Kol Tor is a lake at 2,720 metres in the Naryn region, near At-Bashy. The name means "blue lake" in Kyrgyz. The water comes from glacial meltwater above, which gives it a cold turquoise colour.
Around the Lake
The lake is small; you can walk around the shore in under an hour. The surrounding peaks are snow-covered all year. In summer, flocks belonging to local nomadic families graze on the flat ground near the shore, and you will likely see a yurt or two.
There is no road to Kol Tor. We reach it on horseback.
Where It Fits in the Tour
Kol Tor is day 4 of the 7-day tour. We leave the Sar-Tal plateau and ride through the valley and open country to the lake. On the way there are stream crossings and trails along the hillside. The stay is in traditional Kyrgyz yurts beside the lake, included in the price.
At the camp you see daily life with local families: milking mares and cows, for example. Dinner is simple and warm, and three meals a day are included.
Altitude
At 2,720 metres the air is thinner than in the valley. A headache on the first night is possible and usually passes by morning. If you come from sea level, arriving in Bishkek a day early helps. The pace on tour is kept slow so the body can adjust.
Staying in a Yurt
Yurts are warmer than people expect: the felt walls are thick and the stove heats well. Through the round window at the top (the tunduk) you can see the stars. There is no electricity, so bring a power bank.
Practical Information
- Best period: June–August (snow on the pass can last until May)
- Altitude: 2,720 m
- Connectivity: Mobile signal comes and goes, it is not continuous
- Facilities: No shops apart from the yurt camp
- Temperature: Day 5–20°C, night 0–8°C. Warm layers are essential even in summer