Horse riding at Sayram Lake can be arranged directly with the Kazakh families camped around the southern and western shores during the summer season. The horses here are the sturdy, sure-footed Central Asian type bred for mountain terrain — not ornamental riding school horses — and the Kazakh men who lead the treks know the terrain thoroughly. A basic lakeside circuit on horseback gives a different perspective on the water and the peaks than the roadside viewpoints provide.
Longer treks into the hills above the lake are possible with advance arrangement. The pastures above the eastern shore rise to ridgelines with views across the entire lake basin, and the higher ground reveals the scale of the Tian Shan to the north and south. These treks typically take half a day to a full day and include a packed lunch provided by the family.
Prices are negotiated on the spot in a mixture of Mandarin and sign language; there is no established rate. Starting with an offer of 100–150 yuan for a short lakeside circuit is reasonable, less for children. The horses are generally well-treated and responsive.