Explore the Lake in a chest — Kol-Ukok (2 days)

• Category: Horse Riding or Trekking
• Season: Middle of May – Beginning of October
• Altitude above sea level – 3,000 m
• Conditions: The path goes through mountains. It is necessary to bring waterproof trekking boots, raincoat, warm clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen and torch.
• Level of difficulty: medium
• Walking: 5-6 hours per day; or Horseback riding 4-5 hours.

Kol-Ukok means ‘The Lake in a Chest’ and is nestling between two steep slopes in the North-Eastern Terskei Ala Too Mountains. The water is sweet and cold. The maximum depth is 17 m. A white fish, and Savan trout — a regal, multi-hued fish — lives in the lake. The lakeshore is peaceful and quiet. On the way there you may see marmots and badgers, hear mountain birds singing or the cry of an eagle, hawk or griffin. Wolves, jackals, foxes, hares, and mountain goats live here. Around the lake the diversity and originality of flowers – from forgot-me-not to legend edelweiss – will enchant you. Many plants — rhubarb, wild garlic, etc. — served the ancients as a source of vitamins. Most importantly, you will be welcomed by hospitable people, descendants of ancient nomads, who take their cattle here from May to October. Throughout the tour, you will observe the shepherds lifestyle, customs and family traditions, as well as see them making traditional, national Kyrgyz milk products – kymyz (fermented mare milk), airan (Kyrgyz yogurt), and kurut (dried salty cheese).  Here you can also see cows and horses being milked and will be able to watch bread being prepared.

Program for:  May 15 —  June 30 and August 20 – September 30

Day 1. Transfer by car from Kochkor to Isakeev village, 30 minutes. Go on foot or horseback to the Ters-Tor jailoo, famous for its pure air and lots of crystal clear water. Arrival in the shepherd’s yurt at Ters-Tor (Trek time: 3 hours. Horse time: 2 hours). Lunch.  After lunch continue to the Kol-Ukok Lake. After visiting the lake trek back to the Ters-Tor jailoo (Trek time: 3 hours. Horse time: 2 hours). Dinner and B&B in a yurt.

Day 2. Sleep in and enjoy the late breakfast.  After breakfast trek back to the tour starting point (Trek time: 2 hours. Horse time: 1,5 hours). Transfer to Kochkor, 30 minutes. End of the trek.

Program for:  July 1 — August 20 (OPTIONAL 3 days TREK/HORSE RIDING)

Day 1. Transfer by car from Kochkor to Isakeev village, 30 minutes. Go on foot or horseback to the Ters-Tor jailoo, famous for its pure air and lots of crystal clear water. Picnic lunch en route.  Arrival in the shepherd’s yurt at Kol-Ukok (Trek time: 5 hours. Horse time: 4 hours). Dinner and B&B in a yurt.

Day 2. Optional: morning trek to the higher Kol-Tor Lake (Trek time: 3 hours) at 3 400 meters ASL. Lunch in the yurt. After lunch trek back to the tour staring point (Trek time: 3,5 hours. Horse time: 2,5 hours). Transfer to Kochkor. End of the trek.