Trekking to alpine Lake Son-Kul, 11 days

by Anarbekin Trekkingon Posted on

$1 / person

11days

Meduim

Kyrgyzstan

$1 / person

11days

Meduim

Kyrgyzstan

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Tour Route: Bishkek – Kochkor – Sarala-Saz – Sook valley – Kumdu Suu – Kilemche – Son-Kul lake – Issyk-Kul lake – Bishkek.

Highlights and Overview for this Trip

Introduction:
The jailoos are the pastures where kyrgyz shepherds tend their flocks in the summer, and Song-Kol is the jewel of the jailoos, a stunning 270 km 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 JalgyzKaragai (Lone Fir) Pass on the north shore.

Highlights:

  • Sarala Saz
  • Kilemche
  • Song-Kul Lake
  • Kochkor Valley
  • Issyk-Kul Lake

Trip season:late June – mid September
Total km of Trekking: approx. 50 km
Duration: 11 days, 10 nights
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouses/Yurt Camps on twin sharing basis
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (4 passes above 3 400 m, the highest at 3600 m)
Tour: Trekking

program:

DAY 1: Bishkek

After meeting and pickup at the airport “Manas” Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Sightseeing tour: visit central square Ala-Too, State History Museum, Fine Art Museum, Oak park, Osh market, Philormonia Concert Hall and etc.
Accommodation in the hotel 3*, Dinner at local restaurant.

After breakfast we’ll start our tour towards Kochkor (233 km, 3 hrs), where you will visit the Altyn-Kol Women’s Handicraft Co-operation. Here, you’ll learn about the skill and artistry of nomadic Kyrgyz women as they craft felt rugs like Shyrdak and Ala-Kiyiz, traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets, at the Felt Master’s workshop. After a delicious lunch featuring traditional dishes at the Felt Master’s house we’ll embark on an excursion to the Salt Mine resort “Chon-Tuz”, known for its therapeutic properties in treating asthma and allergies.
Dinner and accommodation at local homestay. 
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast transfer to Sarala-Saz jailoo, where trekking will start. The jailoo Sarala-Saz offer beautiful views of the Kara Moinok and Sandyk mountains to the south. Start your horseback tour. This day you spend crossing wide-open pastures till Iri Suu area. Eat dinner in Iri-Suu jailoo, and then take an evening walk over the hill into the beautiful Kashka-Suu River valley, where you can eat wild rhubarb and watch the alpenglow on the southern mountains.
Overnight stay in a yurt. Trek time: 5 hours. Meals: full board.

After breakfast at Iri-Suu, gear up for a long day through nearly-empty country. Begin by traversing the western end of the Kochkor Valley through scrubby dry terrain. After crossing the fast Karakol River, climb 1000 meters over the Buchuk Pass (3400 m). On the other side, after a brief break for lunch on the trail, descend into the beautiful Sook Valley. Wild onions cover the high cold ridges, while lower down whole hillsides of wildflowers bloom. Eagles soar and marmots cry and scurry about. At day’s end, ford the Sook River and climb the green Kichi Saryk Valley.
Overnight stay in a yurt. Trek time: 7-8 hours. Meals: full board

 

After breakfast at Sook, detour to the next valley west, the Kum Bel, for the best approach to the 3 600 m Kum Bel Pass. From the pass, follow a ridge eastward and upward to the peak, 3656 m above sea level, with breathtaking 360 views and sheer drops to the north. Continue east, testing your walking skills down scree-covered hillsides, and eat lunch in a sheltered notch. Descend at last into the Kolduu Suu valley, and follow it down between dandelion-covered mountains to your yurt, in Kolduu Suu jailoo.
Overnight stay in a tent. Trek time: 6-7 hours. Meals: full board.

After breakfast in Kolduu Suu, head south to the Kochkor – Jumgal road. Follow the road a short ways east to the Kyzart Pass, then strike south again. Within sight of the road, cross 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).
Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt. Trek time: 6 hours. Meals: full board.

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 east to the yurt at Batai Aral. Upon arrival meet your host family of Kyrgyz shepherds.
Meals and overnight stay in a yurt. Trek time: 6 hours. Meals: full board.

Spend the day enjoying refreshing and well-earned rest at the lake side. Watching and/or participation in everyday life of shepherds: milking mares; making national milk products like kymyz (a fermented mare’s milk) or airan (a sour dense milk product); tending cattle. Eat a delicious lunch here, stroll along the lakeshore, and hope the legendary Song-Kol weather is kind. After lunch transfer to Kochkor village, 3 hours. Dinner at local restaurant.
Accommodation at local homestay ; Meals: breakfast, lunch

Breakfast. Transfer to Cholpon-Ata, northern shore of Issyk-Kul lake 3 hrs. Upon arrival visit Cultural Complex “Ruh Ordo” after name of Kyrgyz famous writer Chyngyz Aitmatov, Petroglyphs museum on open air. Rest on the shore of Issyk-Kul lake.
Accommodation in the Home Stay. Meals: breakfast

Transfer to Bishkek (270 km, 5 hrs). Rest and free time on your own. Ask your guide for optional activities.
Accommodation in the hotel 3*; Meals: breakfast

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport “Manas”. Departure

PRICE

Package of 11 days

on request

The price is influenced by various factors such as group size or season. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a fixed price. 

Accommodation:

Bishkek – Shah-Palace 3* or equal level, including breakfast
Kochkor village – Home Stay (B&B), shared bathroom
Trekking period – Yurt Inn (Kyrgyz traditional dwelling), 5-6 persons in Yurt Inn on sharing basis one gender, half board is included
Issyk-Kul Lake – Home Stay (B&B), shared bathroom

Service includes:

  • Transportation
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the program
  • Meals as mentioned in the program
  • Excursion + entrance fee as mentioned in the program
  • Guide
  • Horse guides
  • Horses to carry food + kitchen equipment
  • Yurts during the trekking

Price does not include:

  • International flight
  • Kyrgyz Visa / visa invitation letter
  • Alcohol beverage
  • Extra services in the hotel
  • English speaking guide
  • Early check-in the hotel
  • Sleeping bag and carry mats
  • personal expenses
  • tipping

Notes!

Preparing for a mountain trekking adventure is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here is a comprehensive list of essential items you should bring:

Clothing

  • Layered clothing: Include base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers to adapt to varying weather conditions.
  • Waterproof jacket and pants: To stay dry during rain or wet conditions.
  • Warm hat and gloves: To protect against the cold, especially at higher altitudes.
  • Comfortable boots: Well-fitted and sturdy, preferably waterproof.
  • Additional pair of shoes or sandals for leisure time
  • Extra socks and underwear: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying options are best.

Gear

  • Backpack: A durable and comfortable backpack with a capacity suitable for the length of your trek. Recommended weight maximum 10kg
  • Sleeping bag: Suitable for the expected temperatures.
  • Sleeping bag liner: Adds warmth and ensures cleanliness. We cannot give you 100% guaranty that mattresses at the Yurt Camps or Homestays will be ideally clean and meet your standards. That is why better to put your own inlet to these beds.
  • Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries, for visibility at night.
  • Multi-tool or knife: Useful for various tasks.

Food and Water

  • Water bottles, water purification tablets or filter: For refilling from natural sources.
  • High-energy snacks: Such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars – if needed

Safety

  • First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Personal hygiene items: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, wet wipes and quick-dry towel
  • Medications: Any personal medications, plus extras in case of delays. We are sometimes in very remote areas, so obtaining these items could be difficult.
  • Sun protection: Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, hat, sunglasses.
  • Insurance: Travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is highly recommended that clients have their own travel insurance to cover illness, injury, and loss or damage to personal belongings. In case of an emergency, the staff will do their best to assist and transport you to a hospital or another point of care. However, if you do not have insurance, you will be required to cover the charges yourself. Your insurance should also cover helicopter services and rescue/search operations in the mountains.

Miscellaneous

  • Camera or smartphone: To capture the beautiful scenery.
  • Power bank: To keep your electronic devices charged.
  • Reusable bags: For carrying trash out of remote areas.

Remember, packing light is important, but make sure you have all the essentials to stay safe and comfortable during your horse trekking adventure. Enjoy the ride!

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