Trekking to discover Song Kul Lake


Trip description

The mountain trek begins in the northern foothills of the Tien Shan and ends in the heart of the inner Tien Shan on Song Kul Lake. During the trek you will cross several mountain ranges, climb five passes, visit mountain pastures (jailoo), where you can visit yurts of hospitable nomads, taste koumiss - a drink of all nomadic peoples, made from mare's milk sturdy horses. And you will also visit the Bourana tower, near which the city of Balassagoun was located in ancient times.

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14 days

From : €2,300*


Baktygul Kadyrbekova

Day 1: Bishkek

Day 2: Bishkek - Chamchy

Day 3: Chamchy Gorge.

Day 4: The path to the Sarala-Saz mountain pasture

Day 5: East Karakol Gorge.

Day 6: The Bouchouc pass.

Day 7: Kyzart pass.

Day 8: Valley of Kilemche.

Day 9: Song-Kul Alpine Lake.

Day 10: Song - Koul.

Day 11: Song-Koul-Bokonbaevo.

Day 12: Relaxation by the lake.

Day 13: Bishkek

Day 14: Return flight.

Day 1 : Bishkek

©Asia expedition


Arrival in the city of Bishkek. Meet at Manas Airport in Bishkek. Transfer to the hotel 30 km, travel time 40-50 min. After rest, city tour of Bishkek - the capital of Kyrgyzstan. You can experience the simple architecture of the city. To visit: Ala-Too Square, which offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks of the Kyrgyz range; the Osh market; parks and downtown.



Day 2 : Bishkek - Chamchy

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



Day 3 : Chamchy Gorge.

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We must leave early because the day will be long. We take clothes for two days. The tent material, the food are installed on the horses and we begin our hike in a beautiful valley. We will pass several water crossings. We set up our camp at an altitude of 2800m at the foot of the Chamchy pass.



Day 4 : The path to the Sarala-Saz mountain pasture

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That day, we attack the Chamchy pass (3570 m). The climb 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 south Chamchy gorge with access to the endless mountain pastures (jailoo) Sarala-Saz.



Day 5 : East Karakol Gorge.

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



Day 6 : The Bouchouc pass.

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



Day 7 : Kyzart pass.

©Asia expedition


In the morning, after crossing the river on a wooden bridge, we begin to ascend the Saryk Gorge. The climb is very gentle and poses no particular difficulties. After the Saryk pass (3550 m), there is a long multi-gorge crossing in a southeasterly direction 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 : Valley of Kilemche.

©Asia expedition


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



Day 9 : Song-Kul Alpine Lake.

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



Day 10 : Song - Koul.

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



Day 11 : Song-Koul-Bokonbaevo.

Day11 : Song-Koul-Bokonbaevo. ©Asia expedition


Today we say goodbye to the lake. Transfer to Kochkorka, where you can buy souvenirs that are made by local craftsmen. Traditional lunch at the inhabitant. After participating in the manufacture of the 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 manufacture of yurts.



Day 12 : Relaxation by the lake.

©Asia expedition


The name of Lake Issyk Kul translates from the Kyrgyz language as “a hot lake”. In summer, the water temperature reaches 22-23 degrees, despite the fact that the lake is located at 1600m above sea level. A day of swimming.



Day 13 : Bishkek

©Asia expedition


Road to Kok Moynok Canyon, the “Bryce Canyon” of Kyrgyzstan. Walk in this canyon which leads to a superb circus. Road to Bishkek.



Day 14 : Return flight.

©Matyas Rehak - shutterstock.com


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



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