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.

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

> Highland horse routes of the Tian Shan — Travel on horseback through open valleys and mountain passes shaped by centuries of seasonal nomadic migration

> 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

> Well-paced and accessible — A thoughtfully designed route suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, ideal for families, friends, photographers, and horse lovers

This horse trek blends open landscapes, cultural depth, and responsible travel, offering an authentic and memorable way to explore Kyrgyzstan’s high mountains.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: not included