The Jewel of the Nomads – Son Kul Lake 

 

Join us for an unforgettable 10-day horseback riding journey through the heart of Kyrgyzstan, where you’ll explore the pristine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and the warm hospitality of the Kyrgyz nomads. This tour offers 8 days of exhilarating horseback riding along remote mountain trails, where you’ll experience the thrill of nomadic life and the breathtaking beauty of Central Asia.

 

 

  • Son Kul Lake: Ride through the majestic landscapes surrounding one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful high-altitude lakes, known as the “Jewel of the Nomads.”
  • Nomadic Culture: Immerse yourself in the traditions of the nomads, staying in yurts, tasting traditional meals, and learning about their rich cultural heritage.
  • Wild Mountain Trails: Traverse scenic mountain passes and valleys, where the rugged beauty of the Kyrgyz landscape will leave you speechless.
  • Freedom and Adventure: Feel the rush of adrenaline as you ride through vast, untouched wilderness, surrounded by the serene beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s natural wonders.

Duration: 10 days (8 days of horseback riding)  

Best Time to Ride: June to September

 

Join KAGAN for a horseback trek like no other, where adventure and cultural immersion await. Let us tailor the perfect trip for you. Book now to experience the magic of Son Kul Lake!

 

Here is the program by day (hr08d10en)

D1 / Transfer to Kochkor:

Pick up in Bishkek. Transfer to the village of Kochkor. 3 hours drive. On the way, we visit Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon. Picnic in the Konorcherk canyon. Back to the vehicle. Continued road to Kochkor. Arrival and installation in a guest house. Night and dinner in local family house.
 

D2 / Horseback riding at Lake Kol Ukok:

Early in the morning, we have a short transfer to the starting point on horseback. We start our day riding from our equestrian guide’s house. Picnic on the way. At the end of the day, we arrive at the yurt camp at 3000m. Night and dinner under the yurt. 4 or 5 hours on horseback.
 

D3 / Horseback riding:

In the morning, we meet our horses and equestrian guide. Day of horseback riding without a specific goal. Picnic in the mountains. Night and dinner at the same camp as before.
 

D4 / Horseback riding to Kochkor:

In the morning, we take our horses back down towards Kochkor. After 4 hours, we found our driver. Lunch in Kochkor with a Dungan family. 2 hour transfer to arrive at the village of Kyzart. Accommodation in the local family house. Overnight
and dinner in the local family.
 

D5 / Horseback riding to Son Kul Lake:

We get back on the other horses to go to Son Kul Lake. Attack on the Uzbek pass at 3200m. Picnic at the pass with a view of Son Kul Lake. Descent to the yurt camp. Arrival in the middle of the afternoon. Free time at the yurt camp where we have dinner and overnight at 3016m. 4 or 5 hours on horseback.
 

D6 / Horseback riding south of Son Kul Lake:

After a good night in the yurt, we leave on horseback to reach another yurt camp to the south of the lake. The next 3 days we have the opportunity to gallop. Since the land allows us. In the middle of the afternoon, we arrive at the yurt camp. Overnight and dinner in the yurt. 4 or 5 hours on horseback.
 

D7 / Horseback riding east of the lake:

Departure on horseback. On the way, we stop near the mysterious stones. Picnic on the way. At the end of the day, we arrive at the yurt camp east of Son Kul Lake. Night and dinner in the yurt. 3 or 4 hours on horseback.
 

D8 / Horseback riding in Tuz Ashuu:

Every day we pass a lot of nomads yurt camp. We have a better opportunity to experience the life of nomads on the heights of Son Kul. As usual, we have a picnic on the way and arrive at the yurt camp at the end of the day. Overnight and dinner in the yurt at the foot of the Tuz Ashuu pass. 4 or 5 hours on horseback.
 

D9 / Horseback riding in the village of Kyzart:

Last day on horseback. We go up the Tuz Ashu pass, then descent towards the Kilemche valley where we have our picnic. At the end of the day, we reach our guest house in Kyzart village. Shower, dinner and overnight in a guest house. 6 or 7 hours on horseback.
 

D10 / Transfer to Bishkek:

Our driver picks us up at the guest house. Departure to Bishkek, 5 hours drive. Lunch on the way. Arrival in Bishkek. We will drop you off at your accommodation. End of service.

 
 

PRICE PER PERSON EN €:
2 PAX € 1730/PER
3 PAX € 1310/PER
4 PAX € 1100/PER
5 PAX € 980/PER
6 PAX € 930/PER
   

 

Price includes:

  • Rent of horses for luggage
  • Rental of camp equipment
  • Pick-up in Bishkek,
  • Guest house in Karakol and yurt camp at Bokonbaeva,
  • English speaking guide
  • Full board (breakfast/lunch/dinner).

Price doesn’t include:

  • Travel insurance,
  • Drinks,
  • Wire transfer charges,
  • Dinner and accommodation in Bishkek.
  • Additional costs not mentioned in the program

Notes:

1. Tour Start Location

  • Day 1: Pick-up in Bishkek and transfer to Kochkor village.

2. Accommodation and Facilities

  • Guesthouses and Yurt Camps:
    • Stay in guesthouses in Kochkor and Kyzart villages for a comfortable local experience.
    • Overnight stays in yurts at Son Kul Lake and Kol Ukok offer authentic nomadic living.
  • Simple Amenities: Shared facilities with basic comforts in remote areas.

3. Meals

  • Included: Breakfast, picnic lunches, and dinners throughout the tour.
  • Cuisine: Traditional Kyrgyz meals with vegetarian options available upon prior request.

4. Horseback Riding Details

  • Riding Duration: Daily rides range from 3–7 hours.
  • Routes and Terrain:
    • Explore valleys, mountain passes, and the vast plains around Kol Ukok and Son Kul Lake.
    • Ascend notable passes like the Uzbek Pass (3,200m) and Tuz Ashuu Pass.
  • Pace: Opportunity for galloping in areas with suitable terrain (Days 6–8).

5. Weather and Packing Tips

  • Weather:
    • Warm days and cool nights, with colder conditions at higher altitudes such as Son Kul Lake (3,016m).
    • Rain is possible, especially in the mountains.
  • Packing Essentials:
    • Layered clothing, sturdy riding boots, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and warm hat.
    • Sleeping bag, sunscreen, and compact backpack for personal items.

6. Altitude and Safety

  • Elevation Range:
    • Camps and routes range from 2,000m to 3,200m, with overnight stays at 3,016m and above.
  • Health Precautions: Consult your doctor if you have concerns about altitude sickness. Guides carry basic first-aid kits.

7. Transportation and Transfers

  • Start and End: Pick-up in Bishkek on Day 1 and drop-off on Day 10.
  • Daily Transfers: Short vehicle transfers to trailheads and between villages.

8. Cultural Experiences

  • Nomadic Life:
    • Stay in yurt camps and interact with local nomadic families.
    • Opportunities to experience their traditions and lifestyle, especially around Son Kul Lake.

9. Booking and Payment Information

  • Deposit: A €100 deposit confirms your booking.
  • Final Payment: The remaining balance is due upon arrival in Bishkek.
  • Cancellation Policy: Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to future bookings if canceled at least 7 days in advance.

The KAGAN Team

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