Kyrgyzstan
Song-Kol with a Shepherd Family
- 3 daysDuration
- Horse ridingActivity
- EasyLevel
- NarynStarts in
- 1–8 peopleGroup size
About this tour
Song-Kol is where Kyrgyz herders bring their animals every summer. On this short trip you stay in the yurt camp of a family we have known for years, help with the daily work and ride along the shore of the lake.
No riding experience is needed — the horses are calm and a horseman stays with you.
Itinerary
Day01 Over the Moldo-Ashuu pass
Leave Naryn in the morning and climb the switchbacks of Moldo-Ashuu with photo stops. Arrive at the camp for lunch, then settle in and walk down to the shore.
Day02 Life on the jailoo
Join the family’s day: bringing in the horses, milking, baking bread in a kazan. In the afternoon you ride along the lake with a horseman. Dinner in the family yurt.
Day03 Back to Naryn
An early walk if you like, a big breakfast and the drive back to Naryn by early afternoon.
What’s included
Included
- Return transfer from Naryn
- Two nights in a yurt camp
- All meals at the camp
- Horse and horseman for one afternoon
Not included
- Drinks other than tea
- Travel insurance
Pricing by group size
What travellers say
What an exceptional place! A gift shop is only the beginning. They have rooms available, the hosts are immeasurably kind, and they will make you a breakfast as well. Truly one of the best hidden gems in all of Naryn! Stay here, and get some of their incredible hand made items in the shop!
Nous sommes passés par leur intermédiaire pour le tour Naryn-Kel Suu-Tash Rabat-Naryn, le chauffeur était professionnel et on a passé un bon moment
Translated from FrenchWe booked the Naryn – Kel-Suu – Tash-Rabat – Naryn tour through them. The driver was professional and we had a great time.
I bought a lovely Shydrak here, they were very helpful and took me through all the sizes. The prices were fair.
Izat fais un travail magnifique. Et elle est adorable. Je recommande sans réserve.
Translated from FrenchIzat does a wonderful job, and she is lovely. I recommend her without reservation.
I think this is the only souvenir shop in Naryn. There you can find nice carpets, slippers, socks with kirgis prints, magnets, traditional hats and a lot of other stuff.
The best place to buy a traditional shyrdak in Kyrgyzstan. I am very happy with the carpet! Besides, they sell a lot of other nice products. All the products are of high quality.
Who is this tour for?
- Travellers who want to see real nomadic life
- First-time riders — the pace is gentle
- Photographers and star-gazers
Difficulty & safety
Easy, but high: the lake lies at about 3,000 m. Nights can drop close to freezing even in July. Toilets are outdoor and there is no mobile signal at the camp.
What to bring
- Warm layers — nights in the mountains are cold even in July
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
- Personal medicine
- Passport (and a copy)
FAQ
Do I need riding experience?
No. The ride is at walking pace and a horseman from the camp leads you.
How many people sleep in a yurt?
Usually two to four. If you travel alone you can often have a yurt to yourself.
Is there electricity?
Most camps have a small solar panel for phone charging in the evening.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the start. Between 30 and 14 days we keep 30% of the price, later than 14 days 50%. If we have to cancel because of weather or road closures, you get a full refund or a new date.
