Song Kul Horse Trek (Kyrgyzstan): Complete Guide from Kyzart to Song Kul Lake

Song Kul Horse Trek (Kyrgyzstan): Complete Guide from Kyzart to Song Kul Lake

Collecting dad-lore, mum-lore or auntie-lore on your travels? Then a horse trek in Kyrgyzstan will likely be high on your list! The most popular is the 3-day Song Kul horse trek from Kyzart to Song Kul Lake.

High up in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan mountains is Song Kul, an alpine lake surrounded by rolling pastures and nomadic life. Here, the air is crisp, landscapes feel untouched, and the horses grazing make it almost cinematic.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to experience Kyrgyz nomadic culture, ride through endless fields and camp in yurts under star-filled skies, the Song Kul horse trek delivers all of that in just three days!

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what to expect, how to get to Kyzart, costs, what to pack, and everything you need to plan your Song Kul horse trek confidently. Continue reading or use the contents section to skip to your preferred section.

About Song Kul Horse Trek

Before diving in, here’s the key information you’ll want to know at a glance:

• Location: Naryn Region, Kyrgyzstan
• Song Kul Lake Elevation: ~3016m
• Max Elevation: ~3400m
• Difficulty: Beginner/Moderate
• Total Distance: 50-55km
• Duration: 3 days (longer options available)
• Best season: June to September
• Typical cost: $90–$200 for guided treks (depending on group size/season/company).

These facts give you the big picture before I go into the details. If you’re short on time, a 3-day trek hits all the highlights. For those with a bit more flexibility, you can extend your route to explore extra valleys or spend more nights at the lake. I recommend this if you’ve ridden horses before.

Is Song Kul Lake Horse Trek Right for You?

The Song Kul horse trek isn’t extreme, but it’s also not a casual ride around town… Here’s what you need to consider:

• Fitness & Riding Experience: You don’t need to be a seasoned equestrian (I certainly wasn’t), but you should be comfortable riding for 3–5 hours a day. Horses are well-trained, but the terrain can be steep and uneven. It doesn’t feel exhausting at the time (except perhaps on your butt), but you’ll feel tired at the end of each day.
• Horse Comfort & Pace: Treks move at a relaxed but steady pace. Horses carry your luggage separately from your saddle, so you don’t overwork the animals.
• Altitude & Weather: The lake sits over 3,000m, so cold mornings, strong sun, and sudden storms are possible. Being comfortable with layers and a bit of unpredictability helps.
• Accommodation: Accommodation is Kyrgyz-style! And by that, I mean yurts. You’ll have basic living conditions with limited electricity, outdoor toilet huts and potentially mattresses on the floor.

If you’re okay with basic conditions and a bit of physical effort, and you want an immersive experience, this trek is well worth it, no-matter your riding experience! For anyone looking for a “minimal effort” ride, shorter one-day rides around Kochkor or directly from Song Kul Lake might be a better fit.

When to visit Song Kul Lake

The best time of year to visit Song Kul Lake is summer (June to August), which aligns nicely with the best time to ride horses in Kyrgyzstan.

Given the altitude, I suggest going nearer July/August when it’s slightly warmer. During this time, the grass is lush and green, the snow has melted and the yurts are open for visitors (they usually close around October).

Crowds are minimal by international standards, but July and early August are peak times. If you want complete solitude and don’t mind slightly cooler conditions, late June or September is ideal.

Outside of this window, the trails are often less accessible and the lake itself can be frozen. Horse trekking in the winter in Kyrgyzstan is possible, but a completely different experience!

How to get to Kyzart

Most treks begin in Kyzart, which is reachable from Kochkor (around 3–4 hours by car) or directly from Bishkek if you have your own transport.

I recommend arriving in Kyzart the night before your horse trek, so you’re well-rested and can set off early the next day. Be aware, there are no ATMs in Kyzart!

Here are your options:

• Marshrutka (shared minibus): Cheap and reliable from Kochkor to Kyzart, but schedules can be irregular.
• Private Vehicle: Faster and more comfortable, especially if you’re carrying extra gear.
• Included in the Tour Package: Some guides offer pickup from Kochkor or Bishkek. Make sure to ask the operator if it’s not clear.
• Combination: Some travellers take a marshrutka to Kochkor and then hire a local taxi for the final stretch.

Whichever method you take, be prepared for a bumpy ride as some sections are bumpy!

Once in Kyzart, you’ll meet your horses and guide. Plus sort your saddles and packs if you’re doing same-day.

Song Kul Horse Trek Itinerary

For most visitors, the classic 3-day route from Kyzart hits all the highlights:

Day 1: Kyzart → Kilemche Valley (20km, 3-4hrs riding)
Starting in Kyzart village, saddle up, and ride through gentle valleys toward the first yurt camp. The terrain is mostly rolling hills, giving you a chance to settle into the rhythm of riding while taking in the wide-open landscapes.

Kilemche loosely translates to ‘like carpet’ because of its stunning grassy landscapes which resemble a traditional Kyrgyz felt carpet!

Day 2: Kilemche → Song Kul Lake (13-16km, 4hrs riding)
After breakfast, you’ll ride uphill and cross the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3400m) before gradually descending to reach the lake. The view when Song Kul comes into sight is unforgettable: turquoise water stretching between green hills, horses grazing along the shoreline, and yurts dotted across the pastures. You should have plenty of time after you arrive to enjoy the lake and the surrounding area.

Day 3: Song Kul → Kyzart (18km, 4hrs riding)
On the final day, you’ll retrace your route or take a slightly different path through nearby valleys back to Kyzart. This time you’ll cross the Kara-Kyya Pass (3400m). Expect a mix of flat pasture and steeper climbs and downhills, giving you a final chance to soak up the scenery and enjoy the horses before the trek ends.

Optional Extensions:
For those with extra time, the trek can be extended by adding an extra day around the lake, exploring more remote pastures, or looping into additional valleys. This allows for slower riding, extra photography, and more time with local families.

The fourth day often includes a ~3hr ride from Tuz Ashuu to Tulpar Tash which is around 12km. This usually takes place on Day 3 so you spend two nights by the lake.

If you want even more time riding, most companies are open to tailoring a tour to suit your needs.

What to expect on the Song Kul horse trek

The Song Kul horse trek is immersive, but it’s not extreme. Here’s what you’ll experience on the trail:

Riding Conditions

Expect 3–5 hours in the saddle each day, with breaks for rest and meals. The terrain is mostly rolling pastures with occasional steep climbs, especially when crossing passes to reach the lake. Horses are steady and sure-footed, but you’ll want to be comfortable adjusting your pace over uneven ground.

The pace is generally relaxed – enough for you to take in the scenery, snap pics, and feel like you’re part of the landscape rather than racing through it. Of course, you can race through it if you’re comfortable enough (after no experience riding beforehand, I got my first gallop on day 2)!

Camps & Yurts

Nights are spent in traditional yurts, often run by local families. The yurts are cozy, insulated, and usually equipped with simple bedding (warm but rarely washed).

Meals are hearty and filling, often including local staples like bread and meat stews with tea, biscuits and sweets also available. You might also get the opportunity to try kumis (fermented mare’s milk) – which, from my experience, is certainly an acquired taste! Don’t drink too much if your stomach isn’t acclimatised, as it can make you ill.

Weather & Altitude

Song Kul sits at over 3,000 meters, so the weather can change quickly. Warm days can turn into chilly nights, and sudden rain or wind isn’t unusual. Dress in layers, bring a waterproof jacket, and don’t underestimate the power of the sun at altitude.

Staying hydrated and listening to your body will make the difference between enjoying the trek and feeling overwhelmed.

Costs & Booking

How much is the Song Kul Horse Trek?

The first thing I realised when researching horse treks in Kyrgyzstan is how much they vary in price! It’s crazy how much you can pay for a trek if you want to.

However, the 3-day Song Kul horse trek is surprisingly affordable if you book locally; the lower-end prices often converge at around 10,000 Kyrgyz Som. In summer 2025, I spent 13,000 KGS (roughly $150 USD or £110 GBP) for the three day package*.

Most companies follow a similar pricing structure whereby it gets cheaper as the number of people increases. For just one person it was around 20,000 KGS whilst for 4 people it was less than 15,000 KGS each.

Prices depend on what you’re looking for (private vs group, transport, season, route), but I think you can join a reasonable and reputable company offering tours for as little as 12,000 KGS (not including tip).

*This should include:

• Guide
• Horse + tack
• All meals + water
• 2 nights in yurt camps (+ sometimes accommodation in Kyzart)
• Transport (sometimes)

NOTE: Most private companies are open to negotiation, whether you want transport, discounts, can offer content/social media, or want to change your itinerary.

Who to book the Song Kul horse trek with?

There are sooo many ways to book the Song Kul horse trek (it’s a little overwhelming). Each of the methods below work for different people,

• On arrival: You can often arrive in Kyzart or Kochkor during peak season and book then.
• CBT offices: Kyrgyzstan’s Community-Based Tourism offices are there to help you book. They have offices in Kochkor and Bishkek which you can book through. Though it’s slightly more expensive.
• Accommodation/Guesthouses: Most accommodations will have contacts for you to book through. Even hostels in Bishkek or Osh had tours available!
• Online / Social Media: Reaching out directly to companies with websites, Whatsapp or Instagram will usually get you the best deals. This is where I found @mountainguidekg.

Whilst horses are common across Kyrgyzstan, I wanted to reach out directly to companies to ensure they were ethical. Particularly since tourism there is an ever-growing industry, meaning there are a few people trying to make a quick buck

Here’s what to look out for when booking a tour:

• Green flags: horses with glossy coats, good treatment
• Red flags: limited space, ‘scammy’ owners (+strangely low prices), unhealthy looking horses, leaving the saddles on.

Tips for booking a horse trek in Kyrgyzstan

• Booking from Kochkor or Bishkek: Many travellers arrange guides in Kochkor; this is often cheaper than online platforms. If using an agency, confirm transport to Kyzart is included.
• Book a few days in advance: Whilst you can book way in advance if you have fixed dates, prices can be more expensive. Booking a few days early give you some wiggle room for weather and general flexibility, but still gets you a spot!
• Travel with a small group: This means you can split costs and makes it more fun!
• Negotiate and agree a price upfront: Nothing worse than coming to pay and not having enough! That includes agreeing what extras are included which may seem standard (e.g. horse care or basic meals)
• Give a tip: Usually 10-20% is standard, but this will depend on how you think the experience was.

If you want a longer trek, expect slightly higher costs for extra nights and horse rentals – but you’ll gain a more immersive experience and extra exploration time.

Safety & Responsible Riding

One question I get asked constantly is if the Song Kul horse trek is safe.

Of course there are risks (as with everything), but safety is straightforward if you follow a few common-sense rules:

• Horse welfare: Choose guides with well-cared-for horses. Overworked or poorly treated animals aren’t just unethical, they can be more erratic and dangerous.
• Weather risks: Keep an eye on forecasts and always have layers. Afternoon storms are common; don’t push on in unsafe conditions.
• Altitude awareness: Mild headaches, shortness of breath, or fatigue can happen. Take it slow, hydrate, and listen to your body.
• Riding precautions: Helmets are optional locally, but you might consider bringing one if you want extra peace of mind. Keep your feet in stirrups and don’t make sudden movements around the horses.
• Speak up: If you’re not comfortable at any point, speak to your guide. They’re usually pretty observant and will suggest changes if appropriate (I switched horses), but they won’t see everything.

A responsible trek is safe, respectful of local culture, and gentle on the animals. Following your guide’s instructions goes a long way toward ensuring a smooth experience.

NOTE: I highly recommend that you get travel insurance that covers horse riding as an activity.

FAQs – What People Always Ask

Here are the questions most travellers have before booking the Song Kul horse trek:

• Q: Is it safe to do the trek solo
  • Most travellers join guided treks. Solo riding is possible if you have experience and good navigation skills, but a guide is recommended for safety and horse care.
• Q: How hard is the riding?
  • Moderate. You’ll ride 3–5 hours a day on rolling pastures and gentle climbs. Horses are reliable, but basic riding confidence helps.
• Q: Can beginners do it?
  • Yes, if you’re comfortable on a horse. Guides will set a pace that suits the group. Beginners may find mounts slower and calmer, which helps.
• Q: What if I’ve never ridden before? / Do you need riding experience?
  • Guides are patient and can give a short riding briefing. You’ll learn the basics quickly, but expect a few sore muscles afterward.
• Q: Are the trails dangerous?
  • Not particularly, but some passes are steep. If you’re not comfortable, you might be able to get off and let your guide lead the horse down. Follow your guide’s instructions, watch the horses, and layer clothing for sudden weather changes.
• Q: Is the Song Kul Horse Trek Ethical / How ethical is it?
  • This depends on the company you book with. Horse-riding has long been an integral part of Kyrgyz culture, so they’re usually treated with respect. Make sure to research your company and go off recommendations to ensure horses are looked after.
• Q: Who is this trek for?
  • First-time horse trekkers, culture-focused travellers, people short on time. Not ideal for: people with back/knee issues, luxury travellers, those wanting daily hot showers.
• Q: What is the food during the trek?
  • Food is normally served on a shared table inside a yurt, where everyone can help themselves until they’re full. For breakfast, this will usually cover bread, eggs and tea. For lunch and dinner, this is more often soups, a meat stew, breads and more. Each meal will come with biscuits and sweets as well.
• Q: Is the horse trek suitable for vegetarians?
  • Yes, most tours are suitable for vegetarians. You should warn operators in advance though.

What to pack for a horse trek?

Packing smart makes the Song Kul horse trek way more enjoyable. You don’t need to overthink it – just bring essentials for riding, weather changes, and comfort.

Now I’ve seen a lot of different packing lists for horse treks in Kyrgyzstan, but here’s what you actually need:

• Riding Gear
  • Comfortable trousers: Make sure it’s suitable for long hours in the saddle (jeans work if not too stiff, but flexible leggings or hiking pants are better in my opinion). I took some Adidas joggers which I love travelling with.
  • Sturdy and comfortable shoes with a flat sole: whilst a small heel prevents slipping in the stirrups, beginners might prefer flat-sole shoes so you don’t get stuck in them if the horse decides to bolt! I took my usual travelling shoes – the Salomon XT-6 Goretex.
  • Gloves (optional): Depending on the time of year, cold mornings are a factor. Otherwise they’re useful for gripping the reins.

• Clothing Layers
  • Moisture-wicking top: This is your base layer and depending on the weather/season it should be light. Either way, it should be lightweight and comfortable.
  • Fleece or light jacket: Your mid-layer shouldn’t be too bulky so you can still ride, but this is what should keep you warm.
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket: For your outer layer, you’ll want something to protect you from the elements as it can be very exposed up on the horse.
  • Extra socks and warm hat: Night time in yurts can get cold. Most yurts will come with thick bedding, but I’d rather be too warm than too cold!
  • Waterproof trousers: I didn’t take these, but I can’t imagine riding with soaking wet legs…

• Sun & Weather Protection
  • Sunglasses: Having polarised lenses is an added extra
  • Sunscreen: High altitude = stronger sun
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Waterproof: Either a poncho or good rain jacket is essential just in case the weather turns.
  • Lightweight scarf or buff [optional]: Whilst I didn’t personally take one of these, I can see how it would be helpful in some of the more windy or dusty sections of the trek.

• Other
  • Water bottle: You’ll stop a few times throughout the day so it’s good to have something to drink. Most yurt camps will have drinking water available to fill up, but I always like to bring a filtered water bottle.
  • Camera: It’s tricky to take photos on the back of the horse, but the scenery is amazing! I’m glad I brought my camera at least for the yurt stays! Otherwise your phone camera will suffice. Having a waterproof case is also great in case it rains!
  • Snacks: For energy between meals. Some nuts and some sweets helped keep hunger at bay.
  • Small daypack [optional): Some people like to carry a couple of essentials on the horse, I opted to use the zip pockets and a small bumbag to keep my phone in.
  • Washbag: Towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, medication are you need. Anything else is an optional extra in my opinion. You can survive two nights without shower gel and shampoo!
  • Travel Insurance: This might not be a physical item, but you should check your policyh to ensure that horse riding is covered in case you have an accident.

Whatever you’re packing, try to keep it as light as possible as your horse will carry the saddlebag. We had 1 horse carrying two people’s belongings meaning we had one side each (see photo).

Things to do around Song Kul Lake

While the 3-day trek covers the main highlights, there are options if you have extra time or want to explore beyond the classic route:

• Extend your trek: Adding an extra day or two lets you ride into more remote valleys and pastures, giving you solitude and the chance to see wildlife like ibex or marmots.
• Cultural visits: Stop in Kochkor either before or after your trek to visit local felt workshops or craft cooperatives. It’s a small detour, but a window into Kyrgyz village life.
• Photography & Relaxation: Spending more time at Song Kul itself gives you the freedom to photograph sunrise over the lake, watch the nomads tend their horses, or simply soak in the silence of the high pastures.

Even if you stick to three days, it’s worth knowing there’s flexibility to make the trek your own – just speak to your guide.

Song Kul Horse Trek Alternatives

Aside from Song Kul Lake, there are plenty of other places to ride horses across Kyrgyzstan. Only a few of these will offer multi-day treks though. A couple of the most popular are:

• Chon Kemin National Park: A great alternative to Song Kul if you’re short on time or prefer a lower-altitude trek closer to Bishkek. With forested valleys, river crossings, and flexible ride lengths, it’s ideal for beginners or those wanting a gentler introduction to horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan.
• Sary Chelek: A more remote and rugged horse trekking experience, with routes passing alpine lakes, walnut forests, and dramatic mountain ridges. It sees fewer tourists than Song Kul and suits travellers looking for varied scenery and a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Song Kul Horse Trek Review & Summary

The 3-day Song Kul horse trek is the perfect balance for most travellers. It’s long enough to experience the lake, ride through valleys, and sleep in yurts, but short enough to fit into a tight schedule.

What surprised me most

Going into the Song Kul horse trek, I felt like I had a pretty good understanding of the itinerary, route and more. What you can’t prepare for is how your body will feel and receive the experience.

Some of the things that surprised me most (as a beginner) were:

• Bonding with the horse: Some people were able to bond with their horses very quickly. Meanwhile, after half a day I changed horses with the guide (and I’m glad I swapped).
• More mentally tiring than physically: I found myself more worried about relinquishing control to the horse, than hurting. While saying this, I still felt super stiff after a day of riding!
• Horses get excited on the final day: When we neared Kyzart and the horses knew we were closer, they became more eager and excitable, and a little bit harder to control. I found myself riding faster than expected!
• How humbled I was by the nomadic lifestyle: There’s digital nomads and then there’s true nomadic living! Seeing and speaking to people who are actually living that lifestyle impacted me more than I imagined. From seeing sheep herded on horseback to watching children play in remote pastures, it was eye-opening to see nomadic life in action.
• It’s not all you see on social media: This didn’t come as a surprise, but it’s still worth mentioning. 99% of the time wasn’t spent galloping (like you see online), there was A LOT of wind, and you’re not always the most graceful dismounting a horse! Anyway, a lot of the joy comes from the real things you don’t always see on social media

Is the Song Kul horse trek worth it?

In my opinion, it is totally worth it whether you’ve ridden a horse before or not! The Song Kul horse trek was, without a doubt, one of the best things I did in Kyrgyzstan – along with the Ala Kul trek and hiking Uchitel Peak!

So, if the Song Kul horse trek is something you’re considering, you should do it now before the prices go up and crowds increase!

As someone that had never ridden a horse before, this was high on my travel bucket list. It also probably meant that it was more intense than it would’ve otherwise been… but I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place to learn!

The highlights for me were simply standing by the lake, listening to the wind, and watch the horses graze. It’s the simple moments like these that make this trek stick in your memory long after you leave Kyrgyzstan. Of course that and my first gallop which felt like I reached flow state!

Honestly, I wouldn’t do the trek again immediately, but once I’ve got a few more day rides under my belt, it’s on my radar! Until then, I’ll stick to exploring more of Kyrgyzstan!

Before you go

Thank you for reading my complete guide to the Song Kul lake horse trek in Kyrgyzstan. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my Homepage to find out more.

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Happy travelling!