Trekking to discover Lake Song Koul

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Bishkek

  

  Arrival in the city of Bishkek. Meeting at Manas airport in Bishkek. Transfer to the hotel (30 km, travel time 40-50 min). After a rest period, city tour of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. You will be able to discover the simple architecture of the city. Places to visit: Ala-Too Square, which offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks of the Kyrgyz range; Osh market; the parks and the city center.

• day 2

  Bishkek - Chamchy

  

  Transfer to the Chamchy gorges to the starting point of the trek. On the way, we will visit the Burana Tower, near which there was once a medieval city, Balasagun, the capital of the Karakhanid Khaganate (940-1210). Trek along the At-Jailoo gorges towards the Chamchy pass (about 2-3 hours). Setting up a tent camp in a forested area by the river (2300 m).

• day 3

  The Chamchy Gorge

  

  We have to leave early, because the day is going to be long. We are taking clothes for two days. The equipment, the tent, and the food are loaded onto the horses, and we begin our trek in a beautiful valley. We will cross several water passages. We set up our camp at 2800 m altitude, at the foot of the Chamchy pass.

• day 4

  Sarala - Saz

  

  That day, we tackle the Chamchy pass (3570 m). The ascent is rocky. There is no vegetation, but you can see beautiful flowers: edelweiss. This flower is a symbol of courage, love, and devotion. Continuation of the descent along the southern Chamchy gorge, with access to the endless pastures (jailoo) of Sarala-Saz.

• day 5

  Gorge is Karakol

  

  Crossing the ford of the Bouzoulgan-Suu river. Then, the track first up to the ridge, which serves as the watershed between this river and the Kachka-Suu river. Further on, a simple descent to the Est Karakol river. Crossing the river by the bridge. Here it is, we are already very close to the camp set up by our team at the beginning of the gorge, below the Boutchouc pass.

• day 6

  The Boutchouc pass.

  

  Trekking towards the magnificent eastern gorges of Seok via the Boutchouc pass (3400m). The bottom of the gorge is flat and it is very easy to walk to the next campsite. The camp, on the bank of the river of the same name, looks very picturesque.

• day 7

  Kyzart Pass.

  

  In the morning, after crossing the river on a wooden bridge, we begin to climb the Saryk gorges. The ascent is very gentle and does not present any particular difficulties. After the Saryk pass (3550 m), there is a long traverse through several gorges towards the southeast, with the aim of reaching the Kyzart pass, which separates two valleys: Kochkor and Dzhumgal. Here, in a clearing near the spring, as usual, a driver and a cook are waiting for us in an already established camp.

• day 8

  Kilemche Valley.

  

  After breakfast, crossing of the Kyzart valley up to the Tchaar-Artcha pass (3039 m). Further on, a transition to the gorge of the same name and a descent along it towards the wide Kilemche valley.

• day 9

  Alpine lake Song-Kul.

  

  Ascent to the last pass of Dzhalgyz-Karagay (3325 m), from where a magnificent view of Lake Song-Koul opens up. Gentle descent and transition to the site of our bivouac on the shore of this high mountain lake (3013 m). Everywhere, there are many cattle grazing peacefully, white yurts against the backdrop of the blue lake, evoking thoughts of something eternal and unshakable. The evening sunsets will complete this unforgettable landscape.

• day 10

  Song - Koul.

  

  Free day at the lake. Possibility to go horseback riding. For those who wish, swimming in the lake, but remember that the water is 12-15 °C. We observe the work of the nomads and the return of the horses and sheep, in the evening, to the enclosure.

• day 11

  Song-Kul - Bokonbaevo.

  

  Today, we say goodbye to the lake. Transfer to Kochkorka, where you can buy souvenirs made by local artisans. Traditional lunch with a local family. After participating in the making of a felt carpet, we continue the road to the most beautiful and largest lake in the country, Issyk Koul. On the way, we stop in the village of Kyzyl Tou to see the making of yurts.

• day 12

  Relaxation by the lake.

  

  The name of Lake Issyk Koul translates from Kyrgyz as "a warm lake." In summer, the water temperature reaches 22-23 degrees, despite the fact that the lake is located at 1600 m altitude. A day of swimming.

• day 13

  Bishkek

  

  Road to the Kok Moynok canyon, the "Bryce Canyon" of Kyrgyzstan. Hike in this canyon which opens onto a magnificent cirque. Road to Bishkek.

• day 14

  Return flight.

  

  Our driver will pick you up at your hotel at the agreed time and take you to the airport. Have a good trip!