Trekking & Horse Riding: Ala-Kol and Song-Kol — 10 Days
About this tour
Experience Kyrgyzstan in every way: trek to the turquoise Ala-Kol lake and the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan, ride horses across the high pastures to Song-Kol, sleep in yurts and share dinners with nomads — and drive around the must-see places of this small, unique country.
Highlights
- Trek over the Ala-Kol pass to the lake at 3,532 m
- Radon hot springs of Altyn-Arashan
- Horse trek over the Kilemche pastures and the Jalgyz-Karagai pass
- Nomad yurt camp at Song-Kol
- Burana Tower, Skazka canyon and an eagle show in Bokonbaevo
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 – Bishkek city tour
Early arrival in Bishkek and transfer to the hotel. A full city tour: Victory Square, Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, the History Museum, the Philharmonic and the colourful Osh and Orto-Sai bazaars.
Overnight: hotel in Bishkek.
02
Day
Bishkek – Burana Tower – Karakol
Drive to Karakol, visiting the Burana Tower near Tokmok (10th–11th century), with a picnic in the Boom gorge, then along the north shore of Issyk-Kul.
Overnight: guesthouse in Karakol.
03
Day
Karakol – Kurgak-Tor gorge – Sirota
From the Karakol valley we hike from the foothills through mountain forest and alpine meadows towards the realm of snow and glaciers. Walking 6–8 hours.
Overnight: camp at Sirota.
04
Day
Sirota – Ala-Kol lake – Altyn-Arashan
We continue to Ala-Kol lake at 3,532 m, a rock-dammed treasure below the Terskei Ala-Too, for lunch with a view. Then we descend 3–4 hours to Altyn-Arashan, the 'golden springs', for a soak in the radon hot springs. Walking 6–9 hours.
Overnight: guesthouse in Altyn-Arashan.
05
Day
Altyn-Arashan – Karakol – Bokonbaevo
An easier day: 3–4 hours downhill, then by car past the Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon to Bokonbaevo on the south shore.
Overnight: guesthouse in Bokonbaevo.
06
Day
Bokonbaevo – Kochkor
In Bokonbaevo you can meet an eagle hunter and photograph eagles and other animals. Along the south shore and past the salt lake to Kochkor (4–6 hours by car).
Overnight: guesthouse in Kochkor.
07
Day
Kochkor – Kilemche (horse trek)
Early transfer to the Jumgal valley and the start of the ride below the Kyzart pass. Meet your guide and horsemen, cross the Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo and the Chaar-Archa pass (3,061 m) to the Kilemche pastures — 'like a carpet' — below the holy Baba-Ata mountain. Riding 4–6 hours.
Overnight: yurt at Kilemche.
08
Day
Kilemche – Song-Kol lake (horse trek)
Over the Jalgyz-Karagai pass (3,400 m), with a panoramic view of the lake, to Jaman-Echki on the shore of Song-Kol. Riding 5–6 hours.
Overnight: nomad yurt camp, Song-Kol.
09
Day
Song-Kol – Bishkek
Transfer to Bishkek over the Kalmak-Ashuu pass (3,446 m), about 5–6 hours (350 km).
Overnight: hotel in Bishkek.
10
Day
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
What's included
Included
Transport, driver and fuel
Horse guide and assistant
Cook
Guide-translator
Accommodation
Meals
Horse rental
Park and museum tickets
Mineral water
Tent, sleeping bag, gas and dishes
Not included
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $240 (8 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Air tickets
Alcohol
Bank fees
Additional services not mentioned in the program
Who is this tour for?
- Fit walkers who can hike 6–9 hours a day
- Travellers who want both trekking and horse riding
- No riding experience needed for the horse trek
Difficulty & safety
The Ala-Kol pass (about 3,900 m) and the lake (3,532 m) are high: acclimatise, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. The trekking days are long, with steep sections. The horses are calm and led by experienced horsemen.
What to bring
Trekking boots and poles
Warm sleeping layers for the camp
Warm layers — mountain nights are cold even in summer
Rain jacket
Comfortable hiking shoes
Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Personal medicine
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Do I need riding experience?
No. The horses are calm and the horsemen lead the group at a walking pace.
