song kul horse trek

WHERE TO ORGANISE THE HORSE TREK TO SONG KUL & PRICES

You can organise your horse trek either in Kochkor or Kyzart village. We came to Kochkor from  Tosor in Issyk Kul . And immediately went to Kyzart by shared taxi for 350 – 400 KGS per person ($4 – 4.5), depending on your negotiation skills. Be prepared once you arrive in Kochkor, taxi drivers will fight for you to take you to Kyzart or organise the horse trek for you. The problem is, they ask for hefty amounts! Take your time negotiating, and don’t pay more than 400 som per person for a ride to Kyzart! 

Another option, if you don’t take a shared taxi, is to take a marshrutka going to Chaek and ask the driver to drop you off at the beginning of Kyzart village. We didn’t know the timetable of this marshrutka, and since the sunset was soon, we couldn’t wait any longer to find out when is coming.

Organise your trek in Kyzart Village

 This is the option we did. We took a shared taxi the same day from Kochkor to Kyzart, from where the two days horse treks start. Since we arrived late, we pitched the tent before the village and decided to find a horse and a guide the following day.

We went directly to the guesthouse  Horseback Holiday at Kyzart village . The only person home was 17 years old Adin since the rest of the family was already by Song Kul Lake with other guests. We negotiated the price of  10 000 KGS ($114)  for two people, but we stayed in our tent, cooking our own food that we brought with us. He originally asked 15 000 KGS ($170). It is still more than we expected, as we thought the price should be 8000 KGS (check the prices below).

Anyway, it was almost 11am, so we didn’t want to waste time searching for other options as the Kyzart village seemed to be very quiet, and there was a chance we won’t find a horse with a guide to go to Song Kul Lake that day, so we took it. Be prepared for that. Kyzart is a small village. And looking back into it, the safer option is organising your trek from Kochkor. As if Adin wasn’t home, finding other people who would go with us to Song Kul could be hard.

Organise your trek in Kochkor

You can stay the night in Kochkor and organise your horse trek starting from there. Basically, any guesthouse can book it for you. Or you can try a local travel agency. They charge 18 000 KGS ($205) for two people in Caravan Tourism Agency (WhatsApp: +996707259282) or Shepherd’s Life (WhatsApp +996777013747). The price includes the transport between Kochkor and Kyzart, horses, a guide and a stay in the yurt camp with dinner and breakfast. You can also organise it through CBT , but they overcharge even more ($250 for two people). The prices in Kochkor are usually a bit higher than if you arrange it yourself in Kyzart.

How to get to Kochkor

To get to Kochkor, take a marshrutka from Bishkek’s Western bus station for 300 KGS ($3.4). Or take a bus from villages around Issyk Kul to Balykchy. Then change for a shared taxi to Kochkor (250 KGS). 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE of the tour

We paid 10 000 KGS ($114), including two horses for me and Jakub. Guide with his horse (you shouldn’t pay for the guide’s horse, as it is guaranteed they already have their horse and don’t expect you to pay for it). And that’s it. Bear in mind that it was just me, Jakub and our guide. Some places might put you with another group of travellers, so ensure you know the details before booking. We met many groups who started their trip from Kochkor, and their group had 10-15 people.

If you want to stay in the yurt camp with dinner and breakfast included, expect to pay  13 000 KGS ($150) for two people.

Note:  we opted for a 2 days/1 night horse trek from Kyzart village to Song Kul Lake and back. We also decided to take our camping gear with us and sleep in our own tent and cook our food.

Price examples

Following prices as they should be in August 2022. We found people in Kyrgyzstan often overcharging, so to get these prices; you must have good negotiation skills or try to organise everything in advance through WhatsApp. This way, you have space to contact more providers and negotiate the price. 

• Renting horse: 1000 KGS per day
• Services of the guide: 1500 KGS per day (Don’t pay for their horse, it should be included) 
• Night in the yurt with breakfast: 2000 KGS 
• There is no entry fee to Song Kul Lake.

This way, the price for two people should be 7000 KGS sleeping in their own tent or 11 000 KGS with B&B. Good luck with the negotiation, and let us know in the comments if you can get the right price. 

Camping or sleeping in the yurt?

If you have your camping gear, you can enjoy being alone by the Song Kul lake shore, as we did. It was an incredible experience, and we would do it anytime again this way. You stay 400 m from the yurt camp anyway, so you can go there to look, ask for food or coffee & tea and use all the facilities if you feel like it. 

Or, if you want to experience staying with a local family in a yurt, try their traditional food and see how the lives go in the yurt camp, you can do so too! The guide will arrange everything for you in advance. Usually, if the family rents out horses & guide services in Kyzart, they also own the yurt camp by the lake. So you have everything easily arranged for you. 

If you are vegetarian, like us, there is no point in paying for food in yurts unless you let them know in advance and they have time to prepare something more special for you. As most of the food consists of meat. If you want a vegetarian dish, you usually get plain potatoes, eggs and, if lucky, some vegetables. We found it much easier to bring our food. 

If you don’t mind this, go for it. If you eat meat, congratulations! You found paradise. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Make sure you have proper travel insurance for riding a horse in Kyrgyzstan. Be aware that not every travel insurance covers horse riding in their basic packages or higher altitude trekking. Song Kul Lake is more than 3000 m above sea level. IATI Insurance covers all that and also any expenses regarding Covid 19. 

You can also arrange it when you are already travelling so you don’t need to be in your country of residence. The prices are fair, and customer service is excellent. In addition, as a reader of Broken Navigation, you get an exclusive 5% discount for any insurance plan with IATI Insurance. 

Get your 5% discount with IATI Insurance here.

THE HORSE TREK: OUR EXPERIENCE – 2 DAYS ITINERARY

Day 1: from kyzart village to song kul.

• Distance: 19 km 
• Lake elevation: 3016 m
• Max elevation: 3310 m, Tuz Ashu pass
• Starting point: Kyzart village, guesthouse Horseback Holiday at Kyzart village
• End point: Song Kul Lake, yurt camp
• Total time: 5.5 hours with one short break along the way 

Once you arrange your tour in the morning, the guide will briefly explain how to control a horse. How to turn left, right and stop. Luckily, horses are pretty intelligent animals, so they usually know where to go. 

We put our backpacks with all the camping gear into a huge handmade pocket, and our guide was carrying that on his horse. Let’s go. First, we had to cross the main road, which was quite a challenging task for someone sitting on the horse for the second time. 

Luckily, Kyzart is a tiny village with barely any traffic. After a couple of minutes, we got to the beginning of the Song Kul Lake trail. At this point, I already knew riding a horse would be a painful experience. Oh Lord, how right was I? It is not just sitting on the horse; it feels like good exercise as you need to balance and control him, which takes a certain fitness level. 

Today plan is to get to the yurt camp by the Song Kul Lakeshore, and the distance is roughly 19 km. The first 2-3 hours of the trail are relatively easy, as the terrain is mostly flat or slightly uphill. You get a wonderful view of the Kyzart mountains and mountainous steppes. Jakub’s horse was not impressed and didn’t want to move any faster than a human could. He was constantly hundreds of meters behind us. Chuuu! Chuuu! Our guide yelled and gave Jakub’s horse a good whip, which only made the horse start running. Well, did I already mention that this is a painful experience? Haha. I can’t say the same about my horse, as he was super active and always started running, so I had to stop him quite often. 

Then you cross the Tuz Ashu pass in 3310 m. From there, the scenery starts to unfold rapidly. When you turn back, you see all the mountain ranges of Kyzart; in front of you, in a far distance, you see the first glimpse of Song Kul Lake. Sheep, goats and cows are running all around you. This is Kyrgyz wilderness at its best. 

Note:  There were no yurts along the way. The first yurts you can stay in are once you reach the shore of Song Kul! 

You follow the trail for another hour or two, depending on where you stay tonight, and here, you already go past the nomadic yurts. Some of them are for tourists, and some of them belong to local shepherds. We are here! Our guide yelled. We could choose whether to pitch a tent on the lake shore or go 400 m further to the valley, where his yurt camp is. We couldn’t resist and decided to stay camping alone by the lake. Our guide took horses and left us alone; we agreed he would pick us up the next morning around 10 am. 

Camping by the lake is an absolutely amazing experience, as you get to watch the breathtaking sunset, horses are running freely around you, and occasionally, they come to drink water from the lake. 

Song Kul Lake is different from the other cute, turquoise alpine lakes. In reality, it is the second-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, with lengths of 29 km! So even though everyone is talking about it as one of the most popular hikes in Kyrgyzstan, you barely meet other tourists since the yurt camps are kilometres from each other. The scenery is wast, reminding us of our second home, Iceland. Except, the temperatures were much warmer in Song Kul. 

DAY 2. From Song Kul to Kyzart

• Max elevation: Max elevation: 3310 m, Tuz Ashu pass
• Starting point: Song Kul Lake, yurt camp
• End point: Kyzart village, Horseback Holiday at Kyzart village guesthouse
• Total time: 4.5 hours

After we cooked breakfast, had coffee and chilled by the grassy lake shore, our guide picked us up at 10am. We loaded our stuff on his horse and started the hike back to Kyzart village. 

Today, you go back exactly the same way you came yesterday. The only difference is you are faster as most of the trail goes downhill. It took us roughly 4,5 hours to get back to Kyzart. But only because we were caught in an unexpected, quick storm after reaching the highest point of the trail. The wind got so strong that our horses didn’t listen to our commands, and we couldn’t hold ourselves on the horse and descend the mountain on him at the same time as the horses were constantly trying to run. We ended up jumping down and going this part on foot, as it was too dangerous to ride the horse. After 30 minutes of rain and strong wind, we safely descended the valley. Sun started to shine, and we could continue our trek on the horse again. 

Make sure you have gloves and a hat because the temperature up there was almost freezing when the storm came. And it was the middle of the summer! 

The last part of the trek is easy, through the grasslands and slight descents, with the last km on a flat gravel road. We enjoyed the final moments of our two days horse trek until we reached the  Horseback Holiday at Kyzart village guesthouse , where our tour officially ended. 

WEATHER IN SONG KUL

We went to Song Kul Lake in early August 2022 and were surprised it was quite warm, even at night. The temperatures at night were around 15°C. During the day, it was around 22°C. This was on a sunny day. The next day we woke up to a cloudy and rainy morning, wearing a down jacket as it was around 10°C. We were met by a storm while crossing the highest point of the Tuz Ashu pass, where the strong wind made it feel freezing, and we couldn’t continue without our gloves and hat. So as you see, the weather in Song Kul is changeable; you are at an altitude of more than 3000 m, so make sure you have warm clothes and a rain jacket with you. 

It is also a good idea to bring good rain protection for your backpack as there is not much you can do while riding the horse if it starts raining. We just bought the regular garbage plastic bags and put our things in them inside the backpack. But also we had a rain cover for our bags. 

Tip:  Bring a swimsuit! You can have a refreshing dip in Song Kul Lake! 

WHERE TO STAY BEFORE AND AFTER THE HORSE TREK

After returning from the trek, we didn’t plan anything ahead as we weren’t sure when exactly we would return. Since we returned quite early, around 3 or 4 pm, we decided to return to Kochkor for a better starting point the next day. Our guide called a shared taxi for us, which costs 400 KGS ($4.5) per person, and it came to pick us up directly to the guesthouse within 45 minutes since the phone call. 

Optionally, marshrutkas run between Kochkor and Chaek. You just go on the main road to make sure you can stop it. 

Where to stay in Kyzart

Budget I Horseback Holiday at Kyzart village – we organised horses and guide through this guesthouse. They also stored our things we didn’t need during the horse trek. The guesthouse is nice, providing better comfort than we saw in other remote places. They will cook you lunch and dinner if you want. Breakfast is included. 

Budget I Kyzart Guesthouse – another place in Kyzart where they can organise a horse trek for you. Run by a lovely family, a basic room and breakfast are included. 

Where to stay in Kochkor

In Kochkor, the accommodation scene is much bigger than in Kyzart.

The budget I Center Guesthouse – the top option amongst travellers is the Center Guesthouse. As the name suggests, it is located in the city centre. You can book basic rooms with breakfast and wifi, and they can organise the horse trek for you. You will likely meet fellow travellers here. 

Budget I Guest House Nur – another family stay in Kochkor. Rooms are spacious, with breakfast and wifi included. You can store your bags before you return from the trek. The location is central. 

Mid-rage I Olive Hotel – if you need more privacy and, after a couple of weeks in Central Asia, you want to treat yourself to a proper hotel room, Olive Hotel is a place to be. It is close to the city centre, with breakfast and wifi included. 

We liked Kochkor as it is more traditional than other villages, and it also seems that people here are more religious. There is a market, stores, and restaurants, and overall, staying here is quite pleasant after the horse trek. Marshrutkas and shared taxis run between Kochkor and Bishkek, Naryn, Balykchy & others multiple times daily. 

TIPS FOR HORSE RIDING IN KYRGYZSTAN

Wear long sleeves  – on sunny days, it gets extremely hot, and remember, you are sitting on the horse with no chance to hide from the sweltering heat. A hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves are a must. Even long trousers are a good idea since your leg can get itchy. 

Travel insurance  – check if your travel insurance cover is trekking at a higher altitude (more than 3000 m) and if they also cover you while horse riding! Some policies even differentiate if you go for a leisure 1-hour ride or do proper overnight trekking, like the one to Song Kul. We recommend IATI Insurance. You can use our 5% discount if you purchase your travel insurance through this link . 

Have a small backpack  – fill it with everything you might find necessary and easily accessible while sitting on the horse. Water, quick snacks, gloves, hat, rain cover, toilet paper, warm clothes and whatever else you might need. 

Warm clothes  – this is obvious as you will spend a night at an altitude higher than 3000 m above sea level. But once you ride to the top of the Tuz Ashu pass, the weather gets immediately colder and windier. Have your jacket ready. 

Never let go of the reins  – even when your horse drinks from the stream. Sometimes they suddenly start running, so you must always be in control. 

Don’t put your feet fully in the stirrups  – if you lose balance or fall, your leg will be stuck, which might get pretty dangerous.

Water filter –  bring a water filter so you don’t have to carry water for two days. You can filter water directly from the lake, but we don’t recommend this option as the water was mixed with sand, and it almost blocked our Sawyer water filter. Instead, filter the water from the stream in the yurt camp. The water there is much cleaner, and people from yurts use it too.

First time on the horse?  – yes, you can. Yes, you should. Don’t worry; it might sound scary at first, but you will get used to it after a few minutes. The horses are used to going to Song Kul with tourists often.

Next time  – the only thing we would change for the next time is to ask our guide to have a break more often. To take more photos or have snacks. As we stopped just one time for maybe 10 minutes. 

MORE FROM KYRGYZSTAN

Four day hike over Ala Kul Lake pass: Epic hike in Kyrgyzstan

Top things to do in Karakol & The Best Day Trips

Korday Border Crossing: Almaty to Bishkek (Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan)

Visit Osh: Our favourite city in Kyrgyzstan

A quick guide to visiting Fairytale Canyon, Kyrgyzstan

More from central asia

Epic hike to Kolsai Lakes

Natural reserve in Kazakhstan: Aksu Zhabagly

Best day and multi-day trips from Almaty

Uzbek ghost town Moynaq and Aral Sea: Visit the ship cemetery

How to travel by train in Uzbekistan: Epic train rides

2 weeks itinerary & Uzbekistan ultimate guide

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Travelling for years now, she found the passion in unique and off the beaten path places. Romana is a food lover, but it doesn’t stop her from hiking the mountains for several days. By sharing her experiences, she wants to help you experience the same.

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Kyrgyz Nature Travel Company

3 days horse trek to Song-Kul lake (whole year)

Lake of Son-Kol The truly magical mountain lake of Son-Kol is situated at an altitude of 3,016m above sea level in the Tien-Shan mountain range. The lake is 13,2m deep at the deepest point, 29km long and 18km in width. Since olden days, nomads from Kochkor, Naryn and At-Bashy have settled here for summer pasture.Together with their families, they spend the summer here, using the Son-Kol shore for pasture. The lake shines like a pearl, set in a mount of a snow-white chain of mountains.In summer, the water temperature is 11-12В°C, from November till May the lake is ice-bound.No trees or shrubs grow here, but you have a unique opportunity to see a scattering of edelweiss and lots of other rare flowers. 66 species of water-fowl inhabit the Son-Kol shore – they fly in, in the middle of May and stay until September.The reservoir is a unique source for ornithological scientific research, especially for those, who study ducks.The number of species runs up to 14. The wild shore is home to many species of beasts (snow leopard, red wolf, fox, etc). Hospitable shepherds will greet you as dear guests in their yurt camps.Here you will be able to slake your thirst with the national Kyrgyz drink – kymyz.It is fermented from mares’ milk using special equipment and possesses medicinal qualities.

Transfer to Kyzart village which is 2hour drive, arrive to horseman house, lunch at his house, after your horseman

prepares your horses, your guide will train you how to ride a horse, continue horse riding along the Bazar-Turuk

gorge and Kilemche vallaey, first night you will spend in Kilemche, arrive to the yurt camp set in a yurt, night and

dinner in local nomad yurt camp. 4-5hour ride

In the morning after the breakfast, we go on our trip to Song-Kul lake with crossing Jalgyz-Karagai pass which altitude 3400m high above sea level, here you will have amazing views to Kilemche valley and to the lake Song-Kul, after go down to Jaman-Echki where you will have lunch, after lunch continue to Tuz-Ashuu valley where you will spend the 2nd night, night and dinner in yurt camp. 4-5hour ride

Lately in the morning we will ride to Kyzart, with crossing Tuz-Ashuu pass which altitude 3400m high above sea level, arrive to Kyzart, lunch in horseman house, transfer back to Kochkor end of the trip.

• Accomadation in yurts
• 3 time meals
• Eng.speaking guide
• horse guide, horses
• Transportation from Kochkor back to Kochkor

Not include:

• Alcohol drinks
• Travel insurance
• Air tickets
• Tax of Bank
• Additional service: Disco, bar, international calls,
• laundry etc.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

• ALA-TOO SQUARE
• GAPAR AITIEV ARTS MUSEUM
• ATA BEYIT MEMORIAL COMPLEX
• Day Tours & Weekend Tours
• Horse Riding
• Adventure & Nature
• Biking & Cycling

Related trips you might interested in

2 days horse trek to Altyn Arashan valley

2 days horse trek to Kol-Ukok lake

Song Kul Lake: Hike, Bike or Ride a Horse to This Stunning Lake

Song Kul Lake rightfully stands out amongst all of Kyrgyzstan’s beautiful destinations. This high-altitude lake, surrounded by an expansive jailoo (summer pasture) and soft rolling hills, is a sight for sore eyes. 

It’s not just about Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty though. With dozens of yurt camps scattered around the lake and ample time to interact with their inhabitants, spending time at Song Kul Lake is a great way to dive deeper into Kyrgyzstan’s rich nomadic culture. 

Visit Song Kul and see for yourself just how beautiful Kyrgyzstan is. 

Kyrgyzstan Travel Resources

• Getting there: search for flights to Kyrgyzstan
• Guidebook: pick up a Bradt Kyrgyzstan guidebook
• Where to stay: search for guesthouses or yurts
• How to get around: rent a car to get around Kyrgyzstan
• Travel insurance: get travel insurance for your trip
• Money: get a Wise travel card to save big time in Kyrgyzstan
• Gear: pick up a Steripen for clean water 24/7

Table of Contents

What is Song Kul 

Song Kul is a high alpine lake situated at an altitude of 3016m. Measuring in at 270 square kilometres, it’s the second-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and easily one of its most famous. 

While Song Kul itself is undoubtedly beautiful, what really makes a trip out special is the surrounding scenery and the remote location of the lake. It takes on average two days to reach the lake and en route, you’ll pass the classic high-altitude scenery Kyrgyzstan is famous for: jailoos, rolling hills and mountains and endless vistas. Ahhhh, beautiful Kyrgyzstan. 

Want to visit another stunning lake in Kyrgyzstan? Read all about remote Kel Suu

Where is Song Kul

Song Kul is located in Naryn Oblast in Central Kyrgyzstan. The lake is surrounded by a large summer pasture fringed by rolling hills. 

The nearest hub, and where most people base themselves to get organised for a trip to Song Kul Lake, is Kochkor, about 40 km away. 

Kyzart, about 72 km from Kochkor, is a small village close to Song Kul and from where most horse treks and treks begin. 

Best time to visit Song Kul

The season for vising Song Kul Lake is from June to September. The best time to visit Song Kul is in July and August. During this time, the weather will be at its warmest (but by no means hot). 

Due to its high elevation, Song Kul’s weather is unpredictable: it can be sunny in the morning and then turn windy and stormy in the space of a few hours. Even in summer, it can be very cold (and freezing at night), so be sure to pack warm clothes. 

Don’t know what to pack? Don’t sweat, we’ve got you covered. See our packing list below . 

Read next: Ala Kul Lake Essential Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Why you should visit Song Kul

As one of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous and beautiful destinations, visiting Song Kul is usually a high priority for any visitor to the country. 

Song Kul is not just about Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty. Visiting Song Kul is as much a cultural experience as it is a natural one: nowhere in the country affords such a wonderful opportunity to engage with Kyrygyzstan’s rich nomadic culture. With yurt camps (some authentic, some solely set up for tourists) peppered around the massive lake, there are unlimited opportunities to learn more about this cultural heritage. 

You can hang out with families, milk a mare, try kumys (fermented horse milk) and if you’re lucky, catch a bit of kok boru (headless goat polo). The true joys of travel in Central Asia!

Read next: Kol-Tor Lake: The Best Hike Near Bishkek

How to get to Song Kul

We’ll be honest with you: there’s no easy way to get to Song Kul. 

Song Kul is surrounded by multiple passes, all of which are over 3000m. To reach the lakeshore, you’ll have to cross at least one of these. This is one beautiful place in Kyrgyzstan where the journey really is as exciting as the destination itself. 

When planning how you’re going to get to Song Kul, the sky’s the limit. You can hike, take a horse, ride a bike, drive or even do a combo. The choice is yours, my friend! 

Horse Trekking

Doing a horse trek to Song Kul is by far the most popular option. There’s something deeply romantic about riding a horse through the rolling hills and across the jailoo to reach remote Song Kul Lake.  

When choosing a horse trek to Song Kul, there are unlimited options. You can go from anywhere to 2 – 10 days, with countless variations. Let’s just say it’s well beyond the scope of this humble travel blog to attempt to lay them all out. 

Our two cents? Unless you really love riding, 3 days are enough. You go very slowly on a horse and your body will begin to ache. 3 days felt like the sweet spot in terms of duration. 

We chose an option where we reached the lake in one day, spent a whole day meandering around the lake and then returned in a day. We loved this route. The second day traversing the lake was beautiful, peaceful and allowed us to see the lake from different perspectives. We couldn’t recommend it more. 

How to Organise a Horse Trek to Song Kul

From Kochkor, there are about a million different travel agencies in town that will be able to organise a horse trek to Song Kul for you. Speak to your guesthouse and it’s almost guaranteed they can put together a trip for you too. For a classic 3-day / 2-night horse trek, these should cost approximately 14,000 – 15,000 KGS per person. 

Our recommendation? Jailoo Tourism in Kochkor. 

Why? Their prices are fair and the woman who runs it is an absolute legend. She knows everything about the area and can advise you on a million different options so you can tailor the trip to your liking. 

We also really enjoyed the yurt camps they set us up with. They were local families and had a very authentic vibe. We’ve heard a lot of negative feedback about some of the other camps that feel a bit manufactured. 

They’ll also give you a price breakdown of all the costs and you can pick and choose what you want included (i.e., you can take out meals, or choose to camp, etc.). For an all-inclusive 3-day / 2- night trip, it should cost somewhere around 12,000 KGS per person.

Pro tip: to save some cash, skip an arranged lunch and pack your own. We usually pack some bread, cheese and tomatoes to make easy sandwiches on the way, along with some snacks like chocolate, dried fruit and nuts. 

Of course, you can always pre-arrange a horse trek to Song Kul in advance. Being such a popular destination, there are multiple tours available.

Organising a Horse Trek to Song Kul Independently 

You can also go directly to Kyzart and arrange a horse trek independently. It’s the main departing point for horse treks, so every second house will know someone who can guide you to Song Kul Lake. 

That said, it actually doesn’t come out to much cheaper (we’re talking a few dollars per person), so unless you’re really on a budget, it’s not really worthwhile. 

Want more horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan? Visit Tash Rabat Caravanserai

Trekking to Song Kul Lake is another great, and very popular, option for those who want to experience Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty. 

Another bonus is that trekking to Song Kul is one of the least difficult hikes you can do in Kyrgyzstan. Compared to some of the country’s more arduous treks, the passes are relatively moderate in terms of gradient and technical challenge. 

As with horse trekking, there are many different routes you can take, each varying in duration and difficulty. 

The most popular hike route to Song Kul departs from Kyzart Pass. From the Kyzart Pass, it takes 2 days of moderate trekking to reach Song Kul Lake. 

If you want to explore more obscure or long-distance options, stop by the CBT in Kochkor and pick up a copy of the hiking map with all the trails laid out. 

Transportation to the Trailhead 

You will need to arrange transportation to the Kyzart Pass. From Kochkor, the cheapest way to do this is to get a shared taxi in this direction (towards Jumgal) and get out early. 

You can also arrange transport directly to the trailhead via the Kochkor CBT, any travel agency in town or your guesthouse. When arranging this, ask them to drop you off at Km 46 on the Kochkor-Jumgal Road (this is very well-known).  

2-Day Trekking Itinerary to Song Kul

Day 1: Kyzart Pass to Kilemche Valley

• Distance: 15 – 17 km (depending on exactly where you stop)
• Elevation: +900m / -850m

The trail starts at Kyzart Pass, right on the main road between Kochkor and Jumgal.

Once you get out of the car, follow the trail of car tracks that lead toward the southern chain of mountains. 

Over the course of the day, you’ll go over two passes: first up is the Chaar-Archa Pass and then the Kyzyl Bel Pass. Both are just over 3000m. 

The day’s destination is the Kilemche Valley. If camping, you can overnight at the river. If yurting, there are several yurt camps in the area. 

Day 2: Kilemche Valley to Song Kul

• Distance: 15 – 17 km
• Elevation: +800m / -400m

From the valley, you’ll climb the 3325m Jalgis Karagai Pass. From the top, there are excellent views of Song Kul and the mountains to the north. 

From the top of the pass, there’s a clear path straight down to the lake. 

When you get to Song Kul, there are plenty of spaces to wild camp and many yurt camps to arrange a bed for the night. 

Important : fill up on water in the Kilemche Valley, as you won’t have water again for most of the day! Be sure to treat all your drinking water, as there are many animals around. A Steripen is a great way to have access to clean water 24/7.

How to get back to Kyzart or Kochkor from Song Kul

There are a few different options for getting back to either Kyzart or Kochkor. 

• Obviously, you can re-trace your steps and return along the same route. 
• You can go hike over the Tuz Ashu Pass and get to Kyazart in one day. This is along an old Jeep road.  
• You can also return via the Ozbek Ashuu Pass. This is more difficult, more remote and will take a couple of days. 
• You can go back by car. Even though Song Kul is one of the country’s most popular destinations, it’s best to arrange in advance. You can do so via the Kochkor CBT, one of the travel agencies in town, or your guesthouse. Just note that it’s not cheap – around 3000 KGS.

The route is not signposted, so it’s a good idea to get your hands on a map. There are multiple online maps, on either maps.me , AllTrails and Wikiloc . 

Paper maps of the hiking routes in the region can be sold at the CBT office in Kochkor. 

Driving to Song Kul

If you have your own car, you can drive to Song Kul. It’s both easy and common to rent a car in Kyrgyzstan and it’s a great way to explore the country’s natural beauty. In our experience, it’s cheaper and easier to rent a car online. Our recommendation? Hop over to Discover Cars for the best deals – it’s what we personally use and recommend.

If you don’t have a car (nor want to rent one ), then you can arrange a car and driver to take you there. This can be arranged from Kochkor or Naryn (although Naryn will cost significantly more). 

To arrange a driver, simply speak to the CBT of whichever town you’re in, or your guesthouse. We’ve always had better results arranging anything through guesthouses than through the CBTs. 

Mountain Biking 

Another fun option is to ride a bike to Song Kul Lake! 

If you’re fit and an experienced rider, you can take any of the horse trekking or hiking trails to Song Kul via bicycle. 

Accommodation at Song Kul Lake

Song Kul is THE place in Kyrgyzstan to get a taste of nomad culture, so it’s only fitting that you should stay in a yurt whilst there. 

There are plenty (and we mean plenty) of yurt camps at the lake and en route. Although they’re now set up for tourists, they still give you insight into the culture. It’s a great experience. 

We camp a lot, and normally always elect to camp when given the choice, but in this instance, we really enjoyed the experience of staying in the yurts. It’s part and parcel of the entire Song Kul experience. 

How to organise a yurt stay at Song Kul 

If you’re going with a pre-organised tour, then all of your accommodation will be arranged for you and included in the price of your trip. 

If you’re visiting Song Kul independently, then just rock up and see what’s free! It’s that simple. There are heaps of yurt camps at the lake and en route, so there’s no need to pre-book. 

It should cost around 1000 – 1200 KGS per person, including dinner and breakfast. 

Camping at Song Kul

Of course, of course, you can always camp at Song Kul. It’s a massive, flat jailoo, so space is definitely not an issue. Find a nice spot and make your home for the night. 

Just be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and clean up after yourself. 

Heading to Kazakhstan? Read our complete guide to Almaty

What to Expect at Song Kul

Song Kul is a super safe place. For a remote destination, it’s relatively busy with tourists and shepherds and there’s not a lot to worry about. 

That said, if hiking, be sure to always take adequate precautions. Check the weather, inform people of your plans and have a backup plan if things go south. 

As with all hikes, accidents do happen, so good travel insurance is essential.

We use and recommend SafetyWing . It covers up to 4000m and is specifically designed for long-term travellers and nomads. 

Mobile Reception and Electronics

There is no reception at Song Kul Lake, so make sure to download any offline maps you may need. 

We also recommend bringing a power bank to keep your devices fully juiced.

Song Kul is not a place to work on your tan. Even in the height of summer, temperatures are mild and can be downright cold. 

In summer, expect mild days (around 10 – 20C) and cold nights (anywhere from 5C to 0C). It can also get super windy at the lake. We always use this website for weather in more obscure locations such as Song Kul. 

Be sure to pack warm clothing, and if camping, appropriate gear (see below ). 

Be sure to treat your water before drinking it, as it is most likely contaminated by animal droppings. We use a Steripen to clean all of our water.

Tips and Tricks

• Bring a windbreaker. It gets bloody windy at the lake. 
• If horse trekking, bring paracetamol / ibuprofen. Your body will ache!
• Bring warm clothes. It’s cold!
• If offered, try the kumyz. It’s not delicious, but it is a great cultural experience!

Packing List

Women’s clothing.

• Hiking boots
• Hiking pants
• Long sleeve hiking shirt
• Merino underwear
• Lightweight Merino socks (I’m a fan of wearing two pairs when hiking)
• Warm socks to wear at camp
• Down jacket
• Rain jacket
• Beanie / Toque
• Thermal top
• Thermal leggings
• Waterproof sandals

Men’s Clothing

• Hiking pants/shorts
• Sports t-shirt
• Lightweight merino socks (also a fan of the double socks)
• Thermal bottoms
• Waterproof sandals  
• Hat (full brimmed)
• Biodegradable toothpaste
• Deodorant paste
• Blister first aid kit
• First aid kit
• Lip balm with SPF
• Book / kindle  
• Games to play at camp – deck of cards, or our favourite, Yahtzee

Electronics

• Phone and charging cables
• Power bank and/or solar panel
• Camera and/or GoPro plus charging cords

If Camping :

• Good quality hiking backpack ( men’s and women’s )
• Raincover for backpack
• Sleeping pad
• Blow up pillow
• Sleeping bag
• Waterproof compression bag (for the sleeping bag)
• Stuff sack (for keeping clothes in while hiking)
• Ground blanket 
• Trekking poles  
• Personal locator beacon (PLB)
• Cooking set (pot, bowls and mugs)
• 1 x 230 grams fuel canister
• Collapsible tea kettle (a luxury, but it’s worth it!)
• MSR MugMate Coffee Filter
• Pocket knife
• Lighter and matches (in a waterproof bag)
• Water bladder
• Water bottle
• Steripen Ultra Rechargeable Portable UV
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper
• The Deuce Backpacking Potty Trowel
• Hydralites / Electrolytes (if you can’t find, salt and powdered juice packets work a treat)
• Biodegradable dish soap
• Mini sponge (just cut a regular one)
• Rubbish bags
• Dettol spray

Where to Stay in Kochkor Before or After Your Trip

MALIKA Guesthouse

Guesthouse Mira

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book anything through them, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us run this website and create comprehensive guides to help you get off the beaten track. We only recommend products and/or services that we use ourselves and trust. 

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Year-Round Adventure: 3 Days Horse Trek to Song Kul Lake

• Transfer from Bishkek to Kyzart and back to Bishkek
• English speaking horsemen guide
• First night in shepherd's house in Kilemche
• Second night in yurt camp in Song Kul Lake
• Health Insurance
• Our driver and guide will pick you up from a hotel or any other point in Bishkek.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• Ngoc L 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome 1 day trip in Kyrgyzstan Farukh was an amazing guide. He was very attentive towards my and another traveler’s needs. The scenery was as expected, beautiful and breathtaking. The place he took us to have lunch was also great. Even though it was raining outside, he made sure we have a fantastic time. Thanks a lot for a wonderful day in Kyrgyzstan! Read more Written March 21, 2024
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More to explore in Bishkek

Year-Round Adventure: 3 Days Horse Trek to Song Kul Lake provided by Datka Travel

• Expeditions

Horseback Tour to Song-Kul lake with 3 day horse trek

• Enjoy the views of the Tien Shan glaciers and alpine meadows
• Visit small mountain villages and shepherd's yurts to plunge into the life of nomads
• Permanently enjoy indescribable beautiful scenery and unite with pristine nature
• Live a true nomadic life - horseback and donkey riding, wild honey, lamb, fresh trout, nights in yurtas with shepherds and an endless sky with millions of stars above
• Wildlife: Mountain goats, Marmots, Birds, Predator birds, Rodents, Yaks, Hare, Reptiles

Explore our travel itinerary

• Deposit: 30% of total price
• Deposit deadline: 5 days after booking
• Payment method: Cash or Bank transfer
• Final payment: 20 days Before trip start
• Transfers from/to airport
• All transfers according to the itinerary (comfortable mini bus)
• Accommodation throughout the trip, including hotels, guesthouses and yurts (based on double/twin room sharing, four people in a yurt)
• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinners)
• Mineral bottled waters (1L per day)
• All activity fees according to the itinerary
• All entrances fees and permits according to the itinerary
• English speaking tour leader accompanying the group for the whole program (or any language upon request)
• Horse rental for horse trek, including helmets (better to bring yours)
• Horseman for the group
• Flight to Bishkek and from Bishkek back home (Let us know if you need help finding the best deals)
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Visa (if needed)
• Tips for guides, drivers and porters
• All additional deviations from the program
• Hotel charges for additional services
• Personal expenses, e.g. souvenirs
• Alcoholic beverages
• 3G mobile internet (prepaid local sim card with unlimited internet) - $20 for 14 days
• Rent of extra personal equipment, if needed (full kit: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, etc.) - $50 for the entire expedition
• Upgrade individual transport to Premium Class SUV 4WD cars (Toyota LC/Prado, Lexus GX/LX or similar) - price on request
• Upgraded hotels in cities (4-5 star hotels) - price on request

Expedition gallery

What is important to know about our adventure.

• Travel insurance is required for this tour. You are free to choose any insurance company of your choice. We recommend for example using World Nomads .
• Departure for this tour is guaranteed
• During your travel time, please respect local culture, customs, traditions, and religion.
• Try to buy local products and make a benefit for the local economy.
• Always give fair prices for lodging, food and other services.
• Take off your shoes, when entering home or yurt stay.
• Smoking is prohibited at home.
• Please share your ideas on food and accommodation preferences.
• Ask people for photographing them.
• Be friendly and try to get in contact.
• Be careful during the evening and night time and aware of mass meetings.
• Be careful with your documents, money and valuable items.
• Be aware of pickpockets and strangers at bazaars and streets.
• If someone asking for documents, wallets or cameras, saying that they are from the police, ask them to go police together.
• Never give your belongings to strangers.
• Wear good hiking shoes for outdoor activities.
• Bring warm waterproof clothes even in summer.
• Have your torch sunscreen and repellent.
• Do not drink very cold water from unknown sources.
• Drinking alcohol at high altitudes is unsafe.
• If the food fat or not acceptable for you can taste a bit and say thanks.
• Do not drink cold water after eating out, better hot tea or c It helps in high altitude digestions cases.
• Wear warm clothes in the mountains, usually after eating out.
• Bring your medicines and first aid kit.
• If you feel unsafe or have issues to discuss, please share with your staff, host or tour manager.
• Collect your litter. Pack up all non-biodegradable rubbish.
• Please don't drop cigarette butts or litter.
• High altitude vegetation is very fragile. Save the environment.
• Use toilets in nature wherever available. Where are none, stay at least 40-50 m from streams and water sources and bury all waste and paper.
• Leaving footprints, take just your photographs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• The program may change due to weather conditions. We all look forward to good weather. But anything can happen, for reasons beyond our control.
• All final decisions on the program are made by the team's main guide.

You'll get unforgettable experience

The emotions of those who already traveled with us, inspired by celestial mountains, what needs to be done to come with us, still have questions.

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• About Kyrgyzstan
• How to get there
• Adventure ratings
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• All information presented on the website is for acquainting purposes and under no circumstances is not a public offer

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Kyrgyzstan: A Horse Trek to Song-Kol Lake

A country with a horseback tradition, trekking to song-kol lake over the jalgyz-karagai pass.

By Nick Wharton

Kyrgyzstan is a country deeply connected to the traditions of horseback riding. Kyrgyz people are raised in equestrianism like Canadians are raised in hockey.

They sometimes learn to straddle a steed long before they can even walk. Traveling to Kyrgyzstan, a place so profoundly connected to horses, we knew that we had to plan a trek on the back of these nationally revered animals.

When we arrived in Kochkor, a small village in Kyrgyzstan’s rugged North, we went straight to Shepard’s Life office. Shepard’s Life and CBT are community-based tourism projects that you can find all over Kyrgyzstan. They arrange everything from guides and drivers to homestays and meals.

Encouraging Sustainable Growth

We usually booked our trips in Kyrgyzstan with a local group because they give a large number of profits back to the local communities and they help to encourage sustainable growth of tourism in the country.

We met with the owner of the office in Kochkor and she quickly helped us arrange the best route for our horse trek. We planned on a 3-day trek over the Jalgyz-Karagai pass and down to the beautiful Song-Kol lake. She set us up with a guide and three horses that were to meet us the following day. We went back to our homestay and packed our bags, excited for our next big adventure.

The Day Of The Trek

When we woke up the next morning, the sky was dark. Deep, bellowing thunder warned us that today was a risky day to venture into the mountains. We tried to ignore the somber weather as we packed our bags and headed outside.

Our guide, Ascot, met us right on time, but he was with an old beat-up car and a groggy driver rather than three willing horses.

He explained to us that the horses were in their stable about a 1-hour drive from Kochkor, so we hopped in the car and were on our way.

As the tiny rusted car clunked and hopped over the bumpy Kyrgyz roads, the skies started to close in and it became obvious that rain was on its way.

We told Ascot that we may want to cancel the trip to Song-Kol lake, but he assured us that the rains would hold off… so we continued.

We drove through a small village, where kids were playing in the streets. As soon as they noticed foreigners passing through, they quickly waved and yelled hello.

Despite the relative popularity of this trek, few people visit Kyrgyzstan at all, so no matter where we were in the country, we were always greeted with pleasant surprise and curiosity. We pulled into the stable house and met our horses while a group of giggling children surrounded the action.

My horse was a large, black stallion, so Dariece named him Denzel Washington, while hers was a smaller orange horse with a golden mane. She named it Mustard. After loading up our bags and mounting our new equine companions, we were on our way.

Starting Out: How to Get to Song-Kol Lake

Just being on the horses felt great. We’ve done a few trips on these animals in the past, but never for such an extended period of time. Today we planned to ride for 5 hours before arriving at a small yurt camp at about 3,500 meters in altitude, close to the Jalgyz-Karagai pass.

Somehow, despite the clouds in the distance, the sun continued to find us and its warmth was welcomed on our faces. Light pierced through the clouds and lit up the green grass around us, while the horizon was painted in a dark and dismal mist.

We road through lush pastures, down into river valleys and through a couple of small villages before starting our ascent towards the icy peaks of the Song-kol ridge. The sights were spectacular but the cool air and howling wind warned us that our views were about to change.

Finally, after four hours of riding, the skies could hold off no longer and they finally released their freezing contents. The rain was accompanied by tiny hail balls and we were soaked within minutes. Luckily, just as the weather started to punish us for ignoring it, we saw a scattering of yurts on the horizon.

“Is that where we’re headed?” I asked Ascot over the howl of the wind and the drumming of the rain.

“Yes! Not long now!” he called back.

Denzel Washington and Mustard seemed oblivious to the falling rain and they got us to our yurt-stay safely. We hopped off of the soaked and exhausted animals and ran into the nearest shelter where a family awaited us with cheese, homemade soup, freshly baked bread and delicious tea.

That first night we sipped on the warm brew and spoke to the family through Ascot’s translations. They told us of wolves, of their “summer homes” and of their children, who chased chickens outside as we talked.

We dried off in the warm sanctuary of the yurt before Ascot prepared our bed of wool blankets and pillows on the floor.

We slept comfortably, serenaded by the sound of grazing horses and the crackle of burning cow manure in the stove. Our thoughts were on the weather on that first night and I think we were all silently wishing for clear skies in the morning.

Day 2 Song-Kol Lake

We awoke at 5 am on our second day of the trek and our bodies were slow from the chill. The cow manure stove had run out and we were happy to have 4 layers of warm blankets on top of us, but we didn’t want to come out of our cocoons until Ascot lit the fire again.

He did so, and we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of porridge, homemade jam, bread, and tea before saddling up and bidding farewell to the family who had so graciously hosted us for the night.

The rain returned shortly after our yurts disappeared behind us. Luckily it was only a sprinkle, but I’m sure that Denzel and Mustard appreciated the cool mist as they puffed and grunted their way up the rocky mountainside.

After about 2 hours of steep riding, Ascot pointed ahead and yelled back to us “You see that opening where the trail leads? That’s the pass!”

We gave our horses a light heel of encouragement and called out to them “ Tshoo ” (GO! In Kyrgyz).

The rocky pass became steeper and steeper and our horses were slowing down with each step, despite our constant words of motivation and definitive pokes into their lower rib cages, they were quickly tiring.

Suddenly and without warning, the clouds completely disappeared and we were treated to a bright blue sky. Denzel and Mustard slipped and skidded up the jagged cliff side but we made it to the top of the pass safely.

On Top of the World

The views from the pass were spectacular. We could see where the steep windy trail meandered its way down the mountainside before meeting the dazzling Song Kol lake in the distance.

The sun glimmered off of its rippled surface and even from way up at the top of the pass, we could clearly see its vivid colors and sandy shores.

We had about 10 minutes at the top before it was time to get back on the horses and head down. A dense fog crept over the ridge and we were quickly engulfed in an opaque mist that made it almost impossible to see Ascot and his horse trotting in front of us.

We arrived at the bottom of the trail after another hour of riding, the cool wind from the top of the pass still left a numbing sensation on our faces.

The dense fog had lifted and we were trotting along at a good pace, despite Mustard’s refusal to listen to Dariece. We followed the lakeshore for about an hour before arriving at our second yurt stay.

A Perfect Round Lake

The lake itself was stunning, a perfect round pool set amongst the beautiful Borbor Alabas and Moldo-Too mountains. Its glass calm surface is famous for reflecting its snowy peaks. The yurts where we were to sleep that night were scattered over a perfectly green pasture, or jailoo in Kyrgyz, with the jagged white cliffs scraping the sky in the background. The place was heavenly and it felt like we had discovered it for ourselves, though a few other tourists joined the camp that evening.

We spent another night with Ascot, chatting and learning about the unique Kyrgyz culture. He explained to us how he hopes to one day kidnap his girlfriend and make her his wife, a common and controversial custom in Kyrgyzstan.

We drank a couple of beers and played cards by the heat of the stove before retreating to our beds on the floor for another peaceful and silent night’s sleep.

Early in the morning on our last day, Ascot was saddling up his horse and tying Denzel and Mustard in tandem behind it. He was to ride back alone, 12 hours in one day, all the way to the village with the horses’ stable.

Dariece and I would take a taxi along the bumpy mountain roads to Kochkor . We bid Ascot farewell and watched as our trusty guide and three loyal horses disappeared into the mountains.

We were sad to see Ascot go, but happy to be free of the hard saddles that had so battered our inner thighs and butts. We hopped in the taxi and took the winding, gravel roads back to the comfort of our village homestay, where we ate a warm home-cooked stew and talked about the amazing things we had seen, and the friendly people we had met on our overnight horse trek in Kyrgyzstan .

For more on traveling to Kyrgyzstan check out our “Ultimate Guide To Backpacking Kyrgyzstan ”

Visit Song-Kol Lake

Nick Wharton is half of the nomadic couple behind Goats On The Road , a website designed to help others live a financially sustainable, location-independent lifestyle. Masters at making money abroad and traveling forever, they’ve been on the road for over 4 years and have traveled to some of the least visited places on Earth, finding adventure wherever they go.

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Song Kul Lake Horse Trek

After trekking Ala Kul Lake, I decided to head to Song Kul Lake. Situated at an altitude of 3,016m, Song Kul Lake is the largest freshwater alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan. The good and bad thing about Song Kul is that you can drive up there.

Being a freshwater water, Song Kul freezes much more easily than the salty lakes like Issyk Kul. Being less accessible than Issyk Kul, it is also less commercialised. You won’t find hotels and shopping centres here. Accommodation is all in yurts and toilets are the traditional holes in the ground. People who still choose to come here are those who with hearts big enough to accommodate Mother Nature. People in this club often get blown away by the awesome scenery of Song Kul. It is regarded as one of the most scenic spots in Kyrgyzstan. There are several ways to get to Song Kul Lake and you can find them in any guide book. I planned to go up there from the nearest town, not on wheels but on four legs.

The horse is an integral part of Kyrgyz culture and tradition. Kyrgyz people rear them, ride them and even eat them. Beshbamak, a soupy noodle dish often made with horsemeat, happens to be Kyrgyzstan’s national dish. Kumis is an alcoholic drink made from fermented mare’s milk. How can a trip to Kyrgyzstan be complete without a horse trek? I decided to go on a horse trek to Song Kul Lake from Kochkor. I did ask Prof Chung if he would like to join me, but he confessed that he had never ridden a horse before and wasn’t keen on riding such a long distance on his first attempt. I went alone.

When I first shared the videos of my horse trek on social media, many friends and even my parents were surprised that I can ride. In Singapore, riding is a very expensive hobby. Surely, I couldn’t afford it. So where did I learn to ride? The short answer – from the School of Soft Landings. My first experience riding a horse was in Indonesia. First, was the beach at Parangtritis. Then the sand sea of Mt Bromo. I rode independently, took a couple of falls on the soft sand and was soon able to gallop confidently. I rode several times in China by informally renting horses for the day from Tibetan horsemen. I had a lot of fun galloping on the grasslands, so a horse trek, though a novelty, was not entirely unfamiliar to me.

From Karakol, there is no direct transport to Kochkor. From Karakol’s avtovazal or bus station, I had to get to the sleepy fishing village of Balykchy first. As you can see, it’s not a short trip, going back in the direction of Bishkek, along the northern shore of Issyk Kul. From Balykchy, I was lucky to be able to get the last seat on a shared taxi to Kochkor.

It was an uncomfortable 1-hour ride, squeezed on the backseat of a car on a winding road. Presently, we arrived at Kochkor. Hot and dusty, with crudely constructed buildings, it resembled a nondescript town in Nepal. Not being able to book any accommodation with apps, I asked around but got no answers. I didn’t have a good experience with the local CBT (community based tourism) office at Karakol, but left with no choice, carrying my large backpack in the 30 degree heat, I decided to head for the CBT office off the main road, just opposite the bus station.

I was served by an unusually small woman by the name of Nora. She was very friendly was enthusiastic. In perfect English, she described the 2-day horse trek to Song Kul that would suit me. We discussed a few optional extensions, but given my limited time, I decided not extend the trip.

Nora found me a guesthouse that was still under renovation. It’s rather shabby, but for about USD 8, there’s really nothing to complain about. What’s more, Nora gave me the keys to the whole place. Again, I felt flattered by her trust as I had felt with Prof Chung who decided to join me on my trek after just a brief conversation on the bus to Karakol. I could have thrown a party at the guesthouse, but unfortunately, I didn’t know anyone in Kochkor.

The next morning, I went down to Nora’s office and found a very big young man sitting there. He reminded me of my son and was introduced to me as my horse trekking guide. His name was Beck. I collected my riding helmet from the office, bade Nora farewell and got into a car with Beck. An hour later, we arrived at a vast rolling field where Beck held a brief discussion with a horseman and then began to saddle up two horses.

“This will be your transport for the next two days.” he said in jest.

The animals were beautiful, with the metallic sheen of Central Asian breeds and the thick mane of Mongolian horses. Over many generations, the Kyrgyz horse has been bred for endurance and agility at high altitudes. I mounted my horse, but the animal refused to move at first. Beck asked me to whip him. I was reluctant to do so, but when I did, the animal obligingly followed Beck. We were soon on our way. Every time my horse slowed down to a crawl, I would show him the whip and he would get the message and obediently get moving. I was relieved as I really didn’t want to whip him. Soon, we were on a dirt track, slowly climbing till we reached a pass with an amazing panoramic view of the velvety, rolling grassland below. From here, the grazing horses and cattle looked like tiny dots. The yurts were the only sign of human habitation. After a brief stop for photos, we descended from the pass to continue our ride to the night stop.

Without a tree in sight, this part of Kyrgyzstan seemed quite a world apart from the forests and snow capped peaks of the Celestial Mountains around Karakol. Despite the full sunlight sweeping across this ocean of grass, it wasn’t hot. In fact, it was quite chilly when the wind blew. When we were back on the grassland where a crystal clear stream meandered, we dismounted to let the horses rest. Far from the road, the fields here were bursting with wild flowers of every colour. There were a few bushes here and there, but without the screening effect of the trees, it’s easy to imagine how strong the winds can get.

My guide Beck spoke excellent English. I was surprised to learn that he was only 19 years old. Unlike the majority of the “conservatives” here, Beck comes from a politically enlightened family that does not see a future in Russia. He and his cousins have enrolled in schools in Bishkek. They are focused on learning English, hoping eventually to find a job in Dubai and the US. Horse trekking was Beck’s summer job and he would be graduating as a software engineer in a couple of years. Meanwhile, he has already secured an internship with an MNC. Like many young people in Singapore, he is concerned about rising property prices and stagnant wages and their impact on his future.

From our rest point, we rode on and finally came to a jailoo with grazing cows on a vast carpet of grass studded with yurts. This temporary settlement was run by an elderly lady, two young ladies and a 12-year-old boy. While this jailoo was obviously catering to tourists, it has decidedly not given up its traditional nomadic, self-sufficient lifestyle as we shall see. Lunch was served in one of the yurts, furnished like a dining room.

Sweets, candy and fried pieces of dough called boorsok are laid out uncovered for diners to nibble on before the main course was served. There were also cups of jam and cream to dip the chunks of bread in. The cream was my favourite, but the bread was cold and stale. Still, with a proper kitchen, the food here was a lot more inspiring than what I had on the Ala Kul Trek .

The beds were to be found in another yurt. I went inside to do comfort test after lunch. Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the yurt. I heard shouts from Beck and loud neighing. Beck then mounted my horse and tried to “tame” it for me. There was no TV, no mobile signal. We spent the afternoon just horsing around, enjoying the freedom of the steppes. I found this landscape extremely therapeutic for the squeezed and oppressed. How much more space does one need? How do such lands inspire conquerors?

Presently, a group of three foreigners, two French and one Briton rode into the jailoo. Without going through a CBT, they had negotiated directly with a random horseman on the steppes and rode here with him. They had saved money bypassing the agency and guide, but they also tried to get a “free ride” by getting information from Beck, all the while ignoring me. In return, they offered to add Beck into some Facebook group where he could mingle with folks like them. Folks like them? No thanks. They probably weren’t thinking of supporting the industry with what it needs most.

Dinner was served. The French woman couldn’t stop talking, to Beck, to her companions, completely ignoring me as if she didn’t know that Beck was a commercial guide and I was the one who hired him. Evening time was also milking time. It wasn’t my first time watching someone milk cows manually, but it was still fascinating to watch the old lady do it. She collected two plastic buckets of milk. The cream, the cheese and the mare’s milk fermenting somewhere, came straight from the animals being herded here. Nothing was for show like in China. As the sun set, it became decidedly chilly and there was nothing else to do.

There was total darkness in the yurt. Sleep was reasonably good. The next morning, the jailoo was already ablaze with sunshine at 5.00am. The ladies were busy preparing breakfast while Beck and the boy were busy preparing the horses. After a quick breakfast, we mounted our horses and continued the trek. There was another pass to clear. This time, the trail was not so deserted. We ran into another group of tourists, a family with children on horses.

They had spent the night at another jailoo but we converged at the second pass on the trek. They were all excited when we came to the top of the pass. It was cold, breezy and beautiful. This pass was a little higher than what we encountered the day before. Looking back, the distant landscape resembled a brain coral. When we descended into the steppes on the other side, the altitude was still above 3,000m. It was cloudy but the silvery white Song Kul Lake was visible in the distance.

By midday, we had arrived at another jailoo. It was another vast open space where the kids could play football with herds of sheep grazing in the distance. It took quite a while before lunch was served but once we were done, Beck rushed off to our night stop, trotting and galloping until we finally reached the shore of the lake. It was a windy day and the gusts sent waves crashing on the beach lined with gravel instead of sand. Riding along the edge of the choppy waters, we came to a group of picnicking locals. Like our East Coast Park, the place was thronged with weekenders.

Beck dismounted and greeted one of the groups. It was only then that he revealed to me that his elder brother was celebrating his birthday party by Song Kul Lake. After a brief exchange with the folks, he brought me to our night stop, galloping all the way. After checking in to our yurt, he told me that he would be back for dinner after the party. Off he went with my horse. I unpacked my stuff in the yurt and walked out to take some pictures. Song Kul Lake presented the unusual scene of people sitting by the sunny beach, wearing their warm clothing. It was bright and sunny but only slightly warmer than Ala Kul Lake.

Song Kul Lake is indeed picturesque. In a virtually endless sea of grass was a massive body of water and majestic mountains in the background. As I walked along the shore of the lake, a youngster approached me. He was Beck’s cousin Erbek. He somehow recognised me and invited me to join Beck’s brother, Mr Azamin’s birthday party. Beck had gone out with the car to buy some things. So I sat with a group of total strangers who offered me food and drinks. They were all very hospitable. Like Beck, his cousins were fluent in English and saw their future in the West instead of the East. I tried the familiar BBQ chicken wings and vodka. As a sign of courtesy, I didn’t refuse the unfamiliar kumis either. My impression of fermented mare’s milk? It tasted like a mixture of beer and yoghurt.

After a long wait, Beck returned from his errand. As all guests were required to bring a gift, the birthday boy requested for a birthday song from me. I gladly obliged. We sang together and Mr Azamin led in a prayer to close the party.

We returned to the camp and waited for dinner. The dining yurt here was considerably more opulent than the one I dined in the night before. At least there were chairs to sit on. But on the table, were the same beautifully displayed but uncovered candy, bread and snacks. I tried not to snack and waited for dinner. At least that was freshly prepared.

There was a group here that refused to leave even after most of the local visitors had left that evening. Summer sunsets are always lingering and Song Kul Lake seemed reluctant to end the day. The group here had several bottles of vodka left on the dining table and one might wonder if they still wanted them. Anyway, they asked if I could sleep in a smaller yurt since they had more people. I agreed to move. Probably I should have asked for the vodka in return for the favour.

The next morning, Beck had the rather unenviable task of returning the horses. He had to ride over 50km, retracing our steps over the last two days to where he got the horses. For me, I had the whole morning to myself and I just had to wait for the jeep to arrive and send me back to Kochkor.

There was no wind that morning. The lake was calm and the water was clear. The crowds from the previous day had also dispersed – along with their vodka. The yurts were emptied ahead of another summer’s week. I strolled pensively along the shore, only interrupted once by a Russian woman who politely asked to see the photos on my camera attached to a telephoto lens. I had plenty of time to kill.

Back in the yurt, the lady in charge of the jailoo tried to strike up a conversation with me. Her English was nowhere near Beck’s, but I understood that she was trained as a nurse and wished she could work in a hospital in Dubai some day. At the moment, her children were having their summer holidays. By September, Song Kul would be abandoned as snow block the roads. Her kids would be back in school and she would be looking after the animals on the lower, warmer pastures in the lowland village.

By noon, the jeep arrived and took me back to Kochkor. Nora asked me for a brief appraisal and after giving my feedback, she invited me to stay another night at Kochkor. I declined after hastily booking a hotel with my app, I boarded a marshrutka minibus to Bishkek.

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Blasted beasts: horse trekking to Song Kul lake

Three frustrating beasts, one massive lake, and a lot of gorgeous steppe: our tale (tail?) of a Kyrgyz horse trek. Head to the end of the post for information on how to independently arrange a horse trek to Song Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan.

“A cat can make you look clumsy, and a dog can make you look stupid, but only a horse can make you look both at the same time.”

Gregory David Roberts

After five minutes on this horse, I know this will be awful.

Dark (like his soul) and bristly (like his personality), he knows I am but a tourist in Kyrgyzstan, and thus decided there is no need to listen to any of my commands.

Or move, for that matter.

I, however, have other plans. Over the next few days, Sebastiaan and I are to ride through the mountainous steppe to Song Kul , Kyrgyzstan’s largest freshwater lake. Sitting at over 3,000 meters high, and stretching for 29 kilometers, the remote lake is a summer home to many a nomadic family who come to graze their flocks on the lake’s grassy shores. It’s one of the  things to do in Kyrgyzstan .

The plan is to ride from the village of Kyzart, through the 2,664 meter high Kyzart pass, to one of the family-run yurt camps on the lake’s shores.

Kyzart, Kyrgyzstan, the starting point of our sluggish venture.

All I need to do now is make the horse move… easier said than done.

Nudging it with my heels proves futile, so I give it a firm series of kicks, to no avail. A thrust of the hips, a technique recalled from bygone years of riding, causes him to snort with irritation and step backwards.

Time to try vocals: “Chuu! Chuu!” The common cry of Kyrgyz horsemen gets me a salty stare from the corner of the horse’s eye. When paired with a slap on the bum, his ears turn back and down—a sign that I’m sitting on one pissy pony.

Should I ask for a whip?  All Kyrgyz horsemen carry one, and they certainly aren’t afraid to use them. The moment of consideration passes quickly—whipping is brutal, and at home I was taught a good rider never needs to use a whip. I will find my own way to master this blasted beast.

After minutes trying various combinations of shouting and thrusting, our Kyrgyz guide rides up behind my horse and gives it a massive smack with his whip. With a start, we’re trotting. I give the horse another nudge with my heels to increase the pace, and he stubbornly slows to a walk.

Sigh. At least we’re moving.

For six hours, we ride through golden, rolling hills, zig-zag through stony outcrops in Kyzart pass, and cross over peaks overlooking the vast waters of Song Kul.

Nomads, conquerors, and Silk Road merchants alike have traversed these hills in past millennia, and it’s easy to believe that nothing has changed since. There are no paved roads, no power lines. Only blue sky, grazing animals, and the occasional yurt.

Traffic jam!

… not that I care. My horse hasn’t moved faster than a walk since the initial burst of trotting, and often refuses to move at all. I’ve spent the last hours staring at the speck-sized backs of Sebastiaan and our guide from a kilometer away.

All I want to do is ride this god-forsaken horse to the glue factory.

The sun begins to set as we (finally) reach the yurt camp, and it is time to part ways with our horses. I give mine the obligatory pat on the neck, thanking him for his [lack of] service. Being a crafty horse, he detects my lack of sincerity and walks off in reply. Bastard.

Heading to Kyrgyzstan? Make sure to check out our backpacking in Kyrgyzstan budget report!

Home sweet yurt camp, home sweet place-to-sit-that-is-not-on-the-@#!$ing-horse.

On the bright side: bright nights!

The next morning begins in much the same way–going nowhere.

A local man clambers onto the saddle behind me, attempting to show me the proper Kyrgyz way to ride. The horse is grouchy about the extra weight, but his stubbornness is eventually worn away by the extra 80 kilos of loudly roaring, hard kicking, whip-cracking Kyrgyz man. I sit in front of the man like a demure bride riding away on her wedding night, completely useless as he magically manages to make the horse gallop around the camp.

The horse begins to heave from shuttling around two people at once, so the man clambers off, taking his whip with him. He tells me to try again, but the horse is no fool–I am light, soft-voiced, and most importantly, whipless. Despite my throaty attempts at a Kyrgyz manvoice, we go nowhere, and I must resort to being herded through the steppe by our guide.

Me: Let’s go? Horse: Bitch please.

We lope along the lake and ride through the jailoos , alpine pastures. Our journey is punctuated by stops at yurts to curdle our bellies with kyzmyz , fermented horse milk, the Kyrgyz nomad’s drink of choice.

Alcoholic sour milk and bumpy riding make for a great combination, by the way. /sarcasm

As the horse plods on, I while away the hours explaining to him the different ways I will to cook him when the trek is over, down to the spices I would use on his roasted flanks (cumin, coriander and some dried chilies).

In the afternoon, everything changes. In a moment of desperate creativity, I remove the lead rope from Sebastiaan’s horse and tie it to my horse’s bridle. A meter of rope hangs from my hand, dangling against the horse’s side, not unlike the whips that the men use on their horses.

It feels like that moment when Harry Potter finally finds his first wand. Magic is about to go down.

The horse’s ears are suddenly attentive and alert. Gone is his give-no-fucks attitude–he is watching, waiting to see what I do next. With a few circular swings and a tap of the rope on his withers, we are, to my amazement, trotting.

For the first time in this trek, riding is actually fun . When I want to walk, the horse walks. When it’s time to trot, with a twirl of the rope, he starts to move. I’m finally riding neck and neck with my companions, rather than trailing a kilometer behind.

An exciting moment: seeing a part of the horse that is NOT its bum.

We crest a hill and come onto a flat, grassy plateau. It’s all too perfect: the sun is just breaking through the clouds, and the grass is catching the sun’s rays just so. There are no people, no animals, no rocks or trees or streams blocking our path. It’s just us, the horses, and the wide open world.

What more could you need?

I bring the horse to a speedy trot. Rope in hand, I flick it back and forth over his sides, and attempt my best Kyrgyz mancry. “ Chuu! Chuu damn you!”

And we gallop.

Hooves thunder beneath me, and rushing winds whip my hair around my face. I stand in my stirrups, laughing in exhilaration and relief, while the horse stretches his neck out to gallop faster. For once, we’re working together, not fighting. For once, we’re both enjoying ourselves. We gallop across the plain, racing forward until we’re finally forced to stop and catch our breaths. This is what I imagined when I pictured horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan.

As the day winds down, we alternate between walking and galloping back to camp. With each interlude between gallops, my mind muses.

Kyrgyzstan is a land of nomads, a land of horsemen. People have been taming and riding horses here for at least 2,000 years, and it is said that Kyrgyz people can ride before they can walk.

I, on the other hand, have only ridden horses extensively in America, usually within the confines of a ring, according to strict Western riding etiquette. Refusing to use a whip was applying Western expectations to a Kyrgyz horse. Who was I to think that was the “right” way, that my way was better than methods deeply ingrained in Kyrgyz culture for thousands of years?

It’s something that we Western travelers do much more often than we realize. Countries are viewed through our Western lens, and we judge people’s lives and cultures based on our standards, rather than their own. We like to tell others how they should want to dress, the way women should act, the way families should be raised. We think of ourselves as saviors, forgetting that the people we’re scrutinizing have survived this long on their own. I can cite my English riding history all I want—that doesn’t mean it works the same out here in the wild Kyrgyz steppe.

Upon our return, before releasing the horse to graze, I rub him on the neck.

“Just so you know, I kind of like you. And I promise I won’t cook you in a stew.”

For once, he doesn’t snort back at me. He sighs contentedly, enjoying the attention for a moment before moving on to graze in the evening light.

Song Kul is calling!

Want to independently arrange a horse trek to Song Kul lake?

It’s quite easy to independently arrange your own horse trek to Song Kul, sans expensive tour company.

Head to either Kochkor or Kyzart, Kyrgyzstan. Marshrutkas from Bishkek to Chaek pass by Kyzart—just tell the driver where you’re going so he knows where to drop you off. The drop-off point is at a gate about half a kilometer from the town. Walk down the road and into town, then ask people where you can find horses. Bring a picture of a horse, or say “loshadi”, horse in Russian.

Prices (per day)

• Horse: 600 som / $8.75 / €7.80
• Guide: 1000 som + 600 som for his horse – we think this was B.S. but couldn’t argue our way out of it. Try to avoid paying for your guide’s horse, we can assure you he already has one…
• Yurt: 700 per person including (very stale) breakfast
• Food:  1,200 per person for dinner and lunch at the yurt camp. In our opinion it’s expensive for what you get, so try to stock up on supplies ahead of time. Beware, Kyzart is lacking in shopping options.
• Total cost for two people for a three-day trek:  12,000 som / $174 / €156

Alex Reynolds

21 thoughts on “ blasted beasts: horse trekking to song kul lake ”.

Want to do the same trip with 3 friends! But is there any risk that there are no horses/guides available when you arrive in kochkor/Kyzart?

My friends want to book a tour in advance…

Regards and great story!

Nice article. I wish you could do a horse trek called Truly Nomadic Land in the Alay Mountains.

Link has been removed because it was irrelevant – moderator

Glad you finally got the horse to move. Thanks for sharing. I am looking for affordable and interesting horse riding off the beaten path around the world but I hear of a lot of issues with handling horses roughly (Mongolia for example) I just returned from riding horses in Tusheti Mountains of Georgia. Now that is one place where horses are treated with a lot of respect, look great and love to trot and gallop. The food is amazing, the people are welcoming, nature stunning and it is affordable. If anyone wants more info how we arranged it, they can reach out to me at crazyparentstravel.com. Greetings from senior adventurers.

Loved the storytelling! I am planning my trip to kyrgyzstan. Would you recommend this trip to someone who has no experience of horse riding and very questionable core strength?

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Horse Trekking And Yurt Staying At Lake Song-Kul

Lake Song-Kul is in a perfect setting laying at 3000-meters in the Tien Shan mountain range. It is surrounded by high mountain pastures called jailoo, where Kyrgyz nomads would take their herds to graze in the summer (June to August), living a semi-nomadic life in yurts. It is not just the scenery that is spectacular, but also the people you meet, and the traditional way of life.

One of the many things we wanted to do on this trip through Central Asia was to go on a multi-day horse trek. We had trekked to high altitudes and over passes by foot  and now we going to mount a horse and let him do all the work.

Getting to Kochkor

From Karakol , we took a marshrutka to Bokonbaevo for 120 KGS (US$1.60) per seat. The journey took 1.5-hours bringing us to the main city along the Southern shore of lake Issyk kul. We stayed a night in the city where we were luck get to hitchhiked out of town to explore. If we were to do it again, we would ask to stop at Tong where it is near a beach, the fairy canyon and great to watch sunset.

The next moring, we took a shared taxi from Bokonbaevo to Balychy for 150 KGS (US$2) per person and then changed to another shared taxi to Kochkor for 200 KGS (US$2.70). This short trip easily took us half a day as we insisted on waiting the shared taxi to be filled up.

Choosing CBT or Shepherd’s Life?

CBT  is a Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association who works very hard at building a sustainable bridge between foreign visitors and local culture. CBT offers authentic home stays with locals, yurt stays with nomads and village treks ensure travellers experience the wonders of Kyrgyzstan without barriers from the indigenous communities. If you’re travelling in Kyrgyzstan , you are likely find a CBT’s office in almost every town. Though it is the most popular community based project in Kyrgyzstan but they are not necessary the best one.

Shepherd’s Life is another community-based company who also arrange many of the same treks, home stays and folk shows as CBT. Although many travellers and the Lonely Planet speak better opinions of CBT, we think that Shepherd’s Life gives travellers better options and a better breakdown of costs. They also offer their tours, treks and home stays at a much lower cost with slightly better service.

We arrived in the small town of Kochkor and spoke with the friendly staff from both agencies. I would also recommend you spending some time speaking to both rather than jump into one straight purely based on reviews. Here’s a 2 days 1 night rough itinerary and cost we got from both companies:

• CBT – A 4WD to take us from Kochkor to Lake Song-Kul and stay for a night, horseback riding on next morning along the lake and back to Kochkor by vehicle. We were been quoted 8,500 KGS (US$115.30) for 2 persons, but the price does not include food and accommodation.
• Shepherd’s Life – A car will send us from Kochkor to Jumgal to meet our horses and guide. From there, we would start riding towards Lake Song-Kul for an overnight. The next mid-morning we would leave the lake and ride the horses back to Jumgal and have a car back to Kochkor. Ainura quoted us 13,000 KGS (US$175) for 2 persons which includes food and accommodation on top of horses, guide and transport. It might be cheaper if you take marshrutka #514 to Jumgal by yourself.

Needless to say, we chose Shepherd’s Life to help arrange our house-trekking with our young guide, Bak-Sultan!

Horse-trekking experience to Lake Song-Kul

Horses are like humans, each of them has its own character! If they eat too much, they get lazy and won’t move; if they don’t eat enough, they tend stop every few steps to graze. As much as we loved being on our horses, it took a bit of getting used to with the saddle, the reigns and how to control the horse. Luckily for us, both horses were pretty tame and listened well. We rode along through dry brush, over small creeks and towards the towering, snow-capped mountains in the distance.

It took us about 4-hours to reach the highest pass at an altitude of 3,400-meters. We took a break over here while taking in the panoramic 360-degrees view around us.

From the top was another 20-minutes riding down-slope before reaching our yurt for the night! We really had a great time with the nomad family who hosted us and the view of Lake Song-Kul was just magnificent. Horse-trekking is definitely a must-do in Kyrgyzstan to truly experience its culture and nature.

Lastly, if you want to keep a track of all my photos and travels, remember to follow  @wanderrsaurus  on Instagram!

Looking for a horseback riding experience? Pin this post to read later!

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10 Things to Know Before Your Trek to Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan

Horse riding in Kyrgyzstan is an experience we’ll never forget. Viewing the gorgeous scenery as we galloped through the mountains and valleys was a highlight. However, at 3500m in altitude, there are some comforts you’ll have to give up.

You can trek to Song Kol Lake, also known as Song Kul Lake, by horse or by foot. We list 10 things we wish we knew before our trek.

Song Kol Lake - 10 things to know before you go

1. shepard yurt camps near song kol lake have no cell reception or power..

This may seem like a no brainer, but without cell reception and only word of mouth communication from the Kyrgyz guides, tour companies are unable to make reservations for yurts in advance. Yurt camps operate on a first come first served basis. Certain tour companies are loyal to certain camps, but if the first yurt camp is full you’ll have to try another along the way.

Make sure to charge all of your items beforehand and consider bringing a power bank. You may be able to charge in the car on the way to the starting point so consider bringing along a car charger and asking your driver for some juice.

2. Prepare to share a yurt with other people

As nomadic Kyrgyzstan yurt camps are limited in size, during high season they’ll fit as many people as possible into a yurt. We were 9 to a yurt the first night and 5 to a yurt the second night. Sleeping arrangements are toe to toe, so bring earplugs! They worked like a charm. There are two different types of yurts, commercial yurt setups and authentic shepherd yurt camps. The tour group CBT tend to take you to the Eastern side of the lake with many commercial yurts, whereas the tour company we booked, Kyrgyz Riders , takes you to the authentic shepherd yurt camps that have more open surroundings.

3. 70% of Kyrgystan is 3000m in altitude or above

Be careful as you may experience altitude sickness above 2500m. Symptoms include headache, feeling tired, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. Consider asking your travel doctor for altitude sickness pills called Diamox that you can start taking on your trip. They have worked liked a charm for us on our treks in Nepal and Peru. Song Kol lake is at 3016m.

4. If you’re not accustomed to riding a horse, you’ll likely get super sore.

The 3 days of our Kyrgyzstan horse trek was the max our bodies could take! Depending on your riding skill and guide, you may be able to trot or even gallop. We were thrown on our horses in great haste without any instruction. Don't worry, the horse knows where it's going and even a first time horse rider can do this route. Don't hesitate to ask your guide for tips and pointers.

5. Since the yurt camps make all of their own food, you will be eating a lot of the same flavours and dishes.

In Kyrgyz culture, eating is a way to spend time together and share stories.

Kyrgyz Food

With all meals there is tea, fresh bread, a selection of jams, and a tray of sweets. Breakfast consisted of either crepes, or porridge (cream of wheat) and occasionally eggs.

Lunch and dinner is usually the same, with a tomato and cucumber salad as the starter followed by a soup for the main course. The soup usually contains a starch such as noodles or potatoes, a few veggies and pieces of beef or sheep.

Dinner is held communally inside a yurt with floor seating and veggie options were available. During dinner people typically speak English and share stories of their travels. If you are offered the fermented horse milk called Kumis, beware. Our guide said every tourist he gave it to got diarrhea from it. He told us that after Ari had a big glass... luckily he didn't.

6. Water is not served with meals, only black tea.

Bring a water bottle and some water purification tablets or a water filter. You can fill up your water bottle at the yurt camp water source. Make sure to ask your guide or host where to fill up. Some obvious points were not safe to drink from so we were glad we asked. Remember black tea has caffeine so if you get to talking at dinner and have a few cups you may be up all night!

7. The outhouses are holes in the ground where you have to squat.

All yurt camps we stayed at in Kyrgyzstan had toilet paper. Make sure to bring a headlamp for your middle of the night visits. Squat down and let 'er rip!

8. Be prepared to hangout around the camp outside of the yurt when you arrive.

At busy times especially when arriving between 5-7PM when dinner is being prepared don't expect to be shown to a yurt immediately. Beds are set up during dinner time and you will be assigned your yurt for the night. If the camp is particularly busy, make sure to pronounce yourself and group size to avoid confusion when the bed space is being dealt out. We were sent to 2 different yurts on one occasion. When you find your bed, put some article of clothing or a bag on it to "claim it". If you have a guide they should also be able to help you with this process.

9. When being driven around, don’t be concerned if your driver pulls off to the side of the road.

It’s part of Kyrgyz culture to stop for various reasons, such as helping people out on the side of the road, asking for directions or stopping for a bathroom break. In recent years there as been a crack down on speeding, but in some instances our drivers were winding all over the road and passing in spots where we thought there was no room. Kyrgyz people also do not typically wear seatbelts, you may have to hunt for the belt clip in between the seat. The roads are also not the best in Kyrgyzstan so prepare for a bumpy ride.  

10. In summertime bring your bathing suit to take a swim in the beautiful Song Kol Lake.

The lake was refreshing and not even that cold!

Check out our 10 Day Kyrgyzstan itinerary and start planning your trip now!

Save and pin this Song Kol Lake Kyrgyzstan guide for later:

See what it was like in our Song Kol Lake vlog:

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Horse Trekking and Yurt Living in Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan

It’s probably a good thing we were riding on horseback because the trek began after lunch; a very very big lunch, set in a yurt, with a spread that made it feel like Thanksgiving. On the table before us were plates of tomato and cucumber salad with dill, a hearty soup with carrots and cabbage, and plov , a staple at Kyrgyz dinner tables featuring rice with fried beef, onions and carrots. And because we weren’t yet bursting at the seams after that three course meal, there were also little pieces of fried dough known as boorsok , which we enjoyed with jam, as well as little cookies and chocolate bars. Some riders may have needed a little push in the derriere to mount their horses once the meal finished, but let that be a testament to Kyrgyz hospitality.

But let’s back up a little bit. The adventure began the previous night in the town of Kochkor. This would be our launching pad for the 2-day horse trek to Song Kol, a beautiful alpine lake set in Kyrgyzstan ’s northern Naryn Province.

We arrived at Mira Guesthouse where we unloaded our bags and were soon called to dinner. Here we were treated to a traditional music performance by a band that spanned three generations. We may not have understood the words as they were singing in Kyrgyz, but at the start of each song the leader of the troupe would tell us what each song was about; there were songs about taking the animals up to the summer pastures, songs about young love, and songs about legends and national epics.

Having just arrived in Kyrgyzstan the previous night, this was our first foray into the culture and we all watched with wide eyes and intrigue as the musicians pulled out instruments we’d never seen before and even used their throats to produce guttural sounds which mixed with the music.

The following morning, we woke up to the Independence Day celebrations , so we headed into Kochkor to check out the festivities. Even though it was only mid-morning, music was blaring from giant speakers on the side of the road, the back streets were filling up with vendors selling everything from shashlik to cotton candy, and the parade was already in full swing.

We spent some time taking photos – this is one country where people love to have their photo taken and they’re not shy about asking! – and then it was time to head into the mountains. After a short drive, we arrived at our first camp where our host family stuffed us with the aforementioned meal. Then, hauling the few possessions that we had managed to cram into our daypacks, we bid our hosts farewell and rode into the valley where we began the slow ascent up the mountains .

On our first day, we rode for roughly 5 hours. It was a slow ride with a lot of zig-zagging up and down switchbacks, but it was a great pace to enjoy the surrounding scenery. The ranges we crossed reminded me of a mix of the Scottish Highlands , the Drakensberg Range in South Africa , and the dreamy landscapes of Iceland I’ve only ever seen in photos. And you know what was even more amazing? Seeing eagles flying through the valleys right at home in their natural habitat!

After a long afternoon of riding, we arrived at our yurt camp just as the sun was setting. Our camp was small with only 3 yurts: 1 for our nomadic host family and the other 2 for guests.

You’re probably wondering what a family is doing living in the middle of a mountain range a 6-hour horse ride from the nearest settlement, am I right? Nomadism was once a traditional way of life in Kyrgyzstan , and while many people have settled into life in urban centres, there are still families that pack up their homes and spend the summer months up in the pastures so that their animals can graze and fatten up for the winter. Life up in the pastures is basic and it brings its own set of challenges, but it’s also quiet and peaceful, and I think this is what draws travellers all the way out there.

In our yurt, we were treated to yet another delicious dinner, where the cups of tea kept flowing and the plates of food kept on coming. By the time the sun set, we were all ready for bed so we crawled under the blankets for the night even though it was still relatively early.

This was my first time sleeping in a yurt and it was one of the best sleeps I’ve had. There were no mattresses, just layers upon layers of blankets that offered both padding and warmth. I don’t know how, but I managed to sleep a solid 10 hours and I awoke the following morning to the sound of goats hoarking which is a strange way of waking up – I was blaming it on the boys next door until I walked out the door!

After a hot breakfast, it was time to get back on our horses and continue the journey. The funny thing is that our horses had hopped away overnight even though their front legs were tied, so our guides had to wander down the valley and then bring them all back to camp.

Since we had a bit of time in our hands, I befriended the family’s dog and then the family’s young boy also came over. We didn’t speak each other’s language but the young boy was able to teach me how to say ‘whiskers’ in Kyrgyz – while tugging at the dog’s whiskers! – and then I taught him how to say ‘horse’ in English.

The second day of riding brought us across the Kimliche Pass where we had sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. That morning was probably the hardest day of riding for me as the downhill stretches were destroying my knees, so I gave my legs and my horse a break and ended up walking a few kilometres.

By the time we reached our lunch stop at yet another yurt camp, we were all famished and finished everything that was put in front of us. This camp is also were I had the best meal of the trip! Picture a loaf of bread being pulled out of a wood-burning stove, and then add a dollop of home churned cream with raspberry jam. It was like afternoon tea nomad style. My mouth waters every time I think of it!

I reluctantly hopped back on the horse after that meal and then we rode the remaining 2 hours along the shores of Song Kol Lake. We followed the edge of the lake as the clouds turned darker and started rolling in on us, but we made it to camp just before the rain hit.

In total, I spent 3 weeks in Kyrgyzstan , but I have to say my favourite spot was here on Song Kol Lake. We had jagged mountains to one side, the lake with a row of snow-capped mountains to the other side, and nothing but a vast plain with a sprinkling of white yurts in between. It was already postcard perfect , but then sunset hit and the mountains started glowing in the soft light, and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. We all hung around the lake’s edge until our fingers froze and the sun slowly began to dip behind the clouds; even the dogs we had befriended at the camp joined us.

That evening we had yet another feast, this time sharing some vodka and cognac with our host family. We also had a crackling stove inside our yurt, so it was toastier than our previous night and it wasn’t long before we were all asleep.

When we woke up the following morning, we enjoyed one last breakfast, and just like that our 2-day trek to Song Kol Lake was over. We packed our bags, said our goodbyes to everyone, and hopped in a van that drove us out of the valley and down the steep mountain range back to the town of Kochkor, where we resumed our travels around Kyrgyzstan .

If this sounds like your type of adventure, you can check out Feel Nomad’s tours , which include Song Kol Lake. 

And if you want to tackle an even lesser known trail, there’s the Panorama Trek outside Bokonbayevo , which is a 3-day trek that does a big loop through the valley. Picture yurt stays, an alpine lake, ancient petroglyphs, and meals shared with your host family.

Happy travels!

Have you been to Kyrgyzstan? Would you do the trek to Song Kol Lake?

This trip was made possible with the support of  Discover Kyrgyzstan  and USAID. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own.

17 Comments

These pictures are unreal! Sounds like an incredible experience!

It was! The landscapes were majestic and we got to experience everything from mountain ranges to valleys along the trek.

We have been in Mongolia recently and had pretty much the same activities. We had throat singing, yurt living and good food. We have been reading a lot of posts about Kyrgyzstan and the World Nomad Games. We have already put that on our list to do in 2018. I think a trek like yours by horse would be a great addition to the trip. That is one thing we did not do in Mongolia. I loved the pictures esepcially the last one by the lake

That’s cool! I just read your post about Naadam. I heard a few people comparing it to the World Nomad Games, so I’m now kind of curious to check it out. I’d highly recommend the World Nomad Games if you get the chance. I have the feeling it’s only going to be bigger and better two years from now.

What was the riding difficulty level – how much of trot/canter/gallop did you do on either day? Also, how much luggage did you have to carry along – as in, is this the kind of trip that a non-backpacker/camping person could do?

Hi Anna, It was a very low level of difficulty. Because of the terrain, the horse kept a steady walking pace, but technically you could gallop once you reach the open plains. As for packing, we all took small day packs that we could carry on our backs. You don’t need a whole lot aside from warm layers and a few toiletries since food and accommodations are taken care of.

What an incredible adventure! I would love to do this some day. I tried horseback riding in Yunnan, China hoping for a similar experience, but it was tailored to Chinese tour groups and a lot less authentic. (Paved paths, riders texting while guides led the horses, etc.) This looks much more up my alley!

Hey Audrey, It just looks incredible! My flatmate and I are going to Kyrgyzstan this July and since I’m so excited I already started planning 😉 Unfortunately we don’t have so much time in Kyrgyzstan and we’re no experienced riders at all so we would like to do this 2 day trek instead of a three day one. But I just find the 3 day horse treks online. Could you tell me if you booked it in advance or directly in Kochkor and if you did that with a cbt or rather someone private? Thank you for your answer!

Hi Inken, I’m not sure you can do the whole thing in 2 days since you have to cover quite the distance. Depending on the roads, it’s about a half day of travel from Bishkek to Kochkor, a half day riding to the first yurt camp, a full second day of riding to reach the camp by Song Kol Lake, and then another half day of travel the third morning to get out of there. I would try to contact CBT Kochkor via email to see what kind of hikes and horse treks they have available with a 2-day window. Best, Audrey

Hey Audrey, Sounds amazing trip! I’m looking for a trek to in Kyrgyzstan! With who have you done it? Thanks! Matthieu

Hey Audrey – this sounds amazing and exactly what I’m planning to do in July! Can I ask, where in Song Kol did you end up, the north shore maybe? Or perhaps the south/east (which I hear is more ‘touristy’). Would love to hear what your yurt was like on the lake as well! 🙂

Hi! The pictures are stunning! Could you let me know how much time it took to get back to Kochkor at the end of the trek? We are planning on leaving for Kochkor in the morning from the last stop and then travelling to Cholpon Ata on the same day. Is that possible?

Hi Suparna, I’ve just had a look on GoogleMaps and it seems to be 1.5 hours from the camp to Kochkor, and then another 2 hours from Kochkor to Cholpon-Ata.

Awesome post. I like the way you described. I did this as a trekking in 2018 and the best thing I enjoyed most was the food at lunch time in a yurt at Jaman Echki after we had descended from them pass

Could you remember the name of Kylie host in a yurt on your first night?

Wow the pictures looks amazing, I visited last year in july. It was amazing did 3 days horse riding to Song Kul lake. Booked tour with Pegas Adventure. I think june and july best time to visit. More green and not lots of tourists.

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Song Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan: the ultimate travel guide

This post is about Song Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. Before I went to Kyrgyzstan every tour agency I emailed told me it was not possible to get to Song kul lake in may. It would still be too cold and the season only starts in june. It was with much regret that I had to let go of my plan to visit Song kul lake.

Why visit Song kul lake?

Song kul lake is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes to visit in Kyrgyzstan. Almost every guide book describes Song kul lake as a tourist highlight and a must visit on any Kyrgyzstan itinerary . Its the perfect Kyrgyz picture of mountains, yurts and horses and the perfect place to experience the life and culture of the Kyrgyz nomads.

Song kul lake is rather difficult to access which protects it from being overrun by tourists. The alpine lake lies in a remote valley above 3000 meters and is surrounded by high mountain pastures. The fertile marshlands make it a favourite destination for the nomadic Kyrgyz herdsmen to let their livestock graze in the green meadows.

The yurts that stand on the shores of Song kul lake are not only for the Kyrgyz nomads though. Although it is still an off the beaten path destination when backpacking Kyrgyzstan , tourism is increasing every year. The Kyrgyz nomads are happy to welcome visitors and most of the yurt camps are now solely set up for this purpose.

Because of the high altitude the tourist season is a short one. Winters are harsh and long and it can snow any time of the year, even in summer. Therefore most yurt camps will not open their tents before June.

My experience in Song kul lake

It was not easy to let go of my plan to visit Song kul lake and I probably never really did. Once in Kyrgyzstan, I couldn’t stop thinking about going there. Was it really impossible?

It was the last week of may and a few days before I had to cross the border to Almaty in Kazakhstan . Even though I already emailed the cbt in both Kochkor and Naryn I wrote to them again.

Kochkor did not respond, but Naryn did. The road had just opened and even though their yurt camp was still setting up camp they could arrange a trip for a reasonable price.

From kochkor to Song kul lake

I met my driver in Kochkor and we left for the incredibly scenic drive from Kochkor to Song kul lake. In Kyrgyzstan you keep thinking the scenery can’t get more beautiful, but even after a month, the country keeps amazing me. Beautiful mountain valleys, small villages and green meadows where horses are grazing passed me by as I looked out of the window.

There was still snow on the mountain pass where we stopped for a little break to enjoy the views. The road was clear, but the lonely toilet shed was completely snowed in. From the top of the pass I could already see Song kul lake in the distance. The journey had been just as spectacular as the lake.

Staying with the nomads

I arrived early afternoon when the people at the CBT yurt camp were still busy. Everywhere there were bundles of wood and felt. One of them was to become my yurt for the night. So far, only the restaurant yurt was finished and I was invited inside for a cup of tea.

The rest of the afternoon I spend hiking around the lake and watching my yurt camp in action. I was impressed to see the speed and efficiency with which the yurts were build. Once the sun was going down most of them were set up.

The sunset was incredible by the way. Everything I read about Song kul lake was true. It is indeed one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan. The nomadic family that was running the yurt camp made a delicious late dinner and served me lots of tea to keep warm.

It was a cold night. When it was time to go to bed the son of the family first lighted up the stove in my yurt. It was quite cozy inside with the fire burning and the colourful felt carpets. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep.

When I woke up the next morning the fire had long stopped and it was difficult to leave the comfort of my warm blankets. The outdoor toilet was a simple wooden shed far removed from the actual yurts. The grass was still frozen and so was the water in the toilet.

Back at my yurt a warm cup of tea was already waiting for me. With the rising sun the lake looked different from yesterday evening. Different colours were reflected in the water. After breakfast I took another walk along the lakeshore before heading back to Naryn and Bishkek .

The legends of Song Kul Lake

Song Kul Lake is not only a tourist highlight, but also an extremely important place for the Kyrgyz people. For a long time the lake has been a meeting place for the different tribes in the area and around the shoreline you will find ancient burial mounds and stone monuments. Kyrgyz people believe the lake is sacred and many come to pray.

Many legends about the lake exist among the Kyrgyz nomads. One story tells about a powerful king. His harem consisted of the most beautiful girls in the Tien Shan mountains, but they suffered a lot under his cruelty. Their suffering crushed the mountains and flooded the valley where the kings palace stood. This became song kul lake whose stunning scenery still reflects the beauty of the king’s wives.

Things to do in Song Kul Lake

Song kul lake is surrounded by the Tien Shan mountains and high altitude summer pastures. It’s a spectacular location, but there is not a lot to do except for enjoying the scenery and getting to know the Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle and culture in the so called jailoo’s.

Horse back riding

Every yurt camp at Song kul lake can organise horse back riding trips around the lake and up into the mountains. It’s a great way to explore the area. If I wasn’t afraid of horses I would have done it for sure, because this is definitely one of the best places in Kyrgyzstan for horse back riding.

Hiking up the mountains

Without horses the best thing to do at Song kul lake is wandering around. Basically anywhere you go its beautiful. Just go a bit higher in the mountains for spectacular panorama views over the lake.

Watching the sunset

The sunsets at Song kul lake are incredible and definetly worth the somewhat cold experience. Once the sun is gone, temperatures go down quickly. Dress warmly and bring a torch and then enjoy the colours in the sky change.

Watching the stars

At night it is also worth getting out of your yurt to see the stars. There is almost zero light pollution at Song kul lake and being at a high altitude makes the stars even more bright. On a clear night it is almost as if you can touch them and you can easily see the milky way.

Watching wildlife

Truth must be told that you must be very lucky to spot any wildlife at Song kul lake as most species are highly endangered. Deer, bears, wolves, lynx and snow leopards have become extremely rare, because of illegal hunting. Therefore parts of the area are now protected and the Karatal Japyryk Nature Reserve was established.

The animals you are most likely to see are horses, sheep, goats, cows, yak and the occasional wild marmot. Song kul lake is also still a great destination for birdwatching. It is an official ramsar site , because of its importance as a stop over point for a variety of migrating birds such as black stocks and mountain geese. There are over 70 species of birds.

Song kul lake Travel tips

Where to sleep in song kul lake.

Camping : If you have your own tent there is nobody stopping you from camping at the shores of Song kul lake. It will probably be one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan to do so. However, bring enough warm clothes, food and water with you. Even in summer it gets very cold at night.

Yurt camps : In summer there are a number of yurt camps welcoming tourists. Sleeping in a yurt is one of the best ways to experience Kyrgyz nomadic life. It is the only option if you don’t have your own tent.

Each travel agency has their own yurt camps that they work with. Most of them will accomodate independent travellers as well. The yurts charge around 10 USD per night including breakfast and dinner.

Facilities at the yurt camps are basic. The yurts will either have beds or matresses on the floor with blankets. The toilet is outdoors and probably nothing more than a hole in the ground.

Where to eat in Song kul lake

There are no restaurants and you will eat at your yurt camp. There is plenty of tea. For dinner and breakfast you can expect basic Kyrgyz cuisine like plov, laghman or dimlama. It’s possible to request a packed lunch if you like to go on a day long horse back riding or hiking trip. However, it is a good idea to bring some snacks and enough water with you.

If you are vegetarian I would make sure to tell your hosts or travel agency beforehand so they can take this into account when preparing food for you.

When to visit Song kul lake

Above 3000 meters winters are harsh and long and the road from Kochkor or Naryn to Son kol lake is closed, most of the year, because of snow.

Therefore the tourist season is short and runs from June till September. Yurt camps open up their doors in the last week of may and close in mid october.

That said, Song kul lake can be visited on the back of a horse throughout the year, even in winter when the lake is frozen and covered in snow. You can read this excellent post about going on a horse trek in winter .

Going off season does mean you need to prepare well and go through a travel agency. Only a handful of yurts are open and it will be very cold so it will be dangerous if you don’t have good horses and the proper equipment.

Hiking or cycling independently to Song kul lake is only possible in summer.

How to get to Song Kul lake

There is no public transport to Song kol lake and the difficulty in getting there is part of the fun. Basically there are three options. The most popular way to travel to Song kol lake is on the back of a horse and this is possible all year long. The other option is by road and requires your own mode of transport. In summer you can also hike or cycle independently to the lake.

Horse back riding trips : Horse treks are one of the most popular ways to reach Song kol lake. They can take between 1 to 3 days and even longer if you like.

The advantage of horse treks is that they are available any time. The disadvantage is that you need to go through a travel agency and that this is certainly not the cheapest option. Reliable agencies are CBT kochkor , CBT Naryn and Kyrgyz Nomad .

For more information I can recommend this post from Journal of Nomads about horse treks to song kol lake .

Hiking independently : In summer you can also hike independently to Song kol lake. It takes about 3 days and you can start in Kochkor or Kyzart. From June till September you can stay in yurt camps along the way and if you are an experienced hiker you don’t necessarily need a guide.

In the off season, there will be no yurt camps so be prepared to bring everything you need (tent, sleeping bags, food, water). It can get really cold as well and there might be snow. Regarding safety it is better to go with a guide if you travel outside of the summer tourist season.

How to get to Song Kul lake by car

From Bishkek : When travelling from Bishkek or Karakol to Song kul lake you can take a combination of public transport and your own transport. The first part is to get to Kochkor. From Bishkek or Karakol to Kochkor there are frequent minivans or shared taxi’s. The journey takes about 3 hours.

From Kochkor : In Kochkor you need to arrange your own transport to the lake. I arranged a car with driver through CBT Naryn. There is a CBT in Kochkor as well, but they were slow in responding and when they did they turned out more expensive as well.

You pay per car and it is therefore best if you can find a group of people and share the costs. The journey takes about 3 hours.

You can also rent a car. Whether you need a 4 by 4 depends on the weather. If there is no rain there is no need for it, but if there is heavy rain the last part of the road becomes pretty bad.

From Naryn: Most people start their journey in Kochkor, because Kochkor is closest to Bishkek. However, it is also possible to get to Song kol lake from Naryn. CBT Naryn can arrange transportation. The journey is very scenic and takes around 3 hours.

Song kul lake packing list

Warm clothes : it can get very cold in song kul lake, even in summer

Snacks and water : there are no shops in song kul lake and although you are fed well at the yurt camps it is a good idea to bring some snacks and enough water with you. Consider bringing a water filter so you can refill your own bottle.

Toilet paper : toilet facilities are very basic. Bring some toilet paper and wet wipes.

Sunscreen : remember that at higher altitudes the sun is more strong and you get sunburn more easily.

Money : There is no ATM at the lake, so bring enough money in Kyrgyz som to pay for your yurt stay.

Sustainable Travel in Song Kul Lake

Song Kul Lake is a remote area with a fragile ecosystem. It is better to try Kyrgyz cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. For example, pollution is a growing problem. Traveling sustainably to Song Kul Lake is essential to minimize your environmental impact.

Leave no trace principle : Song Kul Lake is famous for its pristine natural beauty, and it’s crucial to keep it that way. To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter that you can refill at your accomodation. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

When exploring the area around Song Kul Lake, stick to designated trails when they are there, avoid disturbing wildlife or picking plants, and leave no trace of your presence. Ensure you take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. Even better, is when you bring something to pick up any of the trash that other people left behind.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to be sensitive of the community’s way of life. Kyrgyzstan is an Islamic country with a nomadic culture that is just opening up to tourism. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly. Learning a few basic phrases in Kyrgyz or Russian, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This post with a travel guide about Song kul lake in Kyrgyzstan contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

1 thought on “Song Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan: the ultimate travel guide”

Beautiful and helpful article so much value I’m really needing this info because I’m travelling soon i really appreciate your time to write us this.

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Nomadic Horse Trek

Nomadic horse trek  – the best sustainable tour of kyrgyzstan 2023 – contest winner (would you like to do a truly nomad-style horse ride wake up the nomad of a rider).

Description:

Experience Kyrgyz culture and the best scenic Central Asia in the most exciting way possible. Dive headfirst into the world of horse trekking and experience Kyrgyzstan through its scenic valleys and sweeping vistas, and come away with an experience of a lifetime. This unique adventure offers the opportunity to learn the basics of horse riding and to practice your new skills amongst the mountains of the Tian Shan Range.

You will make your own horsewhip, gallop through open fields and learn to play traditional Kyrgyz horse games. Stay with local shepherd families, and truly get a taste of nomadic life. Your teachers and guides are expert horsemen and you will be immersed in a truly authentic Kyrgyz Nomad experience. This trek is excellent for those with little to no horse-riding experience . As well as outdoor enthusiasts looking for a unique adventure, and has options up to 9 days to fit into any schedule!

• Duration :9 days
• Best Season:  June – September
• Category: combined –auto/horseback
• Level of Difficulty:  Medium to Moderate
• Group Size:  any
• Highlights: Song-Kul Lake, Jashyl-Kol Lake, Kaiyndy Jailoo
• Experience: Basic horse ricing, Horse care training, Advanced horseriding techniques, Putting on horseshoes, Participating in horse games
• Requirements:  weatherproof warm clothes, trekking boots, hat, sunglasses, sleeping bag, and sunscreen.

DAY 1: Bishkek – KyzylOi village ( 4 hours driving)

Bishkek to Kyzyl-Oi: Depart from Bishkek in the morning and drive about 200km south to Kyzyl Oi village.  Nestled deep in the Suusamyr Valley and alongside the mighty Kokomeren River, Kyzyl-Oi is an idyllic mountain village full of friendly people and wonderful guesthouses where you will stay and rest up for your ensuing adventure.

DAY 2: Horse trek: KyzylOi – Oi-Kaying (4-5 hours horse trek)

Kyzyl-Oi to Oi-Kaying: Today your journey begins just outside of Kyzyl-Oi village, where you meet your guides and get acquainted with your horses. Setting off, you will slowly ascend along a very easy trail through the Oi-Kaying Jailoo. At the 6 kilometer mark, you will pass a large rock with ancient Persian writing, an interesting sight for archeological enthusiasts and history lovers alike. After this you will continue through the Jailoo for about 15km, ascending gradually until you reach your camp spot at an elevation just below 3000m, overlooking the valley from which you just came.  You will camp near local shepherd settlements and learn a little about Kyrgyz nomadic life and taste the local cuisine.

Entertainment: Evening you will start to learn “how to make you own Kyrgyz horsewhip”.  You will not be allowed to do horse galloping without your own, handmade horsewhip.

DAY 3: Horse trek: Oi-Kaying – SaryKol (4-5 hours horse trek)

Oi Kaying to Sary Kol: Start the day by continuing to climb gradually up the Oi Kaying Jailoo until you reach the mountain pass sitting at 3411m.  Here you will be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the valley below, dotted with horses, cattle, yurt settlements, and fir forests. As you snake your way down from the pass watch as the landscape around you changes from high alpine to dense forest.  You will split from the main road, continuing on a smaller trail that traverses the mountainside, weaving between fir trees and winding creeks.  After about 20km from your starting point, you will settle along the shores of Sary-Kul, a splendid lake surrounded by lush greenery and serene forests.

Entertainment: Continue your workshop on making the horsewhip.

DAY 5: Horse trek: Tegerek – Kyzart pass (5-6 hours horse trek)

From Tegerek the ride proceeds on to the Kyzart Pass, traversing rolling hills and open fields. On the way will be a break in the valley Ok-Torkoy, where you can have a nice lunch in the yurt camp Ok-Torkoy. After a good rest, you continue the tour to the Kyzart pass. After arriving at the Kyzart Pass, there will be transportation provided to Kyzart village and you will spend the night at a local guesthouse. Enjoy a shower and a warm bed for the night, and recharge for the rest of the adventure that will continue the next morning!

DAY 6: Horse trek: Kyzart pass - Kilemche (4-5 hours horse trek)

After breakfast at the guesthouse from the village Kyzart, return to your guide team and continue your adventure. You will arrive at the Kyzart Pass, where your guide team welcomes you back and has everything ready to go. So your journey continues on the horseback by crossing the Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo. Ride over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3061m) into the Chaar-Archa Valley and eat a tasty lunch by the racing river, with views of the 4400m Baba-Ata Mountain. After lunch, you cross the river and follow the trail over lush hills to the Kilemche Jailoo. The name means “like a carpet,” and this swathe of grass covers the whole mountain range. Stay the night at a yurt camp.

Entertainment: In the afternoon you will have some free time at Kilemche Jailoo. Your guide instructor will show you how to put the horseshoes on and tell you about the Kyrgyz horses.

DAY 7: Horse trek: Kilemche – Tuz Ashuu (4-5 hours horse trek)

Having eaten breakfast at Kilemche, you will spend the morning climbing the Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400 m). The trek crosses the Song-Kol Mountains and into the lake’s basin. The rocky and spectacular climb affords wonderful views of Kilemche jailoo.  After lunch at Jaman Echki, follow the lakeshore west to the yurt at Tuz-Ashuu. Upon arrival meet your host family of Kyrgyz shepherds. Food and accommodation will be provided by local families in yurts.

Entertainment: This day you can practice your first horseback galloping in the valley.

 DAY 8: Horse trek: Tuz Ashuu - TulparTash (4-5 hours horse trek)

Today will be a relatively straightforward and easy ride to the western part of the lake along the lakeshore. It will be a good opportunity to check your horseback riding skills on Song-Kol’s flat, open valley. Explore jailoo and learn more about the Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle. In addition to this, you may have the chance to participate in traditional Kyrgyz horse games, an experience unique to this tour. Stay the night at Tulapr-Tash yurt camp.

Entertainment: In honor of your penultimate day on this equestrian tour, it will be organized horse game Kok-Boru. In this game, you can participate as a player at will.

DAY 9: Horse trek: TulparTash – Kyzart village (3-4 hours horse trek). Transfer for Bishkek (3-4 hours driving)

Today you will wrap up your journey. Start at Tulpar-Tash and leave SongKol to Kyzart village via Uzbek Pass. The pass opens up to a spectacular panoramic view of all of Song-Kol valley. Ride down to the village and have lunch before a transfer will be provided to Kochkor village.  End of the tour (You can stay in Kochkor to plan your next trip to Issyk-Kul region or return to Bishkek by public transport) 

How to book?

The tours start upon request. The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit into your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.

After having solved all the questions and programs confirming we issue an invoice for payment. You can make a bank transfer or pay upon your arrival time in Bishkek before the trip starts.

What is the price?

To better convey the pricing of individual tours along this route, consider the following revision: “The cost of each tour is determined through individual negotiations that take into account factors such as the duration of the tour, your specific needs and preferences, and the size of your group. This allows for a personalized and tailored experience that reflects your unique requirements and ensures a fulfilling and enjoyable journey.”

It is included:

• Local guide service (basic English speaking ) 
• Horse rental for 9 days
• All accommodations during the horse trek (8 overnights: camping, yurt overnights, homestays)
• All meals during the tour
• Horseman services
• Tent/mat rental
• All transfers (Bishkek to Kyzyl-Oi village, Kyzart village to Kochkor). You will use the local private community taxi drivers

It is not included:

• Bishkek hotel accommodations
• Kochkor guesthouse accommodations
• Meals in Bishkek
• Air tickets

Should I have a good horse riding skils?

It is Ok to do horse treks in Kyrgyzstan for beginners or the people who have never ridden before. The 90% of our visitors have no horseback riding skils but they can manage the horse treks because we use for our clients’ very quiet and calm horses with comfortable saddles and choose the relevant trek for horse tours. Our horseback guides will be your individual instructor to ride a Kyrgyz horse and help you to manage it.

The horseback riding rules. 

What kit do I need?

Clothing for hiking in temperatures from +25C to -0C. A detailed kit list will be sent to you when you book on.

Do I need a visa?

Kyrgyzstan has a free visa entry for many countries. Please check your availability on the e-visa online service –  http://www.evisa.e-gov.kg/

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Home » Asia » Kyrgyzstan » Trekking in Kyrgyzstan – Tips, Tricks, and Where to Start

Trekking in Kyrgyzstan – Tips, Tricks, and Where to Start

The trekking in Kyrgyzstan is some of the best that I have ever done. The landscape is extremely diverse, shifting from variegated desert to verdant steppe to soaring mountains and sometimes appears more kaleidoscopic than real. The people are also among the coolest that I’ve met as well – they are truly nomadic and are very capable in their own habitats.

Kyrgyzstan is still relatively untouched by mass tourism. There are so many trails here and such large tracts of open nature that one could get lost for days. For those who want to go on a real adventure and want to take part in a truly epic hike, Kyrgyzstan is hard to pass up.

There are lots of trekking opportunities in Kyrgyzstan; maybe too much. (Is there such a thing though?) If you want to see the best of this country and not waste any time, you’ll need some guidance before you head there.

This trekking guide for Kyrgyzstan is for all the hopeless hikers out there; the ones that stay up all night long thinking about the next trail. It will show you where to go, what you need to do to get ready, and what you should expect. I take great pride in presenting it to you, my fellow broke backpackers, and hope that it will serve you well.

What to Expect from Kyrgyzstan

How is horse trekking in kyrgyzstan, where to go – the best treks in kyrgyzstan, how much does trekking in kyrgyzstan cost, what to pack for your trek in kyrgyzstan , organizing your own trekking adventure in kyrgyzstan, get insurance before starting your hike in kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan is a gem of a country. It has some of the most stunning landscapes that I’ve ever seen and few other destinations can compete it with its natural diversity. For outdoor lovers, Kyrgyzstan is a paradise, and I have no problem sharing it is one of my all-time favorites.

Kyrgyzstan is backpacking gold . it has everything : lush pastures, soaring mountains, psychedelic deserts, and even red-sand beaches (if you count the impressively large Issyk Kul). In the course of a week, you could potentially visit almost every landscape imaginable on God’s green earth. It’s like the New Zealand of Central Asia and may even rival the original one day (in terms of tourism).

Trekkers and hikers will have the most opportunities to experience Kyrgyzstan. Whilst much of the country can be enjoyed from the seat of a car, the best lies in the backcountry. Kyrgyzstan’s greatest treasures are its wildernesses and they can be yours with only a few days of walking.

So, to those who are considering an adventure tour in Kyrgyzstan, I say: “Bravo!” With a bit of enthusiasm, some patience, and the proper planning, you’ll get to enjoy this majestic country to the fullest.

Without further ado, let’s talk about trekking in Kyrgyzstan and what you need to do to start!

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Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

Before you can begin your hike in Kyrgyzstan, you need to set up a base for yourself . This means finding a good place to buy supplies, organize transport/guide, and wash your grimey ass after you just spent a week in the mountains. If there’s beer around town, then you got yourself a winner for sure!

But Kyrgyzstan isn’t exactly overflowing with accommodation. In fact, most of the county is devoid of any sort of conventional lodging outside the tourist areas. There are traditional yurts to sleep in but a lot of them are in the middle of nowhere. This means you will only have a few solid choices when it comes to finding places to stay in Kyrgyzstan .

At the moment, hotels are the most common form of accommodation. You can find a hotel in just about any town. Local guesthouses are also ubiquitous and we usually prefer these to hotels in Kyrgyzstan because they’re cheaper, more intimate, and are usually run by super friendly families.

Airbnbs and hostels are not really popular in Kyrgyzstan yet and are kind of hard to find outside of the big cities. It possible to book a good apartment still but they’re usually limited in availability.

Bishkek , Osh , and Karakol are the three main hubs for organizing treks in Kyrgyzstan. These towns have outdoor shops, grocery stores, guiding companies, and any other business that one would possibly need before starting a hike. Being the largest, Bishkek and Osh are the most convenient cities to find lodging.

Getting Around Kyrgyzstan

Given the extreme nature of the landscape, one would think that getting around Kyrgyzstan would be tedious. It is over 90% mountainous terrain, after all, which doesn’t exactly bode well for roads.

But it’s actually incredibly easy to travel in Kyrgyzstan! The roads are actually in decent condition and there are regular flights across the country.

Most people use some sort of vehicular travel in Kyrgyzstan. This comes in the form of public transport, renting a car, or hiring a private driver.

• Public transport: Regular buses run connect all major Kyrgz cities. These vary between the large mainliners that run between Bishkek and Issyk Kul to smaller minibusses or marshrutkas. Note that marshrutkas are often just local drivers with a van and that prices are not always set (especially for foreigners).
• Personal transport: A lot of tourists end up renting their own car to get around Kyrgyzstan. Most opt for a 4×4, which is good if they plan on going into the mountains. If travelers just want to stick the highways, a sedan would get the job.
• Private driver: If you’re without a car and the bus isn’t an option – either because it’s full or there is no bus to where you want to go – you’ll need to hire a private driver. Paying for a driver is obviously going to be more expensive. Negotiate before you get in the car.

If you need to travel from Bishkek to Osh, I highly recommend taking a flight. Air Manaus is amazingly cheap and the flight only takes 45 minutes. Conversely, driving between the two cities can take several days.

When to Go Trekking in Kyrgyzstan

The best time to go trekking in Kyrgyzstan depends greatly on where you want to go and what you’re willing to put up with. If you’re looking for a short hike in the lowlands of the country, you will have a much larger window. If you want to go gallivanting in the mountains for days at a time, you’ll only have a couple of months when you can do so. 

July-September offers the best possible conditions for hiking in Kyrgyzstan. The trails are usually clear (barring a late winter), the weather is more stable, and the mountain passes are as open as they’ll ever be. The rivers should be relatively calm as well – since peak snowmelt has finished – which should make for easier crossings.

There are some downsides to visiting Kyrgyzstan during these peak months: prices are always higher, guides/drivers are in shorter supply, and trails are usually busy with fellow hikers.

If you want good prices and good weather, September is the best month . It’ll be cold above 2,500 meters, but that’s why God invented nice, warm down jackets .

It IS possible to trek in June, but you’ll be rolling the dice. There’s still lots of snow in June and the rivers can be overflowing with melt-water. (Trust me, you don’t want to mess with a raging river.) We went trekking around the Batken area in mid to late-June and got snowed on three times (in June!) and ended up crossing some dicey avalanche-prone terrain at 3,500 meters.

If you want to do a hike at a lower elevation, like at Fairytale Canyon or Konorchek Canyon, you’ll be able to from spring to autumn. There may be some snow around late-October but it shouldn’t be too much.

Horses are a very important part of Kyrgyz culture. They provide transportation, subsistence in times of need, and a companion when the rider is lonely. Kyrgz people live in constant contact with these animals and enjoy sharing their way of life with foreigners.

Horse trekking is one of the most popular things to do in Kyrgyzstan ! Few activities can compare to exploring the endless jailoos (summer pastures) and epic mountain scenery by horseback. If you have any inkling do take part in something unique, then you should definitely consider a horse trek in Kyrgyzstan. 

There are many ways to go horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan. Sometimes, you’ll just be on the horse for an hour or two. Other times, you may need to ride a horse for a 6-8 hours a day although we don’t recommend newbies do this (your hips will be destroyed).

Horses can also be used as pack animals for longer expeditions. This can be a good option if you don’t want to pay to ride your own horse and don’t want to be burdened with your bags at the same time. Horse porters can usually carry a load for 2-3 people. 

To learn more about this type of experience, I recommend reading our dedicated guide to horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan . It’ll cover a lot more details than we can in this lone section.

Let’s cut to the chase and start talking about the real reason y’all are here: where should you go hiking in Kyrgyzstan!  Here are 15 ideas:

1. Trek to Ala-Kol via Karakol Valley and Altyn Arashan

Total distance: 25-38 miles (40-65 km) depending on if you take jeeps

Total days: 3-4 days

Best time of year : July to September

Difficulty Rating: Semi-difficult

At a glance: Visit a stunning alpine lake perched at 3,100 m and follow it up with some wonderful hot springs. 

Ala-Kul is usually the first place that pops on people’s radar when they start researching trails in Kyrgyzstan; for good reason, of course. 

Situated at an elevation of 3,100 meters and encased on nearly every side by rugged peaks, Ala-Kul is drop-dead gorgeous. The lake itself has a habit of changing colors as well. One moment it’s a brilliant aquamarine and the next it’s a bottomless shade of cobalt. This phenomenon actually gives the lake its name, Ala-Kul, which means lake of “lake of many colors.”

The classic hike to Ala-Kul begins in the Karakol Valley and ends at the hot springs of Altyn Arashan . Both are great ways to begin and end your trip.

Due to its fame, Ala-Kul is one of the most popular hikes in Kyrgyzstan. Several tour companies include it in their itinerary as it would be tragic to miss this place.

Independent hikers can do this hike if they wish. There are many established campgrounds that they can use and the trail is well-trodden. Just make sure you have the right gear and map still.

2. Horse Trekking to Song Kul via Kyzart Pass

Total distance: 22 miles (35 km)

Total days: 2-3 days

Best time of year: July to September, can be done in winter with proper prep

Difficulty Rating: Moderate

At a glance: Arrive at one of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous destinations in style – by riding a horse of course!

Song Kul is a must-see place in Kyrgyzstan , no doubt about it. Resembling the arctic tundra of Alaska or perhaps the alpine plateaus of Pakistan, Song Kul is a dreamscape suspended in the mountains above the country. Seeing it slowly unfold in front of you for the first time is an unforgettable experience and I enjoy it every time I visit.

Though lots of travelers opt to drive to Song Kul, riding a horse onto the jailoo is the ultimate way to arrive!

The horse trek itself starts in the small community of Kyzart , about 2-3 hours drive from Bishkek. From there, you mount your loyal steed and immediately head into the mountains. Over the course of the next two to three days, you’ll cross vast meadows, nomadic camps, and under soaring peaks before eventually arriving at Song Kul.

Once you make it to Song Kul, it’s all about rest and relaxation. Chances are, you will stay in a local yurt, which is a great experience. If you booked a tour with KCBTA, they will also introduce you to the native lifestyle. That means trying local products, drinking kumus , and milking mares (yes, mares; not cows ).

If you use our special discount code, TheBrokeBackpackerKGZ312 , you’ll also get 10% off your KCBTA tour as well. ?

Day Hike through Konorchek Canyon

Total distance: 6 miles (10 km) round trip, optional side trips

Total days: 1 day

Best time of year: April to May, September to October

At a glance: Discover why Kyrgyzstan’s desert landscape is often compared to the likes of Utah.

Whilst traveling around Kyrgyzstan, my friend and I started referring to Kyrgyzstan as “Coloradostan.” Why you ask? Well aside from having an amazing beer scene (let’s not digress), Kyrgyzstan also features similar geography to Colorado. Mountains give way to rolling hills which eventually turn into red-rock deserts.

Yes, Kyrgyzstan has deserts. Beautiful deserts, in fact, littered with psychedelic rock formations, squat petrified goblins, and blazing red spires; all the stuff that you’d normally expect in the American Southwest.

Now, Fairytale or Skazka Canyon usually gets most of the attention. It’s good but the best desert hike in Kyrgyzstan is definitely at Konorcheck. Konorcheck is bigger and features a lot more to see and do.

Konorcheck is very cool to explore. As you walk around, the red-rock appears to melt all around you, like a crayon left out in the sun. When you walk higher, towers begin to appear in the distance. It’s all very trippy.

4. Hike to Travelers Pass near Peak Lenin

Total distance: 12 miles (19 km) round trip

Best time of year: July to August

At a glance: Spend the day hiking above Tulpar Kol to gain epic views of one Kyrgyzstan’s largest mountains.

Peak Lenin is probably one of the easiest 7,000-meter peaks to visit in the world. You can take a jeep just before the base camp at Tulpar Kol (3,500 m), and from the mammoth mountain dominates everything.

Adventurous types will probably want to get their kicks and go for a longer walk though. People can trek either 20 minutes from the yurts at Tulpar Kul or continue further towards the ABC (Advanced Base Camp) and stop at Travelers Pass along the way.

At 4,130 m, Travelers Pass offers one of the best views of Peak Lenin possible. From this vantage, you can see not only the mountain but vast swathes of multi-colored rock, glacier, and jailoo.

Beyond Travelers Pass is the Advanced Base Camp (4,400 m). It is definitely possible to continue your hike to there but you will need an extra day to do so. There is a basic campground at ABC that is mostly inhabited by climbers attempting the summit.

Contact KCBTA to arrange transport, lodging, and tours around Peak Lenin.

5. Overnight to the Ak-Sai Glacier in Ala Archa

Total distance: 8 miles (13 km) round trip

Best time of year: July to September

At a glance: Get out the capitol for the day and make a day hike to a glacier… (wait you can walk to a glacier in A DAY from Bishkek?!)

One of the coolest parts about hiking in Kyrgyzstan is that the trail is never too far away. Even the largest city in the country, Bishkek, has a number of trails close by; great trails, in fact!

Right outside of Bishkek is Ala Archa National Park. Within an hour, you could drive from the city and be hiking in some of Kyrgyzstan’s best alpine landscapes. The park even hosts a peak that is nearly 5,000 meters higher than anything in the Rockies or Alps. That’s impressive.

The best hike in Ala Archa has got to be the one up to Ak-Sai Glacier. It’s a relatively straight forward hike but is a bit demanding when done as a day hike. The fact that you can visit a glacier in a single day from the capital city makes the challenge more than worthwhile.

Grab your car and head to the mountains for a weekend. If you don’t have transport, contact Show Me Bishkek for help.

Language note: The term ak-sai is very common in Kyrgyzstan as it simply means “white valley” or “source of white water.” You’ll see Ak-Sais everywhere and it can be difficult to discern between them in conversation.

6. Expedition to Khan Tengri via Enlycheck Glacier

Total distance: 50-62 miles (75-100 km) depending on if you want the helicopter ride

Total days: 2-3 weeks

Difficulty Rating: Difficult 

At a glance: Trek up the epic Enylcheck Glacier to see one of the most perfect peaks in the world.

This is one of the greatest hikes in not only Kyrgyzstan but all Central Asia; the one that people wait an entire lifetime to do. To see Khan Tengri (7,010 m) is a humbling experience as few other places in the world can match its extraordinary grace and power. (Yes, I talk like this about mountains.)

Khan Tengri, meaning Lord of the Heavens in Kazak, is a mountain that should only exist in storybooks. It’s near perfect pyramidal shape has inspired people to call it the most beautiful mountain in the world. It’s so perfect that someone on SummitPost even described it as “like a kid’s drawing of a mountain.”

To see Khan Tengri either requires a multi-week expedition up the Enylchek Glacier and/or a (pricey) helicopter flight. Most organized tours include both in their itinerary; a walk in and a ride out.

Because of the demanding nature of this walk, tours can be expensive. You can try and organize a trek yourself to see Tengri but, honestly, it may not save you any money or stress. You’ll need permits, glacier equipment, porters, a guide, and all for several weeks.

7. Horse Trekking in Jyrgalan

Total distance: varies

Total days: varies 

Best time of the year: June to September

Difficulty Rating: Easy-Moderate

At a glance: Rolling greens hills, swathes of lush woods, and your loyal steed. Simple as that.

There are lots of places to go horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan; a lot. Song Kul, the Alay Valley, Issyk Kul, all of these and more have more than enough horses and guides to make your Lord of the Ring dreams come true.

One of the best places to go horse trekking is Jyrgalan . Located very close to Karakol, Jyrgalan is like a slice of Switzerland in Central Asia. The scene is pastoral, the people are extremely warm, and life just seems easier here.

There are lots of horse trekking tours in Jyrgalan that visit a wide variety of locations. Ride over to the Chaar-Jon Panorama for expansive views of the range. Maybe duck into Robbers Canyon and pretend you’re chasing after devilish horse thieves. You can even go on multi-day hikes with the proper guide and spend a night in the mountains. No matter where you choose, your imagination is sure to run wild.

8. Hike to Kol-Suu Lake

Total distance: 9 miles (15 km) round trip

Best time of the year: July to September

At a glance: Walk or ride to see one of the most elusive lakes in Kyrgyzstan; one that is disappears some years…

I already told you that Kyrgyzstan was a magical land, but if I told you that there was a lake that actually disappeared sometimes? Would you believe me?

Deep in the southern reaches of Kyrgyzstan, on the border of China near Naryn, there is a lake that is sometimes there and sometimes not. Some who venture here see a shimmering body of water enclosed by giant walls of stone. Some see nothing but an empty desert.

To be honest, there is no magic behind Kol-Suu. When there is lots of snow in the winter, the lake is full during the summer. If it’s been a dry year, the lake will be empty. 

Regardless of whether it’s full or not though, Kol-Suu is still worth visiting. The hike to Kol-Suu itself is pretty easy and only takes a day or two depending on how much time you want to spend there. The trailhead also starts in the Ak-Sai Valley, a harshly beautiful place that is often called “The North Pole of Kyrgyzstan.” 

Ask KCBTA if the lake is full or not and about jeep tours in the Ak-Sai region.

Who are KCBTA ? KCBTA, which stands for “Kyrgyzstan Community Based Tourism Association”, is a company that connects travelers with local people and experiences. They are one of the leading groups in the country when it comes to authentic tourism and finding off the beaten path locations. TBB readers also get 10% off KCBTA tours when they use the following coupon code! TheBrokeBackpackerKGZ312

9. Trekking in “Asian Patagonia” and the Karavshin Valley

Total distance: 62 miles (100 km) round trip

Total days: 7-9 days

Best time of the year: Mid-July to September

Difficulty Rating: Difficult

At a glance: Explore one of the most remote parts of Kyrgyzstan and discover hidden granite towers.

When we first heard about this place it was described simply as “Patagonia.” A bold statement, if you had asked us then, but we were convinced nonetheless.

“Asian Patagonia” is a title given to a part of the Turkestan Range in the tumultuous Batken region. Straddled on a small strip of frontier between Tajik and Uzbek borders, the area is mostly neglected by tourists. For those who do want to visit, it’s a long drive west from the southern capital of Osh. 

The beginning of the trek doesn’t provide much respite. The first few days are long hauls as the central part of the range, where the best scenery is fortified by many high mountain passes. Once you get over these though, it’s paradise.

The inner sanctuaries of the Turkestan Range are breathtaking. The Karavshin Valley , Ak-Sai Peak, Alexander Blok Peak, everything is beyond words. Best of all, there’s no one around; the region is devoid of hikers.

If you want to go on a real adventure, consider Asian Patagonia. You WILL need a guide to go here and we suggest reaching out to KCBTA; they’re one of the few companies in the country that organize treks here.

10. See the Best of Arslanbob

Total distance: 11 miles (17 km)

Best time of the year: April to October

Difficulty Rating: Easy

At a glance: Visit the most picturesque waterfalls in Kyrgyzstan, along with meadows and mountain views, around Arslanbob.

Arslanbob was initially described to us “every Kyrgyz’ favorite place.” Tucked away into the mountains north of Osh, Arslanbob is a really, really lovely area. Walnut groves blanket the countryside and give the village a really whimsical feel. 

There are many waterfalls in the forests around Arslanbob and these are among the best in Kyrgyzstan. Most are within reach of the town and are easily visited by a day hike.

It is possible to go on a whistle-stop tour around Arslanbob and see the best of the village’s scenery. Walking is an option but we recommend riding a horse because it really adds to the whole experience. You can contact the local KCBTA to help organize horses and a guide.

11. Trekking in the Height of the Alay via Jiptick Pass

Total distance: 37 miles (60 km)

Total days: 5 days

At a glance: Trek over the Alay Mountains from Osh to Sar Mogul, experiencing quintessential Kyrgz alpine scenery along the way.

The long way round to Sary Mogul from Osh; but a spectacular one for sure! 

The Height of the Alay trek is one of the highlights of Southern Kyrgyzstan. It offers expansive views of the Alay Mountains and the distant Pamir Range. Peak Lenin can be seen at several points along the trail though there is plenty more to see besides it.

The Height of the Alay trek starts big and ends big as you’re in the mountains from the get go. Along the way, you’ll visit gorges and jailoos but the two passes – Jiptick Pass and Sary Mogul Pass – are the highlights of the trip. 

Whilst this trek is meant to begin and end in Osh, you can take an extended break in Sary Mogul and even visit Peak Lenin for a day or two. You can head back to Osh whenever you’re ready. 

It is possible to stay in yurts along the trail but you’ll need to check ahead of time. Contact the local KCBTA to inquire.

Dont forget to use the discount code TheBrokeBackpackerKGZ312 to get 10% of all tours organized by KCBTA!

12. Trek to Boz-Uchuk Lakes via Jyrgylan

Total distance: 28 miles (46 km) 

Total days: 3 days

At a glance: See a wilder side of Jyrgylan and start trekking into the nearby Ala-Too Range.

This is a relatively new trail in a relatively new touristy area, yet Boz-Uchuk is already making rounds on the web. Lots of travel bloggers have spoken how this is their favorite place in Jyrgylan and maybe even the whole country. I’d say that it’s definitely earned the right to be counted among the best treks in Kyrgyzstan.

The trek starts in the town of Jyrgylan itself though you quickly get into the backcountry. The hike involves two passes and will take several days to complete. There are a bunch of little hikes you can add on as well and you could easily turn three days into five here. 

What can be said about the lake except that it’s another fine representative of Kyrgyzstan: clean, pure, beautiful, and wild. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the lake all to yourself though that may not be the case in the future as the area becomes more popular.

13. Horse Trekking from Chong-Kemin to Issyk Kul via Tamchy Pass

Total distance: 18 miles (30 km)

Total days: 2 days

At a glance: Horse trek from the bucolic Chong-Kemin over the mountains and descend down to the iconic Issyk Kul.

The Chong-Kemin Valley is a paragon of Kyrgyzstan’s national park system. Founded to preserve the rich yet sensitive local ecosystem, Chong-Kemin hosts a multitude of flora and fauna. The landscape shifts from jailoo to forested to alpine before dropping down to the I ssyk Kul region where the desert takes over. 

There’s lots to do in the Chong-Kemin. You could go white water rafting, watch a game of buzkashi , and even hear the story of Manus as told by a local poet. There are several treks in the area as well, so you won’t be lacking for things to do.

The best way to end your excursion in the Chong-Kemin is to actually do a horse trek over the Tamchy Pass to Issyk Kul. This trail will give you one of the rawest impressions possible of the Chong-Kemin and is a great way to connect it to Issyk Kul. Whilst others are stuck driving on the main road, you’ll be arriving to Issyk Kul like a real nomad. 

14. Trek to Kol Mazar aka the Holy Lakes

Total distance: 48 miles (77 km)

Total days: 4-5 days 

Best time of the year: June to October

At a glance: Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and visit one of the holiest lakes in Central Asia.

For those who are visiting Arslanbob and want to spend some extra time in the area, the trek to Kol Mazar is a great addition. This hike features the usual Kyrgyz mountain scenery, including gorges, peaks, and alpine lakes. What makes this hike special is that one of the lakes is considered one of the holiest places in Central Asia for Muslims.

The hike up to Kol Mazar is nice but not spectacular. You’ll pass by a few notable sites, like the anti-climatic Holy Rock, and have plenty of views of the local valleys. On the first night, you’ll camp at the base of Friendship Pass below the lakes themselves. 

When you reach the actual Holy Lakes , you may be tempted to jump in but this forbidden; the waters are considered off-limits by pilgrims so bathing is frowned upon. Just admiring the beautiful turquoise shades of the lakes though are enough to satiate the senses.

15. The Ak-Suu Traverse

Total distance: 56 miles (90 km)  

Total days: 6-7 days

Best time of the year: Middle of July to September

At a glance: Tackle this beast of a hike that crosses multiple passes and visits some of the most stunning parts of the Ala-Too Range.

The Ak-Suu Traverse connects almost every single notable location in the Ala-Too Range. This includes, but is not limited to Ala-Kul, Boz-Uchuk, Altyn Arashan, and Telety Pass . It is the ultimate trek in the Karakol region and will leave you breathless in more than one way.

The beginning of this hike is the same as Boz-Uchuk. Instead of turning around and heading back to Jyrgylan afterwards, you continue on deeper into the Ala-Too. 

Over the course of the next week, you will need to conquer a total of five passes. We cannot not sell this trek short and say that it will be easy. There will be sweat, there will be blood, and there will (hopefully) be beer at the camps.

The last pass is Telety and just beyond that is the end of the road. The trail ends at the famous Jeti Oguz rock formations. If you didn’t have a drink on the trail up until this point, you’ve certainly earned one now.

The costs of hiking in Kyrgyzstan can vary greatly as there are a lot of different factors to consider. For example:

• Are you bringing your own gear to Kyrgyzstan?
• Do you think that you will want a guide or porters?
• What kind of comforts are expecting like booze, quality of food, etc?
• How much time do you have?
• How long will your hike(s) be?

These are a couple things that you need to consider before you start trekking in Kyrgyzstan.

It’s difficult to sum how much a trek in Kyrgyzstan will cost on average because there are quite a few expenses involved. For trekkers who to do things themselves, I’ve included some ballpark figures immediately below. Those who want to book a tour with a local Kyrgyz company will not have to worry about these numbers.

Guide: $25-$35 (1750-2500 som) per day

Porter*: $20-$25 (1500-1750 som) per day

Horse: $10-$15 (700-1000 som) per day

Tent rental: $3-$4 (200-300 som) per day

Sleeping bag rental: $2-$3 (150-200 som) per day

A canister of gas: $4-$5 (250-350 som)

Food supplies/person: $3-4 (200-300 som) per day

Yurt stay w/ dinner and breakfast: $15 per night

For more information on how much a trek will cost in Kyrgyzstan, refer to the sections below.

*The guide or porter will usually double as a cook so I wouldn’t worry too much about hiring a dedicated one.

Independent or Organized Hiking Tours in Kyrgyzstan?

Choosing between hiking on your own or with a tour company in Kyrgyzstan really comes down to how much you’re willing to spend. Those who want to be as comfortable and enlist the help of local guides will probably end up spending more money. For those who organize everything themselves and don’t mind skimping on some luxuries, Kyrgyzstan can be very cheap. 

Basically, money buys you convenience in Kyrgyzstan. If you are short on time, don’t have any appropriate gear, and know very little about the country, going with an organized tour is probably the best option. The people you hire will prepare everything for you and, since their experts, will show you the best time possible.

Going with a tour company in Kyrgyzstan will also allow you to see parts of the country that you may have not been aware of. Local guides know their country very well and can show you glimpses of their own favorite places. 

All that being said, it is definitely possible to organize your own treks in Kyrgyzstan . Of course, you will have to get together all of your own food, gear, transport, and so on. You will also have to make the decision if you want to pay for a guide or not. 

So if you want to prep your own trekking itinerary in Kyrgyzstan, never fear; we’re about to cover the logistics in the following section. Pay close attention, my fellow dirt-baggers. 

While beautiful, Kyrgyzstan can be a harsh place sometimes. The weather in Kyrgyzstan can be unpredictable – downright scary at times – and could potentially ruin your trip. 

You want to be sure to the best possible equipment for your Kyrgyz adventure. Here’s a list of gear that you must have before setting out:

Good hiking backpack – Get something robust, weather-resistant, and at least 65 liters.

Down jacket – Nights can be cold in Kyrgyzstan, even in the summer.

Light rain jacket – Afternoon storms are common.

Sleeping pad – I personally can’t sleep without one of these. Also, they can be used as floaties when you’re swimming!

Hiking boots – Make sure they are comfortable and NOT brand new. An exception here is the Keen Targhee II which can be worn straight from the box.

3-season sleeping bag – A 15-degree should be fine. 0-degree would be better at higher elevations. 

First-aid kit – You never know what could happen.

Headlamp – One of the most useful things you can have when traveling.

Other Useful Items

• 3-season tent – If you’re organizing your own trek and don’t want to rent one.
• Synthetic clothing – Enough to last however long you’ll be in the wilderness.
• Wool socks – These keep your feet warm and not prone to chafing. 
• Gloves – If your hands become cold easily.
• Camera – Trust us; you’ll be using one of these a lot.
• Gaters – When it comes to walking through snow, these are a godsend. 
• Hat or buff – The sun, when out, can be very strong in Kyrgyzstan.
• Gas-burning stove – Don’t forget the proper cookware and utensils as well.
• Trekking poles – There are some crazy inclines/descents in Kyrgyzstan; these will save your knees.
• Good knife – For cutting all those cucumbers and tomatoes you’re going to be eating.
• Quick-drying towel – Always handy.
• Water bottle – Though the water is generally clean in the mountains, having a water bottle with a built-in filter will ensure you don’t get sick.
• Some form of navigation – A map and compass, a GPS, a guide; whatever works for you.

There is a lot more that you can bring with you besides these items. Be sure to check out our comprehensive Kyrgyzstan packing list post for more details!

Packing Your Own Gear vs Renting in Kyrgyzstan 

When it comes to gear, I always recommend bringing as much of your own as possible. You’ll know how to use your own equipment better, plus you’ll know exactly how good it is as well. When you use someone else’s stuff, you never really know what to expect. 

Don’t get me wrong: there is plenty of good outdoor gear to be found in Kyrgyzstan . Many of the more reputable travel companies and gear suppliers in Kyrgyzstan, indeed, do have a good selection. But still: I much prefer having my own equipment. 

Bringing your own outdoor gear to Kyrgyzstan will also help you cut costs. Even if the rental prices are low, it’s still an avoidable expense, and expenses, no matter how small, always add up.

If for some reason you had no choice and absolutely needed to organize new gear in Kyrgyzstan, it is possible. Most loaned gear comes from the tour companies so be sure to inquire with your what their stock is like. 

If you wanted to go through an independent rental company, you only have one choice: the Trekking Union of Kyrgyzstan (TUK) located in Bishkek.

If it’s impossible to rent a certain piece of gear, you’ll probably have to go to the shop and buy something new. Alex KG usually has the best prices in Bishkek. Red Fox and Gergert are also good choices, albeit more expensive.

So you have all of your gear packed, know where you’re going, and are itching to get out into the Kyrgz mountains; you’re almost there, my friends!

There are a couple more pieces that we need to suss out first. You’ll obviously need to get a food packing list together plus you’ll need to make sure you have some form of navigation. Also, do you know if the area you’re going to requires permits or not?

These are aspects of your adventure that you’ll need to address once you’re actually in Kyrgyzstan. Luckily, the country is used to people organizing treks on the fly, so there is plenty of support available.

Let’s take a look at the details.

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Hiring Porters, Horses, and/or Trekking Guides in Kyrgyzstan

This is the first thing that you should be addressing when you arrive in Kyrgyzstan. Do you think that you will need a guide in Kyrgyzstan? Are you prepared to do everything on your own without one? Are you aware how convenient they are?

Unless you’re doing one of the more popular treks in Kyrgyzstan, like Ala-Kul or around Jyrgylan, having a guide can be very useful. They know the environment, are strong as hell, and, most crucially, can speak the language. 

Hardly anyone speaks English in Kyrgyzstan; Russian and Kyrgyz are the two most common languages here. If you can’t speak either of the latter two, you are going to struggle a lot. Seriously, having someone who can translate and speak with locals is immensely helpful, especially when you’re walking in the middle of nowhere. 

Having a horse to porter your stuff is also really nice. Horses are extremely hearty creatures and can usually carry a load for two. Having one means you can also pack items that would normally be very cumbersome for you, like proper cookware, a mess tent, and plenty of extra food. At $15/day, horses are also a great deal.

Keep in mind that horses can usually bear a load of 50 kilos or 110 pounds. Also, the guide will probably want to put his stuff on the horse as well. 

Regular porters are not quite as convenient as horses. They are more expensive, will only carry 20 kilos or so, and are not always professional. These porters may be your only choice though – some trails are too technically difficult for horses to navigate. 

For the price you’re paying, you should make sure the porters are good. If one porter comes particularly well-recommended, give him a raise and make him your guide.

Packing Food

Once you’ve got your supporting team hired, the next step is to buy and pack all of your food. The amount of food you need to pack obviously depends on how many people are in your group, how long you’ll be hiking, and how much you can porter. 

There are lots of different kinds of markets in Kyrgyzstan. Some are more traditional bazaars where locals shop; others resemble more western-style supermarkets. Shopping at either will work.

Because they are so convenient, I usually recommend shopping at the supermarkets . These have the greatest diversity of products and you can find everything at these from produce to canned meats to dried goods. Shopping at supermarkets will be more expensive.

The bazaars are good for buying cheap local products like fresh vegetables, spices, and bread. If you have some sort of porter on your trek, I highly recommend loading up on stuff from these. 

Packing food for an epic backpacking trip can be a bit of an art. You need to be able to strike a balance between packing enough to eat well and not packing so much that you’ll break your back. 

Generally speaking, I usually allocate around a kilo of food per day for myself. Certain people may need more or less. If you need help packing, ask your guide or use an online resource, like our wilderness cooking guide .

Using Local Maps

Topographic maps of Kyrgyzstan can be found in most outdoor gear shops. These will include the usual markings, elevation readings, etc that you would find in any other ordinary map. If you’ve never used a map before, I suggest you study some cartography guides.  

Note that Kyrgyz hiking maps are usually written in Russian and use kilometers. Some labels may be unreadable to non-Russian speakers. If you need a map of Kyrgyzstan in English, you should probably buy one before you leave for Kyrgyzstan. 

Whilst knowing how to use a map and compass is always the most reliable form of navigation, having a GPS also works. Just remember to know how to use the device before you actually go into the wilderness and bring something to charge it, like a portable battery. 

If you have a guide, chances are you don’t need any sort of navigation at all. The guide will have their own set of maps and know the landscape better than anyone else. 

Staying with Local Kyrgyz in Yurts

Staying with a local family is hands-down one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan. These people will shower you with generosity, hospitality, and more candies than Willy Wonky would if you visited the Chocolate Factory. They may also expose you to kumis , a semi-alcoholic beverage made from fermented mare’s milk that tastes as good as it sounds.

Most Kyrgyz families spend the summer hanging out in the jailoos (summer pastures) with their kids and herds. For shelter, they’ll sleep in a yurt : a traditional nomadic dwelling that is made from wooden beams and thick fabrics. Many families set up multiple yurts and host travelers who happen to pass by. 

I love staying in yurts: they’re super warm, surprisingly spacious, and just a really unique experience. Most are situated in some picturesque setting as well, like at the base of a mountain or near a lake. The photo ops are numerous and irresistible. 

Finding a yurt to stay in is simply a matter of walking up to the head of the house and asking if you can stay. If you’re out hiking, you may stumble across several yurts that you can possibly sleep in. 

If you’re with a local guide, they will most likely know the local families and will probably call one ahead. This is one of those moments where having a guide really pays off: they can connect you with real people and offer some really authentic experiences. 

The alternative to staying in yurts in Kyrgyzstan is staying at an established campground . These vary quite drastically from primitive to semi-luxurious sites. For example, there’s an established campground at Ala-Kul where you can have a good meal and even a bottle of wine! At around $50 per night though, it’s pretty expensive.

Permits for Restricted Areas

Not every part of Kyrgyzstan is freely open; some areas require a permit to visit. These regions are often politically or ecologically sensitive, so the government limits or outrights bans people from going there. Examples of places where you need a permit are:

• Enylcheck region, including Khan Tengri.
• Tash Rabat.
• The Turkestan Range and Krygz Patagonia.
• Pretty much anywhere along an international border.

If a region requires a permit for you to visit, that does not mean you cannot go there. It simply means you need to apply for a permit with the proper authorities. 

Most permits are organized when you book a tour with a Kyrgyzstan trekking company. They usually include this permit in the price of the trip and that’s all you’ll really need to worry about. 

If you want to skip the tour and obtain a permit yourself, it is possible but will probably be tedious. Going directly to a local government agency may be an option but I don’t have any experience with this. Most people try to ply the tour companies and ask to buy a permit sans the tour package. Visit Karakol and KCBTA are good companies to reach out to in this case.

Trekking Safety in Kyrgyzstan 

Nature has a way of sneaking up on people and ruining all of their plans. Even on the clearest, brightest day, things can always go wrong in the wilderness. You need to be prepared in case the shit hits the fan and possibly ready to hit the eject button.

There are lots of hazards that you need to be aware of when trekking in Kyrgyzstan. Here are a couple of biggies:

• River crossings: Did you know that drowning is often the #1 cause of death in the outdoors? Yep, people think that just because they took some swimming lessons at the pool, they can conquer a raging river. When a river is gorged on snowmelt and going full-speed, it’s like a speeding freight train. Be very careful when crossing rivers and consider alternative routes if needed.
• Unpredictable weather: The weather in Kyrgyzstan can turn in an instant. Beautiful mornings often give way to afternoon thunderstorms and you do not want to be in the wrong place when one rolls in. Arrive at camp before 4 pm or risk the wrath of nature.
• Ill-tempered horses: Sometime horses are just assholes. They’ll buck, kick, and may even bite. If a horse is being difficult, avoid being around them. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of it’s foul mood.
• Unexpected injuries: Avoid situations that may put you in danger and make sure you have a first aid kit. Better yet, brush up on some first aid so you’ll know what to do.
• Exhaustion: Some people, myself included, don’t know how to set limits. Often times, they’ll walk for 12 hours without considering that they’ll be wrecked for days afterwards. Listen to your body and take a break now and then.

And don’t forget to take out Travel Insurance for your trip! I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Hello, I would like to go hiking in Kyrgyzstan specifically in ala kul, ak-suu, lol-jaiykbjailoo near Jeti-Oguz, kok-kira valley.

I am vegan and mostly eat vegetables and fruits as well as legumes (beans, garbanzo beans, lentils)

Can this diet be accommodated?

Yes, although some dishes may be repetitive, we know vegans who have successfully visited.

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Song Kul Independent Trek Kyrgyzstan | The Planet D

Written By: The Planet D

Adventure Travel , Kyrgyzstan

Updated On: April 30, 2021

We were ascending towards the lake through the Kyrgyz steppe but, between plenty of zig-zags and different confusing trails that went over rolling hills, we were not sure if we had taken the right path. We were trekking to Song Kul independently and hoped we were on the right track.

Luckily for us, these beautiful mountains are, occasionally, transited by kind Kyrgyz nomads who were always happy to interact with us and, thanks to our extremely basic Russian, they could point us out in the right direction.

Table of Contents

Trekking Song Kul

We finally reached the mountain pass, where we were blessed with a 360º view: velvet-green, rolling hills on one side and a massive lake in the middle of an even more massive plain on the other.

This was the top of Kyzart pass, located 2,664 meters above sea level from which, even though it may not seem that high, the view was more than epic.

After eating a gourmet pork sausage we had bought in a fancy store in Bishkek and drinking half a bottle of some, surprisingly good, wine from Crimea, we descended and left the pass behind, where the landscape became more alpine, trees disappeared and, once we got to the lake shore, we were received with a warm welcome from the nomads, horses and the endless blankets of wildflowers.

Welcome to Song Kul

Trekking to Song Kul independently from Kyzart

Situated at 3,061 meters high, Song Kul is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the main touristic attractions in the country.

Song Kul is surrounded by a huge plain, filled with all kinds of flowers and colors which, at the same time, are surrounded by velvet-smooth, green hills.

During the summer months, the shore of this almost round-shaped alpine lake is filled with yurt camps and nomads, whose flocks graze freely over those fertile, yummy and grassy meadows.

With an emerging but highly organized tourist infrastructure, despite its remote location, it is very accessible and the easiest place to experience the real Central Asian nomadic culture.

It’s very common to think that, for many travelers, Song Kul is the postcard and ultimate tourist destination in Kyrgyzstan.

Therefore, it’s not at all surprising that, for the last couple of years, during high season, Song Kul has become a pretty busy place.

It is filled with foreigners, which, consequently, produce the rise of money-oriented nomads with signboards at their yurt entrances, announcing that you can stay at their camp.

The crowds are completely true but, on the other hand, it’s not all these travelers and commercial yurt camps are concentrated in one tiny spot.

At 29 kilometers long, Song Kul is big enough to enjoy its shore and nature in a different way.

Since most people come to Song Kul by car from Kochkor, I decided to go by foot from the other side of the lake, on a 2-3-day trek.

This is the easiest trek I did while traveling in Kyrgyzstan , which means that it could be completed by the most amateur of trekkers.

The following guide to trekking to Song Kul from Kyzart aims to show you the complete day by day itinerary plus a couple of very useful tips.

Trekking to Song Kul – Itinerary day by day

Day 1 – from kyzart to the north-west lakeshore.

This is, definitely, the only challenging day, as most of the trial aims at reaching the Kyzart pass. Until then, the landscape is dry and wild, composed of dense bushes, plenty of trees, and views of a rocky mountain range.

After the pass, trees and bushes are replaced by velvet grass and the air becomes significantly more humid.

The trek starts from a tiny village named Kyzart, which is 71km from Kochkor, a relatively big town and the official base for going to Song Kul.

You can easily get to Kyzart by shared local taxi for less than 2USD. If you want to go by private taxi, you will pay at least 10USD.

When you are in Kyzart, I recommend you take a taxi or hitchhike to the beginning of the trail, as the first 4 kilometers go over a boring, dusty and unpaved road. The actual hiking trail starts right after crossing the main river.

From the starting point to Song Kul (26km), it takes around 6 or 7 hours, so try to start early.

The first trekking day finishes at the lakeshore, where you will see a couple of nomadic camps. Note that, at these yurt camps, you may see a few tourists but nothing comparable to the masses that go to the eastern part of the lake.

Day 2 – Trekking along the lakeshore to the main CBT camp (main touristic yurt camp)

The second day consists of a 4-5-hour pleasant walk along the shore, from the yurt camp to the main CBT camp (17km).

I recommend you spend the morning just wandering around the camp, hanging out with the nomads, taking photos and, basically, learning about their particular lifestyle.

Honestly, it would be very easy to spend more than one night at this camp, just playing football with the friendly kids or helping the women milk their cows.

However, if you don’t have time, you should start heading to the CBT camp, but don’t worry, since this part of the trail is also one of the highlights of the trek; on your way you will see a remote mausoleum dating from Silk Road times; infinite colorful, dreamy meadows; countless herds of horses drinking at the lakeshore and just miles of epic landscape completely to yourself.

Your day will end at the main touristic camp in Song Kul, from where you will go back to Kochkor on the following day.

One top tip: From this part of the lake, you can take photos of the most epic sunsets in the country as the sun sets from the west and, since the mountains are not very high, on a clear day, the whole sky is dyed a beautiful orange.

Day 3 – Arranging your transportation to Kochkor

Despite being quite touristic, you should not underestimate this beautiful part of the lake. If you are lucky, during some summer weekends, CBT organizes traditional horse games for tourists, where locals play a form of polo which is played with a dead goat instead of a ball, horse wrestling, races and much more.

Kochkor is located around 100 kilometers from the camp and you can go back there at any time.

Most nomadic families own a car and the price varies between 20 and 30USD, depending on your negotiation skills.

Alternatively, you could also hitchhike but remember that, in this part of the world, even locals pay for that.

Practical information for trekking to Song Kul

Bring water for the first day only – On the first day, from Kyzart village to the actual lake, you won’t find any water, so bring a few liters for a long day hike.

At the lake, the nomads drink from water pumps which can be found one hundred meters from the shore.

You don’t really need camping equipment – Sure, you can bring your own tent and sleeping bag but, at the lake, there are plenty of nomad camps where you will always be able to stay and get a warm meal.

Typically, they charge 10USD, including dinner and a filling breakfast. Dinner consists of shorpo, which is a local meat broth, whereas breakfast consists of bread, jam, butter, eggs, and porridge. Trekking in Kyrgyzstan  is easier than anywhere else!

Horse trekking – We met a couple of people who did the trek on a horse, so it’s perfectly doable.

You can arrange it at either the CBT office in Kochkor or in Kyzart, the second option being cheaper as you won’t pay for transportation.

Trekking experience – Trekking from Kyzart to Song Kul was, perhaps, the easiest trek I did in Kyrgyzstan.

As explained in the itinerary, the only challenging day happens on day one, when you go over the pass. After going down, the way to the main yurt camp is completely flat.

When to go – Kyrgyzstan is such a seasonal destination since, outside the summer months, the country is covered by snow.

Sure, you could come here in spring or winter but you will freeze and you won’t even find nomads. The best time to come is from June to September and, even by then, you may get bad weather. When I was there during the month of July, we got heavy rain on the 4th day.

Author Bio:

Bio: From Sudan to Pakistan, for the last few years, Joan Torres has been traveling non-stop to real off the beaten track destinations which don’t tend to be on most traveler’s bucket list.

He tells about it in his blog Against the Compass , where he writes real inspiring travel stories, as well as extremely comprehensive travel guides. Follow in on Facebook and Instagram .

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8 thoughts on “Song Kul Independent Trek Kyrgyzstan | The Planet D”

Very useful advice, I think we will also follow-up on it.

Hi! It is possible to do this trek by horse?I mean,staying in the real yurt camps and not only in the CBT ones,how could this be arranged? Thank you!

Thanks a lot for your great articles. I ll try To do this trek this week. I don’t see trails on mapsme. Is it easy To find the trail after the river? And to find the way To the shore on the 1st day? Thanks Elsa

You shared really great article and adventures also. Thanks for sharing a great information of Kyrgyzstan. keep doing!

Personally I love trekking, thanks for your kind information about the destination, really superb article, thanks for sharing this article.

Amazing, From the time when I get to know about your Kyrgyzstan visit on Instagram, I was just waiting for this. Beautiful captures!!! Keep going.

i just love the way you travel and your write up i am become a fan of your blog thanks for sharing all your extraordinary journey

What an awesome adventure!! Love the way you write, your pictures make me want to go the Kyrgyzstan. I am so glad you shared this experience. Keep up the great work.

Screen Rant

Road house 2024 soundtrack guide: every song & when they play.

Amazon Prime Video released a remake of the 1989 film Road House in 2024 starring Jake Gyllenhaal, and the movie features a diverse soundtrack.

Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Road House (2024).

• A mix of rock, country, and blues music plays throughout "Road House (2024)," enhancing the modernized story.
• Post Malone's "Horsepower" is the first song played in "Road House," but the singer hasn't released it as a single yet.
• Some other artists featured in "Road House" are Tommy McLain, Jelly Joseph, and The Beach Boys.

Road House is a modern remake of the 1989 film of the same name, and its soundtrack includes a wide variety of rock, country, and blues music that can be heard throughout the movie. The 2024 action film, directed by Doug Liman, stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Elwood Dalton (a version of Patrick Swayze's character in the original). Dalton is an ex-UFC fighter who finds himself accepting a job as a bouncer at a roadhouse in the Florida Keys. Road House received positive reviews , with critics praising it for honoring the original movie but incorporating modern elements into the story.

Critics also celebrated the performances of the cast of Road House , including Gyllenhaal as Dalton and Conor McGregor as Knox in his feature film debut. Ultimately, some believe the 2024 remake is better than the original movie, which can be proved by comparing the Rotten Tomatoes scores. Road House (2024) beats Road House's (1989) Rotten Tomatoes score , with the remake earning 67 percent on the Tomatometer and the original receiving a score of 41 percent. Perhaps the eclectic soundtrack contributed to the newer film's approval.

When Every Song On The Road House Soundtrack Plays In The 2024 Movie

"Horsepower" by Post Malone - The first song (and last song before the rolling credits) that viewers hear in Road House is Post Malone's new single, "Horsepower." Malone makes a special appearance as Carter Ford, a fighter who refuses to face off against Jake Gyllenhaal's Elwood Dalton at Road House 's beginning. So, it was only right that the famous artist allowed the producers to include "Horsepower" in the 2024 remake of Road House . Unfortunately, it appears as though "Horsepower" is not available to listen to on streaming or other platforms as of the writing of this article.

"Ridin Around" by Jelly Joseph - Following Dalton's near-death experience on the train tracks, the movie jumps to the next day with overview shots of a Greyhound bus driving to the Florida Keys, and the song playing in the background is "Ridin Around" by Jelly Joseph.

" You Got to Be a Man" by Natalie Bergman and Friends - Natalie Bergman stars as the lead singer of one of the bands playing at The Road House. Shortly after Dalton's first time there, a fight breaks out while the singer performs "You Got to Be a Man," a cover of Helene Smith's 1967 song.

" Johnny Too Bad" by Natalie Bergman and Friends - Viewers can also hear Bergman singing "Johnny Too Bad," a cover of The Slicker's track that was first featured on the soundtrack for the 1972 film The Harder They Come , during the confrontation between Dalton and J. D. Pardo's Dell in the roadhouse.

"Kokomo" by The Beach Boys - After Dalton beats up Dell and his crew in the parking lot outside The Road House, Gyllenhaal's character drives them to the hospital. The Beach Boys' famous hit, "Kokomo," is playing on the radio in the car.

"Enter Sandman" by Rina Sawayama - During the first (and rather brief) flashback to Dalton's UFC days, Rina Sawayama's cover of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" is playing as he enters the ring. The song can be heard again towards the end of The Road House when Dalton faces off against Conor McGregor's Knox one last time in the roadhouse.

"Praise the Lord" by Breland - The second band that plays at the roadhouse in the 2024 action film features Breland, a singer-songwriter, as the lead singer. Breland performs the single that he originally recorded with Thomas Rhett — "Praise the Lord" — for his debut studio album, Cross Country . While Breland is singing, a drunken man yells at him and tells him to play something else, and, of course, a fight breaks out.

"Keep on Smilin" by Rockin' Dopsie Jr. and The Zydeco Twisters - After Billy (played by Lukas Gage) throws the aforementioned drunken man (who was concealing a knife in his clothes) out of The Road House, he comes back inside, and Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters' song "Keep on Smilin" plays in the background. The song continues over to the next scene showing Dalton working out.

"I Got Loaded" by Rockin' Dopsie Jr. and The Zydeco Twisters - Road House keeps the Rockin' Oopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters train going with the band appearing to perform "I Got Loaded" at the roadhouse while Billy and Dominique Columbus' Reef deal with drunken idiots.

"You’ll Lose a Good Thing" by Rockin' Dopsie Jr. and The Zydeco Twisters - The next song that Rockin' Oopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters plays is "You'll Lose a Good Thing." However, it can only be heard briefly in the background as Dalton escorts a man who tries to steal alcohol from the bar out.

Road House Review: Doug Liman's Remake Is Bigger, Louder & Slightly Dumber Than The Original

"What I Got" by Jelly Joseph - Jelly Joseph's "Ridin Around" plays at the beginning of Road House , but the singer shows up towards the middle of the movie and performs Sublime's "What I Got" at the roadhouse alongside her band. Joseph's performance comes after the scene between Dalton and Ellie, played by Daniela Melchior, at the outdoor restaurant when they differ over their pronunciation of conch chowder.

"So Right" by Rafa Carbonell (feat. Max Silver) - It's hard to spot or hear, but Rafa Carbonell's collaboration with Max Silver, "So Right," plays on the radio during Dalton and Ellie's date on the sandbar in the ocean.

"Body Wan Shake" by Fred Motif and Magugu - Directly following Dalton and Ellie's first kiss on the sandbar, Road House cuts to McGregor's character, Knox, speeding down the road as he arrives in the Florida Keys and listens to Fred Motif and Magugu's "Body Wan Shake" on the radio.

"Jukebox Songs" by Tommy McLain - Tommy McLain is yet another artist who performs at The Road House, and the first song he plays is "Jukebox Songs," as Billy Magnussen's Ben Brandt meets Dalton for the first time at the bar in the 2024 action movie. McLain's "Jukebox Songs" is another of the final tunes the audience will hear as it plays during Road House 's rolling credits.

"Before I Grow Too Old" by Tommy McLain - The next song that Tommy McLain performs in Road House is "Before I Grow Too Old." The track begins just as Dalton and Ben's meeting ends and Ben leaves Gyllenhaal's character at the bar.

Jake Gyllenhaal's Road House Movie Needs To Break A 12-Year-Old Remake Trend

"Poke Chop" by CC Adcock and The Lafayette Marquis - After McLain finishes his songs, CC Adcock and The Lafayette Marquis play "Poke Chop." During the performance, Knox enters the roadhouse and starts smashing things with a golf club. The song briefly stops as Knox starts attacking the wire fence surrounding the stage, but the band starts playing again when Knox directs his attention toward other people in the establishment. "Poke Chop" continues as Knox starts fighting Dalton, even as the roadhouse is left in shambles.

"Florida Thang" by Pouya - Pouya's "Florida Thang" plays during the beach bonfire scene before Dalton kills Beau Knapp's Vince in Road House . Dalton seeks revenge after Vince and Sam, played by Darren Barnet, burn down the shop belonging to Kevin Carroll's Stephen and Hannah Love Lanier's Charlie.

"I'm Gonna Get You – Pt. 2" by GC Cameron - While Knox is speeding through the streets (once again) in a car that has a "Student Driver" sticker on it, GC Cameron's "I'm Gonna Get You – Pt. 2" is playing on the car radio. It stops, though, when Knox runs the vehicle into a palm tree.

"Island Candy" by Ruwanga Samath - During the climax of Road House , "Island Candy" by Ruwanga Samath plays in the background as Dalton fights one of Ben Brandt's men in the water and Knox arrives in a speedboat.

"Stealin' All Day" by CC Adcock and The Lafayette Marquis - The last song that can be heard in Road House is CC Adcock and The Lafayette Marquis' "Stealin' All Day," which is the second tune played during the movie's rolling credits.

Road House Remake's Two Major Controversies Explained

Where to listen to the road house (2024) soundtrack.

Unfortunately, many of the songs played in the 2024 action film are not available to stream or download, seeing as a good portion of them were performed by live bands at the roadhouse. Even Post Malone's "Horsepower" isn't available, but the singer has been teasing a country album, so the track from the movie may be a part of that. The good news is that some of the Road House music can be found on YouTube or streaming services, including Tommy McLain's songs.

The post-credits scene featuring Conor McGregor as Knox seemingly sets up a Road House sequel.

Road House (2024)

Road House is a remake of the original 1989 film, which followed protagonist Dalton, a Ph.D. educated bouncer at the roughest bar in the south known as the Double Deuce. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Dalton, with two major changes including Dalton being a retired UFC fighter and the bar locale being in the Florida Keys.

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Goats and Soda

• Infectious Disease
• Development
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• Coronavirus FAQ

How do we halt the next pandemic? Be kind to critters like bats, says a new paper

When Australia's black flying foxes are well-fed, they tend to be healthy. A lack of food stresses the bats — and stress causes them to shed, or release, viruses into the environment. Ko Konno/Getty Images/iStockphoto hide caption

When Australia's black flying foxes are well-fed, they tend to be healthy. A lack of food stresses the bats — and stress causes them to shed, or release, viruses into the environment.

Almost every pandemic we've seen over the last century has come from a virus that's spilled over into humans from an animal. "Generally, pandemics are seen as a biomedical problem," says Raina Plowright , an infectious disease ecologist at Cornell University. "Certainly, once the pandemic is underway, it is a biomedical problem because you need to have vaccines, you need therapeutics, you need testing," she says.

"But the genesis of the pandemic is actually an ecological problem," says Plowright. That is, it's due to the complex interactions between wildlife, habitat, climate and people.

But there's been relatively little discussion about a spillover's ecological origins and how to stop it from happening in the first place. Plowright found only four publications on how the coronavirus circulates in natural bat populations. That's compared to the tens of thousands of research articles she's pulled up on the coronavirus spike protein, which has been the focus of vaccines and efforts to understand how the virus enters and infects our cells.

Now, in a new perspective paper in Nature Communications , Plowright and a team of 24 ecologists, infectious disease scientists and policy experts have distilled their collective observations into three recommendations to prevent spillovers and halt epidemics and pandemics before they even start.

José Chies , an immuno-geneticist at Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil who wasn't involved in the research, says the paper demonstrates the importance of proposing solutions based on the whole ecosystem at once. It's something public health researchers call the One Health approach.

Human health is not something that should be considered in isolation, says Chies. "You should consider animals, microorganisms and environment altogether. It's ecology in a broad approach."

How flowers can stop spillovers

For Plowright, these ideas grew out of her work on black flying foxes in eastern Australia, which she's studied for over two decades. These bats are a sight to behold.

"They have a wingspan of a bald eagle," says Plowright, "and they have these big beady eyes to see in the dark. Little pointy noses."

Black flying foxes feed on nectar. And they'll fly hundreds of miles to find it. "They plunge their heads into the flowers and become covered in pollen," she says. "And then they move that pollen from forest to forest, so they're actually really important pollinators in the Australian forest system."

When black flying foxes are well-fed, they tend to be healthy. "But over time," says Plowright, "the trees that produce flowers in winter were selectively cleared" for agriculture and property development. "And when this happened, the bats then had to move into human-dominated environments — so farmlands and cities — to find alternative food."

A lack of food stressed the bats — and stress causes them to shed, or release, viruses into the environment. In eastern Australia, this included the deadly Hendra virus, which the flying foxes shed in their urine and feces.

Hendra virus rarely spills from animals to us. Climate change makes it a bigger threat

When horses have become infected with Hendra from bat excretions, the virus has a fatality rate of 80%. Only seven people have fallen ill from infected horses, but Hendra killed four of them.

"It's a very scary virus," says Plowright. It's especially concerning because each time the virus finds its way into humans, it gets another opportunity to evolve and become more infectious.

(Hendra and a variety of other pathogens don't harm bats, however. The prevailing explanation, Plowright says, is that bats "are very good at controlling viral replication while limiting the inflammation that would usually be associated with feeling sick.")

When hungry and stressed bats roam into human settlements, it creates the perfect storm for a Hendra spillover from bat into horse and occasionally from horse into human.

But here was the crucial observation: Whenever the remaining trees that hadn't been cut down produced a big pulse of nectar in the winter, "we found the bats actually emptied out of these human areas and went back to native forests and started feeding back in these trees," says Plowright. "And when that happened, the spillover stopped."

In other words — the ecological problem of spillover had an ecological solution. "And if spillover doesn't happen," she says, "then a biomedical intervention isn't needed."

Easier to reach the bat cave

Plowright's work with the flying foxes suggested the tantalizing possibility that spillovers could be brought to a standstill simply by restoring these forests. And she figured this approach was likely to work elsewhere in the world. When she spoke with other researchers during a series of workshops and meetings she convened in 2022, she heard echoes of the flying fox story playing out all over the world — all pointing to a planet in which humans and wildlife are bumping into each other more often as natural habitats are being destroyed.

A virologist at Rocky Mountain Laboratories who's studied bats in the Congo for a decade explained the trek to their field site used to take days and involve motorbikes and dugout canoes. Now it's a short few-hour drive down a two-lane highway. A researcher from the Pasteur Institute in Cambodia described how they once had to machete their way through the jungle to study a particular bat cave. Now they can drive there. A colleague from Uganda said they used to research bats in the forest, but now the bats live in the cities. That's because as habitat is cleared and native food disappears, the bats seek alternatives like "mango trees in backyards, fig trees for shade, flowering trees for ornamentation," says Plowright.

"And so what I saw was this picture of this environmental degradation happening worldwide at a really rapid pace," she recalls. "So of course, spillover must be becoming more likely."

It was this set of collective observations, gathered over decades of research, that formed the basis for the three recommendations in the new paper. These strategies, the authors argue, should work for any animal harboring viruses with spillover potential, including bats, birds, rodents and primates.

The three recommendations

First, they suggest protecting where and what animals eat.

"If animals have enough to eat," explains Plowright, then they don't have to move to new environments "to find food, which often is what brings them into higher encounter rates with humans and domestic animals."

In addition, sufficient amounts of food mean less stress, which means "they're more likely to be able to maintain a strong immune system and keep viruses in check."

Second, the authors of the paper advise protecting where animals aggregate — where they "sleep, shelter, mate, socialize and raise their young," as they write in the paper. Bats, for instance, can roost by the tens of thousands. By safeguarding the caves and canopies and other habitats where animals congregate — or introducing buffers around those spots to further minimize human disturbance — that reduces stress considerably too.

Finally, they propose keeping people at risk safe, which they admit isn't an ecological solution but is just as crucial. "There are many communities who have contact with wild animals as part of their vocation or part of their culture," says Plowright. And so the idea is to protect these individuals by providing adequate gear, like masks to guard against aerosolized viruses and PPE to prevent contact with animal fluids and excretions. Plowright says this effort also involves education and training, since some of her colleagues found that "when communities were aware of bat ecology and how important bats are to pollination, seed dispersal and insect consumption, they were less likely to harm or harass the bats, creating conditions where the bats were less stressed."

The proposed solutions are simple enough to articulate. But Plowright acknowledges that implementing them won't be easy.

"Land is extremely valuable," she says. "It's valuable for agriculture. It's valuable for mining, for development, and nature doesn't generate dollars."

Still, for Plowright, the answer is clear. "Nature doesn't stand up and say you have to fight," she says. "It's up to us to figure out a mechanism whereby we are protecting our future and the common interest of all."

‘The Masked Singer’ Reveals Identity of Sir Lion: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume

By Michael Schneider

Michael Schneider

Variety Editor at Large

• ‘The Masked Singer’ Reveals Identity of Sir Lion: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume 14 hours ago
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SPOILER ALERT: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 4 of “ The Masked Singer ,” “TV Theme Night,” which aired March 27 on Fox.

“ Extra ” host Billy Bush won’t get an extra shot at “The Masked Singer.” The entertainment newsmagazine anchor and one-time morning drive radio host was the next celebrity to be unmasked on Wednesday’s “TV Theme Night” edition of “The Masked Singer.”

“I’m not a great singer,” Bush said. “If you can’t make it with the lips, make it with the hips. If you’ve never done something that’s a little on the scary side — and this is scary — say yes!”

Lizard (for the second week in a row) and Sir Lion were the two lowest vote-getters of the night, and they faced off in the smackdown — both performing “Who Are You” by the Who (which also happens to be the “Masked Singer” theme). Sir Lion was voted out, leaving Lizard, Poodle Moth and Clock to return for the next round.

Bush has been host of “Extra” since 2019; he previously was an anchor on “Access Hollywood” and the third hour of “Today,” until during the 2016 presidential campaign a 2005 video resurfaced of Donald Trump and Bush exchanging lewd remarks.

Billy Bush as Sir Lion joins Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs), Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound) and Kevin Hart (Book) as the celebrities unmasked on “The Masked Singer” this season.

Because it was “TV Theme Night,” the four panelists opened the show with their rendition of the “Gilligan’s Island” opener.

Back for Season 11 are host Nick Cannon, alongside panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, while Rita Ora has joined the desk to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger, who was in London to star on the West End’s “Sunset Boulevard.”

With sixteen total celebrity singers, including three “wildcards,” Season 11 features new costumes including “Gumball,” “Lizard,” “Ugly Sweater,” “Goldfish,” “Starfish,” “Book,” “Gumball,” “Miss Cleocatra,” “Afghan Hound,” “Beets,” “Poodle Moth,” “Clock,” “Spaghetti & Meatballs” and “Lizard.” According to the show, the Season 11 contestants boast a combined 22 Grammy nominations, 11 platinum albums, 33 Teen Choice nominations, 108 million records sold, 326 film appearances and 1.7 billion Spotify streams.

Here were the other Group C performances on Wednesday’s Episode 4, “TV Themes Night”:

Song: “Good Times,” by Blinky and Jim Gilstrap

Panel guesses: Stephanie Mills, Debbie Allen, Janet Jackson

Clue: Jill Whelan from “The Love Boat.” “Love and boat, two things that combine to make a hit. Something I know first-hand.”

Package voiceover: “I had the time of my life singing on Billy Joel night. And I’m making every second count on the stage. In my life, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. Just like any good TV series, I’ve laughed and I’ve cried. And thank goodness, I’ve always been renewed. But I think it’s my positive outlook that’s carried me season to season. When I was broke, I appreciated the free things in life. When my car didn’t start, what a beautiful day for a walk. And even though my marriages didn’t work out, something great came from those relationships. My beautiful children. I’ve learned there will always be good times and bad. And now, let’s keep the good times going all the way to the Group C finale.”

Previous song: “Piano Man,” by Billy Joel

Previous panel guesses: Anita Baker, Evelyn Champagne King, Diana Ross

Poodle Moth

Song: “Unwritten,” by Natasha Bedingfield

Panel guesses: Melissa McCarthy, Lauren Graham, Connie Britton

Clue: “The Hills” stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt as a choir to sing the “Gilmore Girls” theme “Where You Lead,” by Carole King. “I have a very special connection to ‘Gilmore Girls’ that hits very close to home.”

Previous song: “Just the Way You Are,” by Billy Joel

Previous panel guesses: Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Rita Wilson

Song: “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?,” by Larry Marks

Panel guesses: Michael Bivins, Ray J, Sisqó

Clue: Scooby-Doo.” “A dog actually helped me reach an even bigger audience.”

Package voiceover: “I really turnt it up last time. That smackdown got my heart racing. Now, being here on TV Theme Night has taken me back to my beginnings. As a little lizard, I loved cartoons so much that I spent all my days drawing them. I got so good, I was offered a dream job at a huge animation studio. Yeah, the mouse was chasing this Lizard pretty hard. It was a great opportunity. And my dad begged me to take it. But deep down, I knew I wanted to be a performer. So, I put down my pencil and took the riskier road to stardom. And my dad was shook. But that lit the fuel to my fire to prove to him that I could pull it off. And when I eventually became one of the most recognizable reptiles on the planet, he was so proud. Now I might not draw animation, but I sure do draw in the crowds. And tonight, I’m singing a song from a cartoon classic. Let’s Scooby-Doo this thing.”

Previous song: “Uptown Girl,” by Billy Joel

Previous panel guesses: Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, Ray J

Sir Lion (WILDCARD)

Song: “Love and Marriage,” by Frank Sinatra

Panel guesses: Anderson Cooper, Ryan Seacrest, Andy Cohen

Clue: Flintstones “co-star.” “I wasn’t in the cartoon, but I’ve co-starred on a different TV show with Betty Rubble.”

Package voiceover: “Every good night of television needs a twist! So, what better role for me to play than the wildcard. Like the king of the jungle, I come from a well-known pride. But never took it for granted. I jumped through hoops to become a ringleader in Hollywood. Rubbing elbows with everyone from Tom Cruise to Tom Hanks. But in show business, the higher you climb, the harder you fall. Luckily, lions are fierce, and I’ve landed on my feet no matter what this town throws my way. In Hollywood, success and struggle go together like a horse and carriage. Get ready to fall in love with this lion.”

Last season’s performers included Ne-Yo as Cow, John Schneider as Donut, Macy Gray as Sea Queen and Janel Parrish as Gazelle join John Oates as Anteater, Keyshia Cole as Candelabra, Sebastian Bach as Tiki, Ginuwine as Husky, Ashley Parker Angel as S’more, Metta World Peace as Cuddle Monster, Luann de Lesseps as Hibiscus, Tyler Posey as Hawk, Billie Jean King as Royal Hen, Michael Rapaport as Pickle, Tom Sandoval as Diver, Anthony Anderson as Rubber Ducky and one-time special guest Demi Lovato as Anonymouse.

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