Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian country of astounding natural beauty and proud nomadic culture. One of the best ways to experience the country is a trek to Song-Köl Lake where you will get to stay in shepherds’ yurts and enjoy breathtaking views of rolling summer pastures (jailoos) amidst Tian Shan mountain range. With visa-free travel available for most countries, there is little reason not to visit Kyrgyzstan today!

ITINERARY

Day 01

BISHKEK – KOCHKOR

Pick up by our friendly local representation from Biskek (capital of Kyrgyzstan) by private vehicle to Kochkor Village (Naryn region, about 3-4 hours). En route, you will visit the Burana Tower near the town of Tokmok. The minaret, together with grave markers, earthern works and mausoleums, is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun. You will have a chance to climb up the 25m tall minaret which according to local legend was built to protect the king’s new born daughter. Continuing the drive, you will stop by Orto-Tokoy Reservoir to admire its beautiful turqoise color water. In another half hour, you will reach the village of Kochkor for lunch and rest. For the rest of the day, you can roam around the compact village to visit the handicraft shops, Lenin statue or simply chill out in the comfortable homestay.

Overnight: Guesthouse/Homestay in Kochkor (1767m)

Day 02

KOCHKOR – KYZART – KILEMCHE

After breakfast, you will depart for Kyzart Village (1.5 hour drive) where you will start the 2-day trek to the Song-Köl Lake. Song-Köl is a mountain lake located in the Tian-Shan Mountain Range at an altitude of 3016m used by the shepherds from Kochkor, Jumgal, Naryn and At-Bashy regions as a jailoo (summer pasture). The road to Song-Köl winds through mountainous terrain until it seems to disappear into the very sky itself. This is probably why Song-Köl is translated from Kyrgyz as “the final lake”. The trek from Kyzart Village starts with a upslope climb to Kyzart Pass and then Kyzyl Kyia Pass. At Char Archa River, you will have a pinic lunch. The trek after lunch is mostly downhill.  Around mid-afternoon, you will arrive at Kilemche Jailoo . Spend the rest of the day exploring the pastures, admiring the scenery and experiencing the life of a shepherd. The trekking time for today is around 7 hours.

Overnight: Yurt/Tent in Kilemche Jailoo (2535m)

Day 03

KILEMCHE – BATAY ARAI (SONG-KOL)

After breakfast at Kilemche, continue the upslope trek to Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400m). The terrain can gets rocky towards the top but perserve and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Kilemche jailoo and Song-Köl lake in the distant. As you trek down the pass, the image of Song-Köl lake with its surrounding mountains gets bigger and you know that you are getting closer to completing the trek.  When you reached the plains, you will have lunch and a much needed rest at Jaman Echki jailoo. The terrain from here to Batay Aral jailoo at Song-Köl lake is mostly flat. Upon arrival at Batay Aral jailoo, meet your host family of Kyrgyz shepherds. Dine and sleep in a shepherd’s yurt. The trekking time for today is around 7 hours.

Overnight: Yurt/Tent in Batay Aral Jailoo (Song-Köl) (3016m)

Day 04

BATAY ARAI (SONG-KOL) – KOCHKOR – BISHKEK

Spend the morning exploring the jailoo and the lake, watching the everyday life of shepherds – milking mares, preparing traditional Kyrgyz milk products like kymyz (a fermented mare’s milk) or airan (a sour dense milk product), tending cattle. After breakfast, pick up by our private vehicle from Batay Aral back to Bishkek via Kochkor.

Package includes:

• Private car transfer from Bishkek to Kochkor and Kilenche and from Batal Arai (Song-Kol) to Bishkek
• English-speaking mountain guide for 2D1N Song-Kol trek (includes meals and accommodations for the guide)
• 3 nights’ accommodations (1 night at a CBT Homestay at Bishkek, 2 nights at a yurt/tent on the mountains)
• 4 days’ meals (Day 1 – lunch and dinner, Day 2/3 – breakfast, lunch and dinner, Day 4 – breakfast and lunch)

Package excludes:

• Return international air tickets
• Travel insurance
• Kyrgyzstan VISA (Singapore passport holders can visit VISA-free, check your country’s eligibility here)
• Meals not indicated
• Airport transfer in Bishkek (can be arranged if required)
• Accommodations in Bishkek (can be arranged if required)
• Tips for guide and driver (optional)
• All expenses of a personal nature

HIKING GRADE

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Trekking Season: During the dry and non-winter months from late June to mid September.

Temperature: It can get very cold and windy in the highlands. Warm and Wind-proof clothing are necessary. As there is still a possibility of rain in the dry season, rain gears (e.g. poncho) are required.

OPTIONAL PROGRAM

Instead of doing the 2D1N trek on foot, we can arrange a horse trek.

If you are in Kochkor on a Sunday morning, you will have a chance to visit the Sunday Animal Market.

We can also arrange accommodations, airport transfers and activities (e.g. visit Ala Archa National Park) in Bishkek.

TESTIMONIALS

See latest reviews on our Google page!

We had a fabulous time at Mt. Panti, thanks to 'I Wanna Travel'. The organisation was smooth from the beginning. My support, HS, was attentive to details and always available at my beck and call. The guide was friendly and encouraging. The last stretch of the climb before reaching the summit was thrilling. We absolutely loved it! We were treated to a large spread of delicious vegetarian Chinese food at the end of the trip. The highlight of the trip was the Firefly Cruise. What a mesmerising experience! Thank you for a great trip. We'll be coming back for more.

– Arathi (Group of 5 on a Mt Panti trip in Nov 2018)

IWT handled the pre-trip administration very well and the itinerary was swiftly and properly communicated to us. The itinerary was clear and useful as it gave us a rough gauge of what to expect and what to prepare for the trip. Our tour guide Mr Dimas, along with our driver, possess welcoming and friendly personalities and they always ensured that our welfare is well taken care of. During the trip, they were always providing us with insights into Surabaya to tell us more about their country and even provided excellent recommendations for activities and their local cuisine. All in all, a very good and trip and would certainly recommend.

– Zhen Siang (Group of 2 on an 4D3N Ijen, Bromo & Surabaya trip in Dec 2018)

Organisation of the trip was good as communication with iwannatravel was smooth and fast, and the itinerary planning was well suited for my group needs and wants. The driver, Mr Thina, was very accommodating towards our schedule and took care of our needs, example needing to buy rubber shoes, where he drove us to the shop. Our guides were well experienced and could pace and entertain us well with their knowledge and fun-loving nature. Mount Panti had more leeches than what we imagined though and the difficulty level of the treks was as what iwannatravel said, not to be estimated as it had moderate difficulty. Overall we had a good experience with our activities and accommodations! And would definitely recommend this trip for the more adventurous people.

– John (Group of 9 on a 2D1N Mt Panti & Pelepah Falls trip in Dec 2018)

The guide, Mr Azhar was very experienced. He was able to pace us accordingly and guide us throughout our entire trek to the peak and the Big Tree. The trek was not easy, considering it started to rain halfway thru the journey, making the route slippery but Mr Azhar was willing to guide us and pace us accordingly throughout so that we wont overexert ourselves.

– Salmiah (Group of 4 on a Mt Lambak day trip in Nov 2018)

Personalised pickup and attention to our well being. Focused to help us to have good experiences. Guide Udin is very professional. Dependable, attention to details, providing good advices. Porters are friendly and helpful. We are very happy with the service level, professionalism of the whole team to bringing good experiences to hikers like us.

– YT (Group of 3 on a 2D1N Mt Merbabu Camping trip in Nov 2018)

Honorable mention to the guide, whom was the driver too. Her energy and dedication throughout the trek makes the trip very worthwhile, even though the view at the summit was spoiled by the poor foggy weather. Our team would gladly scale another mountain in taiwan with her as the guide again, if we had the chance.

– Jonathan (Group of 5 on a 2D2N Yushan trip in Mar 2018)

Thoroughly enjoyed the Poon Hill trek! Beautiful scenery and Puskar was a patient and responsible guide. He made our trip possible and hassle-free. We also found the hotel in Pokhara in an extremely good location with many restaurants in the vicinity.

– Peiying & Photon (Group of 2 on a 12D11N Kathmandu, Pokhara & Poon Hill trip in Nov 2017)

The whole organisation was prepared smoothly prior to the trip. The ample of times attending to the enquiries and the notes given had definitely been useful. For transport, guide (and driver), food, activities, accommodation - they were pleasant. The van provided was spacious especially the legroom, and even had enough room to store our bag packs. The guide and driver were very accommodative, for an instance, stopping the van to allow us take some photos before proceeding to the trail head. Additionally, both tried their best to attempt to make conversations in English. As per food and activities, it was great. The food complimented the next activity well, an example, we were provided rice instead of noodles on the day before our summit push and back to the trail head. It was essential since we had to have plenty carbohydrates for the long trek ahead.

– SR (Group of 5 on a 2D2N Xueshan trip in Oct 2017)

First, we would like to thank hs for coming up with the itinerary of the places that we wanted to visit and always being prompt and patient in answering our queries. This trip turned out to be one of the best trips ever! Our guide, Bayu, was simply wonderful. He speaks good English and we enjoyed our conversations with him. During the hike, he frequently stopped to ask if we were okay and if we needed a rest. He would also ask if we had any other places in mind that we would like to visit around the vicinity. In all, we felt very well-taken of throughout the entire trip. Our fondest memory was the day when we had cup noodles around a campfire together with him during the early hours of dawn at King Kong Hill. It was truly unforgettable. Bayu also offered to help us take photos during the trip and we were really thankful for that. Our driver, Bayu (same name as our guide) had superb driving skills. We were really amazed at how he was able to navigate and drive through narrow and winding roads under foggy weather conditions. Throughout the trip, both of them made us feel very safe and comfortable. We did not have to worry about anything. It was really such an enjoyable trip. A big thank you to our guide, Bayu, and our driver, Bayu! 🙂

– Eunice (Group of 2 on an 5D4N Ijen, Mt Bromo, Batu in June 2017)

We always have a wish that to have a wonderful trip with a lot of fun and laugh, and so we stop dreaming and start planning. No doubt IWT is our best choice with no regretted. First of all, we wanna thank you to our tour guide Ms Vinda, a young lady with always have a cute smiling. She is very friendly, knowledgeable, understanding and patience lady. She care a lot of us, and make sure we are not injure while hiking, but manage to reach to the top. Due to some of my friends is lack of exercise and felt exhausted, especially Ijen and Mt Bromo, she keep accompanied us and make sure 4 of us are in good condition to continue. She keep reminding us some sleepy area, and hold our hand if needed to ensure we are not fell down. She also giving us a lot of info about some interest places were going and we'll communication. She always standby to be our photographer, even some time our pose is funny. She willing to share her photos and videos with us. Thanks ya. And most importantly that she notice 1 of my friend didn't wear a suitable shoe to waterfall, she immediately take off her shoe and let my friend to wear, and help to carry my friend shoe and walk with no shoe herself...so embarrassing. She treat us ginger tea while we feel cold, Indomee after hiking and dragon fruit along the way to Surabaya. Bring us to minimart to buy our secret stuff. Lastly, we should say that~Ms Vinda, thank you so much. We are enjoyable the trip and this is really amazing. We highly recommend her as a tour guide and wish her all the best. Thumb up 👍

– May (Group of 4 on a 4D3N Ijen Crater, Mount Bromo & Batu in May 2017)

Guide Syami was amazing! Very patient and extremely helpful towards my parents (55 and 50 year old folks) . His guidance really helped my parents with their hike. Shared his knowledge on the mountain and the wildlife there. Perfect.

– Farhana (Group of 6 on an 2D1N Mt Ophir Camping Trip in Apr 2017)

Very nice group, glad I made some good friends. Thanks to the organisers who took us for dinner near a vegetarian friendly place.

– Rajan (Group of 12 on an Open Mt Ophir Trip in Mar 2017)

Coordination with IWT was a breeze. Ying was quick in responding to queries and very helpful, giving tips according to her own experience climbing Pelapah Falls. Prasanth, the driver, was on-time, friendly and skillful. Despite the hours of driving and waiting for us, he always wore a smile on his face. Nan, our guide, was very experienced. He was like a fatherly figure who knew exactly what he was doing and that brought a lot of assurance to us. Pelapah Falls has its challenges but it was such a good experience for my friends and I. We had to tread through cooling rivers, climb using ropes, avoid giant ants and manage a few leeches but the amazing and therapeutic waterfalls made it all worth it. All of us were counted as beginner hikers and we all made it. So don't worry. Just do it!

– Xiuqing (Group of 5 on a Pelepah Falls & Kota Tinggi Trip in Feb 2017)

Everything was great! From planning til the end of the trip, everything was organised. The activities were fun and itinerary was well planned. We did not feel that we were rushed at all and we get to enjoy Borobudur and Mount Bromo in our own pace. Our guide, Bayu, was very friendly and helped us a lot especially when it comes to ordering food :). This is the most relaxing, hassle-free trip I've ever had! Thanks Iwannatravel 🙂

– Sunshine (Group of 7 on a 4D3N trip to Bromo & Borobudur in Aug 2016)

I really enjoy the whole travel experience. The driver is always contactable and prompt, and transport it’s quite comfortable. The mountain guide is friendly, and is knowledgeable and ensures that the last person is not left behind, and there are 2 guides provided to us for a group of 10 which I think is quite good. The accommodation at Melaka is quite clean and it’s within the tourist attraction; Jonker Street and there’s also some free and easy time to explore with driver provided.

– Xian Ying (Group of 10 on a 2D1N trip to Mt Ophir in May 2016)

I liked how fast HS was able to plan the itinerary for our group, making it flexible to suit our preferences and how he was very prompt to answer our questions and give suggestions on things that we can do. We only ask assistance for bookings on our Vietnam trip (Mt. Fansipan trek, Lao Cai- Hanoi train tickets and Halong Bay Day Cruise). However, upon knowing that we are also traveling to Laos, HS has gone an extra mile and help us map out our Laos itinerary too. Transport provided both for Fansipan trek and Halong Bay Day Cruise were awesome as they picked us up from our hostel right on time. Our Fansipan guide was very helpful and patient and ensured everyone's safety during the trek. While our Halong Bay Cruise guide was quite informative and very entertaining as she makes us laugh without even trying. Our group was very much satisfied with the food served to us both during the Fansipan trek and Halong Bay cruise. And of course, we definitely enjoyed all the activities we did: trekking up to the summit of Fansipan, riding a sleeper train from Lao Cai to Hanoi and kayaking in Halong Bay. Organization of our trip is superb knowing that we were IWT's first customers to book for their Fansipan trek and Halong Bay Cruise trip. *^_^*

– Michelle (Group of 3 on a 4D3N trip to Mt Fansipan & Halong Bay in Apr 2016)

Read more at testimonials!

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DISCLAIMER

IWT LLP, acts only as an agent for The Client in acquiring transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, trekking and other services for The Client’s benefit, and on the express condition that IWT LLP shall not be liable nor responsible for any loss (including without limitation, direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss, economic loss), damage, mishap, bodily injury, death, delay, defect, omission or any irregularity that may be caused to The Client, third parties or properties. IWT LLP is to be released from all liabilities deriving from acts of terrorism, hijacking, civil unrest, natural calamities, labour strikes, thefts or any other factors beyond IWT LLP’s control. Any losses and expenses are to be borne by The Client. In the event that IWT LLP is found liable by a court of competent jurisdiction on any basis in relation to The Client’s booking done via IWT LLP, IWT LLP’s maximum liability to the client is limited to the cost of the booking in question. See our full Terms and Conditions.