The jewel of the nomads – Son Kul Lake

The jewel of the nomads – Son Kul Lake is at the heart of this 10-day horseback adventure through Kyrgyzstan’s wild mountains. We’ll ride for 8 days along remote trails, cross mountain passes, explore quiet valleys, and experience untouched nature.

You’ll spend nights in yurts, taste traditional meals, and get a real feel for nomadic life. Riding around Son Kul Lake, surrounded by breathtaking views, is an experience you won’t forget — it’s easy to see why it’s called the jewel of the nomads.

This trek is perfect for anyone who loves adventure, freedom, and discovering Kyrgyz culture far from the crowds.

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!

From € 930.00

Tour Features

Duration
10 Days
Highlights
• Sightseeing
• Horseback riding
Best season
June till September
Code
HR08D10EN

Here is the program by day

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.

Day 1 / Transfer to Kochkor

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.

Day 2 / Horseback riding at Lake Kol Ukok

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 yurt camp as before.

Day 3 / Horseback riding around the lake

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.

Day 4 / Horseback riding to Kochkor

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.

Day 5 / Horseback riding to 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.

Day 6 / Horseback riding south of Son Kul 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.

Day 7 / Horseback riding east of the lake

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.

Day 8 / Horseback riding in Tuz Ashuu

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.

Day 9 / Horseback riding to the village of Kyzart

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

Day 10 / Transfer to Bishkek

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This 11-day tour is a true adventure for lovers of mountains and nature. You will go on a trek through the beautiful Jyrgalan Valley, cross high mountain passes, visit crystal-clear lakes like Boz-Uchuk, Ailanysh, and Ala-Kul, and enjoy the hot springs in Altyn-Arashan.

Along the way, you will learn about Kyrgyz nomadic culture, see ancient landmarks like the Burana Tower, walk along glaciers and rivers, and spend nights in cozy guesthouses, tents, and yurts under the stars. You will experience amazing mountain views, green valleys, wild horses, and the clear waters of alpine lakes.

The tour starts in Bishkek and takes you through remote valleys, high passes, and charming mountain villages, letting you feel the true spirit of Kyrgyz nature and culture. KAGAN invites you on this unforgettable journey — create memories that will last a lifetime!

Price

Price in €

4 pax – 1175 €/person
5 pax – 1050 €/person
6 pax – 1010 €/person
7 pax – 985 €/person
8 pax – 960 €/person
9 pax – 945 €/person
10 pax – 930 €/person

Price Includes:

Pick-up in Bishkek,
All transfers
Rent of horses,
Car assistance during the horseback riding around Son Kul lake,
Accommodation in Kochkor, Kol Ukok lake, in Kyzart village and around Son Kul lake,
English speaking guide
Full board (breakfast/lunch/dinner).

Price Excludes:

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

Map

Notes

Visa-Free Entry Citizens of the EU, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and some other countries can enter without a visa (up to 60 days).
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Other Nationalities: Please check https://evisa.e-gov.kg for your country
Tour Difficulty and Requirements
Tour Type: This is a horseback riding tour through mountain terrain.
Level: You don’t need to be an experienced rider, but you must feel confident on a horse and be able to control it.
We ride for 5–7 hours each day, so good physical condition is important.
Altitude: The tour goes through high mountain areas, up to 3500m
Age Limit: Tour is for participants 19 years and older. If you are younger, please ask us in advance.
Safety
During the trek, there will be local people around who can help evacuate if someone gets seriously hurt.
The guide will have a satellite phone with them during the trek.
Our guides carry a simple first-aid kit.
Our guides carry a basic first-aid kit.
Medical Information
High Altitude: If you’re sensitive to altitude, please talk to your doctor before the tour.
Medication: Bring any personal medicine you need.
Where You’ll Stay: Guesthouses (2-3 personne in the same room),
tents (2–3 person tents / toilet in nature), or yurts with shared bathrooms.
In remote areas, conditions are simple. Accommodation depends on the route.
Meals and Diets
Food: We serve traditional Kyrgyz meals — meat, rice, noodles, and vegetables.
All meals are Halal.
Breakfast: Tea or coffee, jam, bread, butter, eggs (fried or boiled), vegetables, and fruits.
Lunch: Salad, sandwich, bread, dried fruits, and vegetables.
Dinner: Hot meal, dried fruits, jam, butter, bread, and tea.
Diet Options: Vegetarian meals are available, but in the mountains it’s better to bring your own special food if you have strict dietary needs. Gluten-free food is available in big cities.
Water is not included.
Weather and Packing Tips
Weather: Temperatures change depending on location and altitude. Check the route weather using Google Weather before your trip.
Clothing:
Wear layers: base layer, warm layer, waterproof jacket.
Bring gloves and a warm hat.
Extra socks and underwear.
Shoes: Riding boots and something to wear at the campsite (slippers — we highly recommend Crocs).
Also bring: Headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses.
Gear
KAGAN Provides: Tent, kitchen staff, helmets
You Should Bring: Sleeping bag, filter bottle, and mattress
Luggage
A small backpack (20–30 liters) which you will carry yourself for personal items (sunscreen, raincoat, snacks, water). Luggage will be transported by jeep.
Booking and Payment
Deposit: A €300 deposit is needed to confirm your booking.
Final Payment: Pay the rest in cash when you arrive in Bishkek. Bank transfer is also possible (bank fees not included).
You can pay by credit card — there is a commission of 8% on the total amount, which is not included in the cost.
Cancellation: The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for a future trip.

Gallery

Download Program (PDF)

transport & guide

Private Car with Driver for Journey

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accommodation

Stay in a 4 Star Hotel incl. Breakfast

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other tour services

Enjoy Natural Scenery & Local Life

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