10 Day Nomad Horseback Tour Trekking to Song-Kul

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Bishkek to Shamshy
2 stops
1
Bishkek
The trip begins with a pickup from any location in Bishkek, followed by a transfer to Shamshi Gorge (120 km).
3 hours • Admission ticket free
2
After reaching Shamshi Gorge, we'll have lunch at the local Yurt Inn, which also serves as our accommodation for the night. Take a stroll in the nearby pine forest, immersing yourself in nature and preparing for the exciting journey ahead. Before the expedition, you’ll be introduced to the wildlife of Central Asia by our zoologist, and develop a keen eye for the subtle traces of life that may intertwine with your path along the journey.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Shamshy Nature Reserve
1 stop
3
Following a hearty breakfast in the yurt, we'll load our gear, saddle up the horses, and start to ride towards the distant Shamshy Pass, situated at an elevation of 3570 meters. The Shamshy Wildlife Range, sprawling across nearly 200 square kilometres, shelters an array of iconic Central Asian fauna, including the Siberian ibex, the argali sheep, the Turkestan lynx and even a small population of snow leopards along with large birds of prey like the bearded vulture and more than 10 more species of vultures and eagles. This area holds great importance for the future conservation of endangered species in Kyrgyzstan due to recent legislation. After approximately 6 hours of trekking, we'll reach our campsite for the night near the Shamshy Pass.
7 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Shamshy to Sarala-Saz
1 stop
4
This day we continue our journey, crossing the Shamshy Pass and riding towards Sarala-Saz Jailoo. The name translates to "Yellow Swamp" due to the yellowish glow of the grass here. This alpine pasture, located at an altitude of 3060 meters, welcomes us with expansive meadows and yurt camps of nomadic families tending to their herds. We'll spend the rest of the day in this setting, immersing ourselves in the daily life of nomads and witnessing both the challenges and the beauties of their lives. Later, we set up the campsite and cook a delightful meal. With an anthropologist on the team, you'll have the chance to have conversations about the ancient cultural branches of Asia and develop a profound appreciation for nomadic cultures and history. Sarala-Saz and Song-Kul are surrounded by petroglyphs, round stone settings, and various burial mounds. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Karakol River Valley
1 stop
5
On this day, we descend from the lush grasslands of the high pastures to the summer pasture of Iri-Suu, where we'll spend the night. As evening sets in, you can take the opportunity and have a leisurely walk across the surrounding hills to the valley of the Karakol River.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Sook River through Buchuk Pass
1 stop
6
We set off on our trek at the break of dawn, gradually ascending to the Buchuk Pass, perched at an altitude of 3400 meters. On the other side, a world of wonder unfolds before us—the enchanting Sook River valley. This lush basin showcases some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on our expedition, where the contrast of snow-capped ridges against vibrant slopes adorned with a tapestry of wildflowers creates a breathtaking sight to behold. We'll keep a keen eye out for the families of marmots that call this place home, and stay alert to spot the presence of birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, and even vultures, lending an air of untamed beauty to this isolated basin.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Jumgal Valley
1 stop
7
Our next destination is the enchanting Jumgal Valley, accessed by crossing the nearby mountains through the Kum Bel Pass at an elevation of 3600 meters. Following the ridge from the pass's highest point, we'll reach the Kum Bel peak, situated at 3656 meters above sea level granting us a moment to reflect upon the majestic peaks we've left behind. After having lunch, we descend into the basin and trace its course until we reach the Kyzart Pass (2664 meters). We'll establish our campsite near the pass, where we'll spend a night surrounded by nature's embrace.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Kilemchhe Jailoo
1 stop
8
Kilemche
After breakfast, we cross the Kyzart Pass (2664 meters) and venture into the vast Kyzyl-Kiya Jailoo, a sprawling, flat grassland. After lunch, we proceed and reach the Chaar-Archa Pass at an altitude of 3061 m to descend into the scenic Chaar-Archa Valley. Riding across the surrounding hills, we finally reach Kilemche Jailoo. The name Kilemche means "carpet". The symphony of hills with their subtle shadings resembles the intricate patterns of a felt carpet. The valley boasts a gently flowing river and enchanting meadows adorned with herbs and flowers such as arnica, edelweiss, and gentian. In winter, some nomadic families even reside on farms within the valley. Eventually, these shepherds move on to the summer pastures of Song-Kul Lake.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Song-Kul Lake
1 stop
9
Song Kol Lake
This day we embark on a morning climb to Jalgyz Karagai Pass (3400 meters), ascending over the Song-Kol Mountains and descending into the lake's basin. The ascent rewards us with breathtaking views of last night's campsite, Kilemche Jailoo, and as we make our way down the slopes on the other side, Song-Kol gradually reveals its splendour. Closing in, the towering mountains on the far side of the lake—the peaks of Moldo Too (4185 m)—rise higher and higher. Getting down to the basin, the lake fills our field of view; we reach our final destination. After a satisfying lunch, we follow the lakeshore to a local yurt camp. We'll spend the evening immersed in the rich culture and hospitality of the shepherds, enjoying meals and a comfortable night in their warm yurt beds.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Leaving the Lake behind
1 stop
10
Kyzart
This is our last day of trekking before leaving our “nomadic lifeway” behind. Wake up before sunrise and go on a chilly walk in the morning steppe around the lake. This is the perfect time to capture the essence of this ancient place on camera. We may even get a chance to see some wildlife activity. After having breakfast in the yurt, we saddle the horses and start our way back to Kyzart village. Reaching Kyzart after a few hours, the host family will make us a meal to recharge. Children in Kyzart are curious and lively, you might get a chance to improvise and play games with them. We'll have lunch in a local restaurant (this is not included in the price).
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Back to Bishkek
1 stop
11
Bishkek
Today, we’re heading back to the capital for a well-deserved rest after this intensive nomadic experience. If the group wants to, we can stop at interesting locations along the way and have a traditional lunch in a restaurant (not included in the price).
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tags