Song-Kul Lake Horseback Riding Tour

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Manas International Airport. Your local guide will meet you and, depending on your flight time, offer two options for the day:

Option #1 Hiking to the Ak-Sai waterfall (2665m) - ONE FULL DAY HIKING

The distance is around 2.5 h-3 one way (3.75 km)

The level of difficulty: easy to medium. Max elevation: 2665m

The first stop will be at an altitude of 2377 meters, which is called "Broken Heart". This is a panorama from where a view of the entire gorge opens. Further, having climbed the Tepshi plateau (2460m), you will cross the river and move towards a small forest and keep climbing up toward the waterfall. Having overcome the height of 2665 meters, you will arrive at the point where there is a waterfall. After resting and having lunch near the waterfall, next we will go down to your car with the same path.

Option #2 Hiking along the Ala-Archa River Trail - 1,5-2 hours of hiking

The distance is around 1.5h-2 one way (~3 km)

The level of difficulty: easy. Max elevation: 2650m

Hiking starts along the asphalt road which is gradually going up along Ala-Archa river. The road will take you to open views of the mountains from where the river is flowing down. Further, having crossed a bridge we will keep walking on the significantly flat area which will gradually take us to the panorama of Ala-Archa NP. After resting and having lunch there, I will climb down to the mini-bus with the same path.

This morning, transfer to the Naryn region (200 km, approx. 4–5 hours). Arrive in Kara-Suu village, have lunch, and begin your trek:

• Kol-Ukok Lake Drive:
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Elevation gain: +800 m
  • Terrain: Sloping pastures, grazing animals, alpine flora

Arrive at the high-altitude lake (3,200 m) and settle into a traditional yurt camp with shepherds. No electricity – this is your chance to disconnect and enjoy mountain silence. The toilet is from simple construction.

After breakfast, continue your adventure with a short hike to another hidden lake:

• Kol-Tor Lake (above Kol-Ukok):
  • Distance: Approx. 3 km round trip | Duration: 1.5–2 hours
  • Elevation: ~3,500 m
  • Highlights: Pure alpine solitude, dramatic cliffs, ideal photography spot

Return to camp for lunch, relax in nature, enjoy dinner, and overnight again in the yurt.

Trek back down to Kara-Suu village. Enjoy a cultural workshop:

• Participate in a traditional felt-making masterclass (ala-kiyiz) led by local artisans. I takes 1-2 hours and you will make by your own hands!
• Learn how Kyrgyz carpets and textiles are handcrafted

Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse (shared facilities).

We are going to Terme lake, the alpine lake 3640m above sea level which is non-touristic area! In 2 hours you will get to Oro-Bashi village through Boom gorge, where the horse guide’s with his family (Uluk & Aijamal) will welcome you at their home and prepare the horses to ride. Further, we will start our horse riding. 

Duration of horseback riding: 3-3,5 hours. Difficulties of riding: easy to moderate. Distance to the lake: ~25-30 km. Altitude of the lake: 3640 m 

Lunch and dinner will be in a tent. Overnight: a tent.

After having breakfast, hiking to Terme lake - 2-2,5 hours of hike. Rest with a view of the lake and then we will go back down to our horses. Riding back to Oro-Bashi village. After having lunch, we will head to Kyzart village to overnight. Duration of driving: 2,5-3 hours.

Overnight: a homestay at Uluk and Aijamal. Meals: included.

Today’s highlight is the crossing of the famous Tuz-Ashuu Pass (3400m) to reach Song-Kul Lake:

• Distance: 16 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs
• Elevation gain: +1100 m
• Terrain: Steep paths, panoramic ridges, wildflowers
• Destination: Song-Kul (3,016 m), a wide alpine lake surrounded by yurts and pastures

Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp by the lake.

Today is a logn day back to Bishkek. After breakfast, return to Bishkek (250 km, 5-5,5 hrs). Lunch en route. Transfer to the airport for your flight home on your request.