Son Kul in 3 days
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Season: June – October
Route: Chui, Issyk Kul, Naryn regions
Conditions: there is not a lot of physical exertion throughout the journey. But there will be several long transfers about 7 hours a day and travelers will reach an altitude up to 3200m.
If you’ve got at least tree days for journey this short trip is a good opportunity to venture out of routine. You will get acquainted with the life and culture of nomads in the mountains and you can totally reboot you life there.
Son Kul Lake this is the second largest lake after Issyk Kul Lake. And the largest fresh water lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is surrounded by a broad summer pasture and then mountains. The area around of the lake is used by the shepherds of the Kochkor, Naryn and At Bashi regions for summer pastures for their flocks. In fact, there is evidence that it has been used for pasture from very ancient times.
The area is inhabited and safely accessible only from June to September. Son Kul Lake is remote and challenging to access but this place is absolutely a must-see of Kyrgyzstan.
Day 1
Bishkek – Kochkor village – Son Kul Lake (350km)
Transfer to Kochkor village. Visiting felt-art workshop, where you may see Kyrgyz traditional fancy-work. To watch the process of producing carpets: Ala Kiyiz and Shyrdak. After lunch transfer to Son Kul lake. Overnight in yurt camp. (LD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Kochkor – 1750m, Son Kul Lake – 3016m
Day 2
Son Kul Lake
Stay in Son Kul area all day. Hiking up to panoramic view to the Lake. Possible to organize horse riding. Make acquaintance with nomad style life. Overnight in yurt camp. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Son Kul Lake – 3016m
Day 3
Son Kul Lake – Bishkek (400 km)
Transfer to Bishkek. On the way back stop in Boom gorge. Visiting historical complex of “Burana Tower” (10-11c.). Climb up the tower (23m), visit museum. (BL)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Son Kul Lake – 3016m, Bishkek – 700m
Service includes:
Accommodation 4-5 persons in a yurt;
Transport for transfers during tour;
Full board during tour according the program;
English speaking guide;
Tickets to Burana;
Felt-art workshop.
Service doesn't include:
Accommodation before and after the program;
Alcohol and soft drinks;
Transfers, excursions or horse riding over the program etc.;
Visa and invitation letter to Kyrgyzstan;
Medical insurance.
Clothing and Equipment:
Sunscreen (at least 20SPF);
Chapstik or equivalent lip balm;
Sunglasses with UV protection;
At least a 25 Liter backpack for personal items;
Sleeping bag (otionally);
Telescopic trekking sticks poles (optional);
Head lamp (eg Petzl) spare bulbs & batteries;
T-Shirts, long-sleeved T-shirt, shorts;
Trekking pants;
Underwear;
Fleece jacket or pullover;
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional);
Down vest and/or jacket (optional);
Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex) with hood;
Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex);
Thick, warm wool hiking socks - 2 pairs (for sleeping in tents cotton socks - 3 pairs);
Thin gloves for trekking and overnight;
Sun hat or scarf;
Warm fleece hat or light balaclava;
Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces;
Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and/or sandals.
