The Jewel of the Nomads — Son Kul Lake

A 10-day horseback adventure through Kyrgyzstan’s wild mountains, with 8 days on horseback across remote trails, high passes, quiet valleys and the vast landscapes surrounding Son Kul Lake.

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📅 10 Days

🏇🏼 8 Days on horseback

🏔️ Up to 3,500 m

The circuit

Into the Heart of Nomadic Kyrgyzstan

The journey begins in Bishkek and takes you through Burana Tower, Konorchek Canyon, Kochkor and Kol Ukok before heading toward Son Kul Lake.

After crossing the Uzbek Pass at 3,200 m, you spend several days riding around Son Kul, moving between yurt camps and meeting nomadic families who spend their summers in the high pastures.

The final riding day takes you across Tuz Ashuu Pass before descending toward Kilemche Valley and Kyzart village. From there, a transfer brings you back to Bishkek. KAGAN

Route: Bishkek → Burana Tower → Konorchek Canyon → Kochkor → Kol Ukok → Kyzart → Uzbek Pass → Son Kul → Tuz Ashuu → Kilemche → Kyzart → Bishkek

Route map of The Jewel of the Nomads, Song Kul lake tour

Horseback riding tour

from €930
/ person · group 10 people

Duration

10 days

Horseback riding

8 days

Highlights

Maximum Altitude

3,500 m

Season

June–September

Book This Tour

Day by day

Detailed Program

1 Day. Bishkek → Kochkor

BISHKEK → BURANA TOWER → KONORCHEK CANYON → KOCHKOR

Pick-up in Bishkek. We transfer to the village of Kochkor, approximately 3 hours away. On the way, we visit Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon, where we have a picnic. We then continue toward Kochkor. Upon arrival, we check into a local family house. Overnight and dinner with the family.

3 h drive · Burana Tower · Konorchek Canyon · Homestay

2 Day. Horseback Riding to Kol Ukok

KOCHKOR → KOL UKOK

Early in the morning, we take a short transfer to the starting point of the horseback journey. We begin riding from our equestrian guide’s house and have a picnic along the way. At the end of the day, we reach the yurt camp at 3,000 m. Overnight and dinner in the yurt.

4–5 h horseback · 3,000 m · Yurt camp

3 Day. Horseback Riding Around Kol Ukok

KOL UKOK

Today is a full day of horseback riding around the lake and surrounding mountains. There is no fixed destination, allowing us to explore the area at a relaxed pace. We have a picnic in the mountains and return to the same yurt camp for the night.

Horseback riding · Mountain exploration · Picnic · Yurt camp

4 Day. Kol Ukok → Kyzart

KOL UKOK → KOCHKOR → KYZART

In the morning, we ride back toward Kochkor. After around 4 hours, we meet our driver. We have lunch with a Dungan family in Kochkor before continuing by vehicle for approximately 2 hours to Kyzart village. Upon arrival, we stay with a local family. Overnight and dinner in the family house.

4 h horseback · Dungan family lunch · 2 h transfer · Homestay

5 Day. Horseback Riding to Son Kul Lake

KYZART → UZBEK PASS → SON KUL

We get back on horseback and ride toward Son Kul Lake. We cross the Uzbek Pass at 3,200 m and stop for a picnic at the pass with views over Son Kul Lake. We then descend toward the yurt camp and arrive in the middle of the afternoon. Free time at the camp before dinner and overnight at 3,016 m.

4–5 h horseback · 3,200 m pass · Son Kul views · 3,016 m

6 Day. Horseback Riding South of Son Kul

SON KUL → SOUTHERN SHORE

After a good night in the yurt, we leave on horseback toward another yurt camp south of the lake. Over the next days, there are opportunities to gallop where the terrain allows. We arrive at the yurt camp in the middle of the afternoon. Overnight and dinner in the yurt.

4–5 h horseback · Southern Son Kul · Galloping · Yurt camp

7 Day. Horseback Riding East of Son Kul

SOUTHERN SON KUL → EASTERN SHORE

We set off on horseback and stop near the mysterious stones along the way. We have a picnic before continuing toward the eastern side of Son Kul. At the end of the day, we arrive at a yurt camp. Overnight and dinner in the yurt.

3–4 h horseback · Mysterious stones · Eastern Son Kul · Yurt

8 Day. Horseback Riding at Tuz Ashuu

EASTERN SON KUL → TUZ ASHUU PASS

Every day around Son Kul offers encounters with nomadic yurt camps. This is a great opportunity to experience the life of nomadic families in the high pastures. We have a picnic on the way and arrive at the yurt camp at the foot of Tuz Ashuu Pass. Overnight and dinner in the yurt.

4–5 h horseback · Tuz Ashuu · Nomadic camps · Yurt

9 Day. Horseback Riding to Kyzart

TUZ ASHUU PASS → KILEMCHE VALLEY → KYZART

This is our last day on horseback. We climb Tuz Ashuu Pass and then descend toward Kilemche Valley, where we have a picnic. At the end of the day, we reach our guest house in Kyzart village. We have time for a shower, dinner and overnight in the guest house.

6–7 h horseback · Tuz Ashuu Pass · Kilemche Valley · Guest house

10 Day. Kyzart → Bishkek

KYZART → BISHKEK

Our driver picks us up at the guest house and we depart for Bishkek. The drive takes approximately 5 hours, with lunch on the way. Upon arrival in Bishkek, we drop you off at your accommodation.

5 h drive · Lunch · Bishkek · End of service

2027 prices

Price depends on group size

€1,180/person

4 travellers

€1,105/person

5 travellers

€1,010/person

6 travellers

€985/person

7 travellers

€960/person

8 travellers

€945/person

9 travellers

€930/person

10 travellers

What’s included

Pick-up in Bishkek
All transfers
Horse rental
Car assistance during the horseback riding around Son Kul Lake
Accommodation in Kochkor, Kol Ukok Lake, Kyzart village, Son Kul Lake
English-speaking guide
Full board — breakfast, lunch and dinner

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan?

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.

How difficult is the horseback tour and do I need previous experience?

This is a horseback riding tour through mountain terrain. You do not need to be an experienced rider, but you must feel confident on a horse and be able to control it. The notes state that riding days can last 5–7 hours, so good physical condition is important. The tour reaches altitudes of up to 3,500 m and is intended for participants 19 years and older. If you are younger, contact KAGAN in advance.

What should I know about safety and medical requirements?

Local people around the route can help with evacuation if someone is seriously injured. The guide carries a satellite phone and a basic first-aid kit. If you are sensitive to high altitude, consult your doctor before the tour and bring any personal medication you need.

Where will I stay?

Accommodation includes guesthouses, tents and yurts. Guesthouses generally accommodate 2–3 people in the same room. Tents are for 2–3 people, with toilets in nature, while yurts have shared bathrooms. In remote areas, conditions are simple and accommodation depends on the route.

What meals are provided and are dietary options available?

The tour serves traditional Kyrgyz meals including meat, rice, noodles and vegetables, and all meals are Halal. Breakfast includes tea or coffee, jam, bread, butter, eggs, vegetables and fruits. Lunch includes salad, sandwiches, bread, dried fruits and vegetables. Dinner is a hot meal with dried fruits, jam, butter, bread and tea. Vegetarian meals are available, but guests with strict dietary requirements are advised to bring their own special food for the mountain sections. Gluten-free food is available in larger cities.
Water is not included.

What should I pack?

Weather changes depending on location and altitude, so check the route forecast before the trip. Wear layers: a base layer, warm layer and waterproof jacket. Bring gloves, a warm hat, extra socks and underwear, riding boots and something comfortable for the campsite such as slippers or Crocs. Also bring a headlamp, sunscreen and sunglasses.

What equipment does KAGAN provide and what should I bring?

KAGAN provides tents, kitchen staff and helmets. You should bring your own sleeping bag, filter bottle and mattress.

How is luggage transported?

You carry a small 20–30 L backpack yourself for personal items such as sunscreen, raincoat, snacks and water. Your main luggage is transported by jeep.

What are the booking and payment conditions?

A €300 deposit is required to confirm the booking. The remaining amount can be paid in cash upon arrival in Bishkek. Bank transfer is also possible, with bank fees not included. Credit card payment is available with an 8% commission on the total amount. The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for a future trip.

Golden Book / Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 21 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jérémy Mertens 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Si vous cherchez une agence de voyage pour des tours organisés au Kirghizistan n'hésitez pas et choisissez KAGAN ! L'organisation est parfaite, les lieux visités incroyables et le contact avec la population Kyrgyz est rendue très facile par le guide qui accompagne le groupe, un gros point positif pour Aimara la meilleure guide francophone 😁. Certainement l'un des meilleurs rapports qualité/prix au Kirghizistan !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karine Malouin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous recherchions une agence pouvant nous fournir un guide francophone, mais aussi une expérience immersive selon nos goûts, nos besoins et en très petit groupe. Ils ont répondu à toutes nos attentes, et même au delà, avec ouverture et flexibilité. Nous avons créé quelque chose de magique avec notre guide et notre chauffeur et avons vécu l'un des plus beau voyage de notre vie.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alicia Verlinden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous sommes partis au Kirghizistan ce mois de juin 2026 avec Kagan et leur guide Nurtilek (Rick pour les intimes). Tout était vraiment parfait! Le voyage était bien organisé, les logements de bonne qualité, le programme correspondait à nos attentes et les activités étaient supers. Étant donné notre manque de connaissance en russe, c’était pratique d’avoir un guide avec nous!
L’équipe de Kagan était à l’écoute et nous avons vraiment eu un voyage super, je recommande ☺️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Valentin Goncalves 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous venons de réaliser un voyage de 12 jours au Kirghizstan entre amis.
Tout a été parfait du début à la fin.
L’agence est organisée, et à l’écoute. Aimira est très réactive.
Notre guide Azamat, par sa gentillesse, sa disponibilité, son professionnalisme et sa connaissance du pays, a largement contribué à rendre notre expérience inoubliable. Notre chauffeur Akil a également été irréprochable tout au long du voyage.

Nous recommandons cette agence les yeux fermés à tous ceux qui souhaitent ce magnifique pays!
Merci encore.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicolas Brunaut 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons fait 15 jours de voyage au Kirghizistan via Kagan en auto-tour, l'un des premiers qu'ils proposaient.

Nous avons apprécié le fait d'être en autonomie pour découvrir le pays, tout en n'ayant pas à se préoccuper du planning et des activités et des commodités ennuyantes (aller-retour à l'aéroport).

Nous avons été accueilli dans cette agence à taille humaine, qui nous a présenté notre tour, puis avons eu les clefs de notre 4X4, et c'était parti pour 15 jours en autonomie, avec des check réguliers a distance avec nos guides (anglophone puis francophone).

Pour une des premières proposées par l'agence, rien à redire, tout s'est bien passé, chaque stop avait son intérêt, chaque lieu valait la peine d'être vue afin de bien profiter du Kirghizistan.

Nous avons pu également adapter le séjour initial proposé puisque nous restions quelques jours en plus.

Lors de notre séjour, un voyant moteur s'est allumé sur la voiture, l'agence Kagan a su réagir et nous trouver un mécanicien à notre étape, qui a réparé la panne (injecteur mort), sans le moindre frais pour nous, et sans la moindre contrainte car le mécanicien s'est déplacé jusqu'à notre logement.

Il ne manque qu'un petit livret à recevoir au départ pour être encore plus autonome, et tout serait parfait !

Pour info, ils sont en partenariat pour ce trajet avec My Kirghiz Friends, qui aura le même commentaire.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nathan Fellous 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons effectué un roadtrip de 12 jours organisé par KAGAN.
Tous les membres de l'agence était courtois, professionnels et disponibles.
Ce tour était inoubliable !
Je recommande fortement de voyagzr avec KAGAN !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Grace Foster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Azamat guided a small group of us women through the backcountry on horseback with a team of two other Kyrgyz guides. We were able to have all of our needs met throughout the trip between weather preparedness, a flexible schedule and accommodations. We will miss our time with them in the mountains deeply.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anne Madies 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons passé 3 semaines au Kirghizstan cet été. Nous voulions voir la diversité du pays et faire des treks. Kagan a parfaitement répondu à nos attentes. Nous avons fait un voyage extraordinaire, très varié et avons pu avoir un aperçu de la vie quotidienne du pays. Les treks étaient splendides et Kagan a su très bien gérer les imprévus du voyage. Notre guide francophone Sergey a aussi contribué à sa réussite en sachant adapter le programme à nos souhaits.  En résumé, Je vous recommande cette petite agence locale!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Julien Altacima 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons fait un voyage de 11 jours en juin 2025 avec un groupe de 10 personnes. L'équipe locale était très professionnelle et attentive à nos souhaits (guide francophone et chauffeur/mécanicien). Les 4x4 que nous avons loués étaient en parfaits états et adaptés au parcours. Nous remercions Aydana et Azamat pour leur organisation sans faille et leur disponibilité avant, pendant et après le voyage. Un grand merci à KAGAN.

Our customers regularly share their experiences, whether on our Google page or our Facebook page. The feedback is varied – some highlight our hospitality in the guesthouse, our availability or the quality of our services when traveling in Kyrgyzstan, others help us to improve. And it’s precisely thanks to this feedback that KAGAN evolves every day.

Thank you to all those who put their trust in us!

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