• Horseback riding to Son-Kul Lake
  • Horseback riding to Son-Kul Lake
  • Horseback riding to Son-Kul Lake
  • Horseback riding to Son-Kul Lake
  • Horseback riding to Son-Kul Lake
  • Horseback riding to Son-Kul Lake
Kyrgyzstan

Horseback riding to Son-Kul Lake

5/5 (1 reviews)
Réf : SHHLFA

In summary

  • Sports
  • Duration
    12 days
  • Level
    Confirmed

    Levels

    Horseback riding

    Beginner
    A ride accessible to everyone—ideal for beginners and families—with no requirement to canter.
    Intermediate
    For those who know how to trot and are in good physical condition. You hold a Galop 1/2 (or equivalent level) but do not necessarily ride on a very regular basis.
    Confirmed
    For those who are balanced and proficient at all three gaits. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 3/4 certification or an equivalent level.
    Advanced
    For riders who are balanced at all three gaits and capable of riding across all types of terrain. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 7 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 5/6 certification or an equivalent level of proficiency.
    Expert
    For independent riders accustomed to riding at all three gaits over varied terrain for several hours a day over multiple days. The route may include challenging sections (stony ground, steep gradients). You hold a Galop 7 qualification or an equivalent level of ability.
  • Destination
    Asia / Kyrgyzstan
  • Age
    From 15 - 75 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    370.29 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    🇫🇷
    French

In a few words

This 9-day trek takes you to the heart of the Kyrgyz mountains to discover the alpine lake Son-Kul, a true gem perched at over 3,000 meters altitude. Accessible only from June to mid-September, this journey offers a complete immersion in nomadic culture. On horseback, you'll traverse verdant valleys, steep mountain passes, and vast summer pastures ( jailoos ), where shepherds set up their yurts and tend their flocks. Each stop provides an opportunity to share their daily life, savor traditional cuisine, and experience Kyrgyz hospitality.


The program includes several days of horseback riding, punctuated by stops at nomadic camps, allowing for gradual acclimatization and an authentic immersion. You'll admire breathtaking panoramas: snow-capped mountains, endless steppes, and the deep blue of Lake Son-Kul. Nights spent in yurts offer a unique experience, combining conviviality and simplicity in a pristine natural setting.


This tour is designed for horse and nature lovers, but remains accessible to beginner riders thanks to professional guidance and adapted stages. More than a sporting adventure, it's a cultural and human journey that immerses you in the soul of Kyrgyzstan and lets you experience the very essence of nomadism.

The highlights

  • Total immersion in Kyrgyz nomadic culture, with nights spent in yurts
  • Climbing mountain passes offering spectacular views of the mountains and the valley
  • An authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, ideal for nature lovers
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Photos

Sport

Level

Horseback riding

Confirmed

Levels

Horseback riding

Beginner
A ride accessible to everyone—ideal for beginners and families—with no requirement to canter.
Intermediate
For those who know how to trot and are in good physical condition. You hold a Galop 1/2 (or equivalent level) but do not necessarily ride on a very regular basis.
Confirmed
For those who are balanced and proficient at all three gaits. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 3/4 certification or an equivalent level.
Advanced
For riders who are balanced at all three gaits and capable of riding across all types of terrain. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 7 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 5/6 certification or an equivalent level of proficiency.
Expert
For independent riders accustomed to riding at all three gaits over varied terrain for several hours a day over multiple days. The route may include challenging sections (stony ground, steep gradients). You hold a Galop 7 qualification or an equivalent level of ability.
For those who are balanced and proficient at all three gaits. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 3/4 certification or an equivalent level.

The expert's opinion

The ride itself requires comfort at all three gaits and good physical condition. It is entirely self-supported, with pack animals for transporting supplies and your personal belongings.


In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 2h
  • Average distance/day: 10 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 200 m
  • Average daily descent: 200 m

Horseback riding

  • Average duration/day: 5h

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 3 to 8 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Supervisor

The group will be accompanied by a French-speaking guide for the entire duration of the stay.

Management

Security

It is important to follow the instructions of the local equestrian guides, which will be translated by the French-speaking guide.

Other supervisors

During the self-guided hike, you will be accompanied by local equestrian guides and grooms.

Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
  • map

    Discovering Bishkek and Ala Archa

    • Transportation Minibus - 02h - 80km
    • Activity Hiking
    • Duration of the activity 2h
    • Distance 10 km
    • Positive elevation gain 200 m
    • Negative elevation 200 m
    • Accommodation 3-star hotel
    • Breakfast included
    • Lunch included
    • Dinner not included

    Upon your arrival at Manas Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your driver, who will take you directly to your hotel in Bishkek.

    You will meet at 11:00 AM in your hotel lobby, where your guide will be waiting. From there, you will set off together for a visit to Ala Archa National Park, an ideal spot for a short walk in nature. This park, located just 40 km from the capital, is a prime location for discovering the beauty of the Kyrgyz mountains.

    At the end of the day, you will return to Bishkek to enjoy the evening at your own pace.


    Day 1

Note

This tour is available between June and mid-September.

The itinerary may be modified by the guide during the tour in case of heavy rainfall.

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

Access

Departure
Aéroport International Manas
Day 1 : 05h00
End of stay
Aéroport International Manas
Day 12 - 05h00

The driver will pick you up at Manas International Airport and take you to the hotel on day 1 of the tour.

Transfers can take place at the desired time, according to your arrival and departure times.

The times for the airport pick-up and end of the stay are given as an indication only.

Go to the starting point

Access by plane
The nearest airport isAéroport International Manas

For your trip to Kyrgyzstan, you can join a small group of travelers on the dates listed below. This offers the advantage of a friendly atmosphere and allows you to benefit from a lower price. Our groups consist of 3 to 10 participants.


All our departures are confirmed at the rate of €1850 without any additional charge as soon as we have 3 people registered. If there are only 2 participants, we guarantee the departure for an additional €500 per person.

Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
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Bonus: You can also let us know the date that interests you and we will do our best to offer it to you!

Price details

The price includes

  1. Airport/hotel/airport transfers
  2. Accommodation
  3. Full board during the excursion
  4. Mineral water
  5. Vehicle + driver
  6. Essence
  7. French-speaking guide
  8. Local guide
  9. Grooms
  10. Packhorses for transporting equipment during days spent independently
  11. Equestrian equipment including Kyrgyz trail saddles
  12. Entrance fees for the parks and museums mentioned
  13. Traditional show
  14. IRIDIUM Satellite Phone
  15. Kitchen equipment (mess tent, camping tables and chairs) and sleeping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat), sanitary tent

The price does not include

  1. International transport
  2. Passport & Visa Fees
  3. Repatriation insurance
  4. Travel insurance
  5. Extra drinks / alcoholic beverages
  6. Phone calls
  7. Any excursion not mentioned in the program
  8. Supplement for a "single" room
  9. Meals in Bishkek

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(1 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
T

Thanais

august 2026
Translated from French
A trip we'll never forget. For horse lovers and those who appreciate the great outdoors, this is the itinerary I highly recommend! We slept in a tent surrounded by breathtaking scenery – we felt like we were the only people in the world (be aware that in mid-August, if you're prone to feeling cold, you should bring a sleeping bag rated to 0°C and a waterproof poncho). We saw herds of yaks, sheep, cows, and wild horses, as well as marmots and eagles... Incredible rainbows. There were a few more challenging sections crossing some mountain passes: I'd say you need a riding level of around 4 (French riding level) to be comfortable, and good physical fitness in case you have to dismount and continue on a lead. The horses were well cared for. Our French-speaking guide offered us some surprise activities: swimming with the horses in Son Kul Lake, a 2-3 hour trek to the top of a 3200m mountain... The nights in the yurts were quite comfortable. Evening meals are always hot (bring extra cereal bars for the day). If you want to use an air freshener, I recommend bringing your own ;) And don't forget the water purification tablets! I 100% recommend this trip!
Published on 23/08/2026

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(1 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
T

Thanais

august 2026
Translated from French
A trip we'll never forget. For horse lovers and those who appreciate the great outdoors, this is the itinerary I highly recommend! We slept in a tent surrounded by breathtaking scenery – we felt like we were the only people in the world (be aware that in mid-August, if you're prone to feeling cold, you should bring a sleeping bag rated to 0°C and a waterproof poncho). We saw herds of yaks, sheep, cows, and wild horses, as well as marmots and eagles... Incredible rainbows. There were a few more challenging sections crossing some mountain passes: I'd say you need a riding level of around 4 (French riding level) to be comfortable, and good physical fitness in case you have to dismount and continue on a lead. The horses were well cared for. Our French-speaking guide offered us some surprise activities: swimming with the horses in Son Kul Lake, a 2-3 hour trek to the top of a 3200m mountain... The nights in the yurts were quite comfortable. Evening meals are always hot (bring extra cereal bars for the day). If you want to use an air freshener, I recommend bringing your own ;) And don't forget the water purification tablets! I 100% recommend this trip!
Published on 23/08/2026
The Nazira team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Nazira team

4.5/5 (8 reviews) • 20 stays
Based in Bishkek, our local partner specializes in tailor-made trips to Kyrgyzstan. They offer cultural and adventure tours, from Lake Issyk-Kul to treks in the Tian Shan Mountains, including nomadic immersion experiences and combined tours in Central Asia. Their trilingual team has extensive knowledge of the region and leverages a strong network to provide comprehensive support. Their mission is to reveal the soul of the region with expertly managed logistics.
Discover their team and their trips
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