Discover snow-covered Song-Kul Lake:
Book your winter horseback riding tour to Song-Kul
Discover snow-covered Song-Kul on a three-day horse riding trek, accompanied by local guides experienced in winter conditions.
An adventure away from the usual routes, through snowy mountains, with a stay in a shepherd’s house and a heated yurt beside the frozen lake.
In winter, Song-Kul looks completely different. The frozen lake and snow-covered mountains create a quiet, spectacular landscape. We welcome a small number of travelers on an itinerary adapted to the cold and the horses’ pace.
This is more than a winter version of our summer trek. It is a more demanding and remote experience, organized for small private groups.
What is the itinerary for the winter trek to Song-Kul?
Winter itinerary — 3 days, 2 nights
Choose a day to view its details.
Kyzart and a shepherd's house
Your first ride through the snowy landscapes around Kyzart.
After arriving in Kyzart, you will have lunch in the village and meet your guide.
Your guide will introduce you to the horses, check your equipment, and explain how the trek will unfold. A horse will be chosen to suit your riding experience.
You then set off for about three hours on horseback through the snowy landscapes around Kyzart.
At the end of the day, you arrive at a shepherd's house for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Time on horseback
- About 3 hours
- Overnight stay
- Shepherd's house
- Meals included
- Lunch and dinner
Ride to Song-Kul Lake
Ride across high-altitude pastures and spend the night in a heated yurt.
After breakfast, you continue towards Song-Kul.
The route crosses snowy mountains on the way to the frozen lake. Few people visit the area in winter, giving this part of the trek a special sense of quiet.
After about three hours on horseback, you arrive at the camp near the frozen lake.
You have lunch at the camp, followed by free time to explore the surroundings, rest, and enjoy the scenery.
Dinner and an overnight stay in a heated yurt.
- Time on horseback
- About 3 hours
- Overnight stay
- Heated yurt at Song-Kul
- Meals included
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Return to Kyzart
The longest ride of the trek, descending back to Kyzart.
After breakfast, you leave Song-Kul on horseback and head back to Kyzart.
This is the longest ride of the trek. You gradually descend through the mountains towards Kyzart.
After about six hours on horseback, you arrive in Kyzart and have lunch in the village.
- Time on horseback
- About 6 hours
- Meals included
- Breakfast and lunch
The guide may adjust the itinerary based on snow, weather, trail conditions, the horses' condition, and the group's pace.
How much does the winter trek cost?
The price shown is for the whole group for the three-day, two-night trek.
That's 21,300 KGS per person
No payment now · Tatosh will first check the weather and the availability of guides, horses, and accommodation.
These prices apply to departures between November 1 and April 30.
Winter treks are arranged for private groups. Tatosh can try to find other travelers to join you, but sharing a group cannot be guaranteed in winter.
Included
- A horse suited to your riding experience
- One guide for up to 3 travelers
- One cook for 2 or more travelers
- Two guides for 4 or more travelers
- Accommodation in a shepherd's house
- One night in a heated yurt
- Meals during the trek
- Use of clothing for extreme cold
- Preparation and assistance before departure
Not included
- Transport between Bishkek and Kyzart
- Your own winter clothing and personal items
- Travel insurance
Warm winter gear is provided
To help protect you from the cold, Beksultan lends you winter gear used locally:
- an insulated jacket;
- warm trousers;
- boots suitable for snow.
This gear provides extra warmth, but you will still need to bring your own suitable winter clothing.
Before departure, Tatosh will tell you exactly what to pack for your travel dates and the expected conditions.
Contact Tatosh to book your trek
Tatosh: I'll reply to you personally
1Send your request
2Tatosh confirms availability
3Pay the deposit to confirm your booking
Frequently asked questions about Song-Kul in winter
Do I need riding experience?
No. Beginners can join if they are fit enough to spend several hours in the saddle and are prepared for winter conditions.
Before setting off, your guide will introduce you to your horse and explain the essential riding rules.
Is it harder than the summer trek?
Yes. The cold, snow, isolation, and longer ride on the final day make the winter trek more demanding.
If you would prefer a more comfortable first experience at Song-Kul, we recommend the summer trek.
Is the yurt heated?
Yes. The yurt by the lake has a stove and several thick blankets.
The heating is basic, and it can get cold at night, so bring suitable clothing.
Why do we sleep in a shepherd's house on the first night?
In winter, the shepherd's house provides better insulation before you reach the lake. It is also a place used by local people and shepherds during the cold season.
Should I bring my own warm clothes?
Yes. We lend you gear for extreme cold, but you still need to bring your own thermal base layers, warm socks, gloves, hat, and other personal clothing.
Can I request vegetarian meals?
Yes, if you tell us when you make your request. Meals are simple and depend on what is available locally in winter.
Can I leave some of my luggage in Kyzart?
Yes. You can leave items you do not need for the trek in Kyzart before setting off on horseback.
We recommend traveling light and taking only what you need for the two nights.
Is there electricity at Song-Kul?
Electricity is very limited. Bring a fully charged power bank and protect your devices from the cold.
Can I join an existing group?
Sometimes, but we cannot guarantee it. Very few travelers visit Song-Kul in winter, and most treks are arranged for private groups.
