Kegeti to Song-Kol Horse Expedition — 14 Days
About this tour
Our longest horse journey crosses the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, where peaks reach about 5,000 m. For six days you ride through forest, alpine meadows framed by glaciers and green valleys full of wild flowers, past small farming communities and high summer pastures.
The ride ends with a breathtaking view of Song-Kol (3,016 m), where you spend two days in yurts. The trip continues to Issyk-Kul for a swim and to the eroded red 'castles' of the Kok-Moinok canyons.
Highlights
- Six-day ride across the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range
- Two days in yurts on the shore of Song-Kol
- Burana Tower and the ruins of Balasagun
- Swimming in Issyk-Kul and the Kok-Moinok 'castle' canyons
- Bishkek city tour with Osh Bazaar
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.
Join a group: choose your date
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
Check-in and city tour: Victory monument, the Russian Orthodox church, Ala-Too square, the History Museum, Osh Bazaar and TSUM for shopping.
02
Day
Bishkek – Burana – Kegeti
Visit the remains of ancient Balasagun, a city where Buddhism, Christianity and Islam met, and the 11th-century Burana minaret. Arrival in Kegeti gorge and a 4-hour ride. Night in tents.
03
Day
Kegeti – Song-Kol: riding day 1
Start of the crossing from Kegeti gorge towards Song-Kol: forest trails climbing towards the alpine zone. Night in tents.
04
Day
Kegeti – Song-Kol: riding day 2
Alpine meadows framed by the glaciers of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, whose peaks reach about 5,000 m. Night in tents.
05
Day
Kegeti – Song-Kol: riding day 3
Green valleys covered with wild flowers; small farming communities live in some of the valleys. Night in tents.
06
Day
Kegeti – Song-Kol: riding day 4
Riding on across the range towards the high summer pastures (jailoo). Night in tents.
07
Day
Kegeti – Song-Kol: riding day 5
Across the high pastures where herders spend the summer. Night in tents.
08
Day
Kegeti – Song-Kol: riding day 6
Last day of the crossing to the pastures above Song-Kol. Night in tents.
09
Day
Kegeti – Song-Kol: riding day 7
Arrival at Song-Kol (3,016 m) with a breathtaking view over the lake. Night in tents.
10
Day
Song-Kol
Exploring the area and riding around the lake. Night in a yurt.
11
Day
Song-Kol
A rest day on the lake shore. Night in a yurt.
12
Day
Song-Kol – Issyk-Kul
Drive to Issyk-Kul (1,607 m) to relax and swim. Night in a hotel or resort.
13
Day
Issyk-Kul – Kok-Moinok
Drive to the Kok-Moinok canyons to see the 'Aeolian castles'. Night in tents.
14
Day
Kok-Moinok – Bishkek
Return to Bishkek. Night in a hotel or guesthouse.
15
Day
Departure
Transfer to Manas airport.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route (car for up to 3 travellers, minibus for larger groups)
English-speaking guide
6 nights in hotels, guesthouses or yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
8 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: $180 (6 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
- Travellers with two weeks who want one big journey rather than a sampler
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
How many days are spent on horseback?
Seven riding days: a short ride on day 2, then six days from Kegeti to Song-Kol, plus optional rides at the lake.
