This 3-day Song-Kol horse riding tour is the easiest way to reach the lake in the saddle. From Kyzart village you ride about 55 km in a loop: up the Bazar-Turuk gorge to the Kilemche pastures, over Jalgyz-Karagai pass (3,326 m) down to the shore of Song-Kol, and back over Tuz-Ashuu pass. Local horsemen from the valley guide you, and you sleep two nights in yurt camps with shepherd families. Basic riding experience helps, but fit beginners can join. Private on any date from June to September. Want a longer ride? See the 10-day Nomadic Horse Trek.
Price per person, depends on group size
Private tour on any date from June to September. The price per person depends on the group size — see the table. Travelling alone? Open your date early and we try to find other riders to share the cost. Bring a group of 6 and your own place is free.
Included
Not included
Moments that stay with you
Community-based tourism
This tour is run by local families and horsemen from the Kyzart area — you support them directly. Comfort is simple and conditions can vary: shared yurts, outdoor toilets, no showers and basic English. Travellers who come with an open mind usually find it the most memorable part of their trip.
Luggage
Everything travels on horseback, so no suitcases. Bring a backpack or soft waterproof duffel that can be tied to the saddle, and leave the rest at your hotel in Bishkek.
Riding
The horses are calm local Kyrgyz horses. Wear closed shoes and long trousers, use the helmet, and always follow the horseman: keep a distance between horses, do not overtake and get off on steep descents when asked.
What to bring
Warm layers for the evenings, rain jacket or poncho, hat, sunglasses and sun cream, head torch, power bank and some cash for drinks and souvenirs.
Basic experience helps, but it is not required. The horses are calm, the pace is mostly walk, and the horseman stays with you. Beginners should be fit enough for 4–6 hours in the saddle; expect sore legs on day 2.
The lake lies at 3,016 m. Summer days are mild and sunny, but nights can drop to around 0 °C and the weather changes quickly. Bring warm layers and a rain jacket.
Two nights in yurt camps run by shepherd families — on the Kilemche pastures and on the shore of Song-Kol — usually 2–3 people per yurt. Meals are simple home cooking: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners are included.
The price per person falls with group size — from 600 $ for one rider to 290 $ each for six (see the table). Solo travellers can open a date early, and we try to find other riders to share the cost. If you bring a group of 6, your own place is free.
Everything goes on horseback, so no suitcases: bring a backpack or soft duffel that can be tied to the saddle. Your main luggage stays at your hotel in Bishkek.
Prefer walking? Take the 3-day Song-Kol trek from Kyzart. Want a group trip by car with Karakol included? Join the weekly Song-Kol & Karakol group tour. This horseback tour is for those who want to reach the lake in the saddle.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
