Over the Kalmak-Ashuu pass on horseback to a lake where herding families spend the summer in yurts. Booked at a fixed, published community rate rather than through an agency.
On the trail now and the next 7 days
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Forecast for the trek's map point. It is usually colder and windier at the top.
Song-Kul horse trek, planned for you
Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.
- Day 1 Song-Kul horse trek: the trek
- TravelBase: Kochkor
- PermitPermits and entry
- On the trailMedium trek to 3,400 m₹6,500
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The route
Tap a place: the map zooms to it.
On the map
Song-Kul horse · Open in Google Maps ↗
The climb
How to reach the start
Shared taxi from Bishkek to Kochkor, then arrange through the community tourism office.
Step 3 of 6Next: Permits↓Permits and rules
Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.
Step 4 of 6Next: Gear↓What to carry
Altitude safety
Song-Kul horse reaches 3,400 m, high enough for acute mountain sickness (AMS). Climb slowly, drink water, and tell your guide about headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness. If symptoms get worse, go down: descent is the treatment. Take travel insurance that covers trekking at this altitude and rescue.
What it costs
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.
Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Kochkor is extra.
Photos
Questions people ask
How hard is the Song-Kul horse trek?
Medium grade. It takes 3 days and climbs to about 3,400 m. Over the Kalmak-Ashuu pass on horseback to a lake where herding families spend the summer in yurts. Booked at a fixed, published community rate rather than through an agency.
Do I need a permit for Song-Kul horse?
None for Song-Kul. Border-zone permits are needed for Kol-Suu and some southern areas.
How do I reach the Song-Kul horse trek?
Shared taxi from Bishkek to Kochkor, then arrange through the community tourism office. Base: Kochkor.
What is the best season for Song-Kul horse?
Jun–Sep.
How much does the Song-Kul horse trek cost?
From about ₹6,500 per person from the base, covering local transport, permits or entry, a guide where required and food. The journey to the base is extra.
What should I carry?
Warm layers for a sub-zero night at 3,016 m, even in August. Everything else comes with the horses.
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By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: Thomas Holbach · CC BY 4.0 · source · Photo: Kondephy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Ninara from Helsinki, Finland · CC BY 2.0 · source
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