Set out on a horseback journey through the highlands of Kyrgyzstan, where wide open landscapes, remote valleys, and nomadic traditions still shape everyday life. This route connects two of the country’s most iconic alpine lakes — Song-Kul and Kel-Suu — offering a deep and meaningful experience in the heart of the Tian Shan Mountains. This tour is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, ideal for families, friends, photographers, and horse lovers.
Horse Trek to Song-Kul & Kel-Suu includes:
> Song-Kul Lake — Ride across vast high-altitude pastures surrounding this alpine lake and experience traditional nomadic life while staying in yurts with local herding families
> Kel-Suu Lake — Visit the remote turquoise lake hidden among dramatic cliffs near the Chinese border, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most striking natural landmarks
> Nomadic yurt stays — Spend nights in traditional yurts, enjoy home-cooked meals, and connect with Kyrgyz host families on the summer pastures
Destination: Tien-Shan Mountains, northern Kyrgyzstan
Tour Type: Horse trek
Accommodation: Hotel 2 nights / Yurt 5 nights / Tent 1 night
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Riding distance: 101 km
Service Level: Standard
Max elevation: 3557 m
Min elevation:1654 m
Months Possible: June – mid-September,
Start / End Point: Bishkek city
Physical Rating: Light to Moderate – No prior horseback riding experience necessary.
Note: For private bookings, the length of the tour can be changed according to your time and desire.
Horse Trek Map
DAY 1: BISHKEK TO KOCHKOR VILLAGE
Driving distance/time: 200 km, 3 hours (excluding stops)
After breakfast, depart for Kochkor village. En route, stop at one of Kyrgyzstan’s oldest historical landmarks — the Burana Tower, a rare example of ancient architecture in a traditionally nomadic land. The tower stands on the site of the former city of Balasagyn, once an important settlement along the Great Silk Road. Visit the small on-site museum with archaeological finds and view the collection of Balbals, ancient Turkic stone grave markers.
After visiting Burana, have lunch and continue to the Kok-Moynok Canyons for a scenic 1-2 hours walk among striking red sandstone formations and unique landscapes.
Later, drive onward to Kochkor village. Arrival in the afternoon. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional felt-making demonstration, offering insight into one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important nomadic crafts.
End the day with a home-cooked traditional dinner and overnight stay at a local guesthouse in Kochkor
Accommodation: shared twin rooms in a guest house/hotel
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets
Burana Tower
DAY 2: KOCHKOR VILLAGE – KYZART PASS – KILEMCHE SUMMER CAMP
Driving distance/time: 70 km / 1 hour driving
Riding distance/time: 18 km / 6 hours riding,
After breakfast at Kochkor homestay, your guide does a short briefing about the horsetrek. Then drive towards the west on the Kochkor — Jumgal road. Arrive at the Kyzart Pass, where your guide team welcomes you with horses waiting for you. Start your horseback tour with crossing the Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, an enormous, relatively flat sea of grass. Continue over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3 061 m) into the Chaar-Archa Valley and eat a tasty lunch by the racing river, with views of the holy 4400 m Baba-Ata Mountain. Sated, ford the river and follow the trail over verdant hills to Kilemche Jailoo. The name means “like a carpet,” and this swathe of grass covers whole mountain ranges, with shadings as subtle as any shyrdak (shyrdak is a Kyrgyz felt carpet). Dine and sleep in a yurt, naturally.
Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), traditional Russian-style sauna (banya) – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, western-style toilets
Kyzart Pass
DAY 3: KILEMCHE SUMMER CAMP – JALGYZ KARAGAI PASS – KYR JOL SUMMER CAMP
Riding distance: 15km / 5-hours
After breakfast at Kilemche, spend the morning climbing to Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400 m), over the Song-Kol Mountains, and into the lake’s basin. The morning climb affords wonderful views of Kilemche jailoo, and the pass itself is rocky and exciting. From the pass, Song-Kol is still distant, but as you traipse down the slopes, it gets larger and larger; the mountains on the other side get higher and higher, until finally, the lake fills most of your field of view, and the southern mountains tower above it. Follow the lakeshore west to the yurt camp at Tuz-Ashuu summer camp for lunch. After lunch, we ride about 2-hours along the lake shore with many shepherds busy with daily activities. Upon arrival, meet your host family of Kyrgyz shepherds. Meals and overnight are in a yurt of shepherds.
Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), traditional Russian-style sauna (banya) – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, western-style toilets
Son-Kul
DAY 4: KYR JOL SUMMER CAMP – SOOK KOLOT SUMMER CAMP
Riding distance/time: 25 km / 6-7 hours,
After breakfast, we mount on our horses and ride along the lakeshore towards Sook Kolot summer camp located on the southwestern shore of Song Kol Lake. It is indeed a scenic ride with many grazing livestock scattered in the valley. The waving sound of the lake takes away all your stresses while riding. Picnic lunch on the way. After a few hours of riding, we reach our yurt camp Mirlan.
Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), traditional Russian-style sauna (banya) – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, western-style toilets
Mirlan Yurt Camp
DAY 5: TRANSFER TO AK SAI VALLEY VIA NARYN TOWN
Driving distance/time: 280 km / 8 hours
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lowest/highest altitude: 2,044 m/3,500 m
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), traditional Russian-style sauna (banya) – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, western-style toilets
After an early breakfast at Song-Kul Lake, begin your journey toward the remote and breathtaking Kel-Suu Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular natural wonders. The road takes you through the dramatic landscapes of the Naryn region, passing mountain passes, deep river valleys, and vast high-altitude plateaus where herds of yaks and horses roam freely.
On the way, stop in Naryn town for lunch at a local café and a short rest. Then continue driving towards the Ak-Sai Valley, located near the Chinese border, an isolated and wild region surrounded by towering peaks. The scenery becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic as you climb higher into the mountains.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the guest house near Kel-Suu Lake (3,500 m). After settling into your rooms, you can take a short evening walk around the camp or along the river valley to stretch your legs and enjoy the tranquility of the highlands.
Accommodation: shared twin rooms in a guest house
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), traditional Russian-style sauna (banya – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS), and western-style toilets
Kok-Kiya Valley
DAY 6: KOK – KIYA VALLEY TO LUSH VALLEY VIA SAZDUU PASS
Riding distance/time: 13 km / 5-6 hours, Ascent/Decent: 514 m / 414 m
After breakfast, meet your horse and receive a short riding briefing from the guide. We ride into the small valley following a trail that crosses rivers and winds through high meadows. The ascent to Sazduu Pass (3,770 meters) offers a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the surrounding snowy mountains. Keep your binoculars ready – we often encounter Marco Polo sheep or ibexes grazing near the pass. Descend into a lush Ak Sai Valley where clear streams wind between grassy slopes, home to more wild goats and sheep. We set up camp near the river. You will have a chance to learn how to prepare simple meals with your guide in this beautiful wilderness setting.
Accommodation: shared tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: no Wi-Fi, no shower, toilet tent
Lush Valley
DAY 7: THROUGH THE CAR PASS TO TOWERING PEAKS
Riding distance/time: 18 km / 6 hours, Ascent/Decent: 470 m / 488 m
Continue your journey deeper into the wilderness, crossing a second mountain pass named Car Pass at 3,791 meters. From the summit, take in sweeping views of the remote mountain range beyond – untouched nature at its best. Descend along narrow paths through a valley, where the sound of horse hooves is the only thing that breaks the silence. We cross a river and ascend gently towards Eshek Tor Pass at the foot of a snow-capped peak that looms majestically over our route. Watch for grazing yaks, sheep, and goats along the hillsides. As we arrive at our camping spot, enjoy some time to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings before nightfall.
Accommodation: shared yurts in Bars yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), traditional Russian-style sauna (banya) – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, western-style toilets
Riding to Kel-Suu
DAY 8: KEL SUU LAKE AND RETURN TO NARYN
Riding distance/time: 12 km / 3 hours by horse, Driving distance/time: 150 km, 5 hours, Ascent/Decent: 180 m / 261 m
Mount your horse and set off toward the hidden gem of Kel Suu Lake. This surreal alpine lake is tucked between dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops. Its emerald waters are a stunning contrast to the jagged gray peaks surrounding it. Spend time walking along the lake’s shores, taking photos, and soaking in the magical atmosphere. Return to the yurt camp for a farewell lunch before driving to Naryn. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the town. Overnight in a welcoming homestay with a hearty dinner.
Accommodation: shared twin rooms in a guest house/hotel
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets
Kel Suu Lake
DAY 9: NARYN TO BISHKEK
Driving distance/time: 316 km / 5 hours
After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Bishkek. The drive offers scenic mountain and valley views, with opportunities to stop for short breaks and photos along the way. Arrive in Bishkek by early afternoon, where you can rest at your hotel or explore the city at your own pace. An optional farewell dinner at a local restaurant can be arranged to celebrate the completion of your adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: not included
Price for the Song Kul & Kel Suu Horse Expedition
| Group Tour Prices* from | 1550 USD per person |
*Our group tours run with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 travelers.
If the group size is smaller, we’ll contact you to offer alternative options — such as joining another group or confirming the tour at a different rate.
Private tours are available upon request at a different cost.
Included:
– Comfortable transport with AC from/to Bishkek
– Experinced english-speaking guide
– All the accommodations
– Meals: B, L, D (full board)
– Horses
– Horseman
– Meals of personal
– Equipment: Tent, mats, gas, cooking dish
– Border permit for Kel Suu lake
– Felt making demonstration
– Demonstration of real Dead Goat Polo game (Kok Boru)
– Entrance fee to Burana Tower
Not included:
– Meals and hotels in Bishkek city before and after the tour
– Alcoholic drinks
– Services out of the program
– Tips
– Bottled water
– Insurance
– Sleeping bags (available for rent 6 USD per day/person)
– Helmet (available for rent 4 USD per day/person)
*Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian/vegan or if you have food allergies.
Summer 2026 Group Tours are now open for booking!
Lock in your trip with a $200 deposit now. Terms and conditions
| Tour Name | Dates | Available Spots | Price and Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | 01 - 09 June 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $200 |
| Group 2 | 11 - 20 June 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $200 |
| Group 3 | 21 - 29 June 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $200 |
| Group 4 | 02 - 10 July 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $200 |
| Group 5 | 12 - 20 July 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $200 |
| Group 6 | 22 - 30 July 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $200 |
| Group 7 | 01 - 09 August 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $200 |
| Group 8 | 11 - 20 August 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $200 |
| Group 9 | 21 - 29 August 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $200 |
| Group 10 | 01 - 09 September 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $200 |
Reviews of the Song Kul & Kel Suu Horse Expedition
Amazing scenery and well trained horses. We were made to feel very welcome in Kyrgyzstan by our guide, driver and horseman. The tour was well organised and our guide, Sanjar, is very passionate and went above and beyond to make… Read more “Unique experience to remember”
The 6-day trek to Kel Suu was truly a once in a lifetime experience. The scenery was breathtaking, the horses were amazing, and everything was so well organized. Our guide Sanjar made the trip extra special with his knowledge, humor,… Read more “Unforgettable horse trek to Kel Suu Lake”
The horse trek to Song Kul was the highlight of my time in Kyrgyzstan. It’s an incredible adventure and it’s something unlike anything I had ever done before. It was my first time riding a horse, but my guide Murat… Read more “Amazing journey, highlight of my trip to Kyrgyzstan”
Practical Information for Horse Trek to Song Kul and Kel Suu
The following section provides both practical travel information and specific details
for horse trekking to Song Kul and Kel Suu
Sleeping in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt is a highlight for many travelers. One yurt usually sleeps 5-6 people and you will sleep on mats on the ground with blankets piled on top. Toilets are outside, so be sure to have a headlamp with you to navigate there at night.
Most of the meals on this tour are home-cooked and provided by a yurt camp, homestay or guesthouse. These traditional Kyrgyz meals usually include some sort of meat (often beef) served with potatoes, rice, or home-made noodles. Fresh bread rounds are also a must at every meal and you’ll often find homemade jams and traditional sour cream to go with this.
Yurt stays is able to cook vegetarian food. You should inform the company and guide in advance. In general, let us know if you have any specific preferences about food.
There are clean mountain springs along the trail where we can refill water bottles. You can take cleaning powders as well to clean river/spring waters. Yurt stays will provide boiled water if needed. Drink as much water as possible to avoid dehydration
The trail terrain has ups and downs and and has steep slopes with scree while getting over the Bogoshtu Pass on day six. And the trail on other days are flat. So, you will be asked to get off the horse and walk the pass. The walking will be about 30 minutes. Your guide will remind you. Some skilled riders can go over these difficult parts without getting off.
You always have a guide and horsemen at this trek. Guides will provide you with all the necessary information and be with you to make sure everything is OK and safe. All the guides speak good English and little bit of Russian. They have at least three year’s guiding experience.
The best season for this trek is from July to mid September. It gets + 10 to 20 at night during the best season. We also run this trek even in early June and late September with some snow on the high passes. The weather changes frequently on the high passes and gets windy so make sure to keep your bellies and stomach warm while crossing the high passes not get cold to your stomach. If you do get a cold, then you will have digestion issues.
We ask all to leave all the unnecessary luggage in Bishkek or Kochkor city at our office and take the items needed for trek. You can take two bags: small day backpack carried by you where you put your bottled water, wallet and other personals items and a bigger backpack carried by luggage horses where you can put your clothes, pants, sleeping bag and other items. The bigger backpacks carried by horse should weigh 10 to 15 kilos. Horses have special bags designed for the trek. Each horse carries about 60 to 70 kilos.
Some of our clients come from low-altitude countries. Sleeping at 2,600 meters may cause mild headaches for some people, so it is important to assess your own health condition. The first and second nights are spent at around 2,500 meters. High-altitude sickness usually occurs above 3,000 meters. The third night is at approximately 3,000 meters, while the first two nights at 2,000–2,500 meters help the body gradually adapt to the altitude.
After completing the program at Song-Kul Lake, the route continues towards Kel-Suu. We drive to Kok-Kiya village, where the 3-day horse trek to Kel-Suu Lake begins.
The altitude in the Kel-Suu area is around 3,500 meters. Thanks to the prior acclimatization at Song-Kul, travelers are already adapted to higher elevations, which reduces the risk of altitude-related discomfort. Overnight stays are arranged in yurts or tents.
Yurtstays have blankets to cover up at night. However, having your own sleeping bag is handy. You can rent from us if you don’t have one.
Recommended packing list for the trek:
• Warm clothes and layers as it gets warm during the day, but can go below freezing at night and when it rains
• Good trekking shoes • Day pack to carry camera, water, sunscreen, etc.
• Sun protection as the sun is very strong at altitude: Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30 or above), and a sun hat /cap
• Water and windproof jacket and pants. It gets especially windy on the mountain passes
• Walking sticks are recommended (we can provide them if you don’t have them)
• Medical kit for treating blisters, traveler’s diarrhea and other minor illnesses.
• Water purification tablets or drops if you want to clean the spring water
• Refillable water bottle • Lip balm: your lips get chapped very easily in the mountains
• Wet wipes and/or anti-bacterial gel to clean hands
• Hat and gloves to wear at night for warmth
• Head lamp to navigate campsite and yurt camps at night
• Warm sleeping bag (we provide you with this if you don’t have one). Yurts and homestays provide blankets.
It is located in the Naryn Region of central Kyrgyzstan, on a high-altitude plateau between the Kalmak-Too and Moldo-Too mountain ranges. The lake lies within the Tian Shan Mountains and is one of the country’s largest alpine lakes.
It is located in the At-Bashi District of Naryn Province of southeastern Kyrgyzstan close to the Chinese border. The mountains surrounding the lake is part of the Kakshaal Mountains of the Tian Shan Range.
Weather changes frequently in May, June, and September. The best months with less rain are July and August.
Song Kul - there is no public transport. You can arrange private transport either from Bishkek or Kochkor village. Arranging transport from Kochkor is usually cheaper than from Bishkek. You can reach Kochkor from Bishkek by shared taxi.
Kel Suu - there is no public transport as well. You can arrange private transport either from Bishkek or Naryn city. Arranging from Naryn city can be cheaper than doing from Bishkek. You can reach Naryn city from Bishkek by shared taxi
You will be stopped and checked for a border zone permit on the way by two military officials. You can issue your permit through local tourist offices in Naryn city or through Bishkek-based agencies in the capital. It is a Must Take Paper, so don't ignore it.