A classic trip to Lake Sonkol
A trip to the magic lake
One of the most classic, but still very nice, trips in Kyrgyzstan is to Lake Sonkol. The very road there, through canyons and mountain passes, is very nice, but the lake itself and its picturesque surroundings is the imaginary icing on the cake. Yurt herders, huge herds of horses, cows and sheep await you here, and most importantly a huge lake where you can even bathe if you are just a little hardy. In addition, the surrounding landscape full of flowering meadows and easily accessible mountains absolutely attracts exploratory walks.
1 day
Road to Lake Sonkol and first walks
The first day awaits you about a two-hour drive to the lake through a beautiful landscape. After lunch at the Bataj-Aral Yurt Camp, you can either just relax by the lake, take a bath, take a short walk along its shores or, if you have the taste and strength, go hiking in the mountains north of the lake.
Drive to Lake Sonkol
Journey through two passes
The shortest and most classic way to Lake Sonkol from the town of Kočkor leads through a very interesting… continue reading
Hike to the mountains above Lake Sonkol
To an abandoned prospect
The most easily accessible mountain from the Bataj-Aral yurt camp, located at the northeastern end of Lake… continue reading
Day 2
Hiking at Lake Sonkol
The second day is ideal for all-day hiking. You can either go to the mountains again for a larger day trip, or combine a walk by the lake with a shorter trip to the mountains. Those who like to ride a horse can „rent“ a pony and take a trip around the area from a horse saddle.
Hike along Lake Sonkol
South of the yurt Batai Aral
Just south of the Bataj-Aral yurt camp is a small shallow lake separated only by a narrow scythe from the… continue reading
Hike to the gorge above Lake Sonkol
In the meadows to the mountains
Not far from the north-eastern end of Lake Sonkol, there is a mountain ridge of less than ten kilometers long… continue reading
Day 3
Return to Kočkor
The third day is slowly marked by a return to Kockor, or alternatively a trip to Naryn if you continue to the south of Kyrgyzstan. For the last time, enjoy the local pastoral life in the morning before leaving this interesting place.
Life at Lake Sonkol
Pastoral life in yurts
When visiting Kyrgyzstan, it is definitely worth getting to know the original pastoral life in yurts. One of… continue reading
Trip variants
The described variant is classic. You can also try staying on the south side of the lake or walk through the mountains from Kyzart or Uzumbulak
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