This 2-day Song-Kol tour from Bishkek is the shortest way to see Kyrgyzstan’s most famous high lake. A private car takes you past the Burana Tower and Kochkor, over the Kalmak-Ashuu pass (3,447 m) and down to a family yurt camp on the shore of Song-Kol (3,016 m). You have the afternoon, the sunset and the morning by the water: walk to a viewpoint, ride a horse for an hour or simply watch the herds come home. About 300 km each way on good and gravel roads — easy, private and on any date from June to mid-September.
Price per person, depends on group size
Private tour on any date from June to mid-September. Price per person, depending on group size.
Included:
Not included:
Moments that stay with you
Season. Yurt camps at Song-Kol open in June and close in mid-September; outside these months the road and camps are closed.
What to bring. Warm fleece and down jacket, hat and gloves, rain jacket, sturdy shoes, sun cream and sunglasses, headlamp, cash in KGS for horses and souvenirs.
Booking. Small deposit by bank transfer or card to confirm, the rest on arrival in Bishkek. Need more time? Add a day at the lake or combine with Issyk-Kul — just ask.
Yes, if you mainly want to see the lake and spend a night in a yurt: you get the afternoon, sunset and morning at Song-Kol. The price is the long drive, about 6 hours each day. With one more day you can add a hike or horse ride without hurry — ask us for a 3-day version.
The lake lies at 3,016 m and the road crosses 3,447 m. Days in summer are mild, but nights can drop to 0–5 °C. Most people only notice a light headache; drink a lot and take it slowly. If you have heart or lung problems, ask your doctor first.
In a family-run yurt camp on the shore: felt yurts for up to 4 people with mattresses and warm blankets, a simple outdoor toilet and home-cooked meals. A private yurt costs +60 $ (single) or +90 $ (twin).
Yes. Herders at the camp rent horses for about 1,000 KGS per hour, paid in cash on the spot; a guide or herder leads you. No experience is needed for a short ride.
The price per person falls with group size — from 600 $ for two travellers to 180 $ each in a group of 12. Send us your date; we confirm within 24 hours, you pay a small deposit and the rest on arrival in Bishkek.
Want to reach the lake in the saddle? Take the 3-day Song-Kol horse riding tour. Prefer walking? Try the 3-day Song-Kol trek. Travelling alone? Join the weekly group trip to Song-Kol and Karakol.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
