Song-Kol Horse Trek — 3 Days
About this tour
Song-Kol is a wide alpine lake at about 3,000 metres in the heart of the Tien Shan. Every summer, herding families bring their horses, sheep and yaks up to its pastures and set up yurt camps along the shore — and for three days, you ride with them.
This short trek is the easiest way to experience real nomadic life in Kyrgyzstan. You start in the village of Kyzart, ride over the mountains to the lake on sturdy local horses, sleep two nights in a family-run yurt camp and return by a different trail. No riding experience is needed: our horsemen pick a calm horse for you and stay with the group the whole way.
Expect big skies, silent valleys, fresh bread and tea in the yurt, and nights so clear you can see the Milky Way.
Highlights
- Ride over a high mountain pass to Song-Kol lake (about 3,000 m)
- Two nights in a family-run yurt camp on the shore
- Meet herding families and see daily life on the summer pastures
- Calm local horses and an experienced horseman — no riding experience needed
- Sunsets over the lake and some of the clearest night skies in Central Asia
Group departures
Prices are per person. Other dates? Every tour can also run privately — just ask.
Itinerary
01
Day
Bishkek – Kyzart – ride to the pastures
Early pick-up at your hotel in Bishkek and a scenic drive south through the Boom Gorge and the town of Kochkor to the village of Kyzart (about 5 hours with stops).
After lunch with a local family you meet your horseman and your horse. The ride climbs gently through green valleys towards the jailoo (summer pastures). Overnight in a herders' yurt camp. Riding time: about 3–4 hours.
02
Day
Over the pass to Song-Kol lake
After breakfast you ride up to a mountain pass with wide views over the Tien Shan, then descend to the shore of Song-Kol. The landscape opens up: endless meadows, herds of horses and white yurts dotted along the water.
Afternoon free to walk along the lake, help with milking or try kumis (fermented mare's milk). Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp by the lake. Riding time: about 5–6 hours.
03
Day
Song-Kol – Kyzart – Bishkek
Sunrise over the lake, breakfast in the yurt and a final ride along a different trail back down to the valley. Farewell to your horseman, then the drive back to Bishkek, arriving in the evening. Riding time: about 2–3 hours.
What's included
Included
Transport Bishkek – Kyzart – Bishkek
Horse and saddle for each guest
Experienced local horseman
English-speaking guide
2 nights in a yurt camp (shared yurt)
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Drinking water and tea
Not included
International flights
Hotel in Bishkek
Travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Tips for horsemen and guide
Who is this tour for?
- First-time riders — no experience needed
- Travellers who want to see real nomadic life
- Nature and photography lovers
- Anyone with only a few days in Kyrgyzstan
Difficulty & safety
Song-Kol lies at about 3,000 m. Most people feel only mild shortness of breath; drink plenty of water and take it slowly on the first day. Tell your guide if you feel a headache or dizziness.
The local horses are calm and sure-footed, and your horseman leads the group at a walking pace — there is no galloping unless you ask for it. Riding helmets are available on request. Weather in the mountains changes quickly, so always carry a warm layer and a rain jacket.
What to bring
Warm jacket and fleece — nights at the lake are cold, even in August
Long comfortable trousers for riding
Closed shoes or boots with a heel
Rain jacket
Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
Head torch
Personal medicine
Cash for extras and tips
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Do I need riding experience?
No. The horses are calm and used to beginners, and your horseman stays with you the whole trek. You will get a short introduction before you start.
How cold does it get at Song-Kol?
Days are usually pleasant, but nights at 3,000 m can drop close to freezing, even in summer. Yurts have stoves and warm blankets — bring a fleece and a warm jacket.
Are there showers and toilets?
Yurt camps are simple: outdoor toilets and basic washing facilities. Some camps offer a hot shower or banya for a small fee.
Can children join?
Yes, children from about 8 years old who are comfortable around horses can join. Younger children can sometimes ride with a parent — just ask.
Can we do this tour privately or on other dates?
Yes. Send us a request with your dates and group size and we will arrange a private trek.