$1 / person
4days
Meduim
Kyrgyzstan
Tour Route: Kochkor – Son Kul Lake – Kilemche Valley – Jalgyz Karagai Pass – Kyzart
Highlights and Overview of this Trip
Son Kul Lake
Son Kol Lake, nestled high in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, is a serene alpine lake known for its stunning beauty and tranquil surroundings. Visitors can experience the nomadic way of life by staying in traditional yurts around the lake and enjoy activities such as horseback riding and hiking amidst the picturesque landscapes.
Kilemche Valley
The Kilemche valley is a popular spot for trekking and camping, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful atmosphere for travelers to enjoy. The nomadic families in the area are known for their hospitality and visitors often have the opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life. Overall, Kilemche valley is a hidden gem in Kyrgyzstan, offering a unique glimpse into the nomadic culture and natural beauty of the region.
Kyzart Pass
It is open all year round and provides a picturesque route for travelers to enjoy. In the summer, the area around Kyzart Pass pass is dotted with yurt camps, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the nomadic way of life and immerse themselves in the stunning mountain surroundings. This region is popular for its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the diverse landscapes of Kyrgyzstan.
DESCRIPTION FOR HORSE TREK PROGRAM:
Hike up to the breathtaking Son Kul Lake, the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. It’s located on a high mountain plateau at an impressive altitude of 3016m and is surrounded by lush green pastures and rolling hills, with the Son Kul Too ridge to the north and the Moldo Too to the south. The lake itself covers an area of 278 square km, with a maximum depth of 14m, a length of 27 km, and a width of 16m, and is part of the Naryn river basin.
The region around the lake is utilized by shepherds from the Kochkor, Naryn, and At Bashi regions as summer pastures for their flocks. During this trek, you will experience the life of a nomad, staying in an authentic nomad’s yurt. It’s an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle and the stunning natural surroundings of Son Kul Lake.
Trip season: June -September
Duration: 4 Days
Type: Jeep Tour & Horseback Riding Tour
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation Min/Max: 3030m / 1767m
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals: Full board – Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Tien Shan Mountains
- Son Kul Lake
- Traditional Nomadic Yurt Camp
- High passes, panoramic views
PROGRAM
DAY 1: Kochkor – Son Kul Lake
Driving: 3 hours
Distance: 150 km
Today, we drive to Son-Kul Lake, one of the largest alpine-mountain lakes in the country and considered a sacred place for many Kyrgyz nomads for its best summer pastures. You can spot nomadic herders and their families tending their goats, sheep, and horses. Lunch in a Yurt Camp. Sleeping arrangements are on a multi-share, mixed-gender basis. It can get very chilly in the evenings, so there is a stove for heating and plenty of blankets. Please expect outdoor toilets.
Accommodation included: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Son Kol Lake - Batai Aral
Horse Riding Trek
Riding: 3 – 4 hours
After breakfast, join the team of horseback riders to receive instructions for your ride. Prepare all necessary equipment and commence your trek towards Batai Aral. Today’s adventure features a horseback riding tour around the scenic Son Kul Lake. Conclude the day with dinner and overnight accommodation at the Yurt Camp.
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 3: Batai Aral - Kilemche
Horse Riding Trek
Riding: 4 – 5 hours
Begin the climb to Djalgyz-Karagai pass after enjoying breakfast. The trail is of moderate difficulty, wide, and safe, although it does become steeper as you reach the middle portion of the ascent. Each step offers a new view and an excellent panorama of the Kyrgyz Range Mountains to the South. The top of the pass is adorned with beautiful granite rock formations. On the other side, the slopes gently descend towards KIlemche Valley. Along the way, you will come across many nomad camps.
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: B / L / D
DAY 4: Kilemche - Kyzart Village - Kochkor
Horse Riding Trek
Riding: 4 -5 hours
Starting ascent to Boordy pass along a beautiful panorama of Kilemche jailoo and surrounding mountains. On the moderate descent follow the path along Bazar-Turuk River to Kyzart village. Say goodbye to your horse and after lunch, change to private transfer crossing Kyzart pass to Kochkor
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals included: B / L / D
Price List
Price for this package
on request
The price is influenced by various factors such as group size or season. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a fixed price.
Non-binding price information is approx. $ 450 per person for a group of minimum 2 persons.
Included:
- All transfers into the start point at the beginning and end of the trekking
- Horseguide
- Horse – for riding
- Lodging in the Yurt Camps with all meals in a sharing basis (4-5people)
Not included:
- International flights
- Visa – if needed
- Medical/evacuation insurance
- Soft & alcoholic drinks
Notes:
Physical requirements:
Participants must be in good physical condition, but don’t need any special skills of horse riding. The differences of heights range from 600 m to 850 m in vertical elevation. The maximum elevation is 3030 m.
Personnel
At Red Mount, we prioritize safety and ensure that our customers are accompanied by experienced mountain horse guides. Our guides are highly knowledgeable in horse riding and mountain safety, guaranteeing a secure and enjoyable journey.
As a customer, you will only need to carry a small backpack containing essentials such as water, snacks, and a few items of clothing.
What to Bring for a Horse Trekking Adventure in a Remote Area. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential items to ensure your comfort and safety:
Clothing
- Layered clothing: Include base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers to adapt to varying weather conditions.
- Riding pants: Comfortable and durable pants designed for riding.
- Waterproof jacket and pants: To stay dry during rain or wet conditions.
- Warm hat and gloves: To protect against the cold, especially at higher altitudes.
- Comfortable (riding) boots: Well-fitted and sturdy, preferably waterproof.
- Additional pair of shoes or sandals for leisure time
- Extra socks and underwear: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying options are best.
Gear
- Backpack: A durable and comfortable backpack with a capacity suitable for the length of your trek. Recommended weight max. 10kg
- Mat
- Sleeping bag: Suitable for the expected temperatures.
- Sleeping bag liner: Adds warmth and ensures cleanliness. We cannot give you 100% guaranty that mattresses at the Yurt Camps or Homestays will be ideally clean and meet your standards. That is why better to put your own inlet to this beds.
- Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries, for visibility at night.
- Multi-tool or knife: Useful for various tasks.
Food and Water
- Water bottle, water purification tablets or filter: For refilling from natural sources.
- High-energy snacks: Such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars – if needed
Safety
- First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
- Personal hygiene items: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, wet wipes and quick-dry towel
- Medications: Any personal medications, plus extras in case of delays. We are sometimes in very remote areas, so obtaining these items could be difficult.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, hat, sunglasses.
- Insurance: Travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is highly recommended that clients have their own travel insurance to cover illness, injury, and loss or damage to personal belongings. In case of an emergency, the staff will do their best to assist and transport you to a hospital or another point of care. However, if you do not have insurance, you will be required to cover the charges yourself. Your insurance should also cover helicopter services and rescue/search operations in the mountains.
Miscellaneous
- Camera or smartphone: To capture the beautiful scenery.
- Power bank: To keep your electronic devices charged.
- Reusable bags: For carrying trash out of remote areas.
Horse-Specific Items
- Riding helmet: For safety while riding.
- Riding gloves: To protect your hands and improve grip.
Remember, packing light is important, but make sure you have all the essentials to stay safe and comfortable during your horse trekking adventure. Enjoy the ride!
Physical Requirements:
Participants should be in good physical condition but do not need any special horseback riding skills.