The long western approach to Song-Köl from Kyzyl-Oi through the Suusamyr red canyons — 147 km, two lakes en route, and far quieter than the Kochkor side.
Kyzyl-Oi to Song-Köl — the Western Approach
Ten days in from the west, and almost nobody else on it
Jumgal district, from the Kökömeren and Suusamyr valleys east to the Song-Köl plateau · from Kyzyl-Oi
- Duration
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Distance
- ~146.7 km
- Max altitude
- 3400-3545 (sources disagree)
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Best months
- Mid-June to the end of September
- Riding experience
- none
- Group size
- 4–12
- Price
- No package price published. Self-supported the area runs about US$40-60 per day (~3,500-5,250 som); guided, US$80-100 per day (~7,000-8,750 som). Confirm on the day.
- Permit
- No
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Seif and the team reply on WhatsApp 24/7 — trip questions, custom plans and booking help.
Ask Seif on WhatsAppAbout the Kyzyl-Oi to Song-Köl — the Western Approach trek
Almost everyone reaches Song-Köl from Kochkor or Kyzart. This comes at it from the other side entirely, starting at Kyzyl-Oi in the Kökömeren valley west of the lake and working east across the jailoo for the better part of a week, past the Tash-Köl and Sary-Köl lakes and over a 3,411 m pass at the Oi Kaying pasture, before joining the classic corridor over Tuz-Ashuu for the final approach. It is the least-trafficked way in and the red-canyon country of the Suusamyr on the approach is unlike anything on the eastern routes. The genuinely-ridden version covers 146.7 km with 6,641 m of cumulative climbing and about forty hours of moving time, topping out at 3,545 m; it suits everyone from beginners to experienced riders and includes instruction, traditional horse games, horsewhip-making and nights with shepherd families. Read the format carefully before you book: there is also a walking-trek version with pack horses carrying the luggage, on which riding horses are an optional extra rather than included. Ask which you are buying. It also requires a minimum of four people, so solo travellers cannot run it as sold. Expect no signal and no resupply between villages, and although lower maximum-altitude figures are sometimes quoted, the route crosses a 3,411 m pass and tops out at 3,545 m — plan for the higher figure.
Day by day
| Day | Route | Hours | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bishkek → Kyzyl-Oi villageWest through the Suusamyr valley into red-canyon country on the Kökömeren. | road transfer | village accommodation |
| 2 | Kyzyl-Oi → First jailoo campThe published itinerary gives the ten-day frame but not per-day hours. | full day | camp or shepherd's yurt |
| 5 | Mid-route jailoo → Oi Kaying jailoo and its 3,411 m passThe highest named point on the operator's description; Tash-Köl and Sary-Köl lakes lie on this stretch. | full day | camp or shepherd's yurt |
| 8 | Tuz-Ashuu Pass (3,400 m) → Song-Köl lakeJoins the classic Kyzart corridor for the final approach to the lake. | full day | yurt at Song-Köl |
| 10 | Song-Köl → KochkorKochkor lodging is extra. | morning transfer | not included |
Included
- accommodation
- transfers
- meals
- guides
- pack horses
Not included
- Bishkek and Kochkor lodging
- post-tour transfers
- riding-horse rental — pack horses only are included
- equipment rental
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for the Kyzyl-Oi to Song-Köl — the Western Approach trek?
The best time is Mid-June to the end of September. Outside the season the high passes are snowbound and the summer yurt camps are packed down, so most operators only run it then.
How long is the Kyzyl-Oi to Song-Köl — the Western Approach trek?
It runs 10 days / 9 nights and roughly 146.7 km, reaching about 3400-3545 (sources disagree). Difficulty is moderate.
How much does the Kyzyl-Oi to Song-Köl — the Western Approach trek cost?
No package price published. Self-supported the area runs about US$40-60 per day (~3,500-5,250 som); guided, US$80-100 per day (~7,000-8,750 som). Confirm on the day. Prices vary by group size, season and operator, so confirm current rates when you enquire.
Do you need riding experience?
No prior riding experience is needed — the Kyrgyz horses are calm and sure-footed and guides keep the pace gentle. You should be reasonably fit and comfortable spending several hours in the saddle.
How do you book the Kyzyl-Oi to Song-Köl — the Western Approach trek?
Enquire on WhatsApp with your dates and group size, and we arrange the guide, horses, yurt nights and transfers. In July and August it's worth booking a day or two ahead.
Book the Kyzyl-Oi to Song-Köl — the Western Approach trek
Tell us your dates and group, and we’ll arrange the guide, horses and yurt nights, plus the yurt stay at the end.
Chat with a real person — free
Seif and the team reply on WhatsApp 24/7 — trip questions, custom plans and booking help.
Ask Seif on WhatsApp