Explore Son-Kol with Our Expert Team
Son-Kol Lake, located at an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level, is one of the largest and most stunning high-altitude lakes in Kyrgyzstan. Surrounded by vast mountain ranges, lush pastures, and pristine wilderness, Son-Kol offers a unique glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people.
Duration: 3 Days
Best Season: Mid-June to Late September
Difficulty Level: Easy to medium
Maximum Altitude: 3,500 meters above sea level
Starting & Ending Point: Kochkor
Transportation: Jeep/Minivan/Minibus depending on group size
Ideal Group Size: 2-12 people
Day 1. After breakfast in Kochkor, head west towards the Kochkor–Jumgal road. Travel by vehicle to the Kyzart Pass, where your guide team will meet you. Begin your trek by crossing the vast Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, a flat expanse of grass. Continue over Chaar-Archa Pass (3,061 m) into the Chaar-Archa Valley and enjoy a delicious lunch by the river, with views of the sacred Baba-Ata Mountain at 4,400 meters. Afterward, ford the river and follow the trail through lush hills to Kilemche Jailoo. Known as “like a carpet,” this expansive grassland covers entire mountain ranges with subtle, intricate shades. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional yurt.
Day 2. After breakfast at Kilemche, spend the morning climbing to Jalgyz Karagai Pass (3,400 m), crossing over the Song-Kol Mountains into the lake’s basin. From the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of Kilemche jailoo, with the rocky and exhilarating trail. As you descend, Song-Kol Lake gradually emerges, growing larger with the towering southern mountains in the background. After lunch at Jaman Echki, transfer along the lakeshore to the yurt at Tuz-Ashuu. Upon arrival, meet your host family of Kyrgyz shepherds. Meals and overnight stay in a shepherd’s yurt.
Day 3. Enjoy the final breakfast at Song-Kol jailoo and transfer to village Kochkor via Kalmak ashuu Pass. From the pass, take in a panoramic view of the Jumgal Valley and beyond to the Song-Kol Valley. Say goodbye to Song-Kol and head down to Kochkor village for a family-style lunch, where a guesthouse stay and dinner await you.
End of the tour
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