3 days trekking to Song-Kul Lake 2026

OVERVIEW

This 3-day trekking adventure takes you from Kochkor to the alpine shores of Song-Kol Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic natural landmarks. The route traverses high mountain passes and vast, “carpet-like” pastures, offering a perfect blend of physical challenge and serene high-altitude scenery.

The journey is centered around nomadic immersion, featuring overnight stays in traditional yurts and meals with local shepherd families. You will experience the timeless rhythm of life on the jailoos (summer pastures), surrounded by rolling hills and the sacred peaks of the Tien Shan range.

The trip concludes with a descent back to Kyzart village, combining rugged mountain trekking with authentic Kyrgyz hospitality. It is an ideal circuit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of the country’s mountain culture and its most famous alpine lake.

TRIP ESSENTIALS

Tour Type: auto/trekking

Total Duration: 3 days

Best Season:  mid-May – end of September

Level of Difficulty:  medium

Maximum Altitude on the Trip:  3 400 meters ASL

Start and End Point:  Kochkor

Transport: jeep/minivan/minibus depending on the size of the group

Best group size:  4- 8 persons

TRIP ITINERARY

Kochkor – 3 days trekking tour to Song-Köl Lake – Kochkor

Day 1

Kochkor — Kyzart pass 2664m — Kilemche jailoo

The driver will pick you up from your guesthouse/hotel from Kochkor to Kyzart pass.  Arrival at Kyzart pass, meet your guides team and start the tour. Within sight of the road, cross Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, an enormous, relatively flat sea of grass.  Continue over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3 061 m) into the Chaar-Archa Valley and eat a tasty lunch by the racing river, with views of holy 4400 m Baba-Ata Mountain.  Sated, ford the river and follow the trail over verdant hills to Kilemche Jailoo.  The name means “like a carpet,” and this swathe of grass covers whole mountain ranges, with shadings as subtle as any shyrdak (shyrdak is a Kyrgyz felt carpet).  Dinner and overnight in a traditional yurt.

Transfer time: 1 hour

Trek time: 5-6 hours

Distance: 13 km

Elevation Gain: 880 m

Day 2

Kilemche — Tuz-Ashuu

After breakfast in Kilemche, we begin a steady ascent to Jalgyz Karagai Pass (3,400 m), crossing the Song-Kol Mountains. The climb rewards us with sweeping views over the Kilemche Jailoo before reaching the rocky pass. From here, we descend toward Song-Kol Lake, which gradually opens into view, framed by the high southern ridges.

After lunch at Jaman Echki, we continue trekking along the western shoreline to Tuz-Ashuu, where we are welcomed by a local shepherd family.

Dinner and overnight in a traditional yurt.

Trek time: 5-6 hours

Distance: 14-15 km

Elevation Gain: 880 m.

Day 3

Tuz-Ashuu — Kyzart – Kochkor

After breakfast at Song-Kol, we start our trek to Kyzart village via the Tuz-Ashuu Pass, enjoying panoramic views of the Jumgal Valley and final glimpses of the Song-Kol basin. The trail descends to Kyzart, where lunch is served at a family homestay and there is time to rest and take a hot shower.

In the afternoon, we transfer to Kochkor village or as an option stay in Kyzart.

Transfer time: 1 hour

Trek time: 4-5 hours

PRICING 2026

Looking for different dates? Private departures are available on your preferred dates. Inquire now to book your private tour at travel@visitkyrgyzstan.kg