New Year 2019 on the ice of Lake Son Koul

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Bishkek, the Konorchek canyon and Kyzart

  Meeting at 8am in front of our Blue Camel guesthouse in Bishkek for departure. We head towards the mountains. On the way, we go for a 3-hour hike in the Konorchek canyon, a surprising set of red and ochre sedimentary rocks. A beautiful first activity in the Kyrgyz mountains. We continue on the road and arrive in the afternoon at the village of Kyzart, where we are hosted by a Kyrgyz family in the heart of this typical village. Dinner and overnight stay with our hosts.

• day 2

  On horseback towards the Kilemche valley

  After breakfast, we leave the village of Kyzart on horseback to reach the snowy pasture of Kilemche, where many herders still spend the winter in their homes. After 20 kilometers on horseback (4-5 hours), we arrive at the shepherd's house, deep in this splendid valley. Settle into the shepherd's house. Dinner and overnight stay with our host.

• day 3

  Hiking to Lake Son Koul.

  We hike up to the Jalgyz Karagai pass (3350 m) to reach Lake Son Koul (6-7 hours of walking in total). We ascend with snowshoes, which makes the climb easier. Pack horses will follow with the luggage. Once at the pass, we discover the splendid scenery of Lake Son Koul, then descend towards the shores and one of the rare yurts present by the lake in winter. Once at the yurt, we warm up with bottomless bowls of tea and prepare for the New Year's Eve celebration. Special New Year's Eve dinner with festive Kyrgyz and European cuisine, accompanied by champagne. Various activities: games, contests, music, stargazing, etc.

• day 4

  New Year's Day at Son Koul

  Happy New Year! Today, a whole day by the shore of Lake Son Koul, with various activities organized on the frozen lake. Horseback riding, snowshoeing, snowball fights, a game of curling, horse-drawn tubing... The possibilities are varied, and it will also be possible to simply stay under the yurt to discover the customs of the Kyrgyz people, in the middle of this arctic tundra where life freezes during the long winter months. Special New Year's menu and night under the yurt.

• day 5

  Return to Bishkek

  This morning, we put on our snowshoes again to return to Kyzart via the Tuz Ashuu pass (4 hours of walking). Once we arrive in the Kyzart valley, a vehicle takes us back to the village, from where we leave for Bishkek after a late lunch. Arrival at the end of the day at our Blue Camel guesthouse, which marks the end of our New Year's adventure! PS: We can arrange additional services regarding accommodation or airport/city transfers.