I have 3 weeks in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan (second half September - 1st week October). My original plan had been to spend 2 weeks (or whatever time necessary) to see what I wanted to see in Uzbekistan, then (at least) the final week in Kyrgyzstan.
My intention was on taking it pretty easy / winding down in preparation for returning to work in Kyrgyzstan - some easy walks / low level treks, spending some time near some water, marvelling at the night sky, going with the flow. So I had been thinking part of this would involve a couple of days near lake Song Kol (even if some posts here indicate it has become "too touristy" (whatever that means - from photos it looks great)) and possibly some time around Lake Isyk-Kol / Karakol.
I recognise this would be mostly in the first week of October, and so missing a lot of the summer activities, and it would be colder.
However, (last minute) reading of the 2006 CBT Handbook more closely, and some communication with the CBT, indicates Song Kol is only open until the end of September. I see from Yahoo weather, that the temperature range for "Tian-Shan - Kyrgyzstan" is -4C - 8C (and which I guess could be applied to the whole mountain range (including Song Kol)).
So this has led me to think of changing my plans at the last minute - Kyrgyzstan first, then Uzbekistan (visas are not an issue).
So, I'm guess I'm looking for any thoughts ...
1. Has anyone travelled to Song Kol in mid-late September? What is the weather like? Is access only via foot / automobile for this time of year (no horse trekking)?
2. Has anyone travelled around Issyk-Kol during early October? What is the weather like at this time? I recall one post here indicating it has relatively temperate climate.
3. Would it be more sensible to change my original plans (Kyrgyzstan first (mid-Sept.) and so catch the last of the summer wine)?
4. I recall reading a post here in which someone mentioned spending some relaxing time around Arslanbob. Anyone spent time here in early October?
sean.
P.S. if this is read - thanks to "CentralAsia_traveler" for the many informative posts.
Not specifically answering this question, but as a clarification of what "open" means: Song Kol lake is always there and they don't put up fences to keep people out. But the yurts are gone.
Song Kol is a jailoo, a temporary, seasonal pasture settlement. After the season, the yurts are taken down. In some places, the yurt is stored in place on a platform on poles to keep it above the snow. In other places, the disassembled yurt is driven back to the winter residence.
Your proposal about Kyrgyzstan first makes sense to me. I was in Bishkek at the end of August and it was quite pleasant.
wrt Arlsanbob, it's a bit more in the hills, so it is likely chillier -- I would ask CBT about this specifically, if someone here doesn't have input. (But Arslanbob was, indeed, amazing.)
Your choise, first in Kyrgyzstan and after going to Uzbekistan is right. Because in Uz. in the first part of october is still hot.
But in Kyr. the weather on that moment will be change. I know the guide who can make your rest better in Karakol, can show you the the Lake around, after Song-Kol. The yurts is really gone from Song-Kol in october, think about.
If you want to came to Kyr. the best place to have a rest, is north side, and around Song-Kol.
If you interesting contact email: cbt_karakol2003@mail.ru
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