Kyrgyz Riders · Song-Köl, Kyzart, Kyrgyzstan
Four days across the Tien Shan to alpine Song-Köl, sleeping in nomad yurts
Kyrgyz Riders, a family-run company based in Bishkek, leads a four-day horseback trek from Kyzart village over the Jalgyz-Karagai pass at 3,300 m to the shores of Song-Köl, Kyrgyzstan's great high-altitude lake. Riders cross the Kilemche valley and summer pastures still grazed by nomad families, staying each night in herders' yurts. No previous experience is needed, though the days are long and the country is genuine high mountain.
No prior horse-riding experience is required and the horses are well trained and easy to handle, but expect long days of four to six hours and one demanding climb to 3,300 m. A reasonable level of fitness helps.
Well-trained, surefooted horses used to the high country and easy for beginners to handle.
Days cover roughly 16 to 23 km over four to six hours, with a picnic or yurt lunch. The first day eases in along the Chaar-Archa river to Kilemche; day two climbs to the Jalgyz-Karagai pass and drops to the lake; the middle day is a relaxed ride along the shore; the last returns over the Ozbek-Ashuu pass to Kyzart. Nights are spent in herders' yurts at 2,700 to 3,100 m.
Three nights in traditional Kyrgyz yurts run by herder families; shared facilities, and showers only occasionally on request.
Traditional Central Asian meals cooked at the yurts; vegetarian options on request.
Best months: May to October
The trek runs from May to October, when the high pastures are open.
Nearest airport: Manas International, Bishkek (FRU)
Transfers: The trek starts and ends at Kyzart village; private transfers from Bishkek are available for an extra fee.
