In winter, Song-Kol belongs to the horsemen. No roads, no villages, no other tourists — only snowfields, a frozen lake at 3,000 m and a night sky full of stars. On this 3-day winter horseback tour you ride with local horsemen from the Bazar-Turuk gorge over a pass of 3,225 m to the lake, about 36 km in total. You sleep in heated yurts and eat hot home-cooked meals by the stove. It is cold, simple and unforgettable — a real adventure for fit travellers, no riding experience needed. Transfer from Bishkek and back is included.
Price per person, depends on group size
Included
• Private transfer Bishkek → Kyzart → Bazar-Turuk and back
• Local horse guide and horseman
• Riding horses for the whole trip
• 2 nights in heated winter yurt camps with warm winter sleeping bags
• Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• Riding helmet
Not included
• Personal winter clothing and equipment (packing list below)
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic and extra drinks
• Personal expenses
Prices are per person for a private tour and valid for the winter season 2026/27.
Moments that stay with you
Winter at Song-Kol
In winter nobody lives at the lake and there is no road. The only base is a small winter camp of two yurts — one kitchen and one heated sleeping yurt — supplied by horse. All travellers in the area share it, so you may sleep together with other guests (often 8–12 people). There are no private rooms: the priority is warmth and safety, not comfort.
Weather and riding time
Daytime temperatures are usually −15 to −20 °C, on sunny days around −5 °C; nights can drop to −30 °C and below. Normally we ride 4–5 hours a day; in very cold weather we shorten it to about 3 hours. That is why the ride starts in the Bazar-Turuk gorge, close to Song-Kol, and not in Kyzart village.
What to bring
• Two sets of thermal underwear (merino, not cotton) and a fleece or wool mid-layer
• Down jacket, insulated trousers or ski pants, windproof shell
• Warm insulated boots without a very deep sole (they must slide out of the stirrup easily) and gaiters
• Warm hat that fits under a helmet, balaclava or buff, liner gloves and thick mittens
• 4–5 pairs of wool socks, hand and toe warmers
• Sunglasses or goggles, lip balm with SPF
• Thermos, headlamp, small daypack, personal medication
Safety
Calm mountain horses used to snow, helmets, a safety briefing before the ride and a guide with you all the time. If the weather turns, the guide changes the route or the pace.
No. Most riders on this route are beginners. The horses are calm and used to snow, and the horsemen show you how to sit, steer and ride safely. You do need good fitness and tolerance for cold.
Days are usually −15 to −20 °C, nights can drop to −30 °C and colder. The yurts are heated with a stove through the night, we provide warm winter sleeping bags, and on very cold days we ride shorter stages. Good layered clothing is essential — see the packing list.
Two nights in winter yurt camps: in the Kilemche valley and at Song-Kol. You sleep in a shared heated yurt, often together with other travellers. There are no private rooms or showers — it is basic, but warm and authentic.
The guide decides each morning. In strong cold or wind we shorten the ride or change the route; safety always comes first.
Yes. It is a private tour on your dates for 1 to 10 people — solo, as a couple or with friends.
The price per person depends on group size: $880 for 2 travellers, $650 for 4, $550 for 6, $470 for 8 and $410 for 10 — see the price table. Transfers from Bishkek, horses, guide, yurt nights and meals are included.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
