Snowcapped mountain peaks, a wide plain, yurts, nomadic life, herds of animals and in the middle of all a lake like a blue wonder - this is Song Koel. The high altitude lake is one of the most beautiful spots in Kyrgyzstan. This off the map brings you with your bike along the southern shore and over two amazing and less used mountain passes. Cycling at its best!
Access and road condition
Take the main road A367 in direction of Kochkor.The gravel road to Song Koel heads off 40 km after Chaek. Enter the small village to your right, cross the metal arc and turn right. The whole route is gravel road and easy to cycle except the first steep pass (pushing necessary) and the following access to the lake (only car tracks). To the eastern end of the lake the road becomes better again. Also steep climbing if you are cycling in the other sense.
Accommodation and supplies
You find well stuffed shops in Chaek and Naryn, and smaller ones along the A367. At the eastern end of Song Koel you can stay in yurt camps (full board possible) or camp in your own tent as you have to do it on the further way. Water is no problem.
Roadbook
| km | altitude (m) | comment |
|---|---|---|
| 000 | 1950 | leave mainroad, cross village (asphalt end) |
| 004 | 2086 | small river crossing |
| 008 | 2116 | house |
| 009 | 2273 | valley start |
| 012 | 2400 | small river crossing |
| 019 | 2853 | steep gradient |
| 020 | 3050 | serpentines start |
| 022 | 3255 | pass top |
| 024 | 3210 | junction, take middle track |
| 026 | 3123 | reach plane |
| 029 | 3072 | river crossing |
| 035 | 3039 | follow main track |
| 039 | 3025 | start good road |
| 046 | 3025 | turn-off to Ak Tal |
| 047 | 3028 | Jurt stay |
| 069 | 3034 | junction, for Naryn turn right, start climb |
| 073 | 3124 | hill after steep climb |
| 076 | 3143 | pass |
| 081 | 2653 | serpentine end |
| 087 | 2545 | turn left, cross bridge (low point) |
| 099 | 3016 | pass |
| 106 | 2555 | bridge & houses, piste from left shortly after |
| 111 | 2608 | high tension line |
| 113 | 2495 | asphalt road to Naryn |