The jailors are the pastures where Kyrgyz shepherds tend their flocks in the summer, and Song-Kol is the jewel of the jailoos, a stunning 270 km2 of sparkling water at 3016 m, surrounded by 3700 m mountains on all sides. For the fullest jailoo experience, approach the lake via the mountains enclosing the western end of Kochkor Valley, moving from jailoo to jailoo and staying with shepherd families in remote meadows far off the beaten path. Enjoy homemade jam, fresh cream, bread still warm from the oven, and the best kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) around. The route traverses remote Jumgal rayon and reaches Song-Kol via Jalgyz-Karagai (Lone Fir) Pass on the north shore.
The tour is available in two options: Trekking on feet or taking a horseback riding tour. For the price and more details please contact us at info@kyrgyzstan-tourism.com
Morning transfer from Bishkek heads west to the Kochko village to Jumgal region (3 – 4 hours driving). Follow the road by car to the Kyzart Pass, where you can start hiking with crossing the Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, an enormous, relatively flat sea of grass. Continue over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3 061 m) into the Chaar-Archa Valley and eat 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, naturally. Transfer by car 3 hours. Trekking time: 5-6 hours
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. From the pass, Song-Kol is still distant, but as you traipse down the slopes, it gets larger and larger; the mountains on the other side get higher and higher, until finally the lake fills most of your field of view and the southern mountains tower above it. After lunch at Jaman Echki, follow the lakeshore west to the yurt at Tuz-Ashuu. Upon arrival meet your host family of Kyrgyz shepherds. Meals and overnight are in a yurt of shepherds. Trekking time: 5 hours.
Last breakfast in SongKol Jailoo and leave to Kyzart village via TuzAshuu Pass. The pass opens you to a spectacular panoramic view of Jumgal valley and the SongKol Valley. Say “Goodbye SongKol” and hike down to the village where your lunch will be waiting for you in the family homestay. Late afternoon transfer back to Bishkek by car. Arrived in Bishkek around 19:00 pm.
It is included:
It is not included:
The tours start upon request, please contact us. The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit into your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.
After having solved all the questions and programs confirming we issue an invoice for payment. You can make a bank transfer or pay upon your arrival time in Bishkek before the trip starts.
Kyrgyzstan is a mountain country and some point you prefer to do walking and hiking. We recommend you train with sport or jogging 2-3 times a week in the run-up to your trip
It is Ok to do horse treks in Kyrgyzstan for beginners or the people who have never ridden before. This tour is ideally relevant for beginners who want to have a great experience.
The 90% of our visitors have no horseback riding skils but they can manage the horse treks because we use for our clients’ very quiet and calm horses with comfortable saddles and choose the relevant trek for horse tours. Our horseback guides will be your individual instructor to ride a Kyrgyz horse and help you to manage it.
Clothing for hiking in temperatures from +25C to -0C. A detailed kit list will be sent to you when you book on.
You will stay in the yurt camp with meals. We provide you yurts by two people in each one.
The basic hints for travelers.
Kyrgyz Republic. Bishkek city
Mon – Sat 9.00 – 18.00 Sunday CLOSED
© Kyrgyzstan tourism
