Son-Kul (also written Song-Kul or Song-Köl) is a high-altitude lake at about 3,000 m in the Naryn region, surrounded by wide grassy plateaus and gentle mountain ridges. In summer herding families from the surrounding valleys bring their horses, sheep and cattle here and live in yurts on the shore – for many travellers this is the most authentic image of nomadic Kyrgyzstan.
There are no permanent villages or hotels at the lake. Visitors stay in seasonal yurt camps with simple shared facilities, eat home-cooked meals with the families and spend the days walking, riding or simply watching the light change over the water. Nights are cold even in July, and the sky is full of stars.
Son-Kul is usually accessible from mid-June to mid-September. It can be reached by 4x4 via Kochkor, or – more memorably – on horseback over a pass from the village of Kyzart. We offer short horse-riding trips as well as longer tours that combine Son-Kul with Issyk-Kul.
Issyk-Kul, Karakol, Kochkor and Son-Kul
Eight days around Issyk-Kul and up to the high-altitude lake Song-Kul – with nights in yurts, an eagle hunter show and genuine nomadic hospitality.
Ala-Archa National Park and the Karakol valleys (Ala-Kul, Altyn-Arashan)
A compact but demanding mountain trip: acclimatisation in Ala-Archa, then the classic trek over the Ala-Kul pass to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs.
Kochkor district and Son-Kul lake, Naryn region
Ride from the village of Kyzart over a high pass to Son-Kul lake, sleep in yurts with herding families and return to Bishkek on day three.
Issyk-Kul region: Cholpon-Ata, Karakol, Jeti-Oguz and the south shore
A compact loop around Issyk-Kul: petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata, the wooden cathedral and Dungan mosque of Karakol, the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz and Skazka canyon.
Karakol and the Karakol ski resort, eastern Issyk-Kul
Two days on the slopes of the Karakol ski resort, a soak in hot springs and the winter shores of Issyk-Kul – transport, guide and guesthouse included.
Bokonbaevo area, south shore of Issyk-Kul
A half-day cultural experience on the south shore of Issyk-Kul: meet an eagle hunter and his golden eagle, try traditional felt-making and cook a Kyrgyz meal with a local family.
Bishkek – north shore of Issyk-Kul – Karakol
A private car with driver from Bishkek (or Manas Airport) to Karakol along the north shore of Issyk-Kul, with short stops for photos and lunch.
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