3-Day Horseback Adventure to Song-Kol Lake

Travel Light: Since the entire tour is done on horseback, please bring only the essentials.

Avoid Suitcases: Large suitcases or hard-shell luggage cannot be carried on horses.

Recommended Bag: Use a backpack or a waterproof duffel bag with a strong zipper that can be secured to the saddle.

What to Pack:

Warm clothes (especially for the evenings in the mountains)

Rain jacket or poncho

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Hat or cap

Flashlight or headlamp

Personal hygiene items and medications

Power bank for your devices

🏠 Yurt Accommodation
You will stay 2 nights in traditional yurt camps. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included and provided by local families.

👜 Storage of Extra Luggage
Any extra luggage can be safely left at Kyzart village, where you will have lunch before starting the horseback tour.

💬 Guide & Language
Please note this is a budget-friendly tour. All services are provided by local families, and your horse guide is local with limited English skills. However, they are experienced in leading horseback tours and will ensure your safety and comfort.

🌍 Local Impact
This tour supports local communities directly — your stay, meals, and guidance all help local people who live in the area.

Kyrgyzstan is an incredible place to explore on horseback! With vast, untamed landscapes, riding offers a unique and adventurous way to experience the country. Our experienced guides and skilled horsemen will ensure your safety and enjoyment—follow their instructions carefully and feel free to ask questions anytime.

Riding Tips:
• Clothing: Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants to avoid chafing. Bring layers, as the weather can change quickly. Gloves are also a good idea.
• Adjusting Layers: If you need to add or remove a jacket, let your guide know first. Sudden movements or sounds can startle horses, and our guides will help with animals prone to spooking.
• Hydrate & Eat Well: Riding may not be aerobic, but it’s still physically demanding. Stay hydrated and eat properly to avoid fatigue.
• Camera & Gear: Kyrgyzstan’s scenery is stunning from horseback! Keep cameras and water bottles securely fastened, as unexpected falling objects can frighten even the most experienced horses.
• Safety Around Horses: Never walk directly behind a horse—stay at least 2 meters away. Horses have blind spots behind them and may kick if startled. Approach them from the side and speak out loud if you’re passing nearby.
• Horse Behavior: Horses are intelligent and have unique personalities. If disagreements arise with your horse, remain calm and assertive to maintain control.

The 7 horse riding basic rules in Kyrgyzstan.

Riding Basics:
1. Keep Your Feet in the Stirrups: This will help you maintain balance, especially over rough terrain.
2. Sit Straight and Centered: Align your body with the horse’s mane to stay balanced.
3. Reins Are Your Control: Use the reins to steer and stop. Pull back to slow down and to one side to turn.
4. Get the Horse Moving: Say “chu” to urge the horse forward. If needed, give a gentle kick or tap with the whip.
5. No Snacking: Horses might try to eat while riding, but this slows everyone down. Pull their head away and keep them moving.
6. Adjust Your Position: Lean forward going uphill and lean back when going downhill.
7. Mind Group Dynamics: If you’re an experienced rider, keep in mind that others may not be. Ride at a pace that doesn’t cause unnecessary excitement among the horses, especially in mixed-experience groups.

For Families with Children:
• We recommend children be at least 7 years old for short rides and 10 years old for overnight trips. Younger children can enjoy short, guided “pony rides” under supervision.
• Kyrgyz culture values horse-riding skills from a young age, and we encourage children to experience this in a safe, guided environment.

Respect for Horses:
• Our horsemen care deeply for their animals, which play a vital role in their daily lives and culture. We select gentle, surefooted horses for mountain terrain to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable ride.
Horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan offers an unforgettable way to connect with nature and Kyrgyz nomadic culture. Listen to your guides, treat the horses with respect, and enjoy the adventure!

Information for Guests

Horseback tours by Kyrgyzstan Tourism take place in remote mountain regions, highland pastures, and wild valleys. We work with experienced local horsemen and use calm, well-trained Kyrgyz horses.
However, horseback riding is an active adventure activity that requires attention, discipline, and respect for animals and nature.

Following these safety rules is mandatory for all participants.

1. General Safety Principles

• All participants must strictly follow the guide’s instructions.
• Changing the route, pace, or order of the group without permission is prohibited.
• Group safety always has priority over individual preferences.
• The guide has the right to change or shorten the route for safety reasons.

2. Interaction with Horses

• A horse is a living animal, not a machine.
• ❗ Never stand or walk directly behind a horse — horses can kick suddenly.
• Do not shout, scare horses, pull the reins sharply, or use force.
• Feeding horses without the guide’s permission is forbidden.
• Never wrap reins or ropes around your hand.

3. Mounting and Dismounting — An Important Tradition

In Kyrgyzstan, horseback riding follows a long-standing tradition:

• Mounting and dismounting are always done from the left side of the horse.
• The left foot goes into the left stirrup, and mounting is done from the left.
• Dismounting is also performed from the left side.

📌 Kyrgyz horses are trained from a young age to be approached only from the left side.
Mounting or dismounting from the right side may cause unpredictable reactions.

➡ Always mount and dismount only with the guide’s permission and supervision.

4. Riding in a Group and Keeping Distance

• Riding is done in a single line, one horse behind another.
• Overtaking is not allowed.
• Keep a distance of at least 1.5–2 meters between horses.

Important cultural and practical note:

In Kyrgyzstan, horses used for riding are traditionally stallions, not mares.
Therefore, keeping distance in a group is essential:

• Getting too close may provoke conflicts between horses.
• Sudden movements can cause beginners to lose balance.

5. Behavior on the Route and in the Mountains

• Mountain routes may include river crossings, rocky trails, and sudden weather changes.
• While riding:
  • do not use your phone;
  • do not take photos or videos while moving;
  • stay focused and alert.
• Immediately inform the guide if you feel tired, uncomfortable, or unwell.

6. Contact with Animals in Yurts and Villages

During the tour, you may encounter dogs and cats near shepherds’ yurts or in villages.

❗ Strictly prohibited:

• touching;
• petting;
• hugging;
• kissing;
• playing with local animals.

These animals:

• live a semi-wild life;
• are not vaccinated;
• may carry parasites or rabies.

These rules exist solely for your safety.

7. Horse Condition During Multi-Day Tours

During multi-day routes, horses may develop:

• minor abrasions;
• small scratches on their legs;
• light saddle rubbing.

This may occur due to:

• river crossings;
• rocky trails;
• bushes;
• long riding hours.

📌 Important to know:

• horses have thick, resilient skin;
• minor injuries usually do not affect the continuation of the tour;
• guides and horsemen constantly monitor the horses’ condition.

➡ Please do not panic or show excessive emotional concern — local professionals know how to properly care for horses in mountain conditions.

8. Alcohol and Personal Responsibility

❌ Strictly prohibited:

• alcohol consumption before or during the tour;
• riding while unwell or extremely tired;
• leaving the group without permission.

9. Participant Responsibility

By joining the tour, the participant confirms that they:

• have read and understood these safety rules;
• are aware of the risks of mountain and adventure travel;
• agree to follow all guide instructions;
• accept personal responsibility for any violations.

🏔 Kyrgyzstan Tourism

We operate with respect for nature, animals, and the nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan.
Discipline, calm behavior, and trust in your guide ensure a safe and truly authentic horseback journe