Weekly Trip to Song-Kol and Karakol: Explore the Best of Kyrgyzstan

It is included

Transportation from Bishkek to Bishkek
English speaking tour guide
Meals: Breakfast and dinner in the guest house and yurt camps
All entrance fees
Golden eagle hunting show
Off-road vehicle transport pickup in Altyn-Arashan Valley
Accommodation: yurt camp in Song-Kol, yurt camp in Bokonbaevo, two nights in the Karakol guesthouse

It is not included

Meals in cafes and lunches
Hotels in Bishkek
SNG supplement for accommodation
Further services from the program

We will be waiting for you on the day of departure at 8:00 a.m. at the Kyrgyzstan Tourism Office – Kyrgyz Republic. Bishkek city, Baitic Baatyra 73

If you have time before the departure day, you are welcome in our office for a briefing, meeting, and a cup of tea.

Of course, you can also stay in Song-Kol for several days and plan your trip independently. Your guide can advise you on the best options and help you find local service providers for long-distance hiking or horseback riding in the Song-Kol area.

Sure. Karakol is the region where there are various opportunities for activities such as trekking, hiking, horse riding and planning trips to places like Alakol, Jyrgalan, Khan Tengri Park, Ingilchek etc. And your guide would be helpful to give you all the information and reach the right people to find the best itinerary or find other groups to join some expeditions.

If you have an extension you will need to organize the rest of the tour and route yourself at the additional cost. The remainder of the $450 is non-refundable.

If you have agreed and participated in this tour but only use part of the program or services, we cannot refund you even part of the money. For example, if you only go to Karakol and want to finish the tour on day 3, you will still pay a fixed amount of $450. This is because shuttle bus services are paid for the set program and itinerary.

Children aged 12 and over can take part in the tour with their parents like an adult with full payment. Young children require more attention and demands. This is also to avoid disturbing other travelers along the route. For families with small children, we recommend a private tour. We are a child-friendly company and would like to offer a tour for families with children.

The additional charge for the single room supplement is USD 80.

We have to cancel the tour because we cannot cover all costs at cost price.
Advance payments will be refunded.

(→The tour will be activated if the minimum number of participants is at least four (2 people). If the number of people does not reach 2 people, the tour will be canceled.)

What’s the altitude during the tour? Will altitude sickness be an issue?
The tour begins in Bishkek (around 700 m above sea level) and on the first day you will travel directly to Song-Kol Valley (around 3,000 m). This is a significant altitude gain within a few hours, and some travelers may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Most people adapt easily, but if you are over 50 years old or have any heart or respiratory conditions, we strongly recommend checking with your doctor before the trip. Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol on the first day, and resting well upon arrival will help your body adjust naturally.

What happens if someone begins to feel unwell?
If a situation arises where a participant starts feeling unwell due to altitude or any other reason, we will immediately organize a transfer to the nearest village of Kochkor (1,800 m). The distance from Song-Kol to Kochkor is about 100 km (approximately two hours).
Upon arrival, you will be taken to the medical center in Kochkor for a check-up and blood pressure measurement.

If your condition improves, you will rest overnight at a guesthouse in Kochkor. The next day, as the group passes through the village, you can rejoin the tour. The route afterward remains at moderate altitudes (1,800–2,300 m) without steep climbs.

If your condition does not improve even after descending, we will arrange evacuation to Bishkek and assist you in accessing appropriate medical care.

Please note that all evacuation-related expenses are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend having valid travel insurance covering emergency evacuation and medical treatment.

What medical facilities are available along the route?
In remote areas, medical infrastructure is limited. Our team carries a first-aid kit, and your guide is trained in basic emergency care. For more serious issues, medical centers are located in Kochkor, Karakol, and Bishkek.

Are there any risks related to animals or dogs in the mountains?
Yes. Around Song-Kol and other mountain areas, you may encounter local shepherd dogs guarding livestock. These dogs lead a free-ranging lifestyle and may feed on carcasses of livestock or wild animals such as marmots, rabbits, and other mountain creatures.
They are not vaccinated, often breed without supervision, and usually do not receive proper care or hygiene.
👉 Therefore, it is strictly not recommended to touch them, pet them, or hand-feed them.
Avoid close contact, as they can carry contagious diseases including rabies.
If a dog bite occurs, we will be forced to interrupt your tour and evacuate you to Bishkek for urgent rabies vaccination and medical treatment.

What about insect bites or wildlife on the trail?
During summer, mosquitoes or horseflies can be present near lakes and rivers. We advise packing insect repellent and wearing long sleeves. Wildlife is generally shy — please observe from a distance and follow your guide’s instructions.