Short break at Son-Kul Lake

Location: Son-Kul Lake

Duration: 3 days

YURT is a traditional Kyrgyz dwelling. It is a roundshaped construction made of wooden framework covered with felt carpet (koshma). Diameter of a common yurt is 4-9m. It is made of handmade woollen rugs (shirdak). Yurt has a round hole in the middle of roof for ventilation. Lighting is natural (through hole), by lamp, candle or by generator. Yurt is easily folding and portable; it takes 3-4 hours to set it up. The Kyrgyz nomads have been using yurt since the 6th century. Although now most Kyrgyz people live in blockhouses they consider it as honour to set yurt on occasion of wedding or other significant events.

Yurt is a very convenient dwelling especially during travels around Kyrgyz Republic. It matches well with local climate peculiarities (sharp weather changes during day: from snow to rain). The microclimate in yurt is favourable. It keeps cool in summer and warm in winter.Accommodation in a Yurt is an opportunity to feel deeply the life style of Central Asia nomads, traditional Kyrgyz hospitality and culture.In summer season there are Yurt Inns along the Great Silk Road route - on Son-Kul Lake, on Tash-Rabat, in Naryn, on Issyk-Kul Lake. It offers basic facilities for lodging and gives opportunities for travellers along the Silk Road to have rest during 1-2 days stopover. There are beds with bedclothes, board, chairs in yurts.

Son-Kul Lake is a remote mountain lake situated in 90 km north-west from Naryn town, at 3016 m above sea level. It is the second but largest lake in Tien-Great_Silk_road_Kyrgyzstan. It is located on the ancient Great Silk Road from Kashgar to Bishkek. The nature overthrew is virgin with pure mountain air. Environment of Son-Kul Lake is one of favourite places of many kinds of beautiful birds including rare ones. In summer time only nomads with herd of horses or flock of sheep and she-goats could be found up there. Yurt Inns are situated by southern and northern shores of Son-Kul Lake.

Scheme of the program

1^st Day. Bishkek-Son-Kul

Departure from Bishkek at morning time. Transfer to Son-Kul Lake 360km, driving time takes about 6 hours, stop in Kochkor village for lunch. As option: excursion to Burana Tower. Arrive to Son-Kul by at evening time, dinner and overnight in Yurt Inn.

2^nd Day. Son-Kul

Day for meeting with nomad life style and surrounding. As option:  horse riding, folklore show, handicrafts. Full board and overnight in Yurt Inn.

3^rd Day Son-Kul Lake – Bishkek

After breakfast walking along shore of the lake and free time. After lunch transfer to Bishkek.  End of the trip.

Notes:

• Program can be changed and extension by visiting Issyk-Kul Lake.
• Part of the road to Son-Kul Lake is serpentine with 40 steep turns
• Accommodation in Yurt Inn usually  4-5 persons of the same gender in a yurt
• Single supplement is available for extra cost
• Weather in the area of Son-Kul Lake is quite cold at night.  It is highly recommended to bring warm clothes and a raincoat. 

  Available activities as optional extras on the basic trip (ordered by request): horseback riding, folklore show, local horse games and events, cooking lessions; Kyrgyz traditional cuisine – “Beshbarmak” and local dishes, visit local nomads to appreciate their lifestyle, en-route visit handicraft studios and the museum in Kochkor – participate in the shyrdak (Kyrgyz rug) producing process.