Horse Riding To Song-Kol Lake – 5 Days

In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Bishkek. First, settle into a private vehicle and begin the drive toward Kochkor.

Along the way, the scenery changes from city streets to rolling hills and mountain landscapes. Then, stop at Burana Tower, an important Silk Road monument.

Climb the narrow staircase and enjoy panoramic views of the Chuy Valley. Afterward, explore the ancient balbal stones around the tower.

Next, continue toward Kochkor and stop at Kok Moinok Canyon for photos. Wind and water have shaped its red sandstone cliffs into unusual formations.

Finally, arrive in Kochkor and check into a family-run guesthouse. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner and learn about local traditions.

If time allows, watch local artisans make traditional felt carpets called shyrdaks.

After breakfast, drive approximately two hours to Kyzart Village. Along the way, pass through rural settlements and scenic foothills.

Upon arrival, meet your guide, horseman and horse. First, the horseman will choose a calm horse that suits your riding experience.

Then, your team will explain basic riding techniques and safety rules. Afterward, begin a gentle 3–4 hour ride toward Kilemche Valley.

As you ride, cross rolling hills and open alpine meadows. Meanwhile, enjoy the fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings.

Finally, arrive at your first yurt camp. In the evening, meet your local hosts and enjoy a traditional dinner.

In addition, you can learn how families live in the high pastures during summer.

After breakfast, prepare for the most scenic riding day of the journey. First, begin a steady climb toward Tuz Ashuu Pass at 3,400 metres.

As you climb, green meadows gradually change into rocky alpine terrain. Eventually, reach the pass and stop to enjoy the panorama.

From there, you can see the vast Song-Kol Lake basin below. Next, begin the gentle descent toward the lake.

Afterward, stop for a picnic lunch near the route. Then, continue riding along the lakeshore and enjoy the quiet landscape.

In the evening, arrive at your lakeside yurt camp. Finally, enjoy dinner and step outside to admire the night sky.

Because the area has very little light pollution, you can often see the Milky Way clearly.

After breakfast, begin a relaxed 4–5 hour ride along the southern shore of Song-Kol Lake.

Next, continue toward Tulpar Tash Valley. The name means “Stone Horses,” and local legends surround the area.

Unlike the previous day, today focuses more on exploration than distance. For example, you can hike into the surrounding hills for panoramic views.

In addition, you can relax beside the lake and watch local shepherds with their herds. Your guide can also share stories about the valley.

Afterward, return to the yurt camp at Song-Kol. In the evening, enjoy your final dinner beside the lake.

If available, you may also try traditional kymyz, a fermented mare’s milk drink.

In the morning, enjoy one final breakfast beside the lake. Then, begin your last horse ride toward Ozbek Pass.

From the pass, enjoy a final panoramic view of the Song-Kol basin. Afterward, descend toward Kyzart Village.

Upon arrival, say goodbye to your horseman and horses. Next, enjoy lunch in the village.

Then, begin the approximately five-hour drive back to Bishkek. Along the way, relax and enjoy the changing mountain scenery.

Finally, your driver will take you to your hotel or the airport. This marks the end of your journey.