Adventure
Green pastures of Song Kul's lake
An all year around horse trek to the Song Kul's lake
- Duration
- 4 days
- Countries
- Kyrgyzstan
- Activities
- Drive , Health and Wellness , Nomadic Lifestyle , Observing Flora , Wildlife Watching
- 01 Tuz Ashuu (Song Kul)
- 02 Song Kul lake
- 03 Kyzart Pass
- 04 Kochkor
- 05 Kilemche Jailoo
- 06 Jumgal
The story
The journey
This short horseriding program is open for experienced riders and also for amateur. The ride is easy in wide pastures. Starting and finishing point from Bishkek (possible to organize from another place). Main curiosities during the program are the Kyzart pass, the Kilemche pastures, the Djangy Bulak pass, overnight in yurt, the Song Kul's lake. This program is also adapted for the winter season.
Route map
The route
Day by day
The journey, day by day
4 chapters
- Day 01
From Bishkek to Kyzart, and horseback riding to Kilemche valley
Transfer to Kyzart pass (alt.2670 m) where we will meet horses, afternoon horseback riding to the gorge Kilemche. Overnight in yurt (2600m.)Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 02
Horseback Journey from Kilemche to Song Kul via Djangy Bulak Pass
Kilemche Jailoo Tuz Ashuu (Song Kul)
In the morning, we set off on horseback from Kilemche, ascending toward the Djangy Bulak Pass (3,437 m). The trail is steep and rocky, offering a rewarding challenge as we climb into the high mountains. From the top, a breathtaking panorama opens over the deep blue waters of Song Kul Lake and the vast alpine landscapes below.
We then descend into the Djaman Echki gorge, a wide summer pasture where shepherds graze their herds. Here, we stop for lunch in a traditional nomadic yurt, sharing a simple and authentic meal.
In the afternoon, we continue riding toward the shores of Song Kul Lake, following its peaceful banks until reaching the Tuz Ashuu gorge. Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp by the lake.
In winter, the route differs due to snow conditions: we cross the Song Kul range via the Tuz Ashuu Pass, the only accessible route during this season. At that time of year, only one yurt camp remains open along the lake, offering a unique experience in a remote and frozen landscape.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 03
Tuz Ashuu (Song Kul) – Jumgal village : Horse riding to Jumgal village
In the morning, we have a bit freetime to enjoy the nomadic life around our yurt camp, then we ride up to the Kara Kya pass (3120m), the lowest pass of the Song Kul's lake, lunch at the pass with splendid view of the lake and the Kyrgyz Alatoo. Then horse riding down to Jumgal village. Overnight in homestayMeals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 04
Transfer to Bishkek
Transfert to Bishkek, via Kochkor, the pass Kuaky and Boom canyon.Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Photography
Along the way
Further reading
More from this journey
Practical information
Prepare for the journey
- All transportation in a private vehicle
- All airport transfers
- Accommodation as described in the program
- Meals (3 per day)
- Bottled water (when possible) & tea
- English-speaking trekking guide
- Horses with local saddles
- Pack horses with saddle bags & horsemen
- Camping & cooking equipment (tents, mats, gas, stove, etc)
- All the activities listed in the program
- Entry fees at national parks and/or border zones listed in the program
- Entry fees at museums and historical sites listed in the program
- Domestic flights mentioned in the program
- A contribution to our sustainable development projects
- Organisation of the trip & local taxes
- International flights
- International banking fees (PayPal, ...)
- Travel & repatriation insurance
- Visas / LOI (if applicable)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses
- Personal equipment (sleeping bag, headlight, personal medication, etc)
- Additional costs due to unexpected personal events (health, loss of luggage, ...)
- Tips for guide & driver (always optional, always appreciated)
Reviews of Nomad's Land
Travelers, in their own words
Published reviews of our team and service.
Nous tenions à vous remercier pour l’organisation de notre voyage au Kirghizistan. Ce pays est magnifique avec des personnes très accueillantes. Grâce à l’énergie positive de notre guide Baktygul, nous avons pu entrer en contact avec la population locale, aidée par quelques vodka bien sûr.
Nomadsland organized a 5 days 4 nights winter tour from Bishkek to Issyk Kol lake via Chom Keming (horse riding), Jyrgalan (snow shoeing), Karakol (museums) and Bokanbaevo (fairy canyon, 7 bulls, eagle hunting), then back to Bishkek. Nikita, our guide, picked us up from the airport and drove us round the snowy roads in his excellent v8 4wd.
4 Day Hike through Archa Tor pass It’s my first trip to Kyrgyzstan! My wife and I are independent travelers and prefer the solitude of traveling without guide or porters. I found Aibek Nomad's Land online as we were on a short 5 day trip, 3 or which were full day hikes so transport to and from the exact start and end points were essential.
Private travel, made personal
Plan this private tour
Tell us your dates, group and travel preferences. Our team will shape the details with you.
Your quotation depends on dates, party size, transport, guide needs and overnight arrangements. Agree inclusions and requested changes with the team. An enquiry is not a confirmed booking.