Would you like to discover Kyrgyzstan on horseback, experience nomadic life, and enjoy an easy and comfortablemountain trek?
Since 2014, I have been traveling regularly to Kyrgyzstan on horseback. That's how I met Azamat, my Kyrgyz guide and friend, and fell in love with Song-Kul.
That's also where you can see Hippo, my foal, running around the yurts.
With Azamat, his equestrian guides, and feedback from readers, we have put together an itinerary designed to introduce you to horseback riding in the mountains without any difficulty:
an easy horseback trek, truly accessible to beginners, with nights spent in yurts to discover nomadic life while enjoying the comfort and hospitality of nomadic families.
The trip takes place on fixed dates, in small groups of 4 to 10 riders, to share the experience and live the daily life of nomads, without camping or heavy logistics.
Departures are confirmed with a minimum of 4 participants.
Departures in 2026
May 24 → June 2: registration open
June 14 → June 24: registrationopen
July 12 → July 21: registrationopen
August 9 → August 18: registration open
September 13 → September 22: registration open
Is this horseback trek right for me?
You don't need to be an expert rider.
This is a horseback trek in the mountains, accessible to beginners, with nights spent in yurts and guesthouses.
You must:
– Be comfortable on horseback,
– Enjoy wide open spaces and nature trails, and sleeping in a yurt.
Horseback riding days last an average of 4 to 6 hours, depending on the stage.
Good physical condition is required.
The altitude rises to around 3,500 m during the trip.
How are my safety and supervision ensured?
You will be accompanied throughout the trek by a guide who speaks your language and an experienced local equestrian team.
A 4×4 vehicle provides logistics and luggage transport between camps.
It does not follow the group during the days spent riding, but remains available if needed.
The safety of the group is an integral part of the organization of the trip: choice of itineraries, appropriate pace, identified camps, coordination in the field.
Why do I recommend this trek?
Song-Kul is my favorite place in Kyrgyzstan.
It's also ashowcase of nomadic life: yurts, herds, wide open spaces, and that feeling of total disconnection.
Above all, it'sthe easiest horseback trekI know of in Kyrgyzstan.
Over the years, we have improved this trek with Azamat, our equestrian guide friends, and feedback from readers.
It is a program that has been tested, adjusted, and validated in the field.
It is really accessible if you are new to horse riding, as long as you are in decent physical condition.
Another big plus: you spend the nights in a yurt.
It changes everything. You sleep warm, you recover better, and you enjoy the camp without having to struggle with a tent.
The pace is comfortable and designed to be accessible: gradual stages, time at camp, and plenty of leeway to adapt to the group.
Summary
– 10 days of travel
– 8 days on horseback
– Lakes Kol Ukok and Song-Kul
– Groups of 4 to 10 riders
– Encounters with nomads and life in a yurt
What is the itinirary?
The day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 – From Bishkek to Kochkor
We will pick you up at Bishkek airport and then drive to the village of Kochkor.
The journey takes about 3 hours.
On the way, we stop at Burana Tower and then at Konorchek Canyon.
You enjoy a picnic in the canyon before continuing on our way.
At the end of the day, you arrive in Kochkor.
We settle into a guesthouse, where you have dinner and spend the night with the locals.
Journey: 3 hours
Accommodation: guest house
Day 2 – Horseback riding to Lake Kol Ukok
In the morning, we will ride to the starting point.
The hike begins at the equestrian guide's house.
We gradually climb higher, through increasingly open landscapes.
You take the time to find your rhythm.
We have a picnic in the mountains.
At the end of the day, we reach the yurt camp located at an altitude of around 3,000 m.
You have dinner and spend the night in the yurt.
Duration on horseback: 4 to 5 hours
Accommodation: yurt
Day 3 – Horseback riding around Lake Kol Ukok
This day is deliberately more flexible.
We set off on horseback to explore the surrounding mountains and enjoy a picnic in the mountains.
At the end of the day, you return to the same camp.
You have dinner and sleep at the yurt camp.
Duration on horseback: variable
Accommodation: yurt
Day 4 – Return to Kochkor then transfer to Kyzart
In the morning, we take the horses back down to Kochkor.
After about 4 hours, we meet up with the driver.
We have lunch with a Dungan family in Kochkor.
Then we hit the road to the village of Kyzart (about 2 hours).
We stay with a Kyrgyz family.
You have dinner and spend the night with the locals.
Duration on horseback: ~4 hours
Accommodation: guest house
Day 5 – Horseback riding to Song-Kul Lake
We change horses to tackle the climb to Song-Kul.
The route passes through the Uzbek Pass, at an altitude of around 3,200 m.
We picnic at the pass, with an unobstructed view of Song-Kul Lake.
You then begin a gradual descent towards the pastures.
We arrive at the yurt camp in the middle of the afternoon.
You can enjoy some free time by the lake.
You have dinner and sleep in the yurt.
Duration on horseback: 4 to 5 hours
Accommodation: yurt
Day 6 – South of Song-Kul Lake
After a night in a yurt, we set off on horseback to another camp south of the lake.
Depending on your level, you can enjoy long stretches at a trot or gallop.
We arrive at the camp in the middle of the afternoon.
You have dinner and sleep in the yurt.
Duration on horseback: 4 to 5 hours
Accommodation: yurt
Day 7 – East of Song-Kul Lake
We continue the loop around the lake.
You walk along the shores and pass through several nomadic camps. We hike among free-roaming herds.
Picnic lunch en route, regular breaks.
At the end of the day, we arrive at the camp locatedeast of Song-Kul.
Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt.
Duration on horseback: 3 to 4 hours
Accommodation: yurt
Day 8 – Towards the Tuz Ashuu Pass
This day is ideal for observing pastoral life around Song-Kul.
We pass through numerous nomad camps.
Picnic in the mountains.
You arrive at the yurt camp at the foot of the Tuz Ashuu Pass at the end of the day.
You have dinner and sleep in the yurt.
Duration on horseback: 4 to 5 hours
Accommodation: yurt
Day 9 – Return to Kyzart on horseback
Last big day on horseback.
We climb the Tuz Ashuu pass, then descend into the Kilemche valley.
Picnic in the valley.
At the end of the day, you arrive in Kyzart.
You have dinner and sleep in a guest house.
Duration on horseback: 6 to 7 hours
Accommodation: guest house
Day 10 – Return to Bishkek
The driver will pick you up at the guest house.
We will drive to Bishkek (about 5 hours) and have lunch on the way.
The group will arrive in Bishkek and drop you off at your accommodation.
Departures 2026
Azamat organizes departures on fixed dates in order to form small groups and reduce the cost of the trip.
May 24 → June 2: registration open
June 14 → June 24: registrationopen
July 12 → July 21: registrationopen
August 9 → August 18: registrationopen
September 13 → September 22: registration open
Are you interested in other dates?
Write to Azamat to form a group.
Group size
Up to 10 riders.
It is also possible to organize a private departure on other dates.
Price per person (depending on group size)
4 people: €1,175 per person
5 people: €1,050 per person
6 people: €1,010 per person
7 people: €985 per person
8 people: €960 per person
9 people: €945 per person
10 people: €930 per person
The larger the group, the lower the price.
What is included?
– All transfers included in the program
– English-speaking guide and equestrian guide
– 4×4 assistance for luggage
– All accommodation (guest houses and yurts)
– All meals during the stay
– Horse rental
– Shared equipment and helmets
What is not included?
– International flight
– Travel insurance
– Alcohol and mineral water
– Last dinner in Bishkek
– Personal expenses
FAQ – Everything you need to know before you go
Where do we sleep during our stay?
Depending on the stage, you sleep:
– in guesthouses (Kochkor and Kyzart),
– in yurts around Kol Ukok and Song-Kul.
The conditions are simple and authentic.
Yurts are generally shared (often 4 to 5 people per yurt).
What do we eat during the stay?
Meals are Kyrgyz and traditional: meat, rice, pasta, vegetables.
All dishes are halal.
Vegetarian options are available.
If you follow a strict diet, please bring your own supplements.
Mineral water is not included.
What is the weather like and what clothes should I bring?
The weather varies depending on the season, altitude, and valley.
In summer, expect temperatures of around 70–77°F during the day on the high plateaus and 33–41°F at night at higher altitudes.
Plans:
– a base layer,
– a warm layer,
– a waterproof jacket,
– a hat and gloves.
I recommend riding bootsfor days spent on horseback.
Crocs-style sandals are very practical at camp.
Horse riding helmets are provided.
You must bring: water bottle with filter, headlamp, power bank, sunglasses.
How is luggage transported?
The day's supplies are transported in saddlebags on horseback.
The main bags and collective equipment are transported between camps in 4x4 vehicles.
Reserve with Azamat
Departures are organized on fixed dates, in small groups of 4 to 10 riders.
A departure is confirmed with a minimum of 4 participants.
To join an existing departure, ask questions, or organize a private departure, you can contact Azamat directly via the form.
This is an experience you share with travelers who share your love of mountains, horses, and wide open spaces.
Do not hesitate to contact him via the form below or at azamatguide@gmail.com