# Song-Kul Ride & Altyn-Arashan Trek - 5 Days

The short version of our ride and trek. One long day on horseback up to Song-Kul, a yurt night, and the ride back to Kyzart. Then the south shore of Issyk-Kul and two days on foot into Altyn-Arashan and out.

- Duration: 5 days
- Type: Combined
- Best season: May to October
- Starts and ends in: Bishkek
- Pace: Moderately paced
- Activities: horse riding - 3 days, trekking - 2 days
- Accommodation: 1 night at hotel, 1 night at yurt, 2 nights at guesthouse
- Total driving: 1030 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/song-kul-ride-altyn-arashan-trek-5-days/

## Highlights

- One long day on horseback up to Song-Kul
- A yurt night at 3,100 m
- The south shore of Issyk-Kul
- A two-day trek into Altyn-Arashan

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Ride to Song-Kul Lake

We drive out to Kyzart Village, where lunch is waiting at a homestay. Then you climb into the saddle and ride through open fields toward the Tuz-Ashuu Pass at 3300 m, a steady ascent that pays off with wide mountain views.

From the top of the pass you descend to the shore of Song-Kul and settle into a yurt hosted by a nomad family. There's time to walk by the water before dinner and a first night under the high-pasture sky.

- Transfer: 90 km · 2 h
- Activity: Horse riding · 16 km · 4-5 h
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch at guesthouse, dinner at yurt
- Overnight: Yurt (3100 m)

### Day 2: Ride back to Kyzart & drive to Issyk-Kul

You ride back to Kyzart over the scenic Kara-Kiya Pass at 3300 m. After saying goodbye to your nomad hosts, you climb up for one last sweeping look at Song-Kul, then descend to the village for lunch and a rest.

In the afternoon we drive on to Issyk-Kul, following its southern shore toward Bokonbaev Village. You arrive in the evening at a guesthouse, with time to relax before dinner.

- Transfer: 200 km · 3-4 h
- Activity: Horse riding · 20 km · 4-5 h
- Meals: Breakfast at yurt, lunch & dinner at guesthouse
- Overnight: Guesthouse

### Day 3: South shore of Issyk-Kul

The day starts with an eagle hunter showing how he works with his bird, a tradition still kept in these villages. From there we drive to the Fairy-Tale Canyons to wander among the dramatic rock formations.

Lunch is in Tamga Village at the home of a Soviet-era mountaineer, then we visit the Barskoon Waterfalls and the red cliffs of the Jety-Oguz Valley. You reach Karakol in the evening, with an optional look around town before settling in.

- Transfer: 150 km · 3-4 h
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch at guesthouse, dinner at restaurant
- Overnight: Hotel

### Day 4: Trek to Altyn-Arashan

We drive the short distance to Ak-Suu village, where the trail to Altyn-Arashan begins. With your pack on, you follow the river up through alpine forest, the mountains closing in around you, and stop for a picnic by the water along the way.

You reach the guesthouse in the early evening. After the trek, the natural hot springs are the place to ease tired muscles before dinner and a quiet night under the stars.

- Transfer: 30 km · 30 min
- Activity: Trekking · 12 km · 5 h
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel, picnic lunch, dinner at guesthouse
- Overnight: Guesthouse

### Day 5: Trek out & drive back to Bishkek

After breakfast you trek back down to Ak-Suu, retracing the river trail through the forest with one more chance to take in the scenery. Lunch is in Karakol.

From there we follow the northern shore of Issyk-Kul back toward Bishkek, the lake alongside for much of the drive. You'll reach the city in the evening, around 8-9 PM, at the end of the trip.

- Transfer: 420 km · 6-7 h
- Activity: Trekking · 12 km · 5 h
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at restaurant

## Common questions

**How long is this tour?** It runs 5 days, starting and ending in Bishkek.

**When is the best time to go?** The season runs May to October. 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 3 days horse riding and 2 days trekking. 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 hotel, 1 night at yurt, 2 nights at guesthouse.

## How to book

Send your dates and group size and we confirm availability and a tailored price within 24 hours: https://azattours.com/tours/song-kul-ride-altyn-arashan-trek-5-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