Il magnifico e mistico lago Son Kol in 2 giorni

We really enjoyed this private tour to Son Kol lake. You spend a lot of time in the car, but that is because the lake is so far away from Bishkek. We fortunately had an amazing driver. It was a very smooth drive despite rocky roads and tons of switchbacks up the mountains. No dizziness or car sickness whatsoever. 11/10 for our driver. Madina, our main guide, was very informative and helpful. She was always willing to stop for pictures along the road and took a bunch of photos and videos for us. We took some nice videos and photos of her as well :). We enjoyed the horseback riding, and they accommodated ability levels, which was great because I have over 15 years of experience, and this was my boyfriend’s first time riding. We rode at sunset, which was absolutely gorgeous. We highly recommend riding that evening rather than waiting until the next morning. We tried to see the sunrise, but unfortunately, it was very cloudy. Sunrise is also behind the lake, so it wouldn’t have been as nice as the sunset. The food was not great. It was particularly challenging for me since I have a dietary restriction. If you have a dietary restriction as well, I’d recommend planning ahead and bringing your own food. The facilities were also below our expectations. While it was really cool to stay in a yurt, we expected a couples bed and had two single beds instead. We shoved them together though and made it work. Our door also wouldn’t stay closed and let in several bugs and spiders. There are limited bathrooms at the site as well, and you’ll always have to wait in a line to use the facilities. It also gets very cold at night, so prepare accordingly. The yurt is warm, but it is very cold walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night. While this is a private tour, there are other group tours that you’ll be sharing everything with, and some of those people were quite rude. Good digital detox, but be aware that there is very limited service/wifi on the entire two-day tour. It’s a very scenic drive and pretty lake, but there’s not that much to do besides walking around the lake. Still think the tour was worth it, but it would have been helpful to know some of these things ahead of time.

Koshmatov is a really nice guy accompanying us as a guide with a lot of insights about cultures and cuisines. Son Kol Lake is definitely a unforgetable experience. Nomad experience by living in a yurt is a must. Definitely worthed every penny. The view during the day and night is amazing.

Took up a private solo tour to Son Kol lake after 2 other members backed out due to unforeseen circumstances. I initially hesitated as it wasn’t cost effective for a solo traveller to take a private tour. Alternatively I was considering to just engage a private driver without guide instead. Eventually I took up the full package after I was convinced by the sincerity and commitment by Ash, the owner of Ventura Tours, that a guide can bring out the best experience in the tour. True enough, I definitely didn’t regret my choice. Thanks to my decision, I managed to meet with my friendly & bubbly guide Nuriza, along with my humorous driver Ulan. Nuriza was like a travel companion/friend instead of a guide, as we trekked nature together, dined together, did horseriding together and watched shooting stars together under the starry night sky at Son Kol. The tour was made even better by the perfect weather and cloudless blue skies. Most travellers usually plan for Issyk Kol and might skip Son Kol, however I would strongly suggest to include Son Kol in your itinerary as I felt that Son Kol was more peaceful and mesmerising, and I could experience authentic nomad lifestyle better than in Issyk Kol. For a peace of mind in transportation & yurt accommodation, accompanied with quality guided service, I would highly recommend to travel with Ventura Tours, whether by group or solo, whether in shared or private.

Had a private tour with Ventura tours and the overall experience was great. Went to Burana Tower, trekked at the Kok Moinok Canyon, stopped by for a panoramic view of the Orto Tokoy reservoir and ended thebfirst day at a yurt camp by the Son Kul Lake. Staying a night at the yurt camp was a peaceful and serene experience. Also managed to ride on a horse on the 2nd morning. My guide was Bek and he was knowledgeable, friendly and spoke very good English. The driver was Zhenya and awesome driving skills. Definitely would recommend to join a tour with Ventura Tours!

The tour was amazing. We were accompanied on the tour by Sergei the driver and Nuriza the tour guide. Both of them were very kind, we enjoy a lot the time we spent with them. It takes many hours of car to get to the lake from Biskek, but the stops to see the Burana Tower and the canyon made it appear shorter, the car was very confortable and the landscapes were fascinating, so it definitively does worth. I will always remember riding a horse in a sunny morning on the shores of Lake Son Kol after sleeping in a yurt. Thanks for this unforgeatable experience!

I was able to add a day at Lake Issyk kul to the specified tour. This additional request was fulfilled without any problems. The nature and landscape during the whole tour were breathtaking and fascinating! Riding in the morning on the shores of Lake Son kul was almost meditative. After I discovered the offer on the internet, the contact with Ash was done very comfortably via Whatsapp! I really appreciated how quickly and competently he responded to my messages. Even when I asked for a one-day postponement three days before the tour, it was no problem. The payment was made without any problems at the hotel in Bishkek by his lovely assistant Aimer. I was accompanied on the tour by Alex the driver and Sezim the tour guide. It is unbelievable how committed both of them were and how much enthusiasm and heart and soul they put into this tour. I owe this unforgettable trip to these two fantastic people! Many thanks... Adrian

Everything was wonderful.. the smile does not leave them, the generosity and the search for complete satisfaction.. I highly recommend this trip