7-Day Transhumance Tour to Song Kol Lake
Work here is not easy - shepherds cannot postpone the move if it rains or snows; no matter the weather, they go. Being beside them, especially given the various climates, allows you to gain a broader picture of what life in the remote mountains of Kyrgyzstan really means. Just as it is romantic and beautiful, it is tough. People here do not talk much, but their subtle eye cues and gestures communicate directly. Sometimes all it takes is a cup of Chai (or Vodka). During the transhumance, you will be assisting local shepherds as they move their herds (cows and horses) up to summer pastures in Lake Song-Kol. Expect long trots, gallops across open valleys, and a rhythm of life that’s utterly authentic and unforgettable.
Itinerary
26 April - 02 May 2026
Day 1 - Kochkor
We’ll meet in Bishkek in the morning and drive to Kochkor, a small town in the Naryn district known for felt production. On the way, we’ll stop at one of Kyrgyzstan’s largest animal bazaars and visit a local women’s cooperative that makes Shirdaks (wool carpets), where you can learn hands-on from the ladies the secrets of wool making. Today, we will also meet Nursultan and his family, shepherds who move to SonKol from May to September.
We’ll do an introductory ride to get used to the horses and gear, and help with branding, a tradition that always happens before the transhumance.
We’ll do an introductory ride to get used to the horses and gear, and help with branding, a tradition that always happens before the transhumance.
- Driving: 4h (200 km)
- Riding: 3h (introductory ride)
- Accommodation: Shepherd’s house (hot water and shower)
Day 2 - Kyzart Pass
We set off at dawn, leading around 100 cows and 200 horses. For the first five hours, we follow the main road heading south, but soon we leave the road behind and ride into the wild alpine steppe.
By evening, we’ll make camp near the Kyzart Pass, surrounded by vast, untamed mountains — the true adventure begins here.
By evening, we’ll make camp near the Kyzart Pass, surrounded by vast, untamed mountains — the true adventure begins here.
- Riding time: 6-7 hours (50km)
- Accommodation: Tents or yurts (depends on local factors)
Day 3 - Kilemche Valley
We arrive at what the Kyrgyz call “Jailoo” - a summer pasture where animals and families will settle for the summer. We will ride all day and settle for the night in Kilemche.
- Riding time: 6-7 hours (50km)
- Accommodation: Tents
Day 4 - Song-Kol
In the morning, we’ll cross the Tuz Ashuu Pass and reach Son-Kol Lake by afternoon. It’s the toughest part of the ride, with high altitude and snow, but the views are literally amazing.
On this day, we ’ll assist the shepherds in settling the horses into their summer grazing grounds. Expect to see yaks, some lonely shepherds, and a very rugged landscape that showcases the raw beauty of Lake Song-Kol. At this time of year, the lake is completely free of tourists.
The transhumance is a community event. We
’ll join a Kok Boru game, where horsemen compete to capture a goat carcass. Shepherds and their families set up yurts for the summer -
we will help them.
On this day, we ’ll assist the shepherds in settling the horses into their summer grazing grounds. Expect to see yaks, some lonely shepherds, and a very rugged landscape that showcases the raw beauty of Lake Song-Kol. At this time of year, the lake is completely free of tourists.
The transhumance is a community event. We
’ll join a Kok Boru game, where horsemen compete to capture a goat carcass. Shepherds and their families set up yurts for the summer -
we will help them.
- Riding time: 5 hours (30km)
- Accommodation: Shepherd’s yurt
Day 5 - Song-Kol to Kyzart
After a relaxing night in the yurt, we bid farewell to the herd and ride for 5 hours back toward Kyzart. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed with a traditional selysh banya (Kyrgyz steam bath) to relax and unwind. A warm meal, prepared by the guesthouse family, awaits us. We will spend the night in Kyzart.
- Riding time: 5 hours (30km)
- Overnight: Guest House (twin rooms with shower)
Day 6 - Bokonbaeva
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Kyzart and drive to Bokonbaeva, arriving later that evening. Our overnight stay will be at the home of Kadyridin Baike, an eagle hunter, who has upheld this tradition for generations.
- Driving time: 4 hours (200km)
- Overnight: Guest House (twin rooms with shower)
Day 7 - Eagles
We will join Kadyridin Baike for the eagle training session, observing and learning about the ancient art of hunting. We then drive back to Bishkek, where we will meet Albina, a 23-year-old designer, blends traditional wool-making with modern art. Next, we’ll try our hand at pottery and dive into the flavours of Central Asian cuisine at Dari Kuduk - a Tajik restaurant in downtown Bishkek - good party spot!
- Driving time: 4 hours (200km)
- Overnight: Boutique Hotel
Pricing
€1,650 per pax
To reserve your spot, a 20% non-refundable deposit (€100) is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid by the departure date.
What's Included
Accommodation
food and drinks for the whole trip
sleeping bags
camping equipment
satellite phone coverage
English-speaking guide
food and drinks for the whole trip
sleeping bags
camping equipment
satellite phone coverage
English-speaking guide
What You Need to Know
Riding level:
For intermediate and experienced riders. You should be able to ride your horse confidently at walk, trot, and canter, both alone and in a group.
Location and weather:
Remote Kyrgyzstan - Naryn region. The weather can change very fast, especially in the mountains. Be ready for four seasons in one day.
Meals:
Kyrgyz cuisine is hearty and rich, featuring meats, dairy, and local produce. We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Each request will be considered individually, especially in cases of severe allergies.
For intermediate and experienced riders. You should be able to ride your horse confidently at walk, trot, and canter, both alone and in a group.
Location and weather:
Remote Kyrgyzstan - Naryn region. The weather can change very fast, especially in the mountains. Be ready for four seasons in one day.
Meals:
Kyrgyz cuisine is hearty and rich, featuring meats, dairy, and local produce. We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Each request will be considered individually, especially in cases of severe allergies.
Reserve Your Spot Now
Max 10 people