Kyrgyzstan in winter, on horseback. In 8 days you cross snowy valleys and a 3,200 m pass to frozen Song-Kol, a lake almost nobody sees in winter, and sleep in a heated yurt on its shore. On the way you stay with families in Kyzyl-Oi and Kyzart, watch young horses being trained, see a game of Ulak-Tartysh, ride in warrior costume through the red Skazka canyon and hunt with a berkutchi and his golden eagle. No riding experience needed – just good fitness, warm clothes and a taste for real cold. Private trip or small group, any date from December to April.
The price is calculated individually: it depends on group size, dates and accommodation level. Send a request and we will prepare an offer for your group.
Request your datesMoments that stay with you
Included
Not included
Winter conditions
Expect around −20 °C on average and down to −30 °C at night at Song-Kol, with wind on the pass. Days are often sunny. Snow can change the plan: if the pass is closed or the weather is bad, the guide shortens the ride or chooses another route – safety first.
What to bring
Thermal underwear, fleece, a warm down jacket and windproof trousers; insulated winter boots that fit in a stirrup; warm gloves plus a spare pair, hat and buff; ski goggles or sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, headlamp, a thermos (normal bottles freeze) and personal medicine. Riding helmets are available.
No. Our horses are calm and used to snow, you ride at a walking pace and local horsemen stay with you all the time. Good fitness and balance are more important than riding skills.
Around −20 °C on average, down to −30 °C at night at Song-Kol (3,000 m), and windy on the pass. In the yurt a stove keeps you warm. Good winter clothing is essential – see the packing list above.
On the route: five nights with families and in guesthouses (Kyzyl-Oi, Kyzart, Kochkor, Bokonbaevo, Chon-Kemin) and one night in a heated yurt at Song-Kol, which the group shares. In Bishkek (nights 1 and 8) you stay at a hotel of your choice, booked by you – we are happy to recommend one.
The price depends on group size and dates, so we quote on request. Send us your dates and number of travellers; we confirm the program and send an invoice. You pay by bank transfer, or part on arrival in Bishkek.
Yes. Every departure can be private, and we offer shorter versions of 2–3 days (Song-Kol only) or longer, custom programs. For a 3-day winter ride see our Winter Horseback Tour to Song-Kol.
The guide decides each day. If the pass to Song-Kol is closed or too windy, you ride a lower route or stay an extra night in Kyzart and use the time for other activities. Safety always comes before the plan.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
