Song-Kol, also referred to as Sonkol, Song-Köl, and Son-Kul, is a sizable mountain lake nestled within a hollow amidst the inner spurs of the Tien Shan mountain range in the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan. Positioned at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level, the lake is surrounded by untouched meadows, a protected area, and the Sonköltoo and Moldotoo ridges, rendering it an ideal destination for eco-tourism. The shores of the lake are low, swamped, and in some places overgrown with reeds. The lake is glacier-fed and drains into the Son-Kul river and eventually the Naryn river. Ice on the lake is common from late September to late May. While trekking and taking a horseback tour, you’ll likely see a variety of animals, including varieties fish, such as peled and rare carp species, and waterfowl, such as the demoiselle crane, mountain goose, black stork, and black-headed giggle. The lake itself is a natural beauty, and its surface color changes several times a day, becoming either a saturated blue, then purple-blue, or lush green. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Kochkor - Kyzart Pass - Kilemche 

Embrace the morning with a hearty breakfast in Kochkor before starting your journey westward along the scenic Kochkor-Jumgal road. Traverse this picturesque route by car until you reach Kyzart Pass, where your knowledgeable guide team eagerly awaits your arrival. Start your trekking tour with crossing the Kyzyl-Kyia jailoo, an enormous, relatively flat sea of grass. Continue over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3 061 m) into the Chaar-Archa Valley and have a tasty lunch by the racing river, with views of holy 4400 m Baba-Ata Mountain. Sated, ford 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 of shepherds.

Day 2: Kilemche - Song-Kol 

After breakfast at Kilemche, spend the morning climbing to Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400 m), over the Song-Kol Mountains and into the lake’s basin. The morning climb affords wonderful views of Kilemche jailoo, and the pass itself is rocky and exciting. Upon reaching the top of the pass, Song-Kol lies in the distance, a shimmering gem amidst the vast wilderness. Descending the slopes, the lake gradually reveals itself in its entire splendor, framed by towering peaks that seem to touch the sky. After a morning filled with exploration and awe, replenish your energy with a well-deserved lunch at Zhaman-Echki before continuing your expedition along the eastern shoreline of the lake. Follow the tranquil waters, tracing the contours of the landscape until you reach the welcoming embrace of the yurt at 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. Spend the evening immersed in the rich culture of the nomadic shepherds, savoring delicious meals prepared with care and resting under the starry night sky in the comfort of a traditional yurt.

Day 3: Song-Kol – Kochkor 

Take the opportunity to relax by spending a day at the lakeside, enjoying its refreshing ambiance. Witness and perhaps even partake in the daily activities of the local shepherds, such as milking mares and engaging in the traditional production of national milk products like kymyz (a fermented mare's milk) or airan (a sour and dense milk product), as well as tending to their cattle. 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 
• English speaking guide 
• Horses
• Mineral water 

Exclusions:

• Travel insurance
• Flight tickets
• Visa support 
• Tax of bank
• Other services that are not mentioned in the program.

Curious about our offerings? Start planning your adventure today!  Drop us a message for pricing. We are here to customize your dream trip.