Son-Kol

Journey from lake to lake

The fascinating mountains of Kyrgyzstan stand like crowns around its magical mountain lakes. The two greatest lakes are Issyk-Kul “pearl of the Tien-Shan” and Song Kol which attracts nomads from all the surrounding regions. This trek connects these two lakes. Along the way you will experience the paradoxical waters of the Tien-Shan glaciers and hot springs. Song Kol, in Kyrgyz, means “final lake”. It will be your stopping point. You will be welcomed by Kyrgyz shepherds in their yurts. You will take part in their simple lifestyle which is rich in culture and tradition.

Duration: 12 days
Season: July – September

Itinerary
Departure of the trek in Barskoon village which is situated near Lake Issyk-Kul. Distance from Bishkek to Barskoon: 350 km (5-6 hours by car). Accommodation and excellent traditional Kyrgyz food in a private home/yurta in Barskoon.

Day 1 After breakfast, drive a short distance up the Barskoon Canyon (about 5 km). After preparing and balancing the loads on the horses, wind your way up through the forest along the Sasyk-Bulak Valley to Kok-Dobo jailoo. Overnight in tents along the Tash-Kechuu River. Distance: 15-20 km. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 2 From the Tash-Kechuu River your path continues slowly up to Altyn-Kungoi Pass (3400 m). All the way you will have impressive views of Lake Issyk-Kul. You will camp along the Tosor River. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 3 Today ride from the Tosor River and over the Tosor Pass (3900 m) to Kerege-Tash Valley. The wide Kerege-Tash Valley is surrounded by snow-capped 4000 m peaks, a truly magical sight. Overnight in tents in the Uch-Emchek Valley (3400 m). Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 4 Today the ride is easy but long.  Make your way gently downward along the wide Uch-Emchek Valley which is dotted with yurtas. You can see all kinds of domesticated animals grazing here – yak, horses, cows, sheep and goats. You move onward through Iyri-Suu Valley to the Jyluu-Suu hot spring. Here you stop for a natural hot spring bath. Overnight in tents at Jyluu-Suu. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.
Day 5 Ride through Uiri Suu gorge along Balgart Suu. You will be amazed by snow capped mountains. Overnight in tents near the Archaly bridge. Distance: 35-40 km. Time: 5-6 hours.
Day 6 We continue our ride from the Archaly bridge along the Kichi-Naryn River. Overnight in tents in the Oruk-Tam valley.  Distance: 35-40 km.Time 4-5 hours.
Day 7 We ride from Oruk-Tam through the forest to Sary-Kungoi. You may meet shepherds on the way. It is possible to make a camp fire here. Overnight in tents in Oruk-Tam. Distance: 30-40 km.  Time: 4-5 hours. 
Day 8 Continue to ride from Oruk-Tam to the Eki-Bala valley. You will be welcomed by the shepherds to their yurtas and taste kymyz. You will taste the difference between the Kymyz of Naryn and Issyk-Kul oblasts. You may see camels near the shepherd’s yurtas. Overnight in tenets near the shepherd’s yurta. Distance: 35-40 km. Time: 4-5 hours.
Day 9 Ride along the Ecki-Chat valley, through forests and fields. Cross the Chunkur-Suu river. Overnight in tents in Baiduluu valley near shepherds yurta. The altitude is approximately 2900 m. Distance: 35-40 km. Time: 4-5 hours.
Day 10 Ride through the Kok-Kaptal valley. Cross the Balykchy-Naryn road and arrive at Boruluu. Overnight in tents near the shepherd’s winter stable in Boruluu. Distance: 35-40 km.  Time: 4-5 hours.
Day 11 Cross the Korgoo pass (3020 m) and come to the foot of the Terskei-Torpok pass. The valley is covered by thick forest. Overnight in tents at the foot of the Terskei-Torpok pass. The shepherd’s used to call this place “thirty two”.
Day 12 Today you cross the Terskei-Torpok pass (3033 m) and arrive at Lake Song Kol. Overnight in tents in Tash-Tulga near a shepherd’s yurta.
Day 13 Today you return to Bishkek by car. Stop for lunch in Kochor.

The trek includes:
Accommodation in a house/yurta upon arrival in Barskoon village, accommodation in tents during the trek, English speaking tour guide, cook, horseman, 3 meals a day, tents, horses with all equipment, cooking equipment, first aid kit and visa support.

You need to bring:
Down jacket, warm sweater, warm sleeping bag, silk sleeping bag liner, rain gear (waterproof trousers should have an opening on the outside at the bottom of the leg in order to put on and take off without removing your trekking boots), 2-3 pairs of warm socks, waterproof trekking boots, gloves, sunglasses, sun cream with high UV-protection, lip balm with UV-protection, torch, personal medicine, metal water bottle (0.75 L), Therm-A-Rest mat, riding chaps, Micropure (or any other water purification)

Please contact:
Ishembi Obolbekov
P.o. Box 2032
720000 Bishkek
Kyrgyz Republic
Mobile: +996 772 51 83 15
Phone: +996 312 43 45 32
+996 312 66 13 92
E-mail:   shepherd@elcat.kg
www.kyrgyztrek.com

or

Bernard Repond
Buchille 14
1633 Marsens
Switzerland
Mobile:   +41 79 304 84 04
E-mail:   repondbernard77@gmail.com

Take a ride on the wild side !

Shepherd’s Way Trekking reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary due to weather conditions or other extenuating circumstances. Insurance ! Photos by Jacqueline Ripart, Hermine Dreyfuss and Shepherd’s Way Trekking archives.