[2025 Kochkor District Attraction] Travel Guide for Song-Kul (Updated Aug)

Kyrgyzstan was 💯 Spectacular views at Song-kul lake, Altyn Arashan, Skazka Canyon - mountains, lake and desert, Kyrgyzstan has everything. The food and people were all beautiful as well, with welcoming hospitality and delicious spreads of food everywhere we went. 10/10 would go back again, for an even longer trip and to explore more of its beautiful nature, history (& also it’s neighbour, Kazakhstan!)

#asiabudgetchallenge Song-Kul is an alpine lake high in the mountains where nomadic herders live in yurts during summer. I stayed in a yurt camp with a local family, rode horses across the vast meadows, and watched sunsets turn the sky pink and purple. There’s no Wi-Fi, no noise — just stars, cold air, and the smell of wildflowers. It’s raw, real, and unforgettable. 📍Destination: Song-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan 💸Rough Budget: $50 (tour, meals, yurt stay) 💡Top Tip: Visit in June–August only — roads are closed the rest of the year due to snow.

This trip through Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and lakes felt like stepping into a nature documentary. The wildlife here blends seamlessly with the landscapes.. untamed and utterly free. In the High Mountains.. you see Golden Eagles circling above alpine meadows. Herds of sheep spotted grazing on distant ridges. Around Song Kul & Issyk-Kul Lakes there are nomadic herds of horses, yaks, and sheep wandering shorelines. Pink flocks of migrating flamingos at Issyk-Kul’s western edges. Herders’ eagle-hunting demonstrations.. watching these trained birds swoop with precision was humbling. Some Tips Dawn & dusk are golden hours for animal activity. Respect distance as these are wild creatures, not zoo exhibits. This trip rewired my definition of freedom.. seeing horses gallop across open plateaus, eagles claim the skies. Raw, real, and deeply alive.Pack a zoom lens. And patience. Both will be rewarded.

Song-Kol Lake - A Pastoral Lake Where You Can See the Milky Way Song-Kol Lake has been trending lately, but I’m hesitant to recommend it for one reason: it’s far. Located over 300 km from the capital Bishkek, the drive takes more than 5 hours, and it’s off the main Issyk-Kul loop, requiring a dedicated two-day trip. But it’s breathtakingly beautiful—like stepping into a painting. - Altitude: 3,016 meters, with pristine mountain air - Overlook endless grasslands dotted with yurt camps - Bonfire sunsets and lakeside dawns create dreamy hues - Horseback riding, swimming, waterfall adventures... If you’re planning a short trip from Bishkek, here’s a guide to save: **Day 1** - 06:30 Depart from Bishkek - Pass through Orto-Tokoy and Kalmak-Ashu Pass - Enjoy lunch at a yurt camp - Afternoon beach stroll - Evening bonfire gathering **Day 2** - Embrace the tranquility and vastness at lakeside sunrise - Leisurely horseback ride by the lake - After lunch, depart and visit the 33 Waterfalls en route - Return to Bishkek by 20:30 **Packing List:** - Warm clothing - Rain gear - Comfortable hiking shoes - Swimwear - Portable snacks - Drinking water - Power bank - Sunscreen **Note:** No cell signal in the pastoral area. Follow me for more Kyrgyzstan travel routes...

10 days trip from Almaty to Bishkek and explore the Central Asia #historicallandmarks

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 #SongKul #SongKul is a magnificent natural landscape located high in the #Tien Shan mountain range in #Kyrgyzstan. In summer, the lake is clear blue and sparkles under the clear sky. The grass by the lake is full of colorful wild flowers, forming a beautiful picture. Nomadic yurts are dotted along the lakeshore, while cattle, sheep and horses graze leisurely by the lake, adding to the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The tranquility of Songkul Lake contrasts with the majestic mountain backdrop, showcasing the unique charm of Kyrgyzstan's pristine nature. It is only open in summer. In winter, it is not suitable to visit because of the heavy snow. Although it is summer, you still need to keep warm. Because although the sun is strong, there are gusts of cold wind. You can choose to ride a horse into the lake, which takes about 6 hours. You can contact the yurt owner to take you in! The yurts are heated by firewood at night and do not have bathrooms. You can hike, ride horses, swim in the lake, and watch the stars at night. #Kyrgyzstan #Central Asia #Five Central Asian Countries #Free Travel #Horseback Riding #Yurt

Song Kul lake is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. It sits at 3016m above sea level, and wow it is beautiful! ✅I HIGHLY RECOMMEND doing a horse trek from Kyzart to Song Kul to experience the beauty and become truely nomadic for a few days. 🛖We did a 2N3D tour; which I thought was perfect amount (our knees and bum was hurting by the end) 📱How to book? We found our guide via Google Maps and organised via WhatsApp (Русский) 💵How much? Approximately 11,000 - 15,000 soms per person. We negotiated our price down to 11,500 soms. 🐎What was included? Horse, all food, 2 nights accomodation at yurt camps. It was a private tour with one guide that took us from Kyzart, stayed one night in Killeminche before continuing onto staying one night at Song Kul Lake. The views you will pass by during these three days is out of the world, and really unbelievable. We got to walk up steep mountain faces, and canter and gallop on the plains and along Song Kul Lake. For more information, check out our YouTube channel/Instagram page with the same name @RLontheRun, and of course ask any questions! #travelguide #localguides #horse #SongKulLake #SongKul #kyrgyztan #kyrgyzstantravel #beautifuldestinations

#outdooractivities Kyrgyzstan, a hidden gem in the heart of Central Asia, exceeded my expectations! Ulush Yurts' traditional nomadic lifestyle and Song-Kul Lake's serene beauty mesmerized me. Barskoon's towering peaks and pristine lakes left me awestruck. As I explored this stunning country, I discovered a rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and unspoiled nature. From horseback riding to home-stay experiences, every moment was authentic and unforgettable. Kyrgyzstan's untouched beauty and welcoming spirit make it a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers. Get ready to be captivated by the warmth and wonder of this incredible country!