How to Plan a Trip
The basics 
How to get there 
Best time to visit 
Where to stay 
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Visiting Song Kul Lake? Here is what you need to know!
Picture this: a gorgeous shimmering blue lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Wild horses running at sunset. A few family yurts sprinkling the coast. That pretty much sums up our experience visiting Song Kul Lake. And our two nights spent at Song Kul lake were easily a highlight of our two weeks in Kyrgyzstan.
So what’s Song Kul all about?
Song Kul Lake is a high-alpine lake in the Northern Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan. It’s the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, and one of the must-visit spots in this beautiful country. It’s a popular summer destination that attracts visitors from all over the world, despite it’s remote location.
The beautiful Song Kul lake also holds a lot of significance to the Kyrgyz people, as it was historically a meeting place for the different tribes around the area.It is believed to be a sacred place.
The Basics
- Location: Northern Naryn Region, Kyrgyzstan
- Lodging options: Family-run yurts or camping
- Altitude: 10,000 feet
- Cell service: No cell reception available at Song Kul Lake (as of 2024)
Where is Song Kul Lake?
Song Kul Lake is located in the Northern Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan, almost exactly smack in the middle of the country.
The lake itself sits high up in the mountains, at around 10,000 feet of above sea level.
How to get to Song Kul Lake
There are a number of different routes you can take to get to Song Kul Lake, depending on where you are coming from and the time of year.
Renting your own car
We rented a 4×4 car for our entire 16 day trip to Kyrgyzstan. This gave us so much freedom to explore at our own pace, and seek out the best camping spots. We rented our car from Iron Horse Nomads, who I definitely recommend! If you choose to do the same, make sure that you 1) rent a 4×4 vehicle 2) feel comfortable off-roading and on less maintained roads.
If you have your own car then the easiest way to get to Song Kul lake is via Naryn, a small city in Kyrgyzstan. Another alternative is to visit from Kochkor, although it takes a bit longer because of the road quality. However, regardless of which
We took the 33 Parrots Road from Naryn and it was absolutely stunning – full of 33 winding switchbacks as the name implies. I wish we had time to just sit and relax to take in the unreal views.
The CBT office, either in Naryn or Kochkor, is a great resource for learning more about which roads are open and current weather conditions to help you plan your trip.
Hiring a driver
Alternatively, you can consider either hiring a driver or joining a group tour to reach the lake. This will be more expensive, however its a great option if you’re not comfortable driving or traveling solo.
Once again, any CBT office will be a great resource in helping you to plan.
Hiking to Song Kul Lake
Alternatively, some travelers actually reach Song Kul on foot, which takes 2-4 days depending on the route and the trailhead you decide on.
When to visit Song Kul Lake
Song Kul Lake can typically only be visited from June to September. This is because the lake sits at an altitude of close to 10,000 ft (3,000+ meters). During the winter months many of the passes, including the main passes from Naryn and Kochkor are not passable due to snow and bad weather.
There is the option of visiting via horseback in the winter months, but of course it is important to make sure you are prepared as very few, if any, yurts will be open, and the weather will be very cold.
We visited during the first few days of June and while the sun was strong during the daytime, the temperatures dropped below freezing in the evenings. This can be expected even in the peak summer months, so make sure to pack some extra layers.
The CBT office, either in Naryn or Kochkor, is a great resource for learning more about which roads are open and current weather conditions to help you plan your trip.
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Where to stay at Song Kul Lake
Camping at Song Kul Lake
As I mentioned above, we camped both nights at Song Kul Lake. The first night we camped on the South side of the lake (which is a bit closer to Naryn) and the second night we camped on the North side of the lake.
Wild camping is allowed at Song Kul Lake, just like the rest of the country. This means that you can camp outside of designated campground areas for free and can camp in some incredible places. Of course, as with any camping, it is super important to Leave No Trace. Make sure to pack out anything that you bring, including any garbage or food scraps.
Stay at a family-run yurt
The most popular form of lodging at Song Kul Lake is in the form of family-run yurts. While some of these yurts are set up exclusively for tourists these days, many are traditional nomadic family homes.
Most yurt stays include both breakfast and dinner, which is served in a communal dining area. Sleeping arrangements are basic but sufficient, and an amazing way to immerse yourself in the culture.
Some yurts can be booked ahead on sites like Booking.com, or you can plan to book on-arrival. If you’re visiting during the peak season, be prepared that yurts do book up.
Here are a few top-rated yurts:
Altitude Sickness
Song Kul Lake sits around 10,000 feet of altitude. Many people, including myself, will feel the effects of the altitude. Symptoms include a headache, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Make sure to drink plenty of water while at altitude. If symptoms don’t resolve or become debilitating, make sure to descend.
How to get to Kyrgyzstan
Most flights to Kyrgyzstan from the US and Europe transfer through Istanbul, Turkey. It is a 5 hour flight from Istanbul to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital. If you can book in advance, you can find super reasonable flights into the country. You’ll find frequent flights on both Turkish Airlines and Pegasus.
If you’re arriving from outside of Kyrgyzstan then you will likely arrive into Bishkek’s international airport. From here it is super easy to grab a car to the city center – I recommend using the Yandex app.
An alternative would be to fly into Almaty, Kazakhstan’s capital which is just north of Kyrgyzstan. Many travelers will combine a trip to the two countries.
Visit Kyrgyzstan? Here are some other articles to check out:
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