Seagull Global · Curated Journeys

Kyrgyzstan
SONG-KUL ALPINE TREK

A Horseback Journey to the Alpine Shores of Song-Kul Lake at 3,016 Metres

Duration

06N / 07D

Guests

03 Adults

Stays

Hotel & Yurt Camp

Trek

Horseback

From

Not Available

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Mountains & Nomadic Culture

Tour Overview

A 7-day horseback escape from Bishkek into the high jailoo pastures of Kochkor district, climbing over the Kalmak-Ashuu pass to the shimmering shores of Song-Kul — one of the highest and largest alpine lakes in Central Asia. Two nights are spent lakeside in traditional felt yurts hosted by nomadic families, with no roads, no crowds, and nothing but grazing horses and open sky in every direction.

Highlights include a horseback crossing of the pass with panoramic views of the Tian Shan, an evening of kumis tasting and felt-making with your host family, a full day exploring the lake's northern shoreline, and a scenic descent through the Kyzart valley back to Kochkor — all supported by an experienced local guide and pack horses for your gear.

Horseback Trekking Lakeside Yurt Camp Kumis & Felt-Making Kalmak-Ashuu Pass
Song-Kul alpine lake with yurt camp

Your Journey

Tour Route

Bishkek → Kochkor (1N) → Horseback over Kalmak-Ashuu Pass → Song-Kul Yurt Camp (2N) → Kyzart Valley Descent → Kochkor (1N) → Bishkek

Bishkek
Kochkor 1N
Kalmak-Ashuu Pass
Song-Kul 2N
Kyzart Valley
Kochkor 1N
Departure
Horses saddled for the trek in Kochkor

Horseback Trekking

Over the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass

Song-Kul lakeside yurt camp

Lakeside Yurt Camp

Two Nights on Song-Kul's Shore

Nomadic family hosting guests

Nomadic Hospitality

Meals & Stories With Your Hosts

Traditional shyrdak felt-making

Felt-Making Demo

Learn the Shyrdak Craft

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

DAY 01

Arrival in Bishkek

01
  • Arrival at Manas International Airport & private transfer to your hotel
  • Check-in & rest after your flight
  • Afternoon walk around Ala-Too Square & the tree-lined boulevards of central Bishkek
  • Browse the historic Osh Bazaar for last-minute gear or souvenirs
DAY 02

Drive to Kochkor & Trek Orientation

02
  • Scenic drive from Bishkek to Kochkor village along the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul
  • Meet your horses, guide & pack horses; fitting and a short orientation ride
  • Overnight with a local guesthouse family in Kochkor
  • Final gear check & briefing for the mountain crossing ahead
DAY 03

Horseback Over Kalmak-Ashuu Pass

03
  • A full day in the saddle, climbing through pine forest and open pasture to the Kalmak-Ashuu pass
  • Sweeping views over the Song-Kul basin as you descend to the lakeshore
  • Arrive at your yurt camp on the northern shore in the late afternoon
  • Warm dinner & fresh kumis with your host family beside the lake
DAY 04

Song-Kul Lakeshore & Nomadic Culture

04
  • A gentler half-day ride along the lake's northern shoreline
  • Afternoon shyrdak felt-making demonstration with the host family
  • Free time to photograph grazing horse herds against the alpine backdrop
  • Second night in the same yurt camp
DAY 05

Descent Through the Kyzart Valley

05
  • Ride out of Song-Kul via the greener Kyzart valley route, a gentler descent than the way up
  • Pass grazing yak and sheep herds tended by nomadic families along the valley floor
  • Vehicle transfer back to Kochkor from the trailhead in the afternoon
  • Overnight guesthouse stay in Kochkor
DAY 06

Return to Bishkek

06
  • Relaxed morning in Kochkor before the drive back
  • Scenic drive back to Bishkek along Issyk-Kul's shoreline
  • Check-in to your Bishkek hotel & evening at leisure
  • Optional farewell dinner featuring Kyrgyz specialities
DAY 07

Departure

07
  • Free morning for last-minute shopping or a visit to the State History Museum
  • Private transfer to Manas International Airport
  • Marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the Tian Shan

Package Includes

  • Airport Transfers & Bishkek–Kochkor Road Transport
  • Bishkek & Kochkor Guesthouse Accommodation
  • Full-Board Yurt Camp Stay at Song-Kul (2 Nights)
  • Trekking Horse, Pack Horse & English-Speaking Guide
  • National Park & Grazing Land Entrance Permits

Package Excludes

  • International Flights
  • Travel & Trekking Insurance
  • Personal Riding Gear & Warm Clothing
  • Tips & Personal Expenses
  • Alcoholic Beverages & Bishkek Farewell Dinner
  • Optional Activities & Excursions

Good to Know

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Tour Cost

USD 1,440 total group price for 03 Adults (USD 480 per person), covering airport transfers, guesthouse and yurt camp accommodation, trekking horses with guide, pack horse and entrance permits. Itinerary can be customized for extra nights at Song-Kul or a longer Bishkek stay; some high-altitude routes may be affected by early or late-season snowfall. Bank transfers may incur extra charges.

Travel and trekking insurance should be arranged separately.

Cancellation Policy

  • 45–30 days before departure25%
  • 30–15 days before departure50%
  • 15–7 days before departure75%
  • Less than 7 days / no-show100%

The Seagull Difference

Why Choose Seagull Global

Trusted Expertise

Local Kyrgyz partners with years of experience guiding horseback treks into the jailoo pastures.

Well-Matched Horses

Calm, sure-footed trekking horses suited to riders of all experience levels.

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock assistance via phone, email and WhatsApp from our Negombo office.

Authentic Stays

Vetted host families and yurt camps chosen for warmth, comfort and genuine hospitality.

Questions

Frequently Asked

No prior experience is required. The horses are calm and accustomed to riders of all levels, and your guide gives a short orientation ride before the main trek. A reasonable level of fitness is helpful for full days in the saddle.

You'll sleep on traditional floor mattresses inside a felt yurt, with shared long-drop toilets and basic washing facilities. Meals are home-cooked and full-board. Nights at 3,000m can be cold even in summer, so warm layers are essential.

Yurt camps operate from mid-May to late September, when the Kalmak-Ashuu pass is clear of snow. July and August are the busiest and most reliable months.

Cancellations 45–30 days before departure incur 25% of the total cost, 30–15 days 50%, 15–7 days 75%, and less than 7 days or a no-show is charged at 100%. Bank transfers may carry additional charges.

Fill out the booking form below or message us on WhatsApp. Our team will send a detailed quotation and confirm availability within hours.

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