Salam! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, offering horse riding trips through Central Asia’s breathtaking landscapes.
Song-Kul Lake isn’t just beautiful — its true magic opens up when you ride across it.
We’ve created an Obon Special Tour that lets you ride halfway around Song-Kul, from the north shore to the south, at the time of year when the lake is at its most beautiful!
This special tour is for riders with canter experience (you don’t need to be advanced — a little experience with an easy canter is fine).
It’s a special tour where you travel like nomads, moving from yurt to yurt, and on the way back you stop at Issyk-Kul Lake to relax in hot springs and take photos with a hunting eagle.
[Update]
The original 9 spots sold out! Due to popular demand, we added just 3 more spots! ▶ These have also sold out! We are currently taking a waiting list.
5 Highlights of This Tour
① A long ride halfway around Song-Kul Lake at its very best
Song-Kul, the “lake in the sky,” lies at an altitude of about 3,000 m.
On clear days, the water reflects the sky and shines like a mirror.
Around Obon (mid-August), there is little rain, making it the season when the lake and sky look clearest all year.
On this tour, you’ll take your time enjoying Song-Kul on a long ride “halfway around” the lake, from the north shore to the south.
Cantering along the breezy lakeshore is an exhilarating feeling like no other.
② Unwind with Issyk-Kul hot springs and a falconry experience
We’ve prepared a special itinerary for this tour. After a good, satisfying ride, you’ll head to Issyk-Kul Lake, which boasts the second-clearest water in the world.
You’ll soak away your fatigue in a lakeside hot spring and watch a demonstration of traditional falconry by a falconer. It’s a luxurious schedule that gives you both active adventure and quiet relaxation.
③ Yurt stays, felt culture, a World Heritage site… a deep dive into nomadic culture
You’ll move between yurts on the north shore, the south shore, and by the lake, so the scenery and way of life change every day — a nomad-style way to travel.
You’ll also get hands-on with felt culture and visit the Burana Tower, a Silk Road–era World Heritage site, experiencing nomadic culture from many different angles throughout the trip.
This is more than just a riding trip — it will be a deep experience of Kyrgyz culture and history.
④ Meals, accommodation, transfers, Japanese-speaking guide, activities, and hot springs all included
Transportation, meals, accommodation, riding, and cultural experiences are all included in this nearly all-inclusive package, so you can travel with peace of mind.
With a Japanese-speaking guide along the whole way, you’ll get instant answers to “What’s this?” and “What does that mean?”,
which makes the experience all the richer.
A big strength of this tour is that you don’t just see things — you understand their cultural meaning as you enjoy them.
On top of that, after riding you’ll relax at Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake, and enjoy its hot springs. It’s a special Obon-only package that gives you both adventure and relaxation.
*Alcohol and airfare are not included.
⑤ Shared tour system: affordable adventure even for solo travelers
“Shared tour” means you can join tour dates that other travelers have already booked.
ASHU tours use a sliding scale: the more participants, the lower the price per person. Tour prices tend to be high for solo travelers, but by “sharing” a tour with other participants, you can keep costs down and still enjoy a fulfilling trip.
The cost of a private vehicle and guide, which usually gets expensive when traveling alone, becomes much more affordable when shared with like-minded fellow travelers. Enjoy new encounters and a rich trip at a lower cost.
Who This Tour Is For
This tour is for riders who have cantered before. You don’t need to be advanced — if you’ve done an easy canter, you’ll be fine.
Since this is a long ride halfway around Song-Kul Lake, riders with canter experience will be able to enjoy this spectacular route even more.
At ASHU TRAVEL, we group riders of similar levels together so that every participant can relax and enjoy the ride in the best possible conditions.
As you’ll spend long hours in the saddle, good stamina certainly helps, but don’t worry if you get tired along the way. A support vehicle travels alongside, and you can also rest at a ger along the route, so please feel free to sign up.
Itinerary
Dates: August 8 – August 15.
8/8 Day 1 | Arrive in Bishkek → Rest at a hotel in the city
On arrival at Manas Airport, our staff holding an ASHU TRAVEL sign will take you to your hotel.
Before heading up to the 3,000 m plateau, you’ll first rest up properly in Bishkek.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
Meals: None
8/9 Day 2 | Riding in a beautiful valley & making boorsok
After breakfast, travel by private vehicle to the Chong-Kemin Valley.
Check in at ASHU Guesthouse, a popular place many guests come back to.
Ride in a beautiful national park.
Try making “boorsok,” a traditional nomad snack.
[Bonus] Free use of the pool and campfire at ASHU Guesthouse!
Accommodation: ASHU Guesthouse (shower, flush toilet, Wi-Fi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
8/10 Day 3 | Felt experience → Riding at Song-Kul Lake
In the morning, enjoy a felt show.
Experience this colorful and charming traditional Kyrgyz craft.
Lunch is Kyrgyz food at a café along the way.
Then head to Song-Kul Lake, arriving at the camp on the north shore around 3:00 p.m.
After arrival, ride along the lakeshore for about 2 hours.
This is a beautiful time of day when the evening light reflects on the water and the sky and lake become one.
Tonight you’ll stay in a yurt. Enjoy feeling like a nomad!
Accommodation: Yurt on the north shore of Song-Kul (basic shower, toilet)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
8/11 Day 4 | Long ride halfway around Song-Kul, north → south
After breakfast, leave the north camp at 10:00 a.m.
A long ride along the edge of Song-Kul Lake toward the south shore, with some cantering along the way.
Enjoy cantering as the lake’s beauty changes from moment to moment beside you.
Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the lake.
Arrive at the yurt on the south shore around 4:00 p.m.
Accommodation: Yurt on the south shore of Song-Kul (basic shower, toilet)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
8/12 Day 5 | Hilltop ruins & rock art → Cantering along the lakeshore
After breakfast, head to a hill overlooking Song-Kul Lake.
Ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) remain on the hilltop, a place where you can sense the traces of people who have lived on these highlands.
After coming down, canter along the lakeshore again.
If the timing is right, you may be able to watch locals play nomad games (horseback competitions).
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Song-Kul Lake (basic shower, toilet)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
8/13 Day 6 | Song-Kul Lake → Hot springs & falconry at Issyk-Kul Lake
After breakfast, leave Song-Kul Lake and head to Issyk-Kul Lake.
Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest lake, is a destination loved by locals and tourists alike.
Unwind as you take in the beautiful beaches, and soothe your riding fatigue in the hot springs.
There’s also a demonstration of “falconry,” a traditional Kyrgyz art performed by a falconer, and you can enjoy some very photogenic souvenir photos!
*The falconry demonstration uses a toy rabbit covered with fox fur, not a real animal. Afterward, the bird is rewarded with chicken.
Accommodation: Guesthouse near Issyk-Kul Lake
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
8/14 Day 7 | Issyk-Kul Lake → Burana Tower → Lunch at a local home → Bishkek
After breakfast, leave the lake and return to Bishkek.
On the way, visit the Burana Tower (a World Heritage site), a Silk Road–era ruin.
Then enjoy a warm, traditional home-cooked lunch at a local family’s house. It’s a popular food stop that our guests praise every time.
Arrive in Bishkek in the early evening.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
8/15 Day 8 | Bishkek city tour → Manas Airport at night
In the morning, enjoy a city tour. Take souvenir photos in front of the Manas statue, shop at the bazaar, visit a honey shop, and soak up Bishkek’s local atmosphere.
We’ll accommodate your requests as much as possible.
Around dinnertime, we’ll take you to Manas Airport, and the tour ends.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Note on the Itinerary
When the tour was first announced, it was planned as a 6-day trip, but due to airline flight schedules, one day was added, making it a 7-day plan. As a result, experiences at Issyk-Kul Lake, which are not part of the regular tour, have been added.
Travel with Us: Specialists in Sightseeing & Nomadic Culture
On this Obon tour, two special people will be your guides.
Nuriya (Dushalieva Nuriya), Founder of ASHU TRAVEL
A professional guide loved by guests, who has guided more than 3,000 people.
Born in Bishkek, she has worked as an interpreter at an embassy and is very experienced in working with government and public institutions. After serving as manager of ASHU Guesthouse, she founded ASHU TRAVEL with the wish that “people can travel Central Asia more enjoyably and safely.”
She speaks fluent Japanese and is a charming mother of three whose catchphrase, when surprised, is “Usso!!” (“No way!!”). But in the field, she always keeps a strict, professional eye on things so that everyone can enjoy themselves safely.
- Languages: Japanese / English / Kyrgyz / Russian
Takkeshi (Takeshi Nagaoka)
A horse-loving Mongolia specialist with 15 years of riding experience. His mission in Mongolia is “creating riding experiences that truly move the heart,” and he has guided more than 6,000 guests in total.
He studied language and nomadic culture at the National University of Mongolia and now creates trips that introduce the appeal of both Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan.
“Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan are similar in some ways, but each has a completely different charm,” he says. Besides the joy of riding, he helps guests experience the differences between the two countries so they can fall even more deeply in love with Central Asia.
- Languages: Japanese / Mongolian
Tour Price
These prices are for the Obon Special Package, which includes the added falconry and hot spring experiences at Issyk-Kul Lake.
Prices for bookings made from January 2026
| Number of participants | Price per person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 3,695 USD |
| 2 people | 2,395 USD |
| 3 people | 1,945 USD |
| 4 people | 1,905 USD |
| 5 people | 1,755 USD |
| 6 people | 1,605 USD |
| 7 people | 1,525 USD |
| 8 people | 1,455 USD |
| 9 people | 1,390 USD |
Thankfully, after the relaunch, all 9 spots filled up in just one day! We then received requests for more spots, and after consulting with our guide, we decided to open just 4 more!
However, since this means guiding more people than originally planned, putting safety first requires arranging additional drivers, vehicles, and instructors, so the price is slightly higher for groups of 10 or more.
*If you have already booked, rest assured that the price at the time of your booking will apply.
This adjustment is so that we can staff the tour properly and make sure everyone has a great time. We’re sorry that it raises the budget a little, and we appreciate your understanding.
| 10 people | 1,490 USD |
| 11 people | 1,490 USD |
| 12 people | 1,490 USD |
[Update] Due to a cancellation, we are accepting 1 more spot at the additional-spot price of $1490!
What’s Included
• All accommodation throughout the tour (hotels, guesthouses, nomad yurts)
• All meals throughout the tour
• Horse riding
• Falconry demonstration by a falconer
• Hot springs
• Japanese-speaking guide for the entire tour (professional guide Nuriya)
• Vehicle, driver, and fuel for the entire tour
• Pre-trip support in Japanese (our Japanese staff will answer your questions and advise on what to bring)
Not Included
• Round-trip airfare
• Alcoholic drinks
What Makes ASHU Different: Our Shared Tour System
To help as many people as possible discover the charm of Central Asia, our prices go down as the number of participants goes up.
- Final price: The final price is set “3 weeks before” departure. This means that if other guests sign up before then, the price goes down; conversely, if someone cancels, it may go up.
- Peace of mind: Once the price is set 3 weeks before departure, your payment will not go up even if someone cancels. You can book with confidence.
For more details on the system, please also see this article.
From Booking to Tour Day
We guide you carefully through each step so that even first-time travelers can join ASHU TRAVEL tours with confidence.
① Inquiry & booking request: Contact us via the form or LINE
First, let us know the name of the tour you’d like to join via our contact form or our official LINE account.
② Confirmed booking: Fill out the booking form
After we hear from you, our staff will send you a “booking form.” This is an important step for safety management in case of emergency, where we check details such as your blood type, allergies, and health condition.
③ Cancellation policy Once your booking is complete, the following cancellation policy applies.
- From 18:01, 20 days before the tour, until 18:00, 10 days before: 20% of the tour price
- From 18:01, 10 days before the tour, until 18:00, 3 days before: 30% of the tour price
- From 18:01, 3 days before the tour, until the start time on the day: 50% of the tour price
- After the start time on the day of the tour: 100% of the tour price
④ Final price set 3 weeks before departure
At ASHU TRAVEL, the price varies depending on the number of participants.
- If more people join: The price goes down.
- If someone cancels: The price may go up.
- When it’s finalized: Your final payment amount is set “3 weeks before departure.” After that, the confirmed price will not change even if the number of participants changes.
We set the price 3 weeks before departure so that you can book with peace of mind. Even if someone cancels within 3 weeks of departure, your price stays the same.
⑤ Join the tour & pay in US dollars locally
As a rule, we ask for payment in “US dollars in cash.” This lets us cut costs such as card processing fees and give that back to you in the form of a better tour. Please hand the payment to your guide when you check in at the hotel in Bishkek on Day 1.
About Flights
Please book your own flights.
Sample Flight Combinations (August 2026)
Here are sample itineraries from guests who have booked this tour (departing from Japan).
■ T’way Air (TW) round trip
A convenient itinerary via Seoul (Incheon).
- Outbound: 8/8 (Sat)
- Narita 14:20 → Seoul 17:05 (TW244) *You can also change to flight TW242 (departing 12:05)
- Seoul 18:50 → Bishkek 23:15 (TW437)
- Return: 8/16 (Sun)
- Bishkek 00:30 → Seoul 09:35 (TW438)
- Seoul 15:00 → Narita 17:40
■ To keep costs down (return on China Southern Airlines)
Returning via Beijing may help you save money.
- Outbound: 8/8 (Sat)
- Same as the T’way Air plan above
- Return: 8/15 (Sat) – 8/16 (Sun)
- Bishkek 23:45 → Beijing Daxing 06:35 (next day) (CZ5068)
- Beijing Daxing 09:40 → Narita 14:00 (CZ647)
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
We’ve gathered answers to common worries and questions about the tour. If your question isn’t covered here, feel free to contact us via LINE or other channels!
[Riding & Health]
Q: Is it OK if I don’t have much riding experience?
A: If you have some experience with an easy canter, you’ll be fine. If you have any concerns about your fitness, coordination, or age, please feel free to talk to us in advance.
Q: I’m worried about altitude sickness.
A: You’ll be staying at altitudes of over 3,000 m, so your body may react to the altitude. If you have any health concerns, be sure to consult a doctor beforehand. In case of a fall from a horse or illness, travel insurance with “unlimited medical and rescue costs” is required. We also recommend bringing preventive medication.
Q: Which insurance should I get?
A: We don’t currently partner with any specific insurance company, so we can’t name one, but we recommend (and require) a plan that meets the following three conditions.
- Medical and rescue coverage of ¥30 million or more ASHU TRAVEL requires this level of coverage. Advanced medical care in Kyrgyzstan and elsewhere, as well as emergency transport back to Japan, can be very expensive, so ¥30 million or more is the safe level.
- Coverage for the countries you’ll visit Check in advance that the policy will properly apply if something happens in your destination country. “Worldwide” or “Asia” coverage is usually fine, but it’s important to double-check.
- Chat support in your language Even if you panic in an emergency, it’s reassuring to have a service you can reach in Japanese via LINE or a dedicated app. Even where phone calls are hard to get through, you may be able to call for help by message if you have Wi-Fi.
For more details on choosing insurance, please also see this article.
▶︎ How to Choose the Right Insurance for a Horse Riding Trip in Central Asia
[Accommodation & Cancellations]
Q: What are the sleeping arrangements in the yurts?
A: At yurt camps, rooms are generally shared and separated by gender. If you’d like to share with family or friends, please let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to arrange it.
Q: What happens to the price if someone cancels on a shared tour?
A: Until 3 weeks before departure, the price varies depending on cancellations and additional participants. If someone cancels and the group gets smaller, the price may go up; in that case, we’ll let you know by email 3 weeks before departure.
Once the price is set 3 weeks before departure, we will not charge any additional fees even if the number of participants changes after that.
[Clothing & What to Bring]
Q: What should I wear?
A: At 3,000 m, Song-Kul Lake can get as cold as winter in the mornings and evenings, even in summer. A light down jacket and a windproof jacket are essential.
- Recommended layers: Warm shirt + light down jacket + outer jacket (add or remove as needed)
- When riding: A neck warmer will keep you comfortable. You can leave bulky outerwear in the car.
Q: Is there anything I must bring?
A: Please refer to the checklist below.
- Essential: Warm clothing, rain gear (poncho, etc.), sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves (for riding), portable battery charger, any medication you take regularly.
- Handy to have: Insect repellent (July–August), motion sickness medicine, pain-relief patches (for sore muscles and bruises).
- For fun: Swimsuit (for the sauna and pool at ASHU Guesthouse).
[Money]
Q: How should I handle payments and currency locally?
A: Cards are accepted at most shops, but if you want cash, Japanese yen cannot be exchanged. Be sure to bring “US dollars in cash.”
- Tour price: Please pay in US dollars in cash at the hotel on Day 1.
- Spending money: About $50 should be enough for food, drinks, and souvenirs. You can exchange US dollars for Kyrgyz som locally.
- Card use: Cards are accepted in Bishkek, but in rural areas and at bazaars it’s cash only.
Ride Song-Kul Lake at Its Seasonal Best
Song-Kul Lake is at its most beautiful for only a short time, even in summer.
The “mirror-like view,” where the lake reflects the sky exactly, is at its peak around Obon (mid-August).
If you’ve ever thought, even a little, “I’d love to ride there,” come ride with us.
It’s a popular season and the number of horses is limited, so please book early.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask us.
Contact Us
Even if you’re just a little curious, feel free to get in touch.
▶︎ Contact form
https://ashu-travel.com/en/contact/
▶︎ Instagram (DMs welcome)
@ashutravel_jp
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