Kyrgyzstan Horse Riding & Trekking Adventure – 9 Days

DAY 1: BISHKEK – KOK-MOINOK CANYONS – KOCHKOR

Driving time/distance: 210km/5 hours          Hiking distance: 1km/1 hour

Our adventure begins in Bishkek as we drive towards the beautiful Kok-Moinok Canyons, surrounded by impressive rock formations and colorful landscapes. Upon arrival, we enjoy a short hike of approximately 1.5 hours, exploring the narrow passages and unusual shapes created by centuries of erosion. Afterwards, we continue to Kochkor village, known for its traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts and warm hospitality.

In Kochkor, we visit a local workshop to watch a traditional Shyrdak felt carpet-making demonstration. Learn how local artisans create colorful patterns using techniques passed down through generations. In the evening, enjoy a homemade dinner and experience the welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Kyrgyz guesthouse.

Accommodation: Hotel (twin room).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets

DAY 2: KOCHKOR VILLAGE – KASHKA-SUU – TOLOK PASS – KILEMCHE SUMMER CAMP 

Distance: 40-min driving / 25km / 5-hrs horse riding

We depart from Kochkor at 09:00 and drive to Kashka-Suu village, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. Here we meet our horse trekking team and begin our five-day horseback adventure towards the high-altitude Song-Kol Lake.
Today’s route takes us across Tolok Pass (3,227 m) and towards the beautiful Kilemche Jailoo. Song-Kol lies at an altitude of 3,016 metres and during the summer months its surrounding pastures are used by shepherd families from different regions of Kyrgyzstan. The name Kilemche means “like a carpet”, perfectly describing the wide green pastures covering the surrounding mountain slopes.
By evening, we arrive at our camp, where dinner will be waiting for us.

Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: (Wi-Fi) available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, traditional Russian-style sauna (banya) – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, western-style toilets

DAY 3: KILEMCHE – AK-TASH PASS – JAMAN-ECHKI – SONG-KOL – BATAI-ARAL

Riding time/distance: 23km / 6 hours 

After breakfast at Kilemche, we begin our climb towards Ak-Tash Pass (3,450 m) across the Song-Kol mountain range. The ascent offers beautiful views over Kilemche Jailoo, while from the higher slopes the vast Song-Kol basin gradually comes into view.
As we descend towards the lake, Song-Kol appears larger and larger against the surrounding mountain ranges. We continue to Jaman-Echki, where we stop for lunch with local shepherds. Afterwards, our horseback journey continues across Zhalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,400 m) before descending towards the lake and riding to the Batai-Aral area.
In the evening, we settle into our yurt camp near Song-Kol.

Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: (Wi-Fi) available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, traditional Russian-style sauna (banya) – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, western-style toilets

DAY 4: SONG-KOL – AK-SAI CANYONS – BOKONBAEVO

Driving time/distance: 230 km / 5 hours

After breakfast at our yurt camp, we say goodbye to Song-Kol Lake and begin our journey towards the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. Along the way, we pass through beautiful mountain landscapes and traditional Kyrgyz villages. Our first adventure of the day is a visit to the spectacular Ak-Sai Canyons, known for their colorful rock formations and unusual desert-like scenery.

We enjoy approximately 1.5 hours of hiking through the canyons, exploring narrow passages and admiring panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Afterwards, we continue to Bokonbaevo village, located near Issyk-Kul Lake. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to swim in the lake and relax on its beautiful shores.

Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets

DAY 5: BOKONBAEVO – EAGLE HUNTING SHOW – SKAZKA CANYONS – BARSKOON WATERFALLS – KARAKOL

Driving time / distance: 170km / 5 hours                  Hiking distance: 3km/2 hour in total

Today, we explore some of the most beautiful natural and cultural attractions along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. We begin with a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, where local berkutchi show their remarkable skills and explain the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles, an important part of Kyrgyz nomadic culture.
Afterwards, we visit the colorful Skazka Canyons, famous for their unusual red sandstone formations resembling castles and fairy-tale landscapes. We then continue to Barskoon Gorge, where we take a short walk to admire its beautiful waterfalls surrounded by mountain forests. In the afternoon, we drive towards Karakol, enjoying scenic views along the way.

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

DAY 6: KARAKOL CITY – KARAKOL GORGE – RADIAL HIKE TO THE FOOT OF KARAKOL PEAK

Trekking distance/time: 10km / 5-6 hours (radial hike) Ascent: 440 meters

After breakfast, transfer from Karakol city to the Karakol Gorge (1-1,5 hours drive). The road follows the winding valley surrounded by lush forests and a fast-flowing mountain river. Upon arrival at the campsite (2,550 meters), take a short rest before starting your hike.

Begin your radial hike toward the foot of the impressive Karakol Peak, one of the most iconic mountains in the Terskey Ala-Too Range. The trail passes through alpine meadows and spruce forests, gradually ascending with stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Enjoy your lunch overlooking the magnificent Karakol Peak before returning to the campsite.

Spend the evening relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of the gorge, listening to the sound of the river, and enjoying dinner under the starry sky. Overnight in tents surrounded by spruce trees.

Accommodation: tents (2 people in a tent) or yurts (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 100 KGS), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), no hot shower, outdoor toilets

DAY 7: TO ALA KUL LAKE VIA SIROTA HUT

Trekking distance/time: 10 km / 6-7 hours. Ascent: – 1030m 

This day challenges you with strenuous walking through screws and boulders before you get to the lake, 3 hours. After a few hours of demanding ascent, be rewarded with the jewel of Ala Kul Lake, standing at 3500 meters and fed by glaciers around. The view of this turquoise alpine lake takes your breath away. Arrival at the campsite. Be accommodated in tents. Free stroll around the lake. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 100 KGS), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), no hot shower, outdoor toilets

DAY 8: TO ALTYN ARASHAN VALLEY AND HOT SPRINGS OVER ALA KUL PASS

Trekking distance/time: 13 km / 6-7 hours Ascent: – 340m,  Descent: – 1400m

After breakfast, we head on to Ala Kul Pass, standing at 3950 meters. Craggy and glaciated peaks of Terskey Ala-Too open on top of the pass. Give a time to gaze at these towering peaks of the great Tian Shan Range. Descend the steep path towards the campsite at beautiful Keldyke Valley at (3200m). Have some lunch. Then we head on to our yurt camp along lush green pastures with gently flowing rivers of Altyn Arashan Valley, 3-4 hours. At some point, you will cross one of the streams, but the level is low. Arrival at our yurt camp, standing at 2450 meters. In fact, Altyn-Arashan means ‘Golden Spa’ and this valley is famous for its hot sulfur springs. We take a bath in hot spring pools after three long days of hiking to relieve muscle pains.

Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), hot shower, hot spring pools, and western-style toilets

DAY 9: ALTYN ARASHAN – KARAKOL – BISHKEK

Driving time/distance: 450km / 8 hours.            Descent: – 1800m

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful Altyn Arashan Valley and begin our journey back towards civilization. A specially arranged mountain vehicle takes us down the rugged road to Karakol, passing through scenic forests and alongside mountain rivers. Upon reaching Karakol, we transfer to our comfortable vehicle and continue our journey towards Bishkek.
The drive follows the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. Along the way, we make stops for lunch and short breaks before continuing towards the capital. Upon arrival in Bishkek, our unforgettable nine-day adventure through Kyrgyzstan comes to an end.

End of the tour in Bishkek.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Price for the Horse Riding & Trekking Adventure

*Our group tours run with a minimum of 4 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:

– Transport from/to Bishkek
– English-speaking guide
– Accommodation for 8 nights (2 nights in a guest hotel, 2 nights in a tent, 4 nights in a yurt camp)
– Horses
– Horseman
– Meals: B, L, D
– Meals for personnel
– Equipment: Tent, mats, gas, cooking dish
– Entrance fees

Not included:

– Meals and hotels in Bishkek city before and after the tour
– Alcoholic drinks
– Services out of the program
– Eagle hunting show
– Tips
– Bottled water
– Insurance
– Sleeping bags
– Helmet

*Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian/vegan or if you have food allergies.

Summer 2027 Group Tours are now open for booking!

Tour price: 1450 USD per person
100% guaranteed departure with just 4 travelers.
Lock in your trip with a $450 deposit now. Terms and conditions

If you have any questions or booking issues,  please contact us.  

Difficulty

This tour combines two days of horse riding to Song-Kol Lake with trekking to Ala-Kul Lake. Previous riding experience is recommended but not essential, as instructions are provided before the ride. However, several hours in the saddle require stamina.

Good physical fitness is necessary for the trekking section. The most challenging parts are the steep, rocky and scree-covered slopes before and after Ala-Kul Pass (3,950 m). Experienced, physically fit trekkers may find the route moderately challenging, while less prepared participants may find it demanding.

Guide Support

One guide accompanies you throughout the entire 9-day tour. During the horse-riding section, local horse handlers also join the group to assist with the horses and equipment. Your guide takes weather, trail conditions and the group’s pace into account. Snow may remain on some high-altitude sections.

Weather and Clothing

Weather at Song-Kol and Ala-Kul can change quickly. Even in summer, cold nights, rain and snow are possible. Bring thermal base layers, a warm jacket, fleece, windproof and waterproof outer layers, a warm hat and gloves. Avoid cotton clothing, as it absorbs moisture and dries slowly.

What to Bring

For the horse-riding section, bring comfortable long trousers, closed-toe footwear and a small backpack for daily essentials.

For trekking, you need sturdy hiking boots, trekking trousers, waterproof outer layers, a backpack rain cover and a sleeping bag with a comfort rating between 0°C and −5°C. Bring a backpack large enough to carry your personal belongings and sleeping bag. Trekking poles, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.

Drinking Water

Bring a reusable water bottle and a water filter or purification tablets. Treat water from streams and springs before drinking. Ask your guide where you can refill your drinking water along the route.