Hello everyone, this is Sugiura, the editor-in-chief of Ashu Travel, a travel agency specializing in Central Asia.

Have you ever felt “I’m really tired from work…” or “I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and go somewhere far away!?” If so, we recommend a tourist spot overseas: the hidden gem of Kyrgyzstan, Lake Song Köl.

The highland lakes and grasslands, and the traditional nomadic lifestyle. The time spent feeling the vast nature while being rocked by the horses is a “journey of freedom” that truly frees the mind and body. If you experience the charm of Songkhla Lake, you will surely feel your heart tremble with the thought, “I’m so glad I came here…”

If you want to forget about your daily life and relax in the great outdoors, please read on to the end!

What is Songkhla Lake?

Lake Song Köl is located in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan, in the Tian Shan mountain range. It is situated at an altitude of about 3,016 meters, and is known as the “Lake in the Sky”. It is located about 300 km east of the capital, Bishkek, and has a slightly “hidden” feel to it, making it a good destination for adventure lovers. After a bumpy ride along an unpaved mountain road, you will find a clear blue lake that looks as if it is floating in the sky.

The biggest attraction is the spectacular view! The lake surface is a natural canvas.

When the wind dies down, the surface of Songkhla Lake reflects the sky like a mirror. At sunrise and sunset, the sky turns orange and pink, and the entire lake is transformed into a work of light art. The air is clear at this high altitude, so you can see this fantastic sight clearly. When you are faced with such a fantastic and beautiful view, the fatigue and worries of everyday life will suddenly disappear.

Beware in winter! A frozen, solitary lake

In winter, the temperature at Songkhol Lake can drop to -20℃, making it a harsh world. The lake completely freezes over, and people move to the town at its foot. For this reason, the yurt camps by the lakeside that appear only in summer are “paradises with a limited time period”. The nomads only live here during the short summer.

Experience the “nomadic lifestyle” at Song Köl Lake, a unique experience in Kyrgyzstan!

The appeal of Song Köl Lake is not just the spectacular scenery. Here, you can experience the traditional nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan with all your senses.

To begin with, about 90% of Kyrgyzstan is mountainous. Mountains, mountains, mountains! Flat land is so rare that you wonder where it has gone. Because rich pastures are scattered in different places each season, the nomadic lifestyle of moving around to raise livestock efficiently was essential.

Historically, the lives of the people changed completely due to the influence of Russia, Turkey and Persia, and the number of permanent residents increased, but the identity of the nomadic people who live in harmony with nature is still alive today.

If you’re feeling a little tired of the city, experiencing the nomadic life at Songkhla Lake is sure to refresh you with the power of freedom and nature!

The luxury of staying in a yurt

A yurt is a traditional tent-shaped dwelling in Kyrgyzstan. In Mongolia, it is called a ger, and in Chinese, a pao. There are regional differences in the names, but they all refer to the same type of mobile tent.

Although they look simple on the outside, they are surprisingly comfortable on the inside! Yurts, which are covered in thick felt and wool, are excellent at insulating and retaining heat. If you keep warm by a wood stove, you can be reassured that you will not get cold at night.
The ceiling has a unique pattern called “tunduk”, which symbolizes the connection between the family and the universe. It is a symbol that encapsulates the history and spirit of the Kyrgyz people, who have lived in harmony with nature.

If you stay in a yurt, you can experience the nomadic lifestyle, which is completely different from that of Japan, in a realistic way!

The hospitality of the nomads is warm

The Kyrgyz nomads are very hospitable. They may greet you with a delicious, chewy fried bread called “borsok” and a cup of tea.

Japanese people in particular are called “brothers” in Kyrgyzstan and are given a very warm welcome! Many people feel a sense of kinship with them because of their similar appearance and personalities, as well as the support they have received from Japan. Check out the following column to find out more about this mysterious connection!

Even if you can’t communicate with words, you can communicate with your heart. At Songkhla Lake, you will find many such encounters.

Let’s find out about the “in season” season of Songkhla Lake, with its flower-filled meadows and star-filled skies!

If you’re visiting Kyrgyzstan for the first time, you may be wondering “When should I go to Song Köl Lake? The best time to visit Song Köl Lake is in the summer, specifically from June to August.

The nomads of Songkhla Lake live a “semi-nomadic” lifestyle, spending the summer months living in the grasslands. From autumn to spring, they live in the city and their children attend school.

Songkhla Lake in the summer is full of charm, but if you really have to narrow down the highlights, the following two are the best.

The grasslands will become a paradise for flowers and plants!

From late June to July, the lakeside area is transformed into a flower garden of edelweiss and alpine plants. The colorful flowers bloom in full glory, creating a carpet of flowers that seems to stretch into the sky. And when you ride a horse through the grasslands, the scent of the flowers and grass wafts pleasantly on the breeze. You can enjoy a special time that soothes the eyes and the heart at Lake Songkhla in summer!

The sunset and the starry sky – a moment that washes your heart clean.

Lake Sonkru, which is at an altitude of around 3,000m, is a stage of nature with almost no artificial light. In the evening, the lake surface reflects the orange and purple hues of the sunset, making it look like a painting. Eventually, when the sun sets beyond the mountains, the stars in the sky begin to twinkle.

The stars reflected on the lake surface are truly a reflection of the sky. There is a time of emotion that you can never experience in the city, where the afterglow of the sunset and the starry sky like a planetarium are interwoven.

Let’s enjoy the charm of Lake Songkhla to the fullest on an Ashu Travel tour!

If you’re thinking “I’d like to go to Lake Sonkhru, but I’m a bit worried about planning it myself…”, don’t worry! With a tour from Ashu Travel, you can experience all the charms of Lake Sonkhru.

Attractions of the tour

• With a Japanese-speaking guide, there’s no language barrier!
• Enjoy the life of a nomad by staying in a yurt
• Horse-riding experience in a spectacular setting
• You can also experience local culture through home cooking and bazaar activities.

What’s more, you can join even if you’re traveling alone! If you want to make your trip to Kyrgyzstan a fulfilling one, be sure to check it out.

Let’s take the first step on an unforgettable journey at Songkhla Lake!

The spectacular natural scenery, the nomadic culture, and the star-filled sky. Songkhla Lake is packed with “special, extraordinary experiences” that you can’t get on a regular trip.

If you’re looking for a place to truly refresh yourself or to visit a real hidden paradise, then this is the perfect next destination for you. Let’s enjoy an adventure that will stay with you forever on an Ashu Travel tour!

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