The jailoos are the pastures where Kyrgyz shepherds tend their flocks in the summer, and Son-Kul is the jewel of the jailoos, a stunning 270 km2 of sparkling water at 3016 m, surrounded by 3700 m mountains on all sides. For the fullest jailoo experience, approach the lake via the mountains enclosing the western end of Kochkor Valley, moving from jailoo to jailoo and staying with shepherd families in remote meadows far off the beaten path. Enjoy homemade jam, fresh cream, bread still warm from the oven, and the best kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) around. The route traverses remote Jumgal rayon, and reaches Son-Kul via Jalgyz-Karagai (Lonely Fir) pass on the north shore.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kochkor - Kyzart Pass - Kilemche 

After breakfast at Kochkor home stay head towards the west on the Kochkor — Jumgal road. Arrive at the Kyzart Pass, where your guide team welcomes you with horses waiting for you. Start your horseback tour with crossing the Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, an enormous, relatively flat sea of grass. Continue over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3 061 m) into the Chaar-Archa Valley and eat a tasty lunch by the racing river, with views of holy 4400 m Baba-Ata Mountain. Cross the river and follow the trail over verdant hills to Kilemche Jailoo. The name means “like a carpet,” and this swathe of grass covers whole mountain ranges, with shadings as subtle as any shyrdak (shyrdak is a Kyrgyz felt carpet). Dine and sleep in a yurt. Horse time: 5 hours

Day 2: Kilemche - Song-Kol 

After breakfast at Kilemche, spend the morning climbing to Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400 m), over the Son-Kul Mountains and into the lake’s basin. The morning climb offers wonderful views of Kilemche jailoo, and the pass itself is rocky and exciting. From the pass, Song-Kol is still distant, but as you traipse down the slopes, it gets larger and larger; the mountains on the other side get higher and higher, until finally the lake fills most of your field of view and the southern mountains tower above it. After lunch at Jaman Echki, follow the eastern shoreline of the lake to Batai-Aral. You will be greeted by the warmth and hospitality of a Kyrgyz shepherd family, eager to share their traditions and way of life with you. Dine and overnight in yurt. 

Day 3: Song-Kol - Kochkor 

Take the opportunity to relax by spending some time at the lakeside, enjoying its refreshing ambiance. Have lunch and transfer to Kochkor (3 hours) via Kalmak-Ashuu pass (3446m). Arrive in Kochkor village with unforgettable memories. End of the tour. 

Inclusions:

• Transportation   
• Accommodation: 2 nights in a yurt
• Meals: Full board
• English speaking guide 
• Horses
• Mineral water 

Exclusions:

• Travel insurance
• International flight
• Visa support 
• Tax of bank
• Other services out of the program.

Price

• 1 person = $450
• 2 people = $280 per person
• 3 people = $250 per person
• 4 people = $230 per person
• 5, 6,7,8,9,10,11,12 people = $200 per person