Song-Kul Equestrian Journey 2026

OVERVIEW:

Embark on a breathtaking journey from Kochkor to Song-Kul Lake, experiencing the stunning alpine landscapes, vibrant valleys, and authentic Kyrgyz nomadic life along the way.

The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kochkor to Kyzart Pass, where you meet your guides and start your horseback trek. Cross the expansive Kyzyl-Kiya Jailoo, a vast sea of alpine grass, and continue over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3,061 m) into the picturesque Chaar-Archa Valley, with views of the sacred Baba-Ata Mountain (4,400 m). Traverse verdant hills to Kilemche Jailoo, a grassy expanse known for its colorful patterns reminiscent of a traditional Kyrgyz shyrdak (felt carpet). Experience an overnight stay in a traditional yurt, fully immersed in the pastoral landscape.

The next day, trek over the Jalgyz Karagai Pass (3,400 m) through the Song-Kul Mountains, descending into the Song-Kul Lake basin. Enjoy panoramic mountain views as the lake gradually fills your field of vision, framed by towering southern peaks. Explore the eastern lakeshore and meet a local Kyrgyz shepherd family, learning about daily life and traditions at their yurt camp. Optional activities include hiking along the lake or horseback riding across alpine pastures.

The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Kochkor via the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,447 m), reflecting on the majestic landscapes and rich cultural experiences of your horse trek through Kyrgyzstan’s highlands.

TRIP ESSENTIALS

Tour Type: auto/horseback riding tour

Total Duration: 3 days

Best Season:  mid June – end of September

Level of Difficulty:  medium

Maximum Altitude on the Trip:  3 400 meters ASL

Start and End Point:  Kochkor

Transport: jeep/minivan/minibus depending on the size of the group

Best group size:  4- 8 persons

OVERVIEW:

Embark on a breathtaking journey from Kochkor to Song-Kul Lake, experiencing the stunning alpine landscapes, vibrant valleys, and authentic Kyrgyz nomadic life along the way.

The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kochkor to Kyzart Pass, where you meet your guides and start your horseback trek. Cross the expansive Kyzyl-Kiya Jailoo, a vast sea of alpine grass, and continue over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3,061 m) into the picturesque Chaar-Archa Valley, with views of the sacred Baba-Ata Mountain (4,400 m). Traverse verdant hills to Kilemche Jailoo, a grassy expanse known for its colorful patterns reminiscent of a traditional Kyrgyz shyrdak (felt carpet). Experience an overnight stay in a traditional yurt, fully immersed in the pastoral landscape.

The next day, trek over the Jalgyz Karagai Pass (3,400 m) through the Song-Kul Mountains, descending into the Song-Kul Lake basin. Enjoy panoramic mountain views as the lake gradually fills your field of vision, framed by towering southern peaks. Explore the eastern lakeshore and meet a local Kyrgyz shepherd family, learning about daily life and traditions at their yurt camp. Optional activities include hiking along the lake or horseback riding across alpine pastures.

The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Kochkor via the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,447 m), reflecting on the majestic landscapes and rich cultural experiences of your horse trek through Kyrgyzstan’s highlands.

TRIP ITINERARY

Kochkor – 2 days horseback riding tour to Song-Köl Lake – Kochkor

Day 1

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.

Drive time: 1 hour

Horse trek time: 4-5 h

Distance: 13 km

Elevation Gain: 880 m

Day 2

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

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.  After lunch at Jaman Echki, transfer the lakeshore east to the yurt at Batai-Aral.  Upon arrival meet your host family of Kyrgyz shepherds. Meals and overnight are in a yurt of shepherds.

Horse trek time: 3-4 h

Distance: 13 km

Elevation Gain: 880 m.

Day 3

Song-Kul to Kochkor: end of the tour.

After breakfast transfer to Kochkor through scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3447). Arrival in Kochkor, end of the trip.

Drive time: 3 hours

PRICING 2026

Looking for different dates? Private departures are available on your preferred dates. Inquire now to book your private tour at travel@visitkyrgyzstan.kg