3-Day Song Kul Horse Riding Tour in Kyrgyzstan
Ride from Kyzart through the rolling Kilemche Valley and across high mountain passes to Song Kul Lake on this 3-day small-group horse trek in Kyrgyzstan.
The tour is suitable for active first-time riders as well as experienced riders who are comfortable following the pace of a mixed-level group.
Join our 3-day small-group horse riding tour to Song Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan’s pristine alpine lake nestled at 3,000 meters, surrounded by rolling green pastures and towering mountain ranges.
Ride across vast alpine meadows, ascend rugged mountain passes, and experience the serene beauty of Song Kul’s crystal-clear waters. Along the way, you’ll connect with Kyrgyz nomadic traditions, stay in cozy yurts, and savor authentic local cuisine under star-filled skies. This trip offers a chance to disconnect from everyday life and explore the wild, untouched heart of Kyrgyzstan on horseback.
The tour is suitable for active first-time riders as well as experienced riders who are comfortable following the pace of a mixed-level group.
The Song Kul Lake Horse Riding Tour at a Glance
Duration: 3 days/ 2 nights
Riding experience: beginner to advanced
Lodging: 2 nights in yurt camps
Start & Finish: Kyzart
Group size: from 2 to 10 people
Guide: Each tour is led by a professionally trained, English-speaking local tour guide, arranged by my trusted local partner Emir from E2 Travel, with experienced local horsemen providing additional support and helping to ensure everyone’s safety along the way.
“The logistics were spot on and the trip surpassed our expectations. The scenery and riding were spectacular, but the hospitality of our hosts and the excellence of our guides made the experience truly memorable. A special mention for Goga, who was a first-class tour leader.”
“The Song Kul tour was very well organised, including the transfers from Bishkek. My vegetarian diet was taken into account, and the horses appeared well cared for and were calm and well trained, even for beginners. The landscapes were beautiful, and Cynthia’s excellent communication and personal help were especially reassuring as a solo traveller.”
“The 3-day horse trek to Song Kul was a wonderful experience. The local guides were exceptionally kind and helpful throughout the journey. Thank you, Ayana!”
3-day Song Kul Horse Riding Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Kyzart to Kilemche Valley (riding time: 4 hours)
The horse riding tour begins at noon at a local guesthouse in Kyzart Village, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers and share a home-cooked lunch (included) before starting the tour.
After lunch, the team introduces you to your horse and receive a short briefing on riding techniques and safety before setting off. The first ride follows rolling hills and open valleys towards Kilemche. The gentler terrain gives first-time riders time to become more comfortable in the saddle before the more demanding mountain sections on the following days.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to a perfect first glimpse of Kyrgyzstan’s wild landscapes with wide-open views of green pastures framed by rugged mountain peaks.
In the early evening, you’ll arrive at a welcoming yurt camp in Kilemche. After a warm, traditional Kyrgyz dinner, you’ll settle in for the night in a shared yurt, surrounded by the quiet of the mountains.
Meals included: lunch + dinner.
Accommodation: shared yurt in yurt camp
Day 2: Kilemche VAlley to Song Kul Lake (riding time: 4 hours)
After breakfast at the yurt camp, you’ll saddle up for the journey over the Tuz Ashuu Pass (3,400m), offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The climb is challenging yet rewarding, leading you to the breathtaking alpine plateau of Song Kul Lake.
As you descend, the shimmering blue lake emerges, surrounded by vast pastures where nomadic herders graze their livestock. You’ll have time to explore the area on foot and, if the weather is fine, go for a swim in the lake.
You’ll spend the night in a lakeside yurt camp, experiencing the peaceful rhythm of nomadic life and enjoying a hearty meal prepared by your local hosts.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch + dinner.
Accommodation: shared yurt
Day 3: Son Kul Lake – Kyzart Village (Riding time: 6 hours)
In the early morning, you have some time to go for an early morning swim or short hike at the lake. After enjoying breakfast at the yurt camp, a you’ll saddle up for your final day on horseback, leaving the wide-open plateau of Song Kul Lake behind.
The trail leads you over another magnificent mountain pass, offering sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding highlands one last time. As you cross the pass, the landscape gradually changes from alpine pastures to rolling hills and fertile valleys. The descent follows quiet trails through open countryside, revealing a different side of Kyrgyzstan’s rural life.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive back in Kyzart Village, where the horse trek comes to an end, completing a memorable journey through high mountain passes, vast landscapes, and the timeless beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic heartland.
Meals included: breakfast
sONG kUL Horse Riding tOUR dates
The Song Kul Lake Horse Riding Tour can only be booked between June 1st and September 25th due to weather conditions.
Booking early is recommended, particularly for July and August. Yurt camps, guesthouses and our trekking guides have limited availability during the high season.
Last-minute bookings may sometimes be possible, but we kindly ask to book at least 10 days in advance as we need time to arrange the guide, horses, accommodation, and equipment.
Can’t find a suitable date below? Contact me and share your preferred travel dates. I may be able to open an additional group departure. The trek is guaranteed once at least two participants have booked.
TOUR COSTS
The tour price depends on the final number of participants. The price decreases the more travellers join. The final group price is determined when the bookings close (usually 5 days before the start of the tour).
| Number of people | 2 | 3 | 4-5 | 6-7 | 8-10 |
| Price per person (EURO) | 440 | 360 | 320 | 290 | 250 |
What’s included in your experience
- English-speaking guide throughout the 3-day trek
- Experienced local horsemen accompanying the group for extra safety
- One horse per person for the entire trek
- Two nights in carefully selected yurt camps:
- 1 night in Kilemche (shared yurt with 4-6 people from the group)
- 1 night at Song Kul Lake (shared yurt with 4 people from the group)
- Meals included:
- Day 1: Lunch & dinner
- Day 2: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Day 3: Breakfast
What’s not included in this price?
- Helmets (can be rented at 300 KGS per day)
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water (boiled water and tea are available at the yurt camps)
- Insurance: I recommend SafetyWing, HeyMondo or IATI backpacker if you want a good insurance provider for horse riding (in case you don’t have one yet).
Why choose This Song Kul Horse Riding Tour?
I lived for nearly a whole year in Kyrgyzstan in 2017 and have continued returning to its mountains and working with local travel partners ever since. Over the years, I have learned that the quality of a horse trek depends not only on the landscape, but also on the guide, the care of the horses and the families welcoming travellers into their yurts.
This horse riding tour is designed for travelers who value authentic experiences, small groups, responsible tourism, and genuine connections with local people.
Having organized horse riding adventures in Kyrgyzstan for many years now, I’ve built a trusted network of local partners who share my passion for creating safe, meaningful, and unforgettable journeys.
From the moment you book, I’ll personally help you prepare for your adventure. You’ll receive a detailed information guide, packing list, and practical travel tips, and I’m always happy to answer your questions before you leave.
During the trek, you’ll be accompanied by one of our personally trained English-speaking guides. Together with experienced local horsemen, they’ll introduce you to the nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan and ensure you feel comfortable, well looked after, and fully immersed in the experience.
We carefully choose our yurt camps for their warm hospitality and comfort, work with horsemen who genuinely care for the wellbeing of their horses, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals prepared by local families.
Responsible tourism is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in treating both people and animals with respect, supporting local communities through fair partnerships, and creating experiences that are enjoyable not only for our travelers but also for the people who make these journeys possible.
When you join this tour, you’re not simply booking a horse trek; you’re choosing an experience that has been thoughtfully designed, personally tested, and built around quality, safety, and authentic cultural exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact me if you have more questions!
Booking & Cancellation
Confirm your participation by filling out the booking form and paying the non-refundable deposit of €60 per person. Deposits can be made via a standard bank transfer in EUR or via online transfer (Wise) in EUR or USD.
As soon as I receive your booking, I’ll send out the payment details. Your booking is only confirmed when the deposit has been paid.
The remaining tour costs can be paid either in cash on the first day of the tour or via online transfer (additional fees might apply) at the latest one week before the start of the trip.
If you have any more questions or want more info, please contact me here!
Cancellation policy
If for any reason you can’t join this tour, you’ll receive a refund of the tour cost – minus the deposit and transaction fees – , if you cancel at the latest 10 days before the start of the tour.
In case we have to cancel this tour due to unforeseen circumstances, you’ll receive a full refund of the tour costs (minus transaction costs).
REVIEWS: What travelers say about the Song Kul Horse riding Tour
Every night in the yurt was just perfect – cozy, authentic, and a true taste of nomadic life. And the food… absolutely amazing! Even as vegetarians, we were spoiled with delicious, hearty dishes that made us look forward to every meal.
Wonderful experience, the local guides were extra nice – thank you Ayana !
They looked after us so well – always there to help and make the whole trip fun and as good as it could be. They were amazing with our boys – a bit of horseback wrestling and fun riding, loads of jokes and fabulous conversations.
We ended the trip as great friends and sad to say goodbye.
A special mention for Goga who is a real asset to your team – first class tour leader!!
We will recommend to all and hope to return one day. Thanks and best wishes from us all. Ed
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