On the shores of Son Kul Lake, at over 3,000 meters above sea level, Shakou runs a small yurt camp where welcoming travelers blends with his life as a shepherd. Here, there is no large tourist structure: only a few yurts set on the jailoo, and the chance to share the daily life of a Kyrgyz family during the summer months.

Why stay at Shakou's

Unlike the large camps dotted around Son Kul Lake, Shakou has only a few yurts. This modest size changes everything: the welcome remains personal, exchanges are direct, and you don't feel like you're at a standardized stop for tour groups. Shakou is a shepherd and lives his nomadic life alongside his hospitality role, which gives the experience a very different dimension from a simple overnight stay.

The camp appeals to travelers seeking genuine immersion in Kyrgyz pastoral life, not just a picturesque night under a yurt. If the idea of getting your hands dirty appeals to you, this is one of the most authentic addresses on the Son Kul circuit.

Atmosphere and accommodation

Traditional yurts are heated (with a wood stove lit in the evening) and furnished simply. You sleep on the ground, in Kyrgyz fashion, on thick mattresses (toshaks) and under felt blankets. Comfort is rustic but adequate: you come here for the experience, not for luxury.

Evenings are spent around the communal table, sharing dishes prepared by the family—often made from produce that comes directly from the herd. At night, the Son Kul sky, free from light pollution, is one of the most starlit in the country.

Activities offered

The main appeal of staying here is the hands-on immersion activities that Shakou offers to those interested:

• Milking cows early in the morning with the family
• Making kurut, traditional Kyrgyz dried cheese
• Preparing fresh cream
• Taking part in herding the livestock
• Cooking traditional dishes with the women of the camp

Shakou also organizes horseback excursions to explore the surrounding pastures—the quintessential way to get around on the jailoo. The lake shore is not far from the camp, and swimming is possible for the brave: the water remains cool even at the height of summer.

Location of the camp

The camp is situated near the shore of Son Kul Lake, in the Naryn region, in central Kirghizistan. Access is via dirt track from Kochkor or from the Suusamyr valley, crossing mountain passes above 3,000 meters. Expect several hours of 4x4 travel from the main road, over sometimes difficult terrain. This relative isolation is also why the camp has retained its unspoiled character.

When to visit

Son Kul is a high-altitude lake accessible only in summer season. Shakou's camp typically opens from late June to early September, when the mountain passes are clear and the jailoo is passable. Outside this period, the area is snow-covered and shepherds return to their winter villages.

July and August remain the most stable months weather-wise, but nights are cool even in summer—bring warm clothing.

What to combine in your itinerary

A stay at Son Kul fits naturally into a broader circuit across Kirghizistan. It's often combined with other homestays or yurt experiences:

• At Bakyt's in Bokonbayevo, near Issyk Kul Lake, for eagle hunting
• The Golden Yurt of Jety-Oguz, in the heart of the red mountains
• Uzur's guesthouse in Chon Kemin, for immersion in a valley
• More broadly, a homestay remains the best way to understand the country

Prepare your trip

Shakou's camp is woven into our tailor-made itineraries in Kirghizistan. To build your journey with a stay at Son Kul, visit our Kirghizistan travel page and connect with our specialists in the region.