Alay Travel Guide

Alay Travel Tours Kyrgysztan

Song-Kol lake

Song-Kul  is a beautiful lake in the Tien-Shan Mountains. The word «Song-Kul» means «Last Lake». It is located in the north-western part of Naryn region in a large valley on the ridges of Son-Kul Mountain and Moldo Mountain, at an altitude of 3016 m above sea level. The lake is 29 km long, 18 km wide, and 22 meters deep. This lake is the largest reservoir of drinking water in Kyrgyzstan. The surface area of ​​the lake is 278 square meters. km.

The water of Song-Kul is replenished due to the small streams that flow from the mountains, and the Song-Kul stream flows out of the lake and joins the Naryn stream.

Song-Kul is located in a continuous space, surrounded by Kyrgyz pastures. Four livestock of Kyrgyz have roamed these lands since ancient times. In the summer, people move to the shore of the lake and live with their families in gray houses all summer. You can go to the lake in four ways. One of them passes through Sary-Bulak in the northeast, the second is a serpentine road in the southeast, the third passes through Ak-Tal in the southwest, and the fourth passes near the Kara-Keche coal mines in the northwest.

The glistening surface of the lake catches the eye from afar. This lake seems like a priceless pearl hidden in a precious frame in the heart of snow-covered Ala Mountain. The nature of the lake shore is still untouched, so it is more mysterious and more like an ancient fairy tale. The beauty of the lake dazzles the eyes and leaves an unforgettable impression. The surface of the lake also changes color depending on the weather. It appears sky blue, or inky blue, or even pink or yellow. And if you were looking at it on the shore of the lake, just as the lake changes its mood depending on its color, your mood will change in many ways, and you will come across some dreams.

Song-Kol lake (also spelled Son-Kul) is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most stunning destinations, located in the mountains at an altitude of 3,016 meters (9,895 feet). This alpine lake is famous for its pristine beauty, peaceful surroundings, and as a summer pasture for nomadic herders.

Quick Facts About Song-Kol Lake

  • Location: Naryn Region, Kyrgyzstan.
  • Altitude: 3,016 meters above sea level.
  • Season: Best visited from June to September (roads are inaccessible in winter due to snow).
  • Known for: Crystal-clear waters, surrounding jailoos (high-altitude pastures), yurt stays, and traditional nomadic culture.

How to Get to Song-Kol Lake

From Bishkek:

  1. By Car or Taxi:
    • Travel to Kochkor (~3 hours, ~300 KGS by marshrutka).
    • From Kochkor, hire a driver or tour to Song-Kol (~3-4 hours, depending on the route).
  2. By Organized Tour:
    • Many tour operators offer trips to Song-Kol, combining transport, meals, and accommodation.

From Naryn:

  1. By Taxi or Car:
    • Hire a taxi for a direct trip to Song-Kol (~4 hours).
  2. By Horseback (Adventurous):
    • From nearby villages like Kyzart or Jalgyz Karagai, arrange a horseback trek to the lake (1-2 days).

Things to Do at Song-Kol

  1. Yurt Stay:
    • Experience authentic Kyrgyz nomadic life by staying in a traditional yurt.
    • Enjoy home-cooked meals like beshbarmak and kumis (fermented mare’s milk).
  2. Horseback Riding:
    • Explore the scenic jailoos on horseback, a traditional way of life for Kyrgyz herders.
  3. Hiking and Trekking:
    • Walk along the lake’s shoreline or hike to nearby viewpoints for stunning panoramas.
  4. Relax and Enjoy Nature:
    • The lake’s tranquility is perfect for unwinding. Birdwatching and photography are popular activities.
  5. Meet Nomads:
    • Learn about Kyrgyz culture by interacting with local families who graze their livestock here during the summer.
  6. Stargazing:
    • With no light pollution, the night skies at Song-Kol are breathtaking.

When to Visit

  • June to September is the best time to visit, as the lake is inaccessible in winter.
  • July and August offer the warmest weather and the chance to see nomadic families.

Practical Tips

  1. What to Pack:
    • Warm clothing: Even in summer, nights can be cold at this altitude.
    • Sturdy hiking boots and sunscreen.
    • Water bottle and snacks.
  2. Transportation Options:
    • A 4WD vehicle is recommended for the rugged mountain roads.
  3. Accommodation:
    • Book yurt stays in advance during the peak season (June-August).
    • Many yurt camps are organized by CBT (Community-Based Tourism) groups.
  4. Respect Local Culture:
    • Be mindful of nomadic traditions, especially regarding livestock and yurt spaces.
    • Avoid wasting food or refusing kumis if offered—it’s a gesture of hospitality.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1:

  • Arrive at Song-Kol in the afternoon. Check into a yurt camp.
  • Relax by the lake, enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner, and stargaze.

Day 2:

  • Morning horseback ride or hike around the lake.
  • Visit a local nomadic family to learn about their lifestyle.
  • Afternoon relaxation by the lake or take a short trek to nearby hills.

Day 3:

  • Early morning photography session by the lake.
  • Depart for your next destination (Kochkor, Bishkek, or Naryn).