Song-Kul Classic: Lakes, Mountains and Nomads

The classic eight-day loop of Kyrgyzstan: Issyk-Kul, the forests of Karakol, Altyn-Arashan, the Skazka canyon and two nights in a yurt camp at Song-Kul, 3,016 m.

Overview

If you have one week in Kyrgyzstan, this is the trip. It links the Silk Road tower of Burana, the shores of Issyk-Kul, the forest gorge of Karakol, the alpine valley of Altyn-Arashan and the red rocks of the south shore, and ends with two nights at Song-Kul, a high lake surrounded by summer pastures and herders’ yurts.

Along the way you meet a golden eagle hunter, watch a yurt being built, learn how shyrdak felt carpets are made, and cook beshbarmak with a nomad family.

Who it suits

Travellers with average fitness who are happy with simple comforts in the mountains. Hikes are at an easy pace of three to three and a half hours, there is a short horse ride (a car option is available), and three days have longer drives of six to seven hours with stops.

Day-by-day itinerary

D1 Bishkek – Burana – Issyk-Kul – Karakol

Arrive in Bishkek the day before: the transfer from Manas airport and your first hotel night are included, so you start rested.
The Burana tower, then the long drive along the north shore of Issyk-Kul, with stops by the water, to Karakol. Night in a hotel.

D2 Karakol gorge and town

A forest hike along the Karakol river and a riverside lunch with a local family, then the wooden cathedral and the Dungan mosque.

D3 Aksu hot spring – Altyn-Arashan

A morning soak at Aksu, then a bumpy ride in an old Soviet truck up to Altyn-Arashan, an alpine valley under snowy peaks. Afternoon hike. Night in a mountain guesthouse, no phone signal.

D4 Barskoon – Skazka canyon – Bokonbaevo

Down the valley and along the south shore to the Skazka canyon at sunset, then a family dinner in Bokonbaevo.

D5 Eagle hunter and yurt makers – Kochkor

A golden eagle demonstration, then the yurt-making village of Kyzyl-Tuu, where families still build yurts by hand. Night in a guesthouse in Kochkor.

D6 Felt workshop – Song-Kul

A shyrdak felt workshop in Kochkor, then up over the pass to Song-Kul at 3,016 m. Settle into the yurt camp by the lake.

D7 A full day at Song-Kul

Ride about an hour and a half each way to a herder's camp (or go by car), cook beshbarmak with the family and spend the afternoon by the lake. Night in the yurt camp.

D8 Song-Kul – Kochkor – Bishkek

Down from the mountains and back to Bishkek for a hot shower and a farewell dinner.

Included and not included

Included

  • English-speaking local guide for the whole trip
  • Private car and driver (4×4 on mountain roads)
  • Hotel night in Bishkek before the tour
  • All accommodation listed in the itinerary
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Entrance fees and activities in the itinerary
  • Two nights in a yurt camp at Song-Kul
  • Horse ride at Song-Kul, felt workshop and eagle hunter

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Drinks and snacks between meals
  • Tips for guides, drivers and hosts

What to bring

  • Walking shoes with good grip
  • Warm layers, hat and gloves: mountain nights are cold even in August
  • Rain jacket
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
  • Power bank: charging is limited in the mountains
  • Swimsuit for hot springs and the lake
  • Sleeping bag liner for the yurt nights

Questions and answers

How cold is it at Song-Kul?

Days are often warm, but nights at 3,000 m can drop close to freezing, even in summer. The yurts have wood stoves and thick blankets; bring a warm layer and a hat.

Is there a shower at Song-Kul?

No. There is no shower for the two nights at the yurt camp and the toilets are simple outdoor ones. You have a hot shower in Bishkek before the farewell dinner.

What about the altitude?

The highest point is Song-Kul at about 3,000 m. Most people adapt well; some feel a light headache or tiredness the first evening. Tell us about any health conditions before booking.

8 days

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Song-Kul Classic: Lakes, Mountains and Nomads · 8 days

A private trip for your group, on your dates, with your own guide. Send a request and a manager will confirm the details and the final price by email. Nothing is paid on the website.

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