Trekking Song Kul
As we ascended through the scenic Kyrgyz steppe, navigating various confusing trails over rolling hills, uncertainty about whether we had taken the correct path began to set in. Our adventure to Song Kul involved independent trekking, and we remained hopeful about our direction.
Fortunately, we often encountered amiable Kyrgyz nomads in these magnificent mountains. They were willing to engage with us, and our rudimentary Russian allowed them to guide us accurately.
Upon reaching the mountain pass, we were greeted with a breathtaking 360º view: rich, green hills on one side and a sprawling lake amid a vast plain on the other. Standing at Kyzart pass, an elevation of 2,664 meters, we found the scenery more than worth the hike.
After enjoying a exquisite pork sausage that we purchased from a gourmet shop in Bishkek, accompanied by a surprisingly delightful bottle of wine from Crimea, we descended from the pass. The transition brought us into a more alpine landscape where vegetation thinned, and upon arriving at the lake’s shore, we were warmly welcomed by nomads, horses, and endless fields of wildflowers.
Welcome to Song Kul
Trekking to Song Kul Independently from Kyzart
Located at a stunning 3,061 meters, Song Kul is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the country’s primary tourist attractions. The lake is surrounded by an expansive plain adorned with vibrant flowers, all encompassed by lush green hills.
During the summer months, the shoreline of this nearly round alpine lake teems with yurt camps and nomadic families whose livestock roam freely across the rich, grassy meadows.
Although Song Kul’s tourism infrastructure is emerging, it’s both well-organized and easily accessible, providing a genuine experience of Central Asian nomadic culture.
It’s common to perceive Song Kul as the epitome of a postcard-perfect tourist destination in Kyrgyzstan. Consequently, over the past few years, during peak season, it has seen an influx of visitors.
This surge of tourists has led to the rise of enterprising nomads displaying signboards at their yurt entrances, inviting people to stay at their camps. While the crowds do exist, they are dispersed across the expansive area, meaning you don’t need to feel overwhelmed.
Spanning 29 kilometers, Song Kul offers ample space to appreciate its vast natural beauty and tranquility.
While many travelers typically arrive by car from Kochkor, I opted for a refreshing change by trekking from the opposite side of the lake over a period of 2-3 days. This trek represents the most manageable hiking experience I undertook while exploring Kyrgyzstan, making it suitable even for novice trekkers.
This guide aims to provide a detailed daily itinerary along with valuable tips for trekking to Song Kul from Kyzart.
Trekking to Song Kul – Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1 – From Kyzart to the Northwest Lakeshore
The first day presents the most challenging part of the journey, primarily focused on reaching the Kyzart pass. The initial landscape is arid and rugged, marked by dense bush and scattered trees alongside an impressive rocky mountain range.
Upon crossing the pass, you’ll notice the environment transforms as trees and bushes give way to soft, velvet grass, and the air becomes considerably more humid.
The trek begins in a small village named Kyzart, positioned 71 kilometers from Kochkor, which serves as the primary base for trips to Song Kul.
Attaining Kyzart is straightforward through local shared taxis for less than $2; alternatively, private taxis charge at least $10.
I recommend securing a taxi or hitchhiking to the trail’s start, as the first 4 kilometers are spent navigating a dull, unpaved road. The true hiking trail commences after crossing the main river.
The trek to Song Kul (26 kilometers) typically takes about 6 to 7 hours, so aim for an early start.
Your first day of trekking concludes at the lakeshore, where you’ll find a couple of nomadic camps. You may encounter some tourists here, but the number is far less compared to the bustling eastern region of the lake.
Day 2 – Trekking Along the Lakeshore to the Main CBT Camp
The second day involves a leisurely 4-5 hour walk along the shoreline from the yurt camp to the main CBT camp (17 kilometers). I suggest taking the morning to explore the camp, interact with the nomads, capture photos, and learn about their unique way of life.
You could easily extend your stay for more than one night, engaging in activities such as playing football with friendly children or assisting women in milking cows.
If time is limited, head towards the CBT camp, but rest assured, this segment of the trail is also one of the trek’s highlights. Along the way, you’ll encounter a historic mausoleum from the Silk Road era, sweeping fields of colorful meadows, and herds of horses at the lakeshore.
Your day will come to a close at the main tourist camp in Song Kul, setting the stage for your return to Kochkor the next day.
One top tip: Capture stunning sunset photographs here; the sun sets to the west, and on clear days, the entire sky transforms into enchanting shades of orange.
Day 3 – Arranging Your Transportation to Kochkor
Though quite popular, do not overlook the beauty of this lakeside area. On certain weekends during the summer, CBT organizes traditional horse games where locals engage in a unique form of polo using a dead goat instead of a ball, along with horse wrestling and races.
Kochkor lies approximately 100 kilometers from the camp, and transportation back is flexible. Most nomadic families possess a vehicle, with prices ranging from $20 to $30, heavily influenced by your negotiation skills.
Alternatively, hitchhiking is an option, although it’s important to note that even locals often pay for rides in this region.
Practical Information for Trekking to Song Kul
Water Supplies – On the first day, there are no available water sources along the trail from Kyzart village to the lake, so ensure you pack a few liters for the long hike. At the lake, nomads utilize water pumps located about one hundred meters from the shore.
No Need for Excess Camping Gear – While you could bring a tent and sleeping bag, numerous nomadic camps are available at the lake, offering accommodations and warm meals.
Typically, you can stay at these camps for around $10, which includes dinner and a hearty breakfast. Dinner usually consists of shorpo (a local meat broth), while breakfast includes bread, jam, butter, eggs, and porridge. Trekking in Kyrgyzstan is highly manageable!
Horse Trekking – We met several individuals undertaking the trek on horseback, proving it’s an entirely feasible option. Arrangements can be made at the CBT office in Kochkor or in Kyzart, with Kyzart often being cheaper due to the absence of transportation fees.
Experience Level – This trek from Kyzart to Song Kul was, perhaps, the easiest experience I had in Kyrgyzstan. As mentioned in the itinerary, only the first day presents real challenges at the pass, while the remainder of the trail to the main yurt camp is quite flat.
When to Visit – Kyrgyzstan is a seasonally influenced destination. Departing from summer months, the region is typically blanketed in snow. Although spring or winter visits are possible, be wary of freezing weather and limited nomadic presence. The optimal time to visit is from June to September; however, even during this window, unexpected weather changes can occur. During my July visit, for instance, we faced heavy rain on the fourth day.
