# Kol-Ukok to Song-Kul Horse Trek - 7 Days

Seven days in the saddle on trails few groups use. From Kochkor you ride to Kol-Ukok lake, over the Kyzyl-Jar pass to Ak-Kiya, towards the Dolon pass and into the Ken-Suu valley, then over Terskey-Torpu to Song-Kul and out to Kyzart. Five nights in yurts.

- Duration: 7 days
- Type: Horse riding, Off-the-beaten-path
- Best season: June to September
- Starts and ends in: Bishkek
- Pace: Moderately paced
- Activities: Horse riding - 7 days
- Accommodation: 1 night at guesthouse, 5 nights at yurt
- Total driving: 480 km
- Price: on request (depends on group size, season and options). Free quote, no prepayment to enquire.
- Group: small group or fully private, with a local English-speaking guide
- Page: https://azattours.com/tours/kol-ukok-to-song-kul-horse-trek-7-days/

## Highlights

- Seven days in the saddle from Kochkor to Kyzart
- Kol-Ukok lake on the first night
- The Kyzyl-Jar and Terskey-Torpu passes
- Song-Kul's shore at the end of the route

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Drive to Kochkor & ride to Kol-Ukok Lake

We start early from Bishkek and drive to Kochkor Village, gateway to the high lake of Kol-Ukok. Lunch waits at a local guesthouse before you meet your horse and settle into the saddle.

The trail begins gently along the Ukok River, then steepens through rugged country past lone herder houses. By evening you reach a yurt camp on the shore of Kol-Ukok, a fine first taste of nomad life in the mountains.

- Transfer: 200 km · 3-4 h
- Activity: Horse riding · 15 km · 4 h
- Meals: Lunch at guesthouse, dinner at yurt
- Overnight: Yurt (3000 m)

### Day 2: Ride over Kyzyl-Jar Pass to Ak-Kiya

After breakfast you climb to the Kyzyl-Jar Pass at 3600 m, the highest point of the ride, with wide alpine views in every direction. A picnic lunch at the top makes the most of it.

From the pass you drop into the Kara-Kujur Valley and ride on to the remote village of Ak-Kiya, reaching it by early evening. A quiet walk and a home-cooked dinner round off the day.

- Activity: Horse riding · 18 km · 5-6 h
- Meals: Breakfast at yurt, picnic lunch, dinner at homestay
- Overnight: Homestay

### Day 3: Ride toward Dolon Pass

You ride out through Ak-Kiya, past traditional homes and everyday village life, then climb into rougher hill country with rolling ridges and distant peaks. A mid-morning picnic gives the horses a rest.

The trail follows the ridges, crosses the Bishkek-Torugart highway briefly, and brings you to a yurt near the Dolon Pass. A shepherd family hosts you for the night with a hearty dinner and good company.

- Activity: Horse riding · 18 km · 5-6 h
- Meals: Breakfast at homestay, picnic lunch, dinner at yurt
- Overnight: Yurt (2900 m)

### Day 4: Ride into Ken-Suu Valley

The morning climbs toward the Dolon Pass with views over the Ken-Suu Valley and the Kara-Unkur gorge. You pause for a relaxed picnic in a sheltered spot.

The afternoon is easier going, riding through the Ken-Suu Valley past open pastures, grazing sheep, and scattered yurts. A Kyrgyz family welcomes you for the night, with dinner by firelight under the stars.

- Activity: Horse riding · 20 km · 4-5 h
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at yurt
- Overnight: Yurt (2800 m)

### Day 5: Ride over Terskey-Torpu Pass toward Song-Kul

After saying goodbye to your hosts, you ride up to the Terskey-Torpu Pass, where Song-Kul suddenly appears, turquoise and ringed by mountains. A picnic at the top gives the horses time to rest.

From there you descend through open grassland toward the lake's edge, reaching the quiet Kumduu-Suu Valley by day's end. A yurt set up by local herders waits for you, just short of the lake itself.

- Activity: Horse riding · 20 km · 5-6 h
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at yurt
- Overnight: Yurt (3100 m)

### Day 6: Ride along Song-Kul to Uzbek-Ashuu

Today you take in Song-Kul up close, riding the open northern shore on smooth ground that is made for a relaxed canter, with the lake on one side and big horizons on the other.

Around midday you stop at a lakeside yurt for a warm lunch and a rest. The ride then continues gently to the Uzbek-Ashuu pasture, where you settle into a yurt for your last night in nomad country.

- Activity: Horse riding · 20 km · 5-6 h
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at yurt
- Overnight: Yurt (2300 m)

### Day 7: Ride to Kyzart & drive to Bishkek

The last morning begins with breakfast and farewells, then a ride up to the Uzbek-Ashuu Pass at 3300 m for a final look back at Song-Kul before the trail descends toward Kyzart Village.

You part with your horses after seven days in the saddle and enjoy a well-earned lunch at the guesthouse. From there it is a drive back to Bishkek, the quiet nomad world slowly giving way to the city.

- Transfer: 280 km · 4 h
- Activity: Horse riding · 16 km · 4 h
- Meals: Breakfast at yurt, lunch at guesthouse

## Common questions

**How long is this tour?** It runs 7 days, starting and ending in Bishkek.

**When is the best time to go?** The season runs June to September. June to September brings the warmest days, and the high-pasture yurt camps are open.

**How fit do I need to be?** It's moderately paced, with 7 days Horse riding. Good general fitness is enough, and there is no technical climbing.

**Do I need horse-riding experience?** No. Our guides match each horse to your level and keep the first day gentle, so complete beginners ride this route every season.

**Where will I stay?** A mix over the trip: 1 night at guesthouse, 5 nights at yurt.

## How to book

Send your dates and group size and we confirm availability and a tailored price within 24 hours: https://azattours.com/tours/kol-ukok-to-song-kul-horse-trek-7-days/#book

- WhatsApp and phone: +996 502 888 001 (https://wa.me/996502888001)
- Email: azatbeyshenaliev1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azattourskg/
- Enquiry form: https://azattours.com/#plan
- Based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan