Song-Kol Horse Trek from Kochkor — 7 Days
About this tour
Song-Kol is the second-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, lying at 3,016 m and ringed by snow-capped peaks. Its valley has been a summer pasture since ancient times — the hills are covered with thick, juicy grass, edelweiss and mountain flowers.
From Kochkor you ride three days to the lake, crossing passes at 3,260 m and 3,700 m and camping on the way. At Song-Kol you stay in yurts with herding families, try kymyz and watch bread and cheese being made, before returning to Bishkek over the Teskey-Torpok pass past ancient kurgans and the Tash-Tulga stone circles.
Highlights
- 3-day horse trek over passes at 3,260 m and 3,700 m
- Nights in herders' yurts on the shore of Song-Kol (3,016 m)
- Burana Tower and a felt-carpet (shyrdak) workshop in Kochkor
- Kurgans, the Tash-Tulga stone circles and the Song-Kol waterfall
- About 600 km by car and 100 km on horseback
Group departures
Join a group on one of these dates, or propose your own. A departure is guaranteed once 2 travellers have joined, and the price per person drops as the group grows.
-
17 – 23 Jul 2027Open 1 of 3 travellers · 1 more to guarantee Vicky$1,600 per person
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Publish your dates and other travellers can join you. They go live as soon as you confirm your email.
- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary
01
Day
Arrival in Bishkek
Arrival in Bishkek, check-in at a hotel or guesthouse and a city tour.
02
Day
Bishkek – Kochkor
Drive to Kochkor, visiting the Burana Tower on the way. In Kochkor we visit a workshop making traditional felt carpets (shyrdaks). Night in a guesthouse.
03
Day
Kochkor – Song-Kol: riding day 1
Start of the three-day horse trek to Song-Kol. Riding takes 5–6 hours a day; over the three days you cross two passes, at 3,260 m and 3,700 m. Night in tents.
04
Day
Riding day 2
Riding on through the mountains towards Song-Kol, 5–6 hours. Night in tents.
05
Day
Riding day 3 — arrival at Song-Kol
Last riding day and arrival at Song-Kol. Night in a yurt — the traditional home of Kyrgyz herders.
06
Day
Free day at Song-Kol
Try kymyz (fermented mare's milk) and watch the herders' wives make bread and cheese. Optional ride along the shore or a walk in the hills around the valley. Night in a yurt.
07
Day
Song-Kol – Bishkek
Drive back to Bishkek over the Teskey-Torpok pass, seeing ancient kurgans, the Tash-Tulga stone circles, the Song-Kol waterfall and the Valley of the Dead. Night in Bishkek.
08
Day
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route (car for up to 3 travellers, minibus for larger groups)
English-speaking guide
5 nights in hotels, guesthouses or yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
2 nights camping: tents, camp kitchen and a cook
Breakfast and dinner every day
Picnic lunches on trekking, riding and walking days
A horse for each traveller and your guide, with local horsemen
Pack horses with a horseman for the luggage and camping gear
Entrance tickets and park fees
Not included
International flights
Visa fees (if you need a visa)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $150 (5 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Lunch on travel days
Sleeping bag and mat (ask us if you need to rent one)
Drinks and snacks
Tips for your guide, driver and horsemen
Personal expenses
Who is this tour for?
- Riders with average fitness and some riding experience — expect 5–6 hours in the saddle on riding days
- Travellers who want to sleep in yurts and live a few days like nomads
Difficulty & safety
The highest point of the route is about 3,700 m. Drink plenty of water, go slowly on the first days and tell your guide about any headache or dizziness. Riding days are 5–6 hours at a walking pace with an experienced horseman; mountain weather changes fast, so keep a warm layer and rain jacket at hand.
What to bring
Warm clothes — nights in the mountains are cold
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Rain jacket
Sunscreen and sun hat
Sleeping bag
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Do I need riding experience?
Some riding experience and average fitness are recommended, as riding days last 5–6 hours. Your horseman stays with the group the whole way.
