song kul lake Kyrgyzstan, situated to the northwest of Naryn region in Kyrgyzstan is second largest after Issyk-Kul for lake size in this nation.
What is song kul lake Kyrgyzstan
Son-Kul is an alpine lake located within the Tien Shan at an elevation of 3016 meters above sea level and occupies 278 square kilometers; stretching across 28 kilometers in length by 18 kilometers wide with an average depth of 8.6 meters reaching up to almost 14 meters at its maximum point. Son-Kul covers an area covering 278 square kilometers covering an approximate surface area of 28×28 kilometers at an average depth of 8.6 meters while reaching up to almost 14 meters on occasion.
Exploring the Area
Son Kul is located partly within Karatal-Zhapyryk State Reserve, founded in 1994, and boasts whitefish, sparsely scaled and scaley osman fish species; Tibetan gray char, common marinerka peled fish; as well as other fish. Due to the cold climate however, no fish had ever lived here at all until 1959 – they were then introduced for breeding purposes! Many birds live around Son Kul; snow leopards, foxes and wolves frequent its coastal areas while medicinal herbs collected locally are collected then dried then combined with boiling water before finally creating potions used as remedies by local people themselves for medicinal brews that local people creates for medicinal use from these herbs which then grown natively throughout – there’s even an edelweiss plant growing here!
song kul lake Kyrgyzstan was formed as the result of melting glaciers. A river by that name drains it, eventually flowing into Naryn. From late September until early June, Son-Kul’s waters freeze over. Temperatures here can drop as far as -20 deg C during winter. Visitors are only able to visit in warmer seasons due to frozen roads preventing access and shutting them off so therefore the lake becomes uninhabited in wintertime.
Discovering the Son Kul Lake
song kul lake Kyrgyzstan is breathtaking in its beauty. Its mesmerizing azure waters draw tourists as well as locals. Surrounded by lush meadows where flocks of sheep and horses graze during summer days; shepherds bring livestock for extended grazing season in special-built yurts called jailoos; in winter these structures can be packed away into special compartments called jailoos for safe storage.
From Bishkek, it should take approximately 6-8 hours by car to arrive in Son-Kul. Most roads are in good condition with some off-road sections running along picturesque hills and paths through lovely meadows. Note that for optimal viewing experiences it is only possible from Son Kul’s western coastline; access is via Kalmak-Ashuu Pass or Terskey Torpok Pass for this route or Moldo Ashuu pass for southern coast access; alternatively Chilbel Pass Uzbek Tuz-Ashuu passes or Chilbel Pass Uzbek Tuz-Ashuu passes for foot or horse travel respectively.
For an authentic nomadic experience, local Kyrgyz will gladly rent you an insulated Kyrgyz yurt. In contrast to nearby buildings, no structures exist around Son Kul Lake; day temperatures rarely surpass +15 degF while nights often drop as far as negative values – though don’t fear cold weather; as well as natural insulation there will also be special wood-burning stoves installed into every yurt – plus horse riding lessons and fishing can be learned along its shores.
Near the lake you will discover ancient rock carvings which hint that shepherds brought cattle here centuries ago.
On the northern shore of song kul lake Kyrgyzstan stands its sole building: Tailak Baatyr’s (gumbez Tailak’s) mausoleum was constructed towards the end of XIX century to honor his contributions as Kyrgyz national hero who protected Kyrgyzstan against invasion from Chinese and Kokand. Atanai his companion and brother is interred alongside this honorable hero.
Not far from Son-Kul lies Kok-Oi village and its source of mineral water Emel; some believe that its composition matches that of Borjomi mineral waters.
How to Reach Song Kul
Nestled deep within Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous terrain, Song Kul can only be reached using four wheel drive (4WD). Kochkor, located east of Song Kul and accessible in four hours by road from Bishkek or Karakol is considered the gateway town; from Kochkor it takes another two hours until arriving on Song Kul itself.
song kul lake Kyrgyzstan can also be reached from Suusamyr in the west or Kazarman in the south by four-wheel drive vehicle or horseback ride or hike – although these methods of arrival take more time and will allow more scenic routes into Song Kul Lake.
Where to Stay
Chaek town is the nearest large settlement; however, summer visitors should explore one of several yurt camps located along Song-Kol. Many provide cheap yet romantic stays.
Eating and Drinking
At song kul lake Kyrgyzstan, visitors can order fresh meat prepared according to traditional Kyrgyz recipes as well as dishes tailored specifically for tourists’ requests from yurt camps. Many consider Song-Kol Lake the “soul” of Kyrgyzstan because the water here is clear and pure – although foreign tourists should note it may be wise not to drink directly from streams or lakes without first boiling it first before consumption.
What to See and Do
The area is very popular for horseback tours from one to ten days long, as well as hiking through Jumgal with overnight stays in yurts instead of tents.
As you trek and horseback tour through this lake, you are likely to come across numerous animals – fish such as peled and rare carp varieties; waterfowl such as demiselle crane, mountain goose, black stork and black-headed giggle are some of your likely sightings; additionally the lake itself boasts natural beauty with its surface color changing several times daily – either becoming saturated blue, purple-blue or lush green depending on when and how often sunlight hits its waters.
How to Reach Lake Song-Kol
song kul lake Kyrgyzstan is roughly 280 kilometers from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital city, and most visitors from Bishkek follow the Bishkek-Naryn highway when traveling from there. While most vehicles can navigate this highway easily during summer travel seasons, you will eventually need to leave it and traverse Kalmak-Ashuu Pass or Naryn Pass or Moldo Bel Pass before continuing onto Kara Keche Pass for Lake Song-Kol.
Active adventure routes abound at song kul lake Kyrgyzstan offering trekkers or horseback riders various trekking or riding tours including an unforgettable nine-day horseback tour from Shamshy called Jailoo Hopping to Lake Song-Kol; additionally there is also an excellent 7-day trek starting in Suusamyr Valley that passes close by Kyzart village in Jumgal region and heading directly toward this valley in summer months.
Reasons Why Song Kul is Worth Exploring
- As one of Kyrgyzstan’s premier attractions and spectacular natural settings, Song Kul is one of the must-do experiences when visiting Kyrgyzstan.
- Song Kul is not solely known for its natural splendor in Kyrgyzstan; visiting it also provides an unparalleled cultural experience: no other place offers as much opportunity for engaging with Kyrygyzstan’s rich nomadic culture as this lake.
- With hundreds of authentic and tourist yurt camps dotting the massive lake, visitors will have plenty of chances to learn more about this cultural legacy.
How To Plan and Execute A Horse Trek in Song Kul
Kochkor is home to numerous travel agencies that can organise horse treks into Song Kul for you; even your guesthouse likely can organize such an excursion!
Organisation Of An Independent Horse Trek To Song Kul
Kyzart is the go-to spot for horse treks, so every second house should have someone available who can guide you toward Song Kul Lake.
However, it doesn’t come out much cheaper (just a few dollars per person), so unless your family is truly on a tight budget it probably wouldn’t make much of a difference to switch.
Hiking to Song Kul Lake is another fantastic and highly-preferred way of exploring Kyrgyzstan’s natural wonders.
Trekking to Song Kul is one of the easiest hikes you can undertake in Kyrgyzstan, making for an added advantage.
Transportation To The Trailhead
Transportation will need to be arranged from Kochkor to reach Kyzart Pass. A shared taxi in this direction (Jumgal) should provide adequate and economical transport; be sure to exit early!
Your transport options to reach the trailhead include Kochkor CBT, travel agencies in town or guesthouse services – simply inform them you wish for them to drop you off at Km 46 on Kochkor-Jumgal Road for maximum efficiency! This area has become well known among hikers.
Day Trek to Song Kul in Indonesia Day Itinerary
Kyzart Pass marks the start of this trail, located directly along Route 219. It then continues down toward Kochkor and Jumgal.
Once out of your vehicle, follow the trail of car tracks leading toward the southern chain of mountains.
Daylight will lead you through two passes; first the Chaar-Archa Pass and later Kyzyl Bel Pass are each over 3000m high.
Your final stop for today should be Kilemche Valley. Camping enthusiasts may wish to stay by the river; while for those interested in yurting there are various yurt camps around.
Drive to Song Kul
With access to your own car, driving is the simplest and fastest way to arrive in Song Kul. Renting one in Kyrgyzstan is straightforward and enjoyable – an excellent way of experiencing its natural splendour.
Experience has taught us that renting cars online is both cheaper and simpler compared to renting from physical locations, especially Discover Cars (our personal favorite and trusted partner)! Here you’ll find great offers. We love this company personally!
If you don’t already own or want to rent a vehicle, Kochkor or Naryn offers car services with drivers for hire; although Naryn will likely cost significantly more.
Mountain Biking
Although we weren’t cycling (we were on horses!), we saw plenty of people mountain biking at Song Kul Lake. When we return to Kyrgyzstan this is exactly what we plan on doing!
For experienced riders looking for something different than traditional hiking routes or horse trekking tours, Song Kul can also be reached on bicycle. There are various horse trekking or hiking trails that lead directly into it from various points on the map.
What to Expect at Song Kul
song kul lake Kyrgyzstan is an extremely safe destination. Though remote, there’s actually quite a buzz of tourists and shepherds taking place, so there is little cause for alarm here.
However, when hiking be sure to take proper precautions. Check the weather, inform others of your plans, and have an alternate backup plan if things turn sour.
With any hike comes an increased risk of accidents; therefore it is imperative to have adequate travel insurance in place. We strongly suggest SafetyWing which offers protection up to 4000 meters and was developed specifically to cater to long-term travelers and nomads.
Mobile Reception And Electronics Array
There is no reception at Song Kul Lake, so make sure that any maps that could come in handy are downloaded ahead of time.
Bring along a power bank to keep all of your devices charged up at all times.
Tips And Tricks
Bring a windbreaker. Lake Eyre can get extremely windy! For horse trekking trips, bring paracetamol/ibuprofen as your body will hurt! And of course don’t forget your warm clothes- it can get very chilly at times! For alpine environments here’s our packing list:
If offered, try the Kumyz. While not delicious, it offers an exceptional cultural experience.
