Kyrgyzstan at the Rhythm of Nomadic Life:
Your Horse-Riding Trek
to Song-Kul
Book your horseback riding trek to Song-Kul
Embark on a horse trek to Song Kul, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful high-altitude lakes, with trusted local guides and nights in traditional yurts.
Song Kul on horseback.
My name is Tatosh, I am Kyrgyz and passionate about mountains, hiking, and horses.
Song-Kul holds a special place for me: it’s where I rode a horse for the first time, interacting with nomadic families.
Today, I organize horseback riding tours around Song-Kul, working with experienced local guides.
My role is to organize your equestrian adventure to Song-Kul in the best possible conditions, with a suitable itinerary, reliable guides, and well-prepared horses.
My goal is to help you discover Song Kul on horseback in an authentic, well-organized way that respects the nomadic lifestyle in Kyrgyzstan.
- Local guide
- Horse and helmet
- Meals
- Night in yurts
- Assistance before departure
Testimonials
I have known Tatosh and Beksultan for several years, and I fully trust them.
Hippo, the horse they gave me, has become a symbol of our friendship.
They work with deep respect for nomadic life and for the animals.
If you want to discover Song-Kul on horsebackin good conditions, you can trust them completely.
Which horse trek is right for you?
3 DAYS
OUR RECOMMENDATION
Our team
Song Kul Guide has been organizing horseback riding tours to Song-Kul since 2017, with a local team of experienced guides.
Our guides
Our guides have perfect knowledge of the mountains and Lake Song Kul.
Tynchtyk
Tynchtyk is the quiet strength of the team. Calm, patient, and always attentive, he quickly puts travelers at ease, especially those trying horseback trekking for the first time.
Beksultan
An experienced horseman from Song Kul, he knows the horses, the mountain trails, and the local yurt families inside out.
Baku
Baku has a gentle, reassuring presence. Always smiling, he guides riders with kindness and knows how to find the right pace so everyone can enjoy the trek.
Isa
Isa is quiet, serious, and deeply attached to his region. He enjoys sharing the landscapes of Song Kul simply, at the pace of the horses and nomadic life.
Urmat
Urmat is a calm and efficient guide. He observes, anticipates, and quietly makes sure each stage runs smoothly, without ever overdoing it.
Our Horse
Our horses are chosen based on the riders’ skill level, the itinerary, and the day’s conditions.
Burganak
Zalatoi
Orok
Frequently asked questions
Is the Song Kul horse trek suitable for beginners?
This horse trek at Song Kul is suitable for beginner and intermediate riders.
Before departure, we also take the time to give you a short briefing in our dedicated area. We explain how the trek works, how to behave around the horses, how to adjust the equipment and which safety rules to follow during the ride.
You do not need extensive riding experience. The programme includes stages of around four hours per day, allowing you to enjoy the experience without spending the entire day in the saddle.
This trek is particularly suitable for travellers who want to:
- discover Song Kul on horseback;
- sleep in a yurt;
- experience nomadic life;
- be accompanied by a local guide;
- avoid an overly demanding programme;
- take the time to enjoy the lake and the surrounding landscapes.
However, you should be prepared to live simply. The yurts are comfortable for a mountain experience, but conditions remain rural. Song Kul is a remote place with few modern comforts.
Why book with us?
We work with trusted local guides around Song Kul. Our aim is to offer an authentic, well-organised trek adapted to each traveller’s level.
You are not simply sent off on a trek without any explanation. We help you prepare before departure, answer your questions and coordinate the programme.
The guides know the region, the horses and the shepherd families. This organisation helps you enjoy the experience with greater peace of mind, especially if this is your first horse trek in Kyrgyzstan.
Are the horses well treated?
Yes. Respect for the animals is one of our priorities. The horses are well cared for and their welfare always comes first.
During the trek, we also ask travellers to take care of them. Avoiding galloping outside flat areas helps protect the horses’ health.
This is how we organise simple, respectful and responsible treks.
Is the trek suitable for children?
We generally recommend this trek for children aged 8 and over. The decision also depends on the child’s experience, motivation and ability to remain in the saddle for several hours.
What food is served during the trek?
Breakfast: hot cereal or fried eggs, cheese, honey, bread, butter, coffee and tea.
Lunch: soup, a main course, cheese, honey, dried fruit, bread, coffee and tea.
Snack: biscuits, coffee and tea.
Dinner: soup, a main course, cheese, honey, dried fruit, bread, coffee and tea.
Can vegetarian meals be provided?
Yes. Simply let us know in advance.
What is the climate like?
During the summer months, temperatures can range from 20 °C to 40 °C at altitudes between 900 and 2,000 metres. Between 3,000 and 4,000 metres, temperatures are generally between 0 °C and 20 °C.
In Kyrgyzstan, the weather can change three or four times in a single day. You may experience rain, snow and sunshine on the same day, so this should be considered when preparing for the trek.
What clothing should I bring?
Temperatures can fall to 0 °C at night, so warm clothing is essential for the evening. Even in summer, you may experience all four seasons during the trek.
You should therefore bring warm clothing, waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket.
What should I pack?
- a warm jacket;
- waterproof clothing;
- two or three pairs of wool socks;
- waterproof hiking boots;
- gloves;
- sunglasses;
- high-protection sunscreen;
- lip balm with UV protection.
How do I get to Kyzart from Bishkek?
The trek starts in the village of Kyzart.
You can travel from Bishkek to Kyzart by local transport or arrange a private transfer according to your needs. Practical information will be sent to you before departure.
