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.
PRICE:
2 pax – $330. 4 pax – $280. 6 pax – $200. 8 pax – $180. 10pax- $170.
3 pax confirmed
Morning transfer from Bishkek head west to the Kochko village to Jumgal region (3 – 4 hours driving). Follow the road by car to the Kyzart Pass, where your guide team welcomes you with ready-prepared horses. Start your horseback tour by 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. Horse 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. Horse 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 behind the SongKol valley. Say “Goodbye SongKol” and ride down to the village where your lunch will be waiting for you in the family homestay. Horse time 3-4 hours. Late afternoon transfer back to Bishkek by car. Arrived in Bishkek around 19:00 pm.
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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 confirmed 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 at some points you prefer to do walking and hiking. We recommend you train with sports or jog 2-3 times a week in the run-up to your trip
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
