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Horseback Tour from Shamshy to Son-Kul Lake
Ride from the green Shamshy Gorge to the legendary high-altitude Son-Kul Lake, crossing mountain passes, sleeping under the stars and experiencing the real rhythm of nomadic life.
21.07
04.08
A Journey for Those Who Want to Feel Kyrgyzstan, Not Just See It
Over several days, you will ride through wild mountain landscapes, cross scenic passes over 3,000 meters, stay in tent camps and yurts, meet local people, taste national dishes, and experience the rhythm of nomadic life.
This tour combines adventure, silence, open space, culture, and the feeling of complete freedom.
This tour combines adventure, silence, open space, culture, and the feeling of complete freedom.
Arrival in Bishkek
Day 1
Route: Airport — Bishkek
Distance: 35 km
Accommodation: hotel in Bishkek
Meals: lunch
Distance: 35 km
Accommodation: hotel in Bishkek
Meals: lunch
After check-in, there is time to rest after the flight. Later, the group has lunch at a local restaurant and begins a light introduction to the city.
The day includes a visit to Osh Bazaar and a short city tour. In the evening, return to the hotel and free time for rest and adaptation before the mountain part of the journey.
The day includes a visit to Osh Bazaar and a short city tour. In the evening, return to the hotel and free time for rest and adaptation before the mountain part of the journey.
Arrival at the airport and meeting with the guide. Guests are welcomed with a name sign, assisted with luggage and transferred to the hotel in Bishkek.
Day 2
Bishkek — Burana Tower — Shamshy Gorge
Route: Bishkek — Tokmok — Shamshy
Distance by car: 100 km
Horse riding: 3–4 hours
Elevation gain: +300–400 m
Accommodation: tent camp
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
Distance by car: 100 km
Horse riding: 3–4 hours
Elevation gain: +300–400 m
Accommodation: tent camp
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
The road passes through the wide Chui Valley with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
On the way, the group stops at Burana Tower, an 11th-century historical monument and one of the main symbols of the ancient city of Balasagun. Guests can explore the minaret, stone balbals and the small open-air museum.
On the way, the group stops at Burana Tower, an 11th-century historical monument and one of the main symbols of the ancient city of Balasagun. Guests can explore the minaret, stone balbals and the small open-air museum.
After the cultural stop, the journey continues to Shamshy Gorge — one of the most beautiful and less touristy mountain areas in Kyrgyzstan.
Upon arrival, guests meet the horses, receive a safety briefing and begin the first horseback ride. The route follows the river and passes through mountain pastures, where nomadic camps and herds of horses may be seen.
During the ride, the group stops for a picnic in nature with hot tea and traditional snacks. By evening, arrival at the camping site, dinner by the campfire and overnight in tents.
Upon arrival, guests meet the horses, receive a safety briefing and begin the first horseback ride. The route follows the river and passes through mountain pastures, where nomadic camps and herds of horses may be seen.
During the ride, the group stops for a picnic in nature with hot tea and traditional snacks. By evening, arrival at the camping site, dinner by the campfire and overnight in tents.
After breakfast at the hotel, departure from Bishkek toward Shamshy Gorge.
Day 3
Shamshy Gorge — Shamshy Pass
Route: Forest ranger’s house — Shamshy Pass
Distance: approximately 17 km
Horse riding: 6–7 hours
Elevation gain: +1200 m
Accommodation: tent camp
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
Distance: approximately 17 km
Horse riding: 6–7 hours
Elevation gain: +1200 m
Accommodation: tent camp
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
This is one of the most scenic and eventful days of the route. The trail passes through coniferous forests, alpine meadows and open panoramic sections with views of mountain ranges.
As the group gains altitude, the landscapes become more impressive. Dense forest gradually gives way to high-altitude pastures, and the air becomes fresh and clear.
As the group gains altitude, the landscapes become more impressive. Dense forest gradually gives way to high-altitude pastures, and the air becomes fresh and clear.
Upon reaching Shamshy Pass, the group stops for rest and photos. From the top, wide views open over the valleys and mountain massifs.
In the evening, arrival at the overnight location. The camp is set up, followed by dinner in nature and rest after an active day.
In the evening, arrival at the overnight location. The camp is set up, followed by dinner in nature and rest after an active day.
After breakfast at the tent camp, the horseback journey continues toward Shamshy Pass.
Day 4
Shamshy Pass — Saralasaz Valley
Route: Shamshy Pass — Saralasaz
Distance: approximately 12 km
Horse riding: 5–6 hours
Elevation gain: +830 m
Elevation loss: −425 m
Accommodation: tent camp in Saralasaz Valley
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
Distance: approximately 12 km
Horse riding: 5–6 hours
Elevation gain: +830 m
Elevation loss: −425 m
Accommodation: tent camp in Saralasaz Valley
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
The trail begins near Shamshy Pass at an altitude of 3,570 meters and gradually descends toward Saralasaz Valley.
The path crosses high-altitude pastures and wide open spaces where the scale of the Kyrgyz mountains feels especially powerful. Along the way, guests enjoy panoramic views, snow-capped peaks in the distance and endless green plateaus.
The path crosses high-altitude pastures and wide open spaces where the scale of the Kyrgyz mountains feels especially powerful. Along the way, guests enjoy panoramic views, snow-capped peaks in the distance and endless green plateaus.
During the ride, the group stops for a picnic lunch with hot tea and time to rest in the silence of the mountains.
By evening, arrival at Saralasaz Valley, a spacious highland plateau with scenic landscapes. Camp setup, dinner in the fresh mountain air and overnight in tents.
By evening, arrival at Saralasaz Valley, a spacious highland plateau with scenic landscapes. Camp setup, dinner in the fresh mountain air and overnight in tents.
After breakfast at the camp, the route continues through the highlands.
Day 5
Saralasaz — Karakol Area
Route: Saralasaz — Karakol
Distance: 19 km
Horse riding: approximately 7 hours
Elevation gain: +350 m
Elevation loss: −870 m
Accommodation: tent camp
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
Distance: 19 km
Horse riding: approximately 7 hours
Elevation gain: +350 m
Elevation loss: −870 m
Accommodation: tent camp
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
This is one of the longer sections of the route. The path passes across wide highland plateaus and gradually descends through alpine meadows, mountain slopes and picturesque valleys.
As the group loses altitude, the scenery changes: denser grasses appear, streams wind through the landscape and the valleys become softer and greener.
As the group loses altitude, the scenery changes: denser grasses appear, streams wind through the landscape and the valleys become softer and greener.
The long descent requires focus, but it also allows guests to enjoy the diversity of the mountain landscapes.
By evening, arrival in the Karakol area. Camp setup, dinner in the open air and rest after a full active day.
By evening, arrival in the Karakol area. Camp setup, dinner in the open air and rest after a full active day.
After breakfast at the tent camp, the horseback journey continues toward the Karakol Valley.
Day 6
Karakol — Sook Valley via Buchuk Pass
Route: Karakol — Buchuk Pass — Sook
Distance: 16 km
Horse riding: 6–7 hours
Elevation gain: +1000 m
Elevation loss: −850 m
Level: above average
Accommodation: tent camp in Sook Valley
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
Distance: 16 km
Horse riding: 6–7 hours
Elevation gain: +1000 m
Elevation loss: −850 m
Level: above average
Accommodation: tent camp in Sook Valley
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
The trail leads toward Buchuk Pass at an altitude of 3,450 meters. The ascent passes through alpine meadows and rocky highland sections. As the group gains altitude, wide panoramas open over the surrounding ridges and valleys.
At the pass, there is time for rest and photos. This is one of the best viewpoints on the route.
At the pass, there is time for rest and photos. This is one of the best viewpoints on the route.
After the break, the scenic descent begins toward Sook Valley. The landscape gradually changes from high-altitude views to gentler terrain and green pastures.
By evening, arrival at the overnight location. Camp setup, dinner in nature and overnight under the mountain sky.
By evening, arrival at the overnight location. Camp setup, dinner in nature and overnight under the mountain sky.
After breakfast at the camp, the group begins one of the most impressive and dynamic days of the route.
Day 7
Sook — Kyz-Art via Saryk Pass
Route: Sook — Saryk Pass — Kyz-Art
Distance: 20 km
Horse riding: 7–8 hours
Elevation gain: +1150 m
Elevation loss: −1000 m
Level: above average / endurance required
Accommodation: tent camp in Kyz-Art area
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
Distance: 20 km
Horse riding: 7–8 hours
Elevation gain: +1150 m
Elevation loss: −1000 m
Level: above average / endurance required
Accommodation: tent camp in Kyz-Art area
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
The route passes through Saryk Pass at an altitude of 3,540 meters and then descends toward Kyz-Art.
In the morning, the trail steadily rises through alpine pastures and rocky highland sections. As the altitude increases, breathtaking panoramas of mountain chains and wide valleys open up.
At the pass, the group stops for rest and photos. This is one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the entire route.
In the morning, the trail steadily rises through alpine pastures and rocky highland sections. As the altitude increases, breathtaking panoramas of mountain chains and wide valleys open up.
At the pass, the group stops for rest and photos. This is one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the entire route.
After lunch, the descent begins toward Kyz-Art. The landscape changes from high-altitude terrain to softer slopes and green hillsides.
By evening, arrival at the overnight site. This is the last night in tents before the route continues with yurts and guesthouses.
By evening, arrival at the overnight site. This is the last night in tents before the route continues with yurts and guesthouses.
After an early breakfast at the camp, the group starts one of the longest and most impressive sections of the tour.
Day 8
Kyz-Art — Kilemche via Chaarcha Pass
Route: Kyz-Art — Chaarcha Pass — Kilemche
Distance: 17 km
Horse riding: 6–7 hours
Elevation gain: +830 m
Elevation loss: −980 m
Accommodation: yurt camp in Kilemche
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
Distance: 17 km
Horse riding: 6–7 hours
Elevation gain: +830 m
Elevation loss: −980 m
Accommodation: yurt camp in Kilemche
Meals: breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner
Today the group rides toward Kilemche, one of the most atmospheric summer pastures in the region.
The trail passes through Chaarcha Pass at an altitude of 2,900 meters and then descends toward the Kilemche jayloo. Along the way, guests see wide mountain panoramas, green valleys and open pastures where nomadic camps appear during the season.
The trail passes through Chaarcha Pass at an altitude of 2,900 meters and then descends toward the Kilemche jayloo. Along the way, guests see wide mountain panoramas, green valleys and open pastures where nomadic camps appear during the season.
After a picnic lunch in nature, the group continues the scenic descent to Kilemche.
By evening, arrival at the yurt camp. Guests stay in traditional Kyrgyz yurts, enjoy dinner with national dishes and experience the cozy atmosphere of nomadic life.
By evening, arrival at the yurt camp. Guests stay in traditional Kyrgyz yurts, enjoy dinner with national dishes and experience the cozy atmosphere of nomadic life.
After breakfast at the camp, the horseback journey continues across the picturesque landscapes of the Central Tien Shan.
Day 9
Kilemche — Son-Kul Lake via Tuz-Ashuu Pass
Route: Kilemche — Tuz-Ashuu Pass — Son-Kul Lake
Distance: approximately 15 km
Horse riding: 4–5 hours
Elevation gain: +800 m
Elevation loss: −300 m
Level: moderate
Accommodation: yurt camp at Son-Kul Lake
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Distance: approximately 15 km
Horse riding: 4–5 hours
Elevation gain: +800 m
Elevation loss: −300 m
Level: moderate
Accommodation: yurt camp at Son-Kul Lake
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
In the morning, the group begins a gentle ascent toward the pass. As the trail rises, the views become wider and more impressive.
After crossing the pass, the endless expanse of Son-Kul Lake suddenly appears. This is one of the most memorable moments of the entire tour.
After crossing the pass, the endless expanse of Son-Kul Lake suddenly appears. This is one of the most memorable moments of the entire tour.
The descent to the lake passes through soft summer pastures where horses and sheep graze during the season.
Upon arrival, guests are accommodated in a yurt camp on the lakeshore. Lunch is served in the yurt, followed by free time for walks, photography and rest.
In the evening, dinner in the yurt and overnight at 3,000 meters.
Upon arrival, guests are accommodated in a yurt camp on the lakeshore. Lunch is served in the yurt, followed by free time for walks, photography and rest.
In the evening, dinner in the yurt and overnight at 3,000 meters.
Today is the final day of the horseback journey.
The route leads from Kilemche to Son-Kul Lake through Tuz-Ashuu Pass at an altitude of 3,225 meters.
The route leads from Kilemche to Son-Kul Lake through Tuz-Ashuu Pass at an altitude of 3,225 meters.
Day 10
Son-Kul — Kyzyl-Tuu — Ak-Sai Canyon — Bokonbayevo
Route: Son-Kul — Kyzyl-Tuu — Ak-Sai Canyon — Bokonbayevo
Transfer time: approximately 5 hours including stops
Walk: about 1 hour
Accommodation: guesthouse in the Issyk-Kul region
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Transfer time: approximately 5 hours including stops
Walk: about 1 hour
Accommodation: guesthouse in the Issyk-Kul region
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
On the way, guests visit Kyzyl-Tuu village, known as one of the centers of traditional Kyrgyz yurt-making.
Here, a yurt show is organized. Guests see how a traditional yurt is assembled and learn about its structure, symbolism and importance in nomadic life.
Here, a yurt show is organized. Guests see how a traditional yurt is assembled and learn about its structure, symbolism and importance in nomadic life.
After lunch in a village house, the route continues to Ak-Sai Canyon. The group takes a short walk through natural trails among unusual rock formations and panoramic views.
By evening, arrival at a guesthouse in the Issyk-Kul region. Check-in and rest after a full day.
By evening, arrival at a guesthouse in the Issyk-Kul region. Check-in and rest after a full day.
After breakfast at the yurt camp, the group says goodbye to Son-Kul Lake and departs toward the Issyk-Kul region by minibus.
Day 11
Bokonbayevo — Konorchek Canyon — Bishkek
Route: Bokonbayevo — Konorchek — Bishkek
Accommodation: hotel in Bishkek
Meals: breakfast / lunch in a café / farewell dinner
Accommodation: hotel in Bishkek
Meals: breakfast / lunch in a café / farewell dinner
On the way, the group stops at Konorchek Canyon, a scenic canyon with panoramic views and memorable photo spots.
The route passes through mountain landscapes, river valleys and picturesque gorges, giving guests one last opportunity to enjoy the nature of Kyrgyzstan before returning to the capital.
The route passes through mountain landscapes, river valleys and picturesque gorges, giving guests one last opportunity to enjoy the nature of Kyrgyzstan before returning to the capital.
Upon arrival in Bishkek, check-in at the hotel and free time to rest after the drive.
In the evening, a farewell dinner is organized with the team, guides and tour participants. Guests enjoy national dishes, share impressions and close the journey in a warm atmosphere.
In the evening, a farewell dinner is organized with the team, guides and tour participants. Guests enjoy national dishes, share impressions and close the journey in a warm atmosphere.
After breakfast at the guesthouse, the return journey to Bishkek begins.
Day 12
Departure
Route: Bishkek — Airport
Meals: breakfast
Meals: breakfast
Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule.
End of the tour.
Breakfast at the hotel.
$1,755 per person
$1,683 per person
$1,605 per person
Tour price
Not included in the tour price:
- Additional services and unforeseen expenses
- International and domestic flights
- Mandatory medical insurance
- Personal expenses
- Lunches and dinners not specified in the program
The tour price includes:
- Private transportation throughout the entire route (minibus, jeep, or minivan)
- Breakfasts at hotels
- Accommodation in yurt camps
- Guide services
- Environmental fees for visiting national parks
- Lunches, picnics, and dinners during the horseback tour.
- Accompaniment by experienced grooms.
- Horses during the tour.
- Yurt show
- Tents and equipment during the tour.
- Cook during the tour.
- Entrance to the Burana Tower