12-Day Horse Riding Tour in Kyrgyzstan with Song Kol and Ala Kol

• Meet at the airport and depart for Chong Kemin National Park.
• Chong Kemin National Park is a uniquely beautiful natural area stretching for fifty kilometers along the Chong Kemin River valley.
• The park is a treasure trove of rare species of flora and fauna.
• Here, glaciers harmoniously coexist with forest zones and steppe areas, creating landscapes that feel untouched by time.
• The natural park covers an area of 500 hectares, with elevations gradually rising from 1,400 to 2,800 meters.
• After some rest, set out on a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint with magnificent views over the valley.

Driving time: 3 hours

Overnight at the hotel

• Start the horse riding tour in the morning, heading into the Chong Kemin Valley.
• The trail takes you through lush forests and picturesque meadows.
• Stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic spot, such as a meadow overlooking the valley.
• Continue riding toward the pass, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• In the evening, return to the hotel to relax and enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner.

Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

Overnight at the hotel

• Transfer to the Jumgal Valley, the starting point of the horse ride.
• After lunch, depart for Song Kol.
• Cross the Tuz Ashu Pass (3400 m), which offers a magnificent view of the lake.
• Song Kol Lake is a large alpine lake located at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level.
• In summer, fully enjoy its blue waters and get acquainted with the life of modern nomads.
• Stay in Kyrgyz yurts and taste the national dishes of the hospitable Kyrgyz people.
• Learn about everyday life, Kyrgyz traditions, and national games, and observe huge flocks of sheep, horses, and cows.
• You may also encounter camels and yaks, immersing yourself in the natural habitat of a nomadic people that has retained its uniqueness for decades.

Driving time: 4 hours

Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

Overnight at the yurt camp

• Ride on horseback to Batai Aral, a jailoo (pasture) located in the northwest of Song Kol Lake.
• Nomads from the Kochkor region set up their yurts here during the summer.
• Batai Aral is a narrow dirt road between Song Kol Lake and a small lake, forming a floral oasis.
• From May to September, 66 species of water birds can be observed here, making it especially attractive to ornithologists.
• Particularly notable are the 14 species of ducks found in the area.
• On the northern shore of the lake stands the only stone building in the entire valley - the Tailak Baatyr mausoleum, built at the end of the 19th century.
• This area is also ideal for galloping horses, offering a unique experience in a picturesque landscape.

Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

Overnight at the yurt camp

• Continue riding around Song Kol, immersing yourself in the exciting and alluring culture of the nomads of the region.
• Tulpar Tash is located in the northwestern part of Song Kol and serves as a jailoo for nomads from the Kyzart region.
• It is regarded as one of the most beautiful places around Song Kol.
• The glittering surface of the lake can be seen from afar, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.

Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

Overnight at the yurt camp

• After breakfast, head to Ysyk Kol Lake.
• Ysyk Kol is the second-largest high-mountain lake after Titicaca in the Andes.
• It is widely believed that the name Ysyk Kol in Kyrgyz means "hot lake" because its waters never freeze.
• Located at an altitude of 1609 meters, the lake covers an area of 6236 km2 and reaches depths of up to 668 meters.
• After lunch, enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear lake and take advantage of its inviting waters.

Driving time: 4 hours

Swimming time: 4 hours

Overnight at the guesthouse

• Visit Fairy Tale Canyon, known for its unusual rock formations and a ridge resembling the Great Wall of China rising vertically from the surrounding sandstone.
• The rocks vary in color from sandy yellow to red and orange, with colorful striations that reveal different chemical compositions.
• Continue to Barskoon Gorge, one of the most beautiful gorges on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol.
• It is famous for its high waterfalls and dense spruce forests.
• The gorge was notably visited by the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin.
• En route, visit local landmarks such as Broken Heart and Seven Bulls.
• A brief walk in Jeti-Oguz Canyon, which resembles a small version of the Grand Canyon, completes the journey.

Driving time: 5 hours

Easy hiking/walking time: 2 hours

Overnight at the hotel

• Travel to Karakol and begin horse riding to Altyn-Arashan Gorge, meaning "Golden Source."
• Altyn-Arashan is a high-mountain gorge in the eastern part of the Terskey-Ala-Too ridge.
• It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyrgyzstan, known for its unique nature, hot springs within the gorge, extensive spruce forests, and stunning views.
• In the evening, it is possible to take a thermal water bath.
• The hot springs are located at a record altitude of 2600 meters and are believed to have healing properties due to the radon and hydrogen sulfide content of the water.
• The water remains hot all year round: 35 degrees for the radon source and 41 degrees for the hydrogen sulfide source.

Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

Hot spring: 40 min

Overnight at the guesthouse or yurt camp

• Continue horse riding toward one of the most beautiful lakes of the Central Tian-Shan - Ala Kol.
• The last part of the route is quite steep, so you will need to dismount and continue on foot.
• Your efforts will be rewarded upon reaching this unique glacial lake and seeing famous peaks such as Karakol Peak (5281 meters), Oguz-Bashi (5168 meters), and Zhigit (5170 meters).
• After a short rest, return to Altyn-Arashan Gorge, completing the journey.

Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

Hiking time: 2 hours

Hot spring: 40 min

Overnight at the guesthouse or yurt camp

• In the morning, return on horseback through the gorge to Karakol.
• After lunch, enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear lake and take advantage of its inviting waters for a refreshing dip.

Horse riding time: 3 hours

Driving time: 3 hours

Overnight at the guesthouse

• Return to Bishkek today.
• Head to the capital for a sightseeing tour.
• Visit the central Ala-Too Square, one of Bishkek's most prominent landmarks.
• Explore Victory Square, another significant square commemorating historical events.
• Visit the Opera and Ballet Theater, known for its architectural beauty and cultural significance.
• Explore the largest mosque in Central Asia, an important religious and cultural site in the region.

Driving time: 4-5 hours

City tour: 2 hours

Overnight at the hotel

• In the morning, transfer to the airport for departure.

Driving time: 40 min