Understand

Song Kul is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. Spanning 18x29km and reaching depths of 13 meters, it comes second only to the famous Issyk kul. Situated at a breathtaking altitude of 3016 m (9895 ft) above sea level, Song Kul is surrounded by expansive summer pastures and majestic mountains. This picturesque area is inhabited and safely accessible from June to September. To learn more about Song Kul, visit this link [Issyk kul].

Get in

Reaching Song Kol is an adventure waiting to happen! To get there, you have a few options: you can go on horseback, take a hike, or brave a bumpy car ride from Kochkor or Naryn. The road leading up to the lake is partially paved, making it a challenging but doable journey without a 4x4 vehicle. Don't worry though, there are agencies like CBT in Kochkor that can arrange transportation for you at a cost of $80-$100 per car. But wait, there's more! These agencies also offer guided trips with horses, allowing you to explore the beauty of Song Kul and even stay in yurts by the lake. Tours usually start and end in Kochkor, but you can also combine hiking and driving for a more diverse experience. If you're looking for a more affordable option, check out companies like Destination Kochkor or Pegas Adventure. They offer tours starting at $50 per person per day or bundle transportation from Bishkek with an English-speaking driver, starting around $300. So don't miss out on this incredible journey!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Kyrgyzstan's national dish is called "Plov," also known as "Osh." It is a hearty traditional rice pilaf made with marinated beef, chickpeas, and various vegetables such as carrots, onions, and garlic. The ingredients are cooked together in a large pot until the rice is tender and fully absorbed the flavors of the other components. Plov is often served with additional meat on the side.

Another popular dish in Kyrgyzstan is "Kumis." This alcoholic beverage is made by fermenting horse milk and is typically consumed during special occasions or festivals. Kumis has a slightly sour taste and can vary in alcohol content depending on how long it has been fermented.

A favorite snack among Kyrgyz people is "Et Uch", which translates to "raw meat salad." This dish consists of finely minced raw beef seasoned with spices such as garlic, onion, and pepper. The meat mixture is then accompanied by diced onions, tomatoes, and peppers, which provide a vibrant medley of colors and textures alongside the meat. Et Uch is traditionally eaten with a type of flatbread called "non."

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing