Pearls of the Silk Road with 4 days horse riding tour to Song-Kol Lake 2026

Day 1, June 2

Bishkek  – Ala-Archa National Park

Today we visit Ala-Archa National Park, a perfect place to begin acclimatization. Enjoy a hike to the waterfall (3–4 km one way, about 2-3 hours) with stunning views of alpine meadows and mountain peaks. Bring lunch boxes to enjoy a picnic in nature before returning to Bishkek.

Transfer time: 2 hours return way

 Note: It is not allowed to enter to territory of National park on any transport; park administration will provide a shuttle bus from the entrance to the 2nd gate. Shuttle bus cost is included into the entrance ticket.

From March 2026: First ever cable way in Kyrgyzstan (built by Doppelmayr) will be put into operation in Ala-Archa park from spring 2026. It will be around 1 km long, from the 2^nd gate to the Broken heart rock. This way we cut 1 km distance to Ak-Sai hut and 300 meters elevation till Broken heart rock.

Day 2, June 3

Bishkek to Bokonbaevo: A cultural integration

This day transfer to Bokonbaevo, on the way visit Burana tower, an ancient structure dating back to the 10th–11th century. Once an important point on the Great Silk Road, we’ll explore the tower and its surroundings for about an hour. Next, continue and have lunch on the way at café. On the way visit Ak-Say canyon – one of the biggest canyons with beautiful rock formations. After, arrive at the yurt camp very close to lakeshore for overnight and dinner. You have some free time to swim at the lake.

Transfer time: 4-5 hours

Burana Town stop: 1 hour

Ak-Say canyon stop: 1 hour

Day 3, June 4

Bokonbaevo to Kochkor

In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to Jaychi yurt camp, where you’ll have the chance to witness an incredible eagle hunting show, a traditional Kyrgyz skill passed down through generations. After the show, enjoy a delicious lunch with a local Kyrgyz family, experiencing their warm hospitality.

Next, we’ll continue our journey to Kochkor village, where a hearty dinner will await you. Afterward, settle into your guesthouse for a restful night, preparing for the horse trek ahead.

Transfer time: 2-3 hours

Eagle hunting show: 1.5 hour

Day 4, June 5

Kochkor to Kyzart Pass: A Journey Through Breathtaking Landscapes

The driver will pick you up from your guesthouse/hotel from Kochkor to Kyzart pass.  Arrival at Kyzart pass, meet your guides team and start the tour. Within sight of the road, cross 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 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.

Transfer time: 1 hour

Horse trek time: 4-5 h

Distance: 13 km

Elevation Gain: 880 m

Day 5, June 6

Kilemche to Song-Kul lake: A Day of Adventure in Nature

After breakfast at Kilemche, begin your morning horse riding trek to Jalgyz Karagai Pass (3,400 m), crossing the beautiful Song-Kol Mountains. As you ride uphill, enjoy wide views of the Kilemche jailoo, with the rocky pass adding a sense of adventure.

From the summit, Song-Kol Lake may still seem far away, but during the descent the lake gradually comes closer, revealing stunning mountain scenery.

After lunch at Jaman Echki, continue riding west along the lakeshore to Tuz-Ashuu. Upon arrival, meet your welcoming Kyrgyz shepherd host family. Enjoy traditional meals and an overnight stay in a comfortable yurt by Song-Kol Lake.

Horse trek time: 3-4 h

Distance: 13 km

Elevation Gain: 880 m.

Day 6, June 7

Tuz-Ashuu to Tulpar-Tash jailoo

After breakfast, ride west along the lakeshore of Song-Kol Lake. This day is perfect for enjoying the wide, flat valley and practicing your horse riding skills in the open landscape.

Upon arrival at Tulpar-Tash jailoo, enjoy lunch followed by time to rest and experience the daily life of Kyrgyz shepherds. In the evening, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional yurt.

Horse trek time: 4 hours

Day 7, June 8

Tulpar-Tash to Kyzart – Bishkek

After breakfast at Tulpar-Tash, depart Song-Kol Lake and ride to Kyzart village via Uzbek Pass. From the pass, enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the entire Song-Kol valley. Say goodbye to Song-Kol as you ride down toward the village.

Upon arrival in Kyzart, enjoy lunch at a family homestay. After lunch, transfer to Bishkek. Arrival in Bishkek, it marks the end of your tour. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes, culture, and warm hospitality.

Horse riding time: approximately 3-4 hours

Transfer time to Bishkek: 4 hours