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Hiking · Naryn / Song Kul

Song-Kul to Kara-Keche: multi-day walking itinerary

A multi-day walking itinerary through the southern approaches to Song-Kul and the Kara-Keche area, including repeated sections.

Track length
74.6 km
Elevation gain
1,086 m (source)
Difficulty
Demanding
Duration
4–5 days (source plan)
Season
July–August

First mapped point: Line start

Coordinates (lat, lon): 41.770445,75.073296
Open in Google Maps ↗

Loading the route map…

The full line displayed by this specific public TrailTrack route map. Source surface-split lines are joined only at identical adjacent source endpoints. It is not the protected GPX file, and source planning or altitude does not establish a recorded or field-verified route. The public source preview has sparse points: its longest existing edge is 2659 m. This is a coarse reference outline, not precise navigation geometry.

Elevation profile

Elevation values come from the source file. Inaccuracies can affect total ascent. Gaps in the track are not joined.

How to read these figures

These figures belong to this specific TrailTrack itinerary. They must not overwrite metrics of another GPX, even with similar names. Source calculated time is separate from its editorial day plan and is not a recorded duration.

Surface and terrain

Gravel 10%; improved surface 5%; unclassified 85%.

ABOUT THE PLACE

About this place

Song-Kul occupies a high open basin in central Kyrgyzstan. Its southern surroundings connect the lakeside pasture landscape with mountain roads and valleys leading towards Kara-Keche and the interior of Naryn Region.

The interest is the contrast between the lake’s open horizon and the more enclosing terrain of the approaches. Kara-Keche identifies a different southern connection from the northern Kyzart–Kilemche approach, while Moldo-Ashuu is another distinct regional pass. These names help explain the basin’s position among several mountain access corridors; they should not be treated as one interchangeable road or walking itinerary.

Route grading

Grade not specified

A formal grade for this walking route has not been established in the catalogue. The category of a complete trek differs from the grade of a pass or a summit ascent.

Grade sources: trailtrack.ru

Grade meanings, skills and equipment ↗

ROUTE OVERVIEW

At a glance

A multi-day walking itinerary through the southern approaches to Song-Kul and the Kara-Keche area, including repeated sections.

Track length: 74.6 km. This distance covers the track shown on the map. Add any approach, return or transfer sections that are outside it.

Is this route for you?

Choose the route after checking the actual start, finish and terrain with a local guide. Mapped geometry alone does not establish technical difficulty. Your group should be comfortable navigating offline and changing plans when conditions deteriorate.

With children
Not available
Dogs
Check local rules
Bicycles and pushchairs
Not available
Phone coverage
Do not rely on it

What is nearby?

Naryn / Song Kul

Getting there

Agree road access, overnight hosts and the Kara Keche collection point before departure.

Without a car

Confirm transport to the actual trailhead, not just the nearest town. Agree the return pickup point and a latest contact time before leaving mobile coverage.

By car & parking

Ask locally about road access, entry rules and a permitted place to park. Use the line only for its stated mode of travel and exact scope.

What you will find along the way

Southern Song Kul approaches and the highland landscape towards Kara Keche.

  1. Line start 41.7704, 75.0733

    A point of the supplied route geometry. It does not by itself confirm a parking area, settlement or safe access. Read the access and route notes before planning your visit.

  2. Line end 41.7262, 74.7432

    A point of the supplied route geometry. It does not by itself confirm a parking area, settlement or safe access. Read the access and route notes before planning your visit.

Difficult sections & safety

Cold nights and long exposed stages need weather reserves.

How much time to allow

Source planning advice: 4–5 walking days, overnight stops and a separate weather reserve.

When to go

July–August is the source preference; September requires renewed accommodation and road checks.

What to bring

  • Trail shoes or boots with good grip; layers, sun protection and waterproofs.
  • Drinking water, food, a first-aid kit and a headlamp.
  • An offline map, downloaded GPX, a charged phone and a power bank.
  • An agreed return plan, local contact and a realistic fallback route.

GOOD QUESTIONS

Before you set out

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes. The downloads above contain this route geometry for an offline navigation app. They do not confirm current conditions.

Has this route been checked recently?

KyrgyzMap has not field-verified this route. The map source and licence are shown below. Look for approved traveller reports and check conditions with local guides.

Can I go with children?

Suitability for children is not confirmed for this exact route. Check terrain, exposure, river crossings and retreat options with a guide before deciding.

How is the elevation profile calculated?

Elevation values come from the source file. Inaccuracies can affect total ascent. Gaps in the track are not joined.

Photo gallery

A regional landscape for context; it does not identify every section of the track.

Current trail conditions

There are no published condition reports for this route yet.

Travelled this route or spotted an error?

Discussion

Start a conversation about the route, preparation or your experience. Comments are moderated.

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Route data source

TrailTrack public route map / TropaGuide

Source data retrieved: 2026-10-19. This date does not mean that the route has been inspected on the ground.

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