Salam! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, scenic horse riding journeys in Central Asia.
“I’d love to ride a horse along a lakeshore.” “I’ve never ridden before, but I want to experience stunning scenery, lakes and nomadic culture all in one trip.” “I want to try both horse riding and hiking.”
If that sounds like you, we’re looking for travel companions for this shared tour: a 5-day, 4-night plan that packs Kyrgyzstan’s highlights into one trip!
The setting: a yurt stay and horse riding at Song-Kul, a lake on a high plateau at 3,000 m; an eagle hunter experience and hot springs on the shores of Issyk-Kul; and hiking in Kok-Moinok, a canyon of striking red rock formations.
We’ve just received a booking request from one traveler, and one more person is considering joining around the same dates.
It’s currently a booking request, but they told us, “If anyone else wants to go around the same time, I’d like to make a confirmed booking and run the tour.” So we’re looking for fellow travelers to share the tour! Once enough people join on the same dates, the tour will go ahead, and the price per person drops considerably.
[About the dates] We originally advertised September 9 (Wed) to 13 (Sun), but due to the flight schedule of the person considering joining, the dates will likely shift one day later to September 10 (Thu) to 14 (Mon). We’re currently checking with the traveler who made the booking request whether the date change works for them. We’ll update this article as soon as it’s confirmed.
[About the start and end point] We’re also still deciding whether the tour will start and end in Bishkek or in Almaty. Starting and ending in Almaty adds transfers and changes the price, so we’ll let you know here once it’s decided.
Overview
■ Dates: September 10 (Thu) to September 14 (Mon), 2026 / 5 days, 4 nights (being adjusted one day later than the original September 9–13 due to flight schedules)
■ Current bookings: 1 person (+ 1 more considering / every additional person lowers the price for everyone)
■ Start/end: Bishkek (starting and ending in Almaty can also be arranged; +$50 per person for the added pick-up and drop-off)
■ Final price confirmed: 3 weeks before departure
Horse Riding, Eagle Hunting and Hiking at Song-Kul & Issyk-Kul | Local Tour from Kyrgyzstan [No Experience Needed]
Main destinations: Chong-Kemin Valley, Issyk-Kul Lake, Kochkor, Song-Kul Lake, Bishkek
Riding level: no experience needed
![Horse Riding, Eagle Hunters & Hiking at Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul | Departing Locally in Kyrgyzstan, 5 Days / 4 Nights or Longer [No Experience Needed]](https://ashu-travel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9cc130256373d0a968e7e1882cd48126.jpg)
Horse Riding, Eagle Hunters & Hiking at Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul | Departing Locally in Kyrgyzstan, 5 Days / 4 Nights or Longer [No Experience Needed]
4 Highlights of This Tour
① Two very different scenic lakes: Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul
Song-Kul, the “lake in the sky” spread across a plateau at about 3,000 m, and Issyk-Kul, the “Pearl of the Tian Shan,” cradled by the Tian Shan mountains.
Song-Kul is a quiet highland lake where nomads spend the summer. On clear days it reflects the sky and shines like a mirror.
Issyk-Kul, on the other hand, is the world’s second-largest alpine lake, long known as the “warm lake” because it doesn’t freeze even in winter.
You’ll experience two lakes with completely different characters in a single trip.
② Hiking in Kok-Moinok, a canyon of red rock formations
An experience unique to this tour is a short trek in Kok-Moinok Canyon.
You’ll walk through a landscape like a small canyon, with layer upon layer of red and orange rock formations.
The length can be adjusted to your wishes, from about 1 to 4 hours. It’s a day to feel Central Asia’s great outdoors not only on horseback but also on your own two feet.
③ Eagle hunters, hot springs and a yurt stay: experiencing nomadic culture
On the shores of Issyk-Kul, enjoy a golden eagle demonstration by a traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunter, and take souvenir photos.
Soak away the fatigue of your adventures in a lakeside hot spring (swimsuits are worn).
Then, on the shore of Song-Kul Lake, you’ll stay in a yurt (the nomads’ portable home) decorated with colorful embroidery and felt. Spend a night like a nomad under a sky full of stars.
④ Accommodation, meals, transfers, activities and guide all included
From pick-up to drop-off, the tour is designed to be almost all-inclusive: accommodation, meals, transfers, activities and a Japanese-speaking guide are all included.
A Japanese-speaking guide and driver who knows the history and culture well accompanies you and explains everything carefully in Japanese along the way.
The starting point of the trip, ASHU Guesthouse in the Chong-Kemin Valley, is a relaxing place to stay with a ★4.5 Google rating and many repeat guests. With homemade Kyrgyz food, a swimming pool and campfires, you can unwind and get ready for the riding days ahead.
*The tour price does not include round-trip airfare, travel insurance or alcohol.
Recommended For
✓ Anyone who wants to enjoy all of Kyrgyzstan’s charms at once: lakes, highlands, canyons and nomadic culture
✓ Anyone who wants to spend time like a nomad, with a yurt stay and horse riding at Song-Kul Lake
✓ Riders with no experience or beginners who want to ride amid spectacular scenery
✓ Solo travelers who want to meet fellow travelers and travel at a better price
*The route passes through high-altitude areas, so if you have any health concerns, please consult a doctor beforehand.
*Because the tour includes horse riding, children under 5 cannot join.
Itinerary
September 10 (Thu) to September 14 (Mon), 2026 / 5 days, 4 nights
Route: Bishkek ▶ Chong-Kemin Valley ▶ Boom Gorge & Kok-Moinok ▶ Issyk-Kul Lake ▶ Kochkor ▶ Song-Kul Lake ▶ Burana Tower ▶ Bishkek
■ Day 1 | September 10 (Thu): Horse riding in the Chong-Kemin Valley
Morning | Pick-up at your hotel in Bishkek (around 7:30–8:00)
Midday | Arrive at ASHU Guesthouse in the lush Chong-Kemin Valley; lunch made by our cook
Afternoon | Horse riding in the valley. Ride through a quiet valley of gentle hills while taking in the mountain views. Experienced riders can also canter in open areas
Evening to night | Homemade dinner and, if the weather is clear, a campfire. A chance to meet guests from around the world
◎ Meals: lunch, dinner
◎ Accommodation: ASHU Guesthouse (approx. 1,200 m)
■ Day 2 | September 11 (Fri): Kok-Moinok Canyon hike and eagle hunter, on to Issyk-Kul Lake
Morning | Depart ASHU Guesthouse. Pass through Boom Gorge, with its cliffs carved by the Chu River, to the Kok-Moinok valley
Late morning | A 1–4 hour short trek in the Kok-Moinok valley, lined with red and orange rock formations (the length can be adjusted to your wishes)
Midday | Picnic lunch at a scenic spot
Afternoon | Eagle hunter (berkutchi) demonstration. Experience nomadic culture up close as a golden eagle with a wingspan of up to 2 m swoops down onto your arm. Enjoy taking souvenir photos too
Evening | On to a guesthouse on the shore of Issyk-Kul, the Pearl of the Tian Shan. In your free time, stroll along the lakeshore and enjoy the views of the lake and mountains (a refreshing dip in a lakeside hot spring is also recommended)
◎ Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
◎ Accommodation: guesthouse on the shore of Issyk-Kul
■ Day 3 | September 12 (Sat): To Song-Kul, the lake in the sky, and a yurt stay
Morning | Drive west along the south shore of Issyk-Kul, through the nomadic village of Kochkor, and on to Song-Kul, the lake in the sky
Afternoon | Arrive at Song-Kul Lake (approx. 3,000 m). Stroll along the shore, get a glimpse of nomadic life, and take in the views of the lake and sky surrounded by mountains
Night | Stay in a lakeside yurt. On clear days the sky is reflected on the water, and at night the stars seem to pour down from above (it gets cold, so please bring warm clothes)
◎ Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
◎ Accommodation: yurt on the shore of Song-Kul Lake (approx. 3,000 m)
■ Day 4 | September 13 (Sun): Highland riding at Song-Kul, then via Burana Tower to Bishkek
Morning | Highland riding at Song-Kul overlooking the pastures. A fitting finale to the trip, gazing at the lake in the sky and the mountains
Midday to afternoon | Descend from the mountains to Burana Tower, a Silk Road World Heritage site. Visit the 9th-century minaret and the stone figures (balbals) scattered around it
Evening | Into Bishkek. Recharge after your travels at a comfortable hotel
◎ Meals: breakfast, lunch
◎ Accommodation: hotel in Bishkek
■ Day 5 | September 14 (Mon): Souvenir shopping in Bishkek and drop-off
Morning | Look for Kyrgyz souvenirs at the guide’s favorite honey shop and the bazaar
Midday | Transfer to Manas airport in time for your flight; tour ends
◎ Meals: breakfast
*The guide may adjust the route and the order of activities depending on weather and traffic conditions.
*The stay at Song-Kul Lake is at a yurt camp. Showers and toilets are basic, and there is almost no way to charge devices (please bring a power bank).
*Yurts and hotel rooms are generally shared with travelers of the same gender. We’ll arrange for families and friends to share a room, so please let us know when you book.
Price (5 days, 4 nights, shared tour)
One person currently has a booking request for September 10–14 (dates being adjusted), and one more person is considering joining on the same dates.
If just one more person joins these dates, the price drops significantly for both of them. The more participants, the lower the price per person.
If the person considering decides to join, there will be 2 participants and the price drops to $1,650 per person. If a third or fourth person joins, it gets even cheaper.
| Number of participants | Price per person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,600 ← current |
| 2 people | $1,650 ← 1 more person currently considering |
| 3 people | $1,350 |
| 4 people | $1,200 (lowest price) |
*The prices above are for the 5-day, 4-night tour starting and ending in Bishkek.
*If you prefer to start and end in Almaty, the price is $50 higher per person, as it includes pick-up and drop-off at Almaty airport (1 person $2,750 / 2 people $1,700 / 3 people $1,400 / 4 people $1,250). There will also be one less day of riding, as riding on the first day is not possible.
*The final price is confirmed 3 weeks before departure. If more people join before then, the price goes down.
■ Included: accommodation for the entire trip (hotels, guesthouses, yurts) / all meals / horse riding (horses and instructors) / Japanese-speaking guide for the entire trip / vehicle, driver and fuel
■ Not included: round-trip airfare / travel insurance / alcohol
What Makes ASHU Different: Our Shared Tour System
To help as many people as possible discover the charms of Central Asia, our prices go down as more people join.
Price confirmation: the final price is confirmed 3 weeks before departure. If other travelers book before then, the price goes down.
Peace of mind: even if someone cancels after the price is confirmed 3 weeks before departure, the amount you pay will not go up. You can book with confidence.
From Booking to Tour Day
1. Booking request: please register and send a booking request from the shared tour tab on the tour page. It’s free of charge. You’re also welcome to contact us via the inquiry form or our official LINE account.
*Because the first traveler’s booking is still a request, the shared tour button is not shown. If you’re interested, please let us know via the form or LINE first, and we’ll get in touch with the first traveler.
2. Confirmed booking: after your booking request, please arrange your flights and then make a confirmed booking. This is an important step where we check your blood type, allergies, health condition and so on for safety purposes.
3. Payment: payment is generally made locally in cash in US dollars.
4. Tour day: we’ll pick you up at the designated meeting point.
■ Cancellation policy
From 18:01, 21 days before the tour, to 18:00, 10 days before: 20% of the tour price
From 18:01, 10 days before the tour, to 18:00, 3 days before: 30% of the tour price
From 18:01, 3 days before the tour, until the start time on the tour day: 50% of the tour price
After the start time on the tour day: 100% of the tour price
Booking Your Flights
Please book your flights yourself. Whether you fly via Bishkek or Almaty, round-trip fares from Japan vary greatly depending on the season.
For arrival at Manas airport (Bishkek), you can use airlines such as T’way Air and China Southern Airlines. Routes include connections via Incheon, Beijing, Almaty and Tashkent.
For reference, here are the flights we’re actually coordinating with the traveler who is considering joining (all based on the dates shifted to September 10–14).
■ Starting and ending in Bishkek
Outbound: CZ8147 (China Southern Airlines), arriving in Bishkek at 21:45 on September 9, works fine. This tour requires a night in Bishkek before it starts, so please book your hotel for the night of September 9 yourself. We can also arrange an airport transfer, or a transfer plus pre-tour night package.
Return: We’ll take you to the airport around 15:00 in time for HY778 (Uzbekistan Airways), departing Bishkek at 18:50 on September 14 (arriving in Tashkent at 19:10).
■ Starting and ending in Almaty
Outbound: CZ3083, arriving in Almaty at 19:45 on September 9, can also be arranged. Return: We recommend HY766, departing Almaty at 23:10 on September 14 (arriving in Tashkent at 0:50 the next day).
There are two advantages to starting and ending in Almaty. The first is a wider choice of flights. Almaty is one of Central Asia’s largest air gateways, offering a broader range of connections and flight times from Japan than Bishkek.
The second is that you cross the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border on foot and by car. At the Korday border, you get out of the car, walk through immigration, and get back into a car on the Kyrgyz side. It’s a chance to feel the atmosphere of a Central Asian border firsthand, something you can’t experience when flying.
There are some things to keep in mind, though. Because the guide comes from Kyrgyzstan to pick you up, departure from your Almaty hotel will be around 11:00, and you’ll arrive at the Chong-Kemin Valley later. As a result, riding on the first day becomes difficult, so there is one less day of riding. The price is also $50 higher per person, as it includes pick-up and drop-off at Almaty airport (1 person $2,750 / 2 people $1,700 / 3 people $1,400 / 4 people $1,250).
*Flight numbers and times are examples checked as of August 2026. Please be sure to check the latest schedules when booking. If you’re unsure whether to start and end in Bishkek or Almaty, just ask and we’ll work it out together.
FAQ (Q&A)
Q: Can I join if I’ve never ridden a horse?
A: Yes, absolutely. Before riding, the guide will explain how to ride in Kyrgyzstan, and the instructor will match horses to riders and guide you with safety as the top priority. If they judge something to be dangerous, they may stop you.
Q: I’m worried about altitude sickness.
A: Our tours are designed to gain altitude gradually, so that travelers from Japan can enjoy Kyrgyzstan comfortably.
Bishkek is at 800 m, Issyk-Kul at 1,609 m, and Song-Kul Lake at about 3,000 m.
We travel slowly and keep the itinerary relaxed, but if you have any concerns, please consult a doctor beforehand.
Q: What are the facilities like in the yurts?
A: The yurts are covered with well-insulated felt and are comfortable at night. Hot showers and flush toilets are located outside (the water may be lukewarm when there are many guests). There is almost no way to charge devices, so we recommend bringing a power bank.
Q: Can you accommodate food allergies or vegetarian diets?
A: Yes, if you let us know in advance. Please feel free to ask.
Q: Is it OK to join on my own?
A: Of course. ASHU tours are shared tours by default, and solo female travelers are very welcome. Shared rooms are arranged with travelers of the same gender.
Q: I’d like a private room.
A: Yurts are shared, but you can upgrade to a private room for free at the hotel, for +$20 at ASHU Guesthouse, and for +$50 at the guesthouse on Issyk-Kul.
Join Us on a Journey to Two Spectacular Lakes
A yurt stay and horse riding at Song-Kul, the lake in the sky; an eagle hunter and hot springs at Issyk-Kul, the Pearl of the Tian Shan; and a hike through a canyon of red rock formations. We’re looking for companions to share this trip, packed with the best of Kyrgyzstan, on September 10–14.
If you’re wondering, “It’s my first time riding. Will I be OK?”, please don’t worry.
We at ASHU TRAVEL will support you all the way.
If you have any questions or anything you’d like to try, no matter how small, just let us know. We’ll be well prepared and look forward to welcoming you, so you can relax and enjoy yourself to the fullest.
Contact Us
Even if you’re just a little curious, feel free to get in touch.
▶ Inquiry form: https://ashu-travel.com/en/contact/
▶ Instagram (DMs welcome): @ashutravel_jp
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