Song Kul Lake
Located in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, Song Kul is a high-altitude, alpine lake perfect for hiking and horseback riding, although the area is covered in snow for the majority of the year.
The winters are harsh, but in spring the landscape bursts into life. Nowhere is greener than the slopes around this beautiful lake and dozens of nomadic shepherd families come here to set up camp with their flocks. Homestays offer accommodation and the opportunity to have a more authentic experience as you stay with local families, staying in traditional yurts.
Reaching Song Kul Lake isn’t the easiest task, but it is worth the effort, with access from Suusamyr and Kazarman by 4WD, horse or hike.
Song Kul
Nomads, yurts and horses in Kyrgyzstan
Central Asia’s archetypal semi-nomadic culture is alive and well in Kyrgyzstan, and nowhere is this more evident than at Lake Song Kul. At 3,016m (9,900ft) above sea level, the lake’s surroundings are blanketed in deep snow for most of the year. But when spring finally arrives, the mountain flanks around the lake burst into life...read more
Explore Song Kul Lake
10 days
Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Unwrapped
Explore the lakes and landscapes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
21 days
The Silk Road Trail
Explore Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan
Song Kul Lake Tours
Best of Central Asia
Experience the people, history and nature of the 'Five Stans
22 daysFrom €4,580| Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan | |
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Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Active, Walking, Culture, Cities, Museums & Galleries, History, Responsible Travel, Community-led Tourism, Solo Travel |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Best of Central Asia
Experience the people, history and nature of the 'Five Stans
22 days From €4,580 per person By Kalpak Travel| Destinations | Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan |
|---|---|
| Activity | Active, Walking, Culture, Cities, Museums & Galleries, History, Responsible Travel, Community-led Tourism, Solo Travel |
| Tour Type | Small group tour, Private guided tour |
| Physical Level | Mild |
Kalpak Travel’s Best of Central Asia Tour combines the cultural highlights and natural beauty of five different countries in one epic journey.
In each of the Central Asian republics you’ll visit the modern and historic capitals, and see firsthand the cultural treasures and traditions of both the nomadic people who have crossed this region for centuries, and also the people who have settled in its cities.
The eclectic contemporary architecture of Nur-Sultan and Ashgabat contrasts with the sprawling Soviet-styled cities of Almaty, Bishkek, and Dushanbe, and nothing can prepare you for the impact of the great Silk Road cities, where flourishing Islamic culture and the medieval Timurid Empire left a lasting architectural legacy.
Travel across the five ‘Stans with us to experience the very best of Central Asian hospitality on an unforgettable adventure.
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Accommodation |
Kalpak trips visit a combination of quality hotels, traditional Yurt camps, guesthouses, and camping (all equipment provided). Get in touch for more information. |
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Guided excursions |
Expert, English-speaking guides accompany you throughout the entire trip, giving you unique insights into the local culture and history. |
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Ground transfers |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and rail journeys are included. |
|
All meals |
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in the price. You're not obliged to eat every meal with the group, and your guide will happily direct you to recommended local restaurants and markets if you prefer. |
|
Internal flights |
Domestic/internal flights are included where applicable. |
|
Camping equipment |
All equipment for overnight stays in Yurt camps is provided. |
Best of Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan
Follow the footsteps of the Kyrgyz Nomads and ancient Silk Road traders
15 daysFrom €3,160| Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan | |
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Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Responsible Travel, Community-led Tourism, Solo Travel |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Best of Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan
Follow the footsteps of the Kyrgyz Nomads and ancient Silk Road traders
15 days From €3,160 per person By Kalpak Travel| Destinations | Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan |
|---|---|
| Activity | Responsible Travel, Community-led Tourism, Solo Travel |
| Tour Type | Small group tour, Private guided tour |
| Physical Level | Mild |
For well over a thousand years, merchants carried their wares over remote mountain passes in Kyrgyzstan, along verdant river valleys and through the great Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan.
These nomads, conquerors, and settlers left behind an architectural legacy that draws on forgotten empires and ancient religions. Uzbekistan has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its age-old cities: Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand, arguably the jewel in the country’s dazzling crown.
Central Asian mosques, madrassas, fortresses, and bazaars combine to create a timeless atmosphere, while out in the countryside, the country’s incredible landscapes will capture both your imagination and your heart.
|
Accommodation |
Kalpak trips visit a combination of quality hotels, traditional Yurt camps, guesthouses, and camping (all equipment provided). Get in touch for more information. |
|
Guided excursions |
Expert, English-speaking guides accompany you throughout the entire trip, giving you unique insights into the local culture and history. |
|
Ground transfers |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and rail journeys are included. |
|
All meals |
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in the price. You're not obliged to eat every meal with the group, and your guide will happily direct you to recommended local restaurants and markets if you prefer. |
|
Internal flights |
Domestic/internal flights are included where applicable. |
|
Camping equipment |
All equipment for overnight stays in Yurt camps is provided. |
Song Kul Lake Travel Companies
Kalpak Travel
Small group tours of Central Asia
| Central Asia | |
| Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour | |
| Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Solo Travel |
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