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Horseback · Kyrgyzstan

Kyzart to Song-Kul on horseback

A guided horse trek from the Kyzart area through Kilemche to Song-Kul, with an overnight yurt stay in the lake basin.

Track length
30.2 km
Elevation gain
2,619 m
Difficulty
Not assessed
Duration
Not specified
Season
Not specified

First mapped point: Kyzart Pass trailhead

Coordinates (lat, lon): 42.093626,75.137686
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Published walking GPX reference for Kyzart Pass–Kilemche–Song-Kul, in two original day segments. It is a real published line through the described corridor, but it is not a recorded horse trek or a verified CBT departure. A horse guide must choose the rideable variant, crossings and camp. The file starts at Kyzart Pass, not Kyzart village, and ends at the author’s lakeside camp; transfer and onward lakeshore travel are excluded.

Elevation profile

Elevation values come from the source file. Inaccuracies can affect total ascent. Gaps in the track are not joined.

Surface and terrain

The source does not provide a complete surface survey. Expect conditions to change after rain, snow and river floods.

ABOUT THE PLACE

About this place

Song-Kul is a high lake basin in central Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by open mountain pasture rather than the densely settled shoreline landscape of Issyk-Kul. The broad water surface, grazing land and encircling slopes give the place its spacious character.

Kyzart and Kilemche belong to a northern approach through successive pasture landscapes. Kilemche is a valley, while a seasonal camp location within it is only one temporary reference. The interest of the connection is the gradual transition from sheltered valley grazing land over the dividing high ground into Song-Kul’s open basin; a ride or walk makes that change part of the visit.

ROUTE OVERVIEW

At a glance

A guided horse trek from the Kyzart area through Kilemche to Song-Kul, with an overnight yurt stay in the lake basin.

Track length: 30.2 km. This distance covers the track shown on the map. Add any approach, return or transfer sections that are outside it.

Is this route for you?

Choose the route after checking the actual start, finish and terrain with a local guide. Mapped geometry alone does not establish technical difficulty. Your group should be comfortable navigating offline and changing plans when conditions deteriorate.

With children
Not available
Dogs
Check local rules
Bicycles and pushchairs
Not available
Phone coverage
Do not rely on it

What is nearby?

Kyrgyzstan

Getting there

Arrange horses, guide and transfer through Kochkor or Kyzart; confirm the actual starting point.

Without a car

Confirm transport to the actual trailhead, not just the nearest town. Agree the return pickup point and a latest contact time before leaving mobile coverage.

By car & parking

Ask locally about road access, entry rules and a permitted place to park. Use the line only for its stated mode of travel and exact scope.

What you will find along the way

Kilemche jailoo, mountain pass, Song-Kul and shepherd camps.

  1. Kyzart Pass trailhead 42.0936, 75.1377
  2. Kilemche camp (source GPX) 42.0021, 75.1566
  3. Song-Kul lakeside camp (source GPX) 41.9183, 75.1895

Difficult sections & safety

Falls, saddle discomfort, cold and changing streams. Request a properly fitted helmet and a suitable horse.

How much time to allow

Choose the number of days around your stops, group ability and current conditions. Leave daylight in reserve when combining travel with an unfamiliar section.

When to go

Late June to early September is the usual high-pasture window; confirm camp opening.

What to bring

Choose equipment for your mode of travel, forecast and overnight arrangements. Agree support and return logistics beforehand.

  • Trail shoes or boots with good grip; layers, sun protection and waterproofs.
  • Drinking water, food, a first-aid kit and a headlamp.
  • An offline map, downloaded GPX, a charged phone and a power bank.
  • An agreed return plan, local contact and a realistic fallback route.

GOOD QUESTIONS

Before you set out

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes. The downloads above contain this route geometry for an offline navigation app. They do not confirm current conditions.

Has this route been checked recently?

KyrgyzMap has not field-verified this route. The map source and licence are shown below. Look for approved traveller reports and check conditions with local guides.

Can I go with children?

Suitability for children is not confirmed for this exact route. Check terrain, exposure, river crossings and retreat options with a guide before deciding.

How is the elevation profile calculated?

Elevation values come from the source file. Inaccuracies can affect total ascent. Gaps in the track are not joined.

Photo gallery

A regional landscape for context; it does not identify every section of the track.

Current trail conditions

There are no published condition reports for this route yet.

Travelled this route or spotted an error?

Discussion

Start a conversation about the route, preparation or your experience. Comments are moderated.

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Route data source

Published route map

Source data retrieved: 2026-10-19. This date does not mean that the route has been inspected on the ground.

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