By Bek & Ruby · 18 Feb 2024
Song-Kol is where we return every season to reset. No billboards, no rush—just grazing herds, yurt smoke, and a sky that goes on forever. Our latest 8-day loop brought two families and a filmmaker friend. Here’s what stood out.
We slowed the drive from Bishkek to let kids stretch, taste fresh kymyz, and meet eagle hunters on the south shore of Issyk-Kul. Long drives feel shorter when they’re broken by real stops.
At 3,000m the air drops fast. We book yurts with good stoves and extra felt layers. Ask for the north-facing yurts—they’re quieter when tour buses roll in late.
We match horses to riders. Kids rode with a lead rope; confident riders took a ridge-line loop. No forced gallops—just the right amount of steppe wind.
Our host Aigul insisted on teaching everyone to roll lagman noodles. Dinners were family style—plov, salads, and endless tea. If you’re vegetarian, tell us early; we plan extra veggies and dairy.
Even in August, nights bite. A down jacket, wool socks, and a neck buff make the difference between “cold” and “cozy.” We keep a spare blanket set in the car just in case.
Sunrise hits the lake mirror-still. Photographers: 5:30–6:30 am is gold; the mountain ridge glows before the wind picks up.
We follow our hosts’ lead. When the family moves herds, we step back and watch. Kids help with water buckets; adults learn to tie the yurt door properly.
We pack out trash, avoid single-use plastics, and keep groups small. The fewer cars, the more you hear: hooves, stove crackles, and quiet voices in the dark.
Song-Kol changes with every season. If you want this route with your own pace—slower for families, faster for trekkers—reach out. We’ll tailor the loop so it feels like your trip, not just our plan.
