Ultimate Guide: 3 Day Song Kul Horse Trek
When we were traveling through Kyrgyzstan, we decided to step out of our comfort zone and try something completely new – horseback riding. As two animal lovers with a taste for adventure, we thought, “Why not give it a shot?” Even though neither of us had ridden a horse before, we were excited to experience Kyrgyzstan’s wild nature from a completely different perspective.
In this article, you’ll discover whether we managed to bond with our horses, what the terrain and scenery were like, and our honest impressions of the local travel agency we booked the trip with. We’ll share both the highlights and the things that didn’t quite live up to our expectations – so you can decide whether a multi-day horse trek in Kyrgyzstan is something for you. After all, we all look for different things when we travel.
So stick with us as we take you through everything you need to know about this three-day Song Kul Horse Trek – including practical tips, personal stories, and what we wish we had known in advance!
Is Song Kul Lake worth it?
Song Kul Lake is one of the most iconic and frequently visited destinations in Kyrgyzstan, and for good reason. Its location at an altitude of around 3,000 meters above sea level makes it accessible compared to many of the country’s towering peaks, yet it still offers that exhilarating feeling of being surrounded by raw, untouched wilderness. Covering an area of approximately 270 square kilometers, Song Kul is also the largest freshwater lake in Kyrgyzstan.
The area surrounding the lake is teeming with wildlife. You might spot wild horses, yaks, cows, goats, sheep, playful marmots, and a variety of birds of prey, including majestic eagles. If you’re a bird watching enthusiast, this place is a dream come true – and although I’m no ornithologist, I was completely captivated by what I saw.
Whether you choose to hike or ride on horseback to Song Kul, the journey is surprisingly manageable. Along the way, you’ll pass through a mix of lush alpine meadows, crystal-clear mountain streams, and dramatic rocky cliffs – a perfect blend of Kyrgyzstan’s diverse natural beauty.
Why should you experience Song Kul Horse Trek?
So, why should you choose to visit Song Kul by horse? Unlike some of the steeper and more treacherous mountain trails in Kyrgyzstan – like those we mentioned in our Ala Kul trek – the terrain on the way to Song Kul is surprisingly friendly for both riders and animals. Even when crossing a mountain pass, the paths are relatively stable and not too slippery, making the journey safe and comfortable even for first-time riders.
If you’re considering a horseback riding adventure, Song Kul is arguably one of the best places to do it. With its accessible location, gentle slopes, and wide-open landscapes, it’s the perfect setting for an unforgettable horse trek. In towns like Kyzart and Kochkor, you’ll find a number of local travel agencies and independent guides offering multi-day horseback tours to Song Kul, so arranging your trip is super easy and flexible.
Getting to Kochkor: First Step Toward Your Song Kul Adventure
One of the best places to start your horseback adventure to Song Kul is the town of Kochkor. It’s a popular hub for trekkers and riders alike, with plenty of accommodation options, tour agencies, and a friendly local atmosphere. Another common starting point is Kyzart, which is even closer to the lake. We personally started and ended our horse trek in Kochkor, but it really depends on your itinerary and preference. In Kyzart, you can often find independent guides with horses ready to go – although we didn’t try this option ourselves, it’s a great choice for travelers looking for a more direct experience.
We reached Kochkor from Bokonbayevo by hitchhiking, starting near the beautiful Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon). The journey took about 1.5 hours, and we paid 500 KGS (~6 USD). Hitchhiking in Kyrgyzstan is quite a unique experience. It’s a common and accepted way to travel, though it often works more like informal carpooling – so expect to pay a small fee. Prices are usually comparable to a marshrutka, and in many cases, hitchhiking is actually faster and more flexible, which is why we definitely recommend it. (For more tips, check out our full guide to hitchhiking in Kyrgyzstan.)
If you prefer public transport, you can take a marshrutka from Bishkek to Kochkor. The ride takes around 2.5 hours and costs about 300 KGS (~3.50 USD) per person.
Traveling from Karakol is a bit trickier since there’s no direct connection to Kochkor. You’ll first need to take a marshrutka to Bishkek via Balykchy, then transfer to another marshrutka heading to Kochkor. It might sound complicated, but don’t worry – most bus stations in Kyrgyz towns have plenty of drivers offering unofficial shared rides (aka “marshrutka vibes without the marshrutka”). Still, this option isn’t 100% reliable, so if you’re short on time, a taxi might be the way to go.
Our personal recommendation? Combine marshrutkas and hitchhiking like we did – it’s affordable, authentic, and a great way to meet locals on the road.
Where to stay in Kochkor
Kochkor is the perfect base if you’re planning a 3-day horseback riding trip to Song Kul. Most local tour agencies and horseback tours begin here, making it the most convenient starting point for your adventure. The town is a well-established travel destination in Kyrgyzstan, so you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options – from budget-friendly guesthouses to comfortable homestays and small hotels.
Accommodation on budget
Guest House B&B
If you’re looking for comfortable yet budget-friendly accommodation, we highly recommend Guest House B&B. It boasts excellent reviews, cozy rooms with the option of separate or double beds, a shared bathroom, and breakfast included.
Middle Range Accommodation
Seitek Hotel
If you’re looking for a higher standard of accommodation in the mid-range category, Seitek Hotel is a fantastic choice. It offers well-equipped rooms and includes a delicious buffet breakfast.
Guest House Baytur
For a traditional experience, Guest House Baytur offers luggage storage, breakfast included, and the property also includes family rooms, and some units come with a private shower.
If you wish to find another place to stay, you can get inspired by our accommodation map here:
What You Should Know Before a 3-Day Horseback Trek to Song Kul?
What to Pack for a 3-Day Horseback Trek to Song Kul
Clothing and Gear for Horseback Riding
One thing to keep in mind about Song Kul is the often windy weather, so it’s essential to bring the right gear, especially warm clothing. If you want a full checklist of what to bring, be sure to check our dedicated post on packing for Kyrgyzstan. When we visited Song Kul in mid-August, the temperatures were noticeably cooler than at Ala Kul, and the constant wind around the lake made it feel even colder.
At an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, it’s also easy to get sunburned, even when it feels cold – so don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.
Nights at Song Kul can get seriously chilly. Although our yurts were equipped with fireplaces, the first yurt camp didn’t light it at all, and at the second one, although we asked, the fireplace wasn’t working properly. To stay warm and comfortable, we highly recommend bringing a sleeping bag and extra layers of thermal clothing.
That said, the yurts did come with thick blankets and warm quilts, so you won’t freeze. Still, a sleeping bag adds a lot of comfort and peace of mind, especially if the fireplace fails again.
One more essential item to pack is a good power bank – there’s no electricity at Song Kul, and you’ll definitely want to capture the stunning scenery with your phone or camera. Otherwise, you won’t need your phone much – there’s no signal in the mountains, which is part of the charm.
Food, Snacks & Water for the Trek
Whether you choose to go with a travel agency or plan your Song Kul adventure independently, it really makes a difference in how your trip will look. When you book through a tour agency, the package usually includes accommodation in yurts and meals, so you won’t need to worry about food, drinks, or logistics – everything is arranged for you.
If you decide to travel on your own, like we did on the Ala Kul Trek, you can stock up on supplies from a supermarket before heading out. In our opinion, the best setup is to bring a camping stove and cook your own meals – or you can also ask for food at the yurt camps, which is sometimes possible. That said, most travelers at Song Kul come on guided horseback tours, so camps are usually geared toward organized groups.
One thing you’ll need either way is plenty of drinking water – or better yet, a water filtration bottle. In most yurt camps, you’ll only get tea or boiled utility water, which isn’t always safe to drink unless filtered. It’s possible that you might be able to buy bottled water at some camps, but we wouldn’t rely on that.
Best Time to Visit Song Kul for Horseback Riding
We did our 3-day horseback riding trip to Song Kul in mid-August, and overall, the weather was great. It was windy only around the lake, likely due to the open, exposed terrain, but the rest of the route was calm, sunny, and pleasant. If you’re planning a trip, we definitely recommend going during the high season, which runs from July to August.
For the best weather conditions – especially for horseback trekking – it’s wise to avoid the colder months, as snow and unpredictable weather can make the journey uncomfortable or even unsafe.
Is Horseback Riding to Song Kul Safe?
When you go to Song Kul, the first thing you should take into consideration is the high altitude – the highest point is around 3,000 meters above sea level. So, you need to be prepared for altitude sickness, but this applies to almost every trek or horseback trip in Kyrgyzstan.
The best thing you can do to prepare for the altitude is to acclimatize gradually. For example, if you fly into Bishkek, spend one day in the city, and then go to Kochkor the next day. Let your body get used to the elevation before heading higher. Our acclimatization took two days, and we felt quite okay after that.
When it comes to safety on horseback, be careful – some travel agencies don’t provide helmets (ours didn’t include them). If that’s important to you, make sure to ask your chosen agency in advance if they can provide one.
On the other hand, our horses were professional, calm, and obedient, even though we had never ridden before. They were very patient with us. We also didn’t do anything to upset them – although our guides encouraged us to whip the horses, which we personally found uncomfortable and unprofessional.
Can I Go Horseback Riding in Kyrgyzstan Without Experience?
Absolutely – at least based on our experience. I can’t speak for all tour agencies or independent horse guides, but with the horses we had, you don’t need any prior experience. They were gentle, calm, and perfect for beginners, so there’s no need to worry if you’ve never ridden before.
That said, for your own comfort and confidence, it might be a good idea to try horseback riding once or twice before your trip, just to get familiar with the basic technique. Our guides didn’t really explain much about how to ride – we just learned as we went, which worked out fine, but it could feel a bit overwhelming if you’re nervous.
Which Agency to Book for a 3-Day Horseback Riding Tour to Song Kul
We booked our 3-day horseback riding tour to Song Kul through Destination Kochkor, and we were really happy with our choice. We needed a last-minute booking, and the communication was smooth and quick. The entire experience went well, and if you want to know all the details, you can read more about our personal adventure below.
Another agency we’d like to recommend – especially if you’re looking for alternative dates or options – also offers a well-structured itinerary for the Song Kul trek. This platform works with verified local agencies, so you can expect a certain level of quality and reliability. You’ll also find traveler reviews at the bottom of the page, and if you have any doubts or questions, you can reach out directly for more info.
Here are other agencies where you can book a trip to Song Kol but be careful and read the itinerary carefully because not every itinerary is the same!
https://destination-kochkor.com/ – Our chosen one. 🙂
Before booking a trip with a travel agency, I highly recommend carefully reviewing the itinerary and asking any questions in advance if possible. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect and can choose the option that best suits your travel style and preferences.
How to Do a 3-Day Horseback Riding Trip to Song Kul on Your Own
If you’re interested in horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan without a travel agency, it’s definitely possible to find a local guide to accompany you. I’m not entirely sure whether it’s possible to rent horses without a guide, even for experienced riders, but it’s worth asking around once you’re there.
The best place to start is at your guesthouse in Kochkor, as many owners are well connected and know local horse guides personally. Another option is to head straight to Kyzart, one of the most common starting points for horseback trips to Song Kul. In Kyzart, unofficial local guides are everywhere – nearly everyone seems to know someone with horses, and these independent trips are quite popular among travelers. If you want to find where to stay in Kyzart, you can inspire yourself here:
We didn’t try this option ourselves since our trip was arranged at the last minute. However, we heard that the typical cost for a three-day trip with an English-speaking guide and horse is around 10,000 KGS (~120 USD) per person. Just keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and your negotiation skills.
Where to Stay Near Song Kul When Doing the Trek Independently
When you decide to choose some local guide, you can discuss with him your accommodation, but if you want some tips, it is also possible to book accommodation in advance by the lake.
Make sure that at this accommodation you will probably stay the second night, and the first night you can get some tips from the local guide.
If you don’t want to stay directly in front of the lake due to wind conditions, Yurt Camp Altun Fatima Yurtcamp is a great option.
The camp looks good – they have good equipment, good reviews, and breakfast included. I personally think this place is perfect for staying, because it doesn’t get very windy and you can reach the beach in 15 minutes.
If you want to stay closer to the beach, then Son-Kul lake Yurt Camp Mirbek is a great option for you. This camp also includes breakfast and essential equipment.
Our 3-Day Horseback Riding Experience from Kochkor to Song Kul
Now, we’d like to share our personal experience of a 3-day horseback riding trip from Kochkor to Song Kul and back.
We booked the tour through Destination Kochkor, and in this section, we’ll give you an honest review of how we enjoyed the trip, what we loved about the organization, and what we think could have been done better.
3 Days Horseback Riding from Kochkor to Song Kul: Day 1 – From Kochkor to the Mountains
On the first day, our driver picked us up directly from our guesthouse which was super convenient.
We can only recommend it. The hosts were so kind, the breakfast was delicious, and the house looked great. For budget accommodation, we honestly couldn’t say anything bad.
The driver picked us up around 9:30 AM, we quickly ran to the shop for a few bottles of water and some wet wipes 😄, and after that, our adventure started.
We drove to Kyzart by car, which took us about an hour, and during the ride, we could admire the breathtaking mountain scenery. Believe me, this ride – except for the one to Naryn – was one of the best, and the driver was really nice to us.
When we arrived in Kyzart, the driver stopped and we got out of the car in front of a guesthouse (I think it was his own). In front of the house, there were horses tied up, waiting to be taken for a walk. We waited about 20 minutes for some men – who we soon realized were our guides – to prepare the horses, and then our adventure officially started.
Once we were on horseback, we had mixed feelings. We were excited to sit on such a majestic animal, but at the same time, we had no idea what to do or how to ride, because the guides didn’t give us any instructions at first. When they saw us struggling a bit, they tried to explain how to ride our horses. It was a bit tricky since the guides didn’t speak English at all, but we managed somehow. We already knew that we would have non-English speaking guides, so it wasn’t a surprise.
At the beginning, we just wanted to bond with our horses. Mine did everything he was told; my boyfriend’s horse looked a bit bored and didn’t want to go at first. We laughed, saying he was acting just like my boyfriend when we have to go somewhere.
But don’t worry – he treated the horse kindly, and after a few minutes, they connected and became a team. He learned how to cooperate with the horse, and both were happy.
What I didn’t like at all was that the guides used whips, and unfortunately, I think they’re not the only ones in Kyrgyzstan who do. I understand that maybe it’s used for training – although I’m not sure – but I personally don’t think it’s okay to give whips to tourists who have never ridden a horse before. We told them we didn’t want to use them, and it was totally fine. The guides treated the horses relatively normally, and we had two guides with us. To be honest, I didn’t understand why, since one would have been enough – but I didn’t really mind.
The terrain on the first day was great for getting used to riding. Most of the path was flat and easy, so it wasn’t challenging at all. We were surrounded by beautiful mountain views, which are, of course, everywhere in Kyrgyzstan.
During the ride, we made some short breaks so the horses could eat, and we could stretch our legs – because it started to hurt a bit (we’re definitely not used to sitting on a horse for hours).
In total, we spent around 3.5 hours on horseback, and the horses covered an impressive 16 kilometers with us. When we arrived at our yurt camp near Kilemche Jailoo around 4 PM, we had time to relax and admire the view. Just look at it and tell me – isn’t it absolutely breathtaking?
In the evening, we were served a nice dinner and typical yurt camp treats. Once it got dark, we went outside for stargazing – I really wanted to see the Milky Way, but it was so cold that I couldn’t stay out long and didn’t see it 😄. Still, the night sky was absolutely magical, even without the Milky Way.
Then we went to sleep. They didn’t light the fireplace in the yurt, but we had thick warm blankets, and the yurt looked cozy, so we had a good night’s sleep.
3 Days Horseback Riding from Kochkor to Song Kul: Day 2
On the second day, we had breakfast – eggs with vegetables and tea, which you get almost everywhere. Around 9:30 AM, we started our trip again. We were already looking forward to seeing our horses, and we were happy to be reunited with them.
We had also learned to control the horses a bit better than the previous day, and we even tried trotting – which was another perfect experience. This day was also more of a challenge, since we were supposed to cross a mountain pass on horseback, climbing about 1,000 meters up in elevation. We had no idea what the terrain would be like.
Once we started going uphill, our horses were just perfect. It was hard for them, but the trail wasn’t difficult – the ground wasn’t slippery, which made the ascent easier. Once we reached the top, we took a short break to let the horses rest, and for us, it was the perfect moment to enjoy the stunning views of the colorful mountain landscape with its rocky cliffs.
After a few minutes, we continued and finally saw Song Kul Lake from horseback – and it was amazing. I think every Kyrgyzstani lake has its own kind of magic. After a short ride, we arrived at our accommodation, and we spent around three hours on horseback that day.
Once we arrived at our yurt camp, the day with the tour officially ended with lunch. To be honest, we were a bit disappointed that the day “ended” so early – in my opinion, I would have added another activity to make the day feel more complete.
After lunch, we put our things in the yurt. Our second accommodation was located somewhere around here:
(the map isn’t exact), but it was the first camp along the road from Kilemche Jailoo. Unfortunately, some other camps nearby looked better, such as Altun Fatima Yurtcamp , which I already recommended earlier in this article.
We also had a small issue with the yurt – it didn’t have the usual wooden doors, only a leather blanket, which made us a bit worried about the cold night. But we told ourselves we’d figure it out later.
Since our organized part of the day ended around 1 PM, we had plenty of free time, and we’re definitely not the type of people who just go to sleep in the middle of the day. Believe it or not, many tourists in Kyrgyzstan seem to operate like that – but that’s just not us. So we decided to walk to Song Kul on our own.
From our camp, we reached the beach in about 15 minutes, and from there we did a walk for around two and a half hours. The lake was huge, and the weather was colder than in other parts of Kyrgyzstan we’d visited. Because of this, I wouldn’t personally recommend staying right next to the lake, since the wind was stronger there – we were actually happy with the location of our camp.
Still, the walk was beautiful – we saw the coastline, sandy beach, and so many wild animals – horses, cows, goats, and sheep. I just love this kind of Kyrgyzstani safari 😄.
We walked around for a while and then just sat by the beach, enjoying our time together in pure nature. The panoramic views were unforgettable, and Kyrgyzstan really is a country where you can admire raw nature almost everywhere – and we took full advantage of that.
When we came back to the camp, we watched some downloaded episodes of Breaking Bad in our yurt and then went for dinner. During dinner, we met a group of Belgians, talked a bit, shared some travel stories, and then went to sleep.
Before going to bed, we asked to light the fireplace, and they did – so we weren’t too cold at night. But the door situation was still not ideal, and the fireplace had a small defect, so the yurt smelled a bit like ash 😄 – but we managed just fine.
3 Days Horseback Riding from Kochkor to Song Kul: Day 3
On the third day, we woke up around 8 AM. We took a short walk around the yurt camps, then had breakfast at 10:00 AM, and started our final day on horseback at 10:30. We had about four hours of riding ahead of us.
We rode with a group of Belgians, which at first seemed like a great idea – they were friendly, and we were happy to join them. But later we realized that one of our guides knew their guide, and together they started acting really annoying and unprofessional.
They were frightening the horses, making them stop and then suddenly speed up. They tried to force them into the water, even when the horses clearly didn’t want to go, and they used the whip far too much, even when it wasn’t necessary. They acted like immature kids, and we really didn’t like it.
The surroundings, the mountain views, and the terrain were absolutely perfect, but the behavior of the guides ruined the atmosphere. What confused us most was that we hadn’t seen this kind of behavior during the previous two days – so we didn’t understand what had changed.
What I really didn’t like was that we just wanted to ride calmly together with my boyfriend, but they constantly tried to make us go faster. I don’t know if this kind of behavior is normal in other travel agencies, but I want to point out that the worst guide wasn’t from our agency, and I don’t even know where he was from. Personally, I would never hire him.
We did our best to ignore the problem and gently pushed our horses to ride a bit further away from them, which helped a lot.
In the end, we still had an amazing ride. Both of us – and especially my boyfriend – totally fell in love with his horse, and now we’d really love to learn how to ride properly.
Once we arrived back in Kyzart, our guides dismounted the horses and fed them – they looked hungry after the ride, especially mine, who clearly loved eating 😄. Then we drove back to Kochkor with our friendly driver, and we had a really pleasant ride home.
Final Thoughts on Our 3-Day Horseback Trek to Song Kul
In conclusion, I’d like to summarize our three days on horseback. If you’re thinking about going horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan, I truly believe that the trip to Song Kul is one of the best options – especially because of the horse-friendly terrain and the breathtaking landscapes along the way.
I hope you could feel how honest this review is. My goal is not to criticize anyone’s work – that’s something I would never do. I simply wanted to share our real experience, because I believe it can help others make informed decisions and plan a trip that suits their expectations. Instead of saying everything was perfect and encouraging you to book immediately, I’d rather give you the full picture – the good and the not-so-good.
Yes, you can absolutely find the perfect trip for you, but it requires asking the right questions and having the essential information. 😊
