Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan? If you're planning to go to Song Kul, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Based on the climate and weather in Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Song Kul, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan by month

January

If you are traveling to Song Kul in January, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

February

If you are traveling to Song Kul in February, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March in Song Kul can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

If you visit Song Kul during April, you may find that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

May

May in Song Kul is chilly and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

June

June in Song Kul is balmy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

July

July in Song Kul is warm and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August for Song Kul is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

September

September in Song Kul is balmy and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the right type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

October

If you visit Song Kul during October, you might notice that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

November

November in Song Kul is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

December

Traveling to Song Kul in December, you will notice that it is biting cold. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kyrgyzstan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Song Kul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Song Kul is one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan, attracting numerous tourists every year with its pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Situated in the grand mountains of the Tien Shan range, Song Kul is a high-altitude lake surrounded by sweeping green meadows that are dotted with nomadic yurt camps.

For those who are planning to visit Song Kul, here are the top tourist attractions that you shouldn’t miss:

1. Song Kul Lake

Song Kul lake is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the world. At an altitude of 3,016 meters, it is surrounded by pristine grasslands with over 34 species of herbs and flowers. The color and clarity of the water of the lake are amazing and it’s an excellent spot to take pictures.

2. Trekking and horse riding

One of the most popular activities for visitors to Song Kul is trekking and horse riding. There are many different routes and trailheads to choose from, both long and short. Horseback riding is particularly popular among tourists with local horsemen happy to guide the visitors through the wide open spaces of the high-altitude meadows.

3. Local culture and traditions

Kyrgyzstan is known for its rich cultural heritage and visiting Song-Kul is a wonderful way to experience first-hand the deep-rooted customs of the region. Visitors can witness the daily life of nomadic communities, watch traditional horse games or stay in a yurt camp and learn about the making of traditional Kyrgyz felt and rugs.

4. Eagle hunting

Eagle hunting has been a traditional practice in the region for centuries, and Song-Kul is home to numerous expert hunters. Visitors can witness these skilled hunters in action, watch them train their eagles, and see how these magnificent birds of prey are used for hunting.

5. Stargazing

Due to its remote location, Song Kul is an excellent spot for stargazing. On cloudless nights, visitors can witness a clear sky full of stars and enjoy the peaceful silence and solitude.

In conclusion, Song Kul is a must-visit destination in Kyrgyzstan, and these attractions are only a small sample of the exciting and unique experiences you can enjoy while exploring its rich culture and stunning natural beauty. A trip to this lake is sure to be an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with treasured memories.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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