Tucked away in the mountains of northern Kyrgyzstan lies a breathtaking alpine lake called Song-Kul. While less famous than neighboring Issyk-Kul Lake, Song-Kul has an unspoiled natural beauty and authentic nomadic culture that make it a hidden gem worthy of discovery. Read on to learn why you should add this secluded lake to your Central Asia bucket list.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Landlocked Kyrgyzstan has swiftly become a rising star of Central Asian tourism thanks to its dramatic landscapes, Silk Road history, and nomadic culture. Though small, Kyrgyzstan boasts towering mountain ranges, Alpine lakes, and lush valleys. Song-Kul Lake beautifully encapsulates the country’s natural attractions.
Resting at an altitude of 3,016 meters (9,900 ft) above sea level, Song-Kul is considered one of the highest lakes in the world. Encircling horseback riding trails, traditional yurts, and epic mountain panoramas create an unforgettable travel experience. Its remote location adds to the adventurous appeal for those seeking untouched natural wonders and meaningful cultural exchange.
Getting to Song-Kul Lake
One of the charms of visiting Song-Kul is its out-of-the-way setting. The lake sits about 400 km (250 mi) from Kyrgyzstan’s capital city of Bishkek. Reaching the lake requires dedication but offers rewarding views as you journey deeper into the Kyrgyz wilderness.
Most visitors opt to self-drive or hire a driver for the 6-7 hour overland journey from Bishkek. The road leading to Song-Kul is via the scenic Boom Gorge and Moldo Ashuu Pass. Driving yourself allows flexibility to stop and enjoy the remarkable scenery en route.
Another option is catching a short flight from Bishkek to Song-Kul Lake’s humble airport. Flights depart several times per week in summer. From the airport, it’s just a quick 20-30 minute drive to the lakeshore.
When to Visit
Song-Kul Lake offers distinctly different experiences depending on the season. Summer provides the most popular time to visit thanks to warmer weather and colorful mountain wildflowers. From June to August, daytime highs average a comfortable 18°C (65°F). Rains can occur but generally pass quickly.
Winters transform the lake into a magical frozen wonderland. From December to February, thick ice covers the surface and temperatures drop well below freezing. Diehard travelers can try ice fishing, skiing, or dog sledding. However, facilities shut down and travel is very difficult.
Late August sees the lively Song-Kul Music Festival held right on the lakeshore. Expect traditional Kyrgyz music, dancing, falconry, and horseback events. Smaller festivals occur in summer including eagle hunting demonstrations.
Activities at the Lake
Song-Kul’s epic surroundings beg to be explored. Days easily fill up with hiking, horseback riding, relaxing by the lakeshore, and overnight camping. Many trails wrap around the lake, allowing you to take in the views at your own pace. Multi-day hikes into the mountains are also possible.
Possibly the best way to experience Song-Kul is atop one of Kyrgyzstan’s famed horses. Ride through wide valleys and up into the high mountain pastures where nomadic shepherds graze their animals in summer. Horses can be rented affordably from local providers.
Camping by the lake is hugely popular. Pitch a tent almost anywhere along the grassy shores. Luxury yurt camps also dot the area, providing authentic nomadic accommodations with modern amenities. Be sure to spend time interacting with the local nomadic herders who set up their yurt homes at Song-Kul in summertime.
Accommodations
You’ll find a handful of accommodation choices ranging from basic to comfortable. Booking ahead is recommended since options are limited.
Numerous yurt camps offer the chance to truly live like the nomadic herders. Yurts sleep anywhere from 2 to 8 people on comfortable beds, stoves provide warmth, and shared outhouse facilities are available. Expect to pay around $30 USD per night.
Pitching a tent provides flexibility to find the perfect lakeside campsite. However, given Song-Kul’s high altitude, having thick, warm sleeping bags is a must. Always practice responsible camping by leaving the area as you found it.
In summer, a few small local guesthouses open up, providing basic private rooms and occasionally a hot shower. Guesthouses range from $15-30 per night.
The People and Culture
One of the joys of visiting Song-Kul is witnessing the enduring nomadic culture. From June to September, herders move their families, yurts, livestock, and possessions to Song-Kul’s lush summer pastures. Approaching a herder’s yurt to share a cup of tea offers a wonderful cultural immersion.
Known for their hospitality, the Kyrgyz people have welcoming traditions. Accept any invitation to drink tea inside a yurt. Remove your shoes first and avoid pointing your feet at others inside. Sharing a meal is an honored custom. In return, small gifts like chocolates are appreciated.
Most older herders speak limited Russian only, so hiring a local guide is hugely helpful for meaningful interactions. Having patience and trying out your Russian goes a long way toward bridging communication gaps.
Cuisine
Be sure to sample Kyrgyz cuisine during your Song-Kul visit. Meals often center around meat and dairy products, which are plentiful thanks to the nomadic lifestyles.
Lagman noodle soup makes a perfect warming lunch. Try samsa, a tasty meat pie snack similar to samosas. No trip is complete without sampling kumis, the mildly alcoholic fermented mare’s milk. Other popular dishes include manti dumplings, shashlik grilled meats, and ubiquitous tea.
While at Song-Kul, you’ll notice locals drinking from the lake. Feel free to refill your own water bottle as the high altitude keeps the fresh water clean.
Safety Tips for Travelers
Song-Kul’s remote mountain location requires special precautions. The high elevation can cause altitude sickness in some visitors not acclimatized. Ascending gradually and paying heed to symptoms like headaches is wise. Staying hydrated helps too.
The weather at Song-Kul can be unpredictable. Snow or thunderstorms can occur even in summer. Always bring plenty of warm layers and waterproof gear. Let someone know your hiking plans should conditions deteriorate.
While Kyrgyzstan is quite safe, petty theft sometimes occurs at Song-Kul since people let down their guard. Keep valuables protected and use common sense when interacting with strangers. Consider hiring a local guide for added security.
Sustainability and Conservation
Song-Kul’s fragile high mountain environment requires special care. Initiatives are underway to promote sustainable tourism that preserves the lake and supports the nomadic culture.
When visiting, do your part by respecting rules, staying on marked trails, and packing out all trash. Consider offsetting your travel carbon footprint by donating to Kyrgyz conservation groups. Choose yurt camps using solar power instead of generators. Support local businesses and artisans to spread tourism dollars.
The Nomad Foundation provides excellent volunteer opportunities to get involved with projects benefiting Song-Kul’s communities, from teaching English to environmental cleanups.
Packing Essentials
Be sure to pack accordingly for Song-Kul’s changeable mountain weather and high elevation. Here are some must-have items:
- Warm layers including hat, gloves, fleece, down jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Headlamp and portable charger
- Sleeping bag rated to 0°F (-18°C)
- Power bank and global phone charger
- Water bottle and water purification tablets
- Motion sickness pills for winding roads
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and lip balm
- Hand sanitizer and toilet paper
Getting Around the Lake
Song-Kul Lake offers over 130 km (80 mi) of shoreline to explore. Distances seem shorter at high altitudes but hikers should still be realistic about how far they’ll walk in a day. Fortunately, other options exist for getting around.
Many guesthouses and yurt camps rent mountain bikes to pedal around the lake at a leisurely pace. Biking allows you to cover more ground than walking and spot more mountain animals. Remember the high elevation will make even short distances harder.
During summer, a local entrepreneur operates a small boat offering rides and fishing trips on Song-Kul. This scenic boat tour lets you enjoy the lake from a different vantage point. However, changeable weather may impact schedules.
Of course, the most romantic transportation is hiring a horse to ride along the lakeshore at your own pace. Stop and spread out a picnic blanket wherever captivates you.
Nearby Attractions
While Song-Kul deserves several days of your undivided attention, there are some interesting sights within day tripping distance.
The scenic valley of Kochkor sits about 60 km south of Song-Kul. Here you can see traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts being made including felt carpets and embroidery. There’s also an interesting historical complex and bazaar to explore in town.
For more epic high-altitude scenery, consider driving over the 3,615 meter (11,860 ft) Kyzyl-Bel Pass located east of Song-Kul. Stop to admire the panoramas and ancient petroglyphs.
The town of Naryn sits a 4 hour drive southeast of Song-Kul. This slower-paced hub on the Silk Road has an impressive 10th century fort ruins towering above the river.
Conclusion
Song-Kul’s mesmerizing beauty and cultural riches explain why more travelers are journeying to this once overlooked Kyrgyz gem. While reaching the scenic lake requires dedication, you’ll be rewarded with incredible hiking, horseback riding, camping, and nomadic encounters. Just be sure to travel responsibly to keep Song-Kul Lake preserved for generations to come. Add it to your Central Asia bucket list before the secret gets out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Song-Kul Lake?
The peak tourist season is July-August when the weather is mildest. Heartier travelers enjoy visiting in June or September for fewer crowds and lower prices. Winters are extremely cold but offer a magical frozen landscape.
What types of accommodations are available at Song-Kul Lake?
Accommodation options include guesthouses, yurt homestays with local nomadic families, and unlimited lakeside camping spots. Basic amenities and services are available during summer only.
What travel vaccines are recommended for Kyrgyzstan?
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if coming from an infected area. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies. Talk to your doctor prior to travel.
Is the water safe to drink at Song-Kul Lake?
Yes, the water is completely safe to drink directly from the lake thanks to the high elevation and lack of human contamination. Many visitors and locals report filling up bottles right from Song-Kul due to the clean mineral water.
What languages are spoken around Song-Kul Lake?
Most locals speak Kyrgyz as their first language, followed by Russian as a common second language. A few in the tourist industry will speak basic English. Hiring a local guide is recommended for interacting with the nomadic herders. Coming with a few basic Russian phrases goes a long way.