Hi, does anybody know when CBT and the other organisations stop running horse treks and yurt stays to Lake Song Kol. The information I've read suggests these run between June and September. However, it's not clear if this is to the end of September. I'm arriving in Bishtek around the 15 September so would head straight down to Kochkor if possible.
I would also love to hear from anyone who has visited Lake Song Kol and can give any information or tips.
Cheers,
Mark
I'm no expert, but I've read vague things like "mid-September" as the cut-off. I don't know if this helps you much, but you may be cutting it close based on what I've read. I'll be there in early September (around the 1st), and the CBT people didn't say it would be a problem.
Having just left Song Kol 3 days ago, one tip I can give you is to find other travelers who want to do the same trip as you. Otherwise you end up with a hefty bill going solo mostly due to the transport costs to and from the lake.
Same for the horse trek to the lake as you will have to pay for the guide, his night's accommodation enroute, his horse, your transport from Kochkor to the beginning of the trek, and your transport from the lake back to Kochkor. Add to that your own horse and food/accommodation for 2 days/2 nights.
Hope that helps.
Jon
Jon, thanks for the tips. Can you tell us what you ended up doing in Song Kul, who you arranged with, how your experience was, and how much you paid?
I am a beginning horse rider (haven't rode in 10+ years) and thinking of doing the 3 day / 2 night Song Kul horse trek. I don't know if this is dangerous or not. I read you can also hike it by foot in the same number of days, which may be a better option.
I arrived in Kochkor just after 1 pm last Sunday and went to Shepard's Life. I just wanted to go to the lake and figure it out from there. I was by myself but was able to go a couple of hours later with one of the Song Kol families in town for shopping for 1300 som one way (1½ hr trip). Sleeping in a yurt with full board is 1000 som/night. Booked 2 nights and the one way ride. Thought I might be able to do the reverse horse trek once I got to the lake but it is difficult to arrange there because the guide heads straight back after dropping off the group ~5 pm.
Taxis in town ask 3000 som to the lake (up to 3 pax, might be able to bargain) but that is round trip as you have to pay for their return. The agencies charge 3200 som for up to 4 pax + ~200 som/night if you want the driver to wait up there with you before returning.
First day was nasty - cold, rain, wind, intermittent sun. Second day was much nicer. While wandering around looking for a ride I was invited into a a family's yurt (not affiliated with any tour operator) for vodka, kimis, then outside for the goat slaughter. Interesting. Later cadged a lift to Kochkor with an Austrian family departing for Bishkek the following morning.
I met many people who did the horse trek and they all spoke highly of it. Standard trip seemed to be 1 night at a yurt in the woods, second night in a yurt at the lake, depart back to Kochkor in the morning.
As for experience, I met someone who had never ridden a horse before and was fine on the trek.
Thanks for the info. Very helpful.
How cold a temperature are we talking? I'd rather not have a bunch of bulky winter stuff.
Probably around 10°C the one wet and windy day but the conditions made it feel colder. Nighttime maybe close to freezing but plenty of blankets provided so slept fine.
More important to have good waterproof clothing/gear if you are doing the horse trek.
Hi Mark,
I will be arriving in Bishkek on September 14 and am planning to do a Song-Kol horseback trip. I would be heading straight to Kochkor on September 15, maybe.
I checked with CBT and they are offering 3 day/ 2 nights trip for 510 EUR for one person. I asked for tours that they still would run at the end of September.
It includes: accommodation in Kochkor and Kyzyl-Oi villages (before and after horseback-riding); overnight stay in yurts during the trek; meals according to the program; transfers according to the program; horse rental; local horseback guide.
If we would arrange the Song-kol tour together, we could cut the costs. What do you think.
Just drop me a line.
Cheers,
Christian