Song-Kul · Naryn Region
Song-Kul Lake Circuit
5 Days · Moderate · Jun–Sep
From
$890per person
Duration
5 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Max Altitude
3,400 m
Daily Riding
4–6 hours
Group Size
2–8 riders
Season
Jun–Sep
The Journey
Ride into theheart of Song-Kul.
Ride through open alpine valleys, remote mountain passes and high summer pastures before reaching the shores of Song-Kul.
This journey combines long days on horseback with nomadic camps, quiet evenings and some of Kyrgyzstan's most open landscapes.
The Route
Five days acrossthe high country.
- Bishkek
- Naryn
- Kilemche
- Jalaman-Bel Pass
- Song-Kul
- Return
Total Riding Distance
Approx. 120 km
Highest Point
Jalaman–Bel Pass (3,400 m)
Start / Finish
Bishkek / Naryn Loop
Day by Day
The journeyunfolds.
Day 01
No riding / travel day
Bishkek → Naryn
Arrive in Bishkek and transfer to Naryn through scenic gorges. Complete safety briefing, meet your local guides, and prepare for the expedition starting tomorrow.
Day 02
5 hours riding
Naryn → Kilemche
First day in the saddle. Ascend slowly through rolling green foothills into Kilemche valley, passing occasional shepherd settlements.
Day 03
6 hours riding
Kilemche → Jalaman-Bel Pass
A steep, challenging climb over the Jalaman–Bel Pass at 3,400 meters. Descend into the vast mountain basin toward the shores of Song-Kul.
Day 04
4 hours riding
Song-Kul
Enjoy a fully open day of riding along the high-altitude lake. Experience local nomadic culture, watch horses run free, and spend the night in a traditional yurt.
Day 05
3 hours riding
Song-Kul → Bishkek
Final morning ride before transferring back to Bishkek. Farewell dinner with the team as we look back on an unforgettable loop.
What you'll experience
What you'llremember.
High Mountain Riding
Song-Kul Lake
Nomadic Yurt Stays
Open Tian Shan Landscapes
Your Horse
Matched toyour ride.
Each rider is paired with a horse suited to their experience, confidence and riding style.
- Mountain-trained horses
- Calm and experienced
- Selected according to rider level
On the trail
Simple.Warm.Authentic.
Stay
Traditional yurts and family guesthouses. Shared, warm, insulated from the cold, and deeply welcoming.
Eat
Hearty, warm local meals prepared by host families. Rich stews, fresh bread, hot tea, and traditional Kyrgyz hospitality.
Included
- Horse and riding equipment
- Local guide
- Accommodation
- Meals during the route
- Transfers stated in itinerary
- Route support
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcohol
- Optional extra activities
Is this your journey?
Built for riderswho want to go further.
Riding Experience
Beginner–Intermediate
Fitness
Moderate
Daily Riding
4–6 Hours
Recommended Age
16+
No advanced riding experience is required, but riders should be comfortable spending several hours outdoors each day.
Documentary images taken on Song-Kul routes.
View full galleryBefore you ride
Frequently askedquestions
No advanced experience is required. However, you should be familiar with basic horse handling and comfortable being in the saddle for several hours across rough terrain.
Warm layered clothing, rain-proof shells, riding boots or sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and a personal sleeping bag liner if desired.
Even in summer, temperatures can drop below freezing overnight due to the 3,016 m altitude. Prepare for winter-like conditions at night.
Our guides are trained for mountain weather shifts. If passes are blocked, alternative safety routes are established beforehand.
Yes, comprehensive emergency medical and evacuation coverage is mandatory for all expeditions.
Absolutely. Most of our riders join as solo travelers and are paired with a small, close-knit group.
Ready for Song-Kul?
Your journeystarts here.
Five days. Open country. One unforgettable ride.
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