Great trek from Kyzyl-Oi Village to Song-Kol Lake 2024

Tour Type: auto/trekking
Total Duration: 10 days
Best Season: mid-June – end of September
Level of Difficulty: medium
Maximum Altitude on the Trip: 3 400 meters ASL
Start and End Point: Bishkek and Kochkor
Transport: jeep/minivan/minibus depending on the size of the group
Best group size: 4- 12 persons

Meeting day
This day meeting with all participants over coffee. Meeting and instruction.

Day 1
In the morning leave from Bishkek for Suusamyr valley via Too-Ashuu pass following the highway Bishkek – Osh road then turn in Suusamyr to the east direction of the river Karakol. On the way make a photo stops to see Suusamyr valley. Upon arrival to Kyzyl-Oi village, have a lunch and free time in village. Optional, ride a horse or do little trek.

Day 2
Trek day 1:
Today your journey begins just outside of Kyzyl-Oi village, where you with meet your guides and get acquainted with them. 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.

Days 3-4-5
Trek day 2-3-4:
Oi Kaying to Sary Kul: 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 rewarding 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 mountain side, 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.

Days 6-7
Trek day 5-6:
From Oktorkoi, continue on to Kyzart Pass, traversing rolling hills and open fields. After arriving at Kyzart Pass, there will be transportation provided to Kyzart 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 8
Trek day 7:
After breakfast at a Kyzart guesthouse, start trekking towards Tuz-Ashuu pass (3400 meters ASL). Cross the pass and arrive at Song-Kol Lake. Stay the night at a yurt camp of local shepherds.

Day 9
Spend the day enjoying refreshing and well-earned rest at the lakeside at Tuz-Ashuu. Watching and/or participate in everyday life of shepherds: milking mares; making national milk products like kymyz (a fermented mare’s milk) or airan (a sour dense milk product); tending cattle. Eat a delicious lunch here, stroll along the lakeshore, and hope the legendary Song-Kol weather is kind. Meals and B&B at Batai-Aral yurt camp. OPTIONAL: horse riding

Day 10
Morning transfer to Kochkor village, end of the tour.