point to Song Kul (26km), it takes around 6 or 7 hours, so try to start early.

The first trekking day finishes at the lakeshore, where you will see a couple of nomadic camps. Note that, at these yurt camps, you may see a few tourists but nothing comparable to the masses that go to the eastern part of the lake.

Day 2 – Trekking along the lakeshore to the main CBT camp (main touristic yurt camp)

The second day consists of a 4-5-hour pleasant walk along the shore, from the yurt camp to the main CBT camp (17km).

I recommend you spend the morning just wandering around the camp, hanging out with the nomads, taking photos and, basically, learning about their particular lifestyle.

Honestly, it would be very easy to spend more than one night at this camp, just playing football with the friendly kids or helping the women milk their cows.

However, if you don’t have time, you should start heading to the CBT camp, but don’t worry, since this part of the trail is also one of the highlights of the trek; on your way you will see a remote mausoleum dating from Silk Road times; infinite colorful, dreamy meadows; countless herds of horses drinking at the lakeshore and just miles of epic landscape completely to yourself.

Your day will end at the main touristic camp in Song Kul, from where you will go back to Kochkor on the following day.

One top tip: From this part of the lake, you can take photos of the most epic sunsets in the country as the sun sets from the west and, since the mountains are not very high, on a clear day, the whole sky is dyed a beautiful orange.

Day 3 – Arranging your transportation to Kochkor

Despite being quite touristic, you should not underestimate this beautiful part of the lake. If you are lucky, during some summer weekends, CBT organizes traditional horse games for tourists, where locals play a form of polo which is played with a dead goat instead of a ball, horse wrestling, races and much more.

Kochkor is located around 100 kilometers from the camp and you can go back there at any time.

Most nomadic families own a car and the price varies between 20 and 30USD, depending on your negotiation skills.

Alternatively, you could also hitchhike but remember that, in this part of the world, even locals pay for that.

Practical information for trekking to Song Kul

Bring water for the first day only – On the first day, from Kyzart village to the actual lake, you won’t find any water, so bring a few liters for a long day hike.

At the lake, the nomads drink from water pumps which can be found one hundred meters from the shore.

You don’t really need camping equipment – Sure, you can bring your own tent and sleeping bag but, at the lake, there are plenty of nomad camps where you will always be able to stay and get a warm meal.

Typically, they charge 10USD, including dinner and a filling breakfast. Dinner consists of shorpo, which is a local meat broth, whereas breakfast consists of bread, jam, butter, eggs, and porridge. Trekking in Kyrgyzstan  is easier than anywhere else!

Horse trekking – We met a couple of people who did the trek on a horse, so it’s perfectly doable.

You can arrange it at either the CBT office in Kochkor or in Kyzart, the second option being cheaper as you won’t pay for transportation.

Trekking experience – Trekking from Kyzart to Song Kul was, perhaps, the easiest trek I did in Kyrgyzstan.

As explained in the itinerary, the only challenging day happens on day one, when you go over the pass. After going down, the way to the main yurt camp is completely flat.

When to go – Kyrgyzstan is such a seasonal destination since, outside the summer months, the country is covered by snow.

Sure, you could come here in spring or winter but you will freeze and you won’t even find nomads. The best time to come is from June to September and, even by then, you may get bad weather. When I was there during the month of July, we got heavy rain on the 4th day.

Author Bio:

Bio: From Sudan to Pakistan, for the last few years, Joan Torres has been traveling non-stop to real off the beaten track destinations which don’t tend to be on most traveler’s bucket list.

He tells about it in his blog Against the Compass , where he writes real inspiring travel stories, as well as extremely comprehensive travel guides. Follow in on Facebook and Instagram .

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8 thoughts on “Song Kul Independent Trek Kyrgyzstan | The Planet D”

Very useful advice, I think we will also follow-up on it.

Hi! It is possible to do this trek by horse?I mean,staying in the real yurt camps and not only in the CBT ones,how could this be arranged? Thank you!

Thanks a lot for your great articles. I ll try To do this trek this week. I don’t see trails on mapsme. Is it easy To find the trail after the river? And to find the way To the shore on the 1st day? Thanks Elsa

You shared really great article and adventures also. Thanks for sharing a great information of Kyrgyzstan. keep doing!

Personally I love trekking, thanks for your kind information about the destination, really superb article, thanks for sharing this article.

Amazing, From the time when I get to know about your Kyrgyzstan visit on Instagram, I was just waiting for this. Beautiful captures!!! Keep going.

i just love the way you travel and your write up i am become a fan of your blog thanks for sharing all your extraordinary journey

What an awesome adventure!! Love the way you write, your pictures make me want to go the Kyrgyzstan. I am so glad you shared this experience. Keep up the great work.