Kyzart Pass is a mountain pass in central Kyrgyzstan connecting the Kochkor Valley with the Jumgal Valley. Located at approximately 2,660 meters above sea level, the pass lies on the mountain road between Kochkor and the Jumgal region and is one of the important gateways to the high mountain landscapes of central Kyrgyzstan.
For travelers, Kyzart Pass is best known as the starting point for trekking and horseback journeys toward Song-Kul Lake. From the pass, trails lead through broad alpine pastures and the Kilemche Valley before climbing over higher mountain passes toward Song-Kul.
The landscape around Kyzart is characterized by open grassy slopes, wide mountain valleys and distant snow-covered peaks. In summer, local shepherds use the surrounding jailoos as seasonal pastures, and traditional yurts can be found along some trekking routes.
What Is Kyzart Pass?
Kyzart Pass is a natural mountain crossing between the Kochkor and Jumgal valleys.
The pass separates the two major drainage areas and is crossed by the road connecting the Kochkor area with Jumgal. The eastern approach is relatively gentle, while the western side descends more steeply toward the Jumgal Valley.
At around 2,664 meters, Kyzart is high enough to provide extensive views over the surrounding mountain landscape without reaching the extreme elevations of Kyrgyzstan’s highest passes.
The pass is not a developed tourist resort. There are no large visitor facilities, restaurants or permanent sightseeing infrastructure. Its importance comes from its location, scenery and role as a gateway to the mountains.
Where Is Kyzart Pass?
Kyzart Pass is located in Naryn Region, between Kochkor and Jumgal.
The road crossing the pass forms part of the route between the Kochkor area and the Jumgal Valley. Kyzart village lies nearby and is commonly used as a reference point for travelers planning the Song-Kul trekking route.
From Kochkor, the pass is roughly an hour and a half away by road, depending on the exact starting point and road conditions.
The nearest major tourism center is Kochkor, where travelers can arrange transport, guides, horses and multi-day trekking trips.
Kyzart Pass at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Naryn Region, Kyrgyzstan |
| Nearest town | Kochkor |
| Nearby village | Kyzart |
| Altitude | Approximately 2,664 m |
| Connects | Kochkor Valley and Jumgal Valley |
| Main activities | Trekking, horseback riding, photography |
| Major trekking route | Kyzart Pass – Kilemche – Song-Kul |
| Best season | June–September |
| Typical use | Mountain crossing and trekking starting point |
Why Visit Kyzart Pass?
Kyzart Pass is primarily interesting because it provides access to some of central Kyrgyzstan’s most scenic mountain landscapes.
Visitors come to the area for:
- Wide alpine pastures
- Mountain and valley views
- Traditional summer grazing areas
- Horse trekking
- Hiking toward Song-Kul
- Yurt stays in the Kilemche Valley
- The journey between Kochkor and Jumgal
- Photography and mountain scenery
The pass itself can be a short stop during a road journey, but its greater importance is as the beginning of a longer mountain adventure.
Kyzart Pass and Song-Kul Lake
Kyzart Pass is closely associated with one of the classic trekking routes to Song-Kul Lake.
A popular route begins at or near the pass and continues through Kyzyl-Kiya Jailoo and Kilemche Jailoo before crossing the higher Jalgyz Karagai Pass and descending toward the Song-Kul basin.
The route is usually completed in around two days on foot or horseback, although longer itineraries are possible.
One commonly described hiking itinerary covers approximately 34 kilometers from Kyzart Pass to Song-Kul, with the route reaching around 3,325 meters at its highest point.
The journey is as important as the lake itself. Travelers pass through changing mountain landscapes, stay in or near traditional yurts and encounter seasonal pastoral life.
Kyzart Pass to Kilemche Jailoo
The first major section of the classic Song-Kul route leads from Kyzart Pass toward Kilemche Jailoo.
Kilemche means something similar to “like a carpet,” a reference to the appearance of the broad grassy landscape. The pasture stretches across rolling mountain terrain and is used for seasonal grazing.
The trail gradually climbs through open hills, with increasingly wide views over the surrounding valleys.
During summer, yurts can be found in the area, providing travelers with an opportunity to spend the night with local families and experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality.
Some trekking itineraries describe this first stage as approximately 14–15 kilometers, with significant elevation gain from the pass toward Kilemche.
Kyzart Pass to Song-Kul Trek
The classic trekking route can be organized as:
Kyzart Pass → Kilemche Jailoo → Jalgyz Karagai Pass → Song-Kul Lake
The first day usually involves walking from Kyzart toward Kilemche.
The second day continues through increasingly high mountain terrain before climbing to Jalgyz Karagai Pass. From there, the Song-Kul basin opens below the trail and the route descends toward the lake.
The route reaches considerably higher elevations than Kyzart Pass itself. The Jalgyz Karagai crossing is generally described at around 3,300–3,400 meters, depending on the route and source.
Because of the altitude and length, this should be treated as a proper mountain trek rather than a simple day walk.
Horseback Riding from Kyzart
Kyzart Pass is particularly popular as a starting point for horseback journeys to Song-Kul.
Horse trekking allows travelers to cover the long distances across the jailoos while experiencing a traditional form of mountain travel.
Local operators in Kochkor can arrange horses, guides, accommodation and meals. A typical horseback itinerary takes two or three days, with overnight stays in yurts at Kilemche and around Song-Kul.
For travelers without previous riding experience, guided horseback trips can be arranged. Always follow the guide’s instructions, particularly on steep descents, river crossings and narrow mountain trails.
Kyzyl-Kiya Jailoo
Kyzyl-Kiya Jailoo is one of the first pasture landscapes encountered after leaving Kyzart Pass on the route toward Kilemche.
The area consists of broad grassy slopes and open mountain terrain. During summer, livestock are brought here for seasonal grazing.
The jailoo landscape is an important part of the experience because it shows how Kyrgyz mountain pastures continue to be used for traditional pastoral life.
Visitors should remember that these are working landscapes. Ask permission before entering private yurts or photographing people and livestock at close range.
Kyzart Pass and Nomadic Life
The mountains around Kyzart are closely connected with Kyrgyz nomadic traditions.
During the summer months, shepherd families move their animals to higher pastures where there is abundant grass and water. Yurts become temporary homes for families staying in the jailoo.
Travelers trekking from Kyzart toward Song-Kul can therefore experience landscapes that are still actively used for seasonal pastoralism.
A yurt stay in Kilemche or near Song-Kul can add a cultural element to the mountain journey, with traditional meals and an opportunity to learn about life on the summer pastures.
Landscape Around Kyzart Pass
The scenery changes noticeably as you move through the Kyzart area.
Near the road, the mountains are characterized by open grass-covered slopes and broad valleys. Farther along the trekking route, the terrain becomes increasingly alpine.
The surrounding mountain ranges contain higher peaks, rocky ridges and snowfields, while the valleys are covered by seasonal grasses.
In clear weather, the views extend across the Kochkor and Jumgal landscapes toward distant mountain ranges.
Best Time to Visit Kyzart Pass
The most suitable period for trekking and horseback riding around Kyzart Pass is generally June through September.
June
Pastures become green and summer grazing begins. Snow may remain on higher mountain passes, and weather conditions can still be unpredictable.
July and August
These are generally the busiest months for trekking. Pastures are green, yurt camps are active and horseback trips are widely available.
September
Early autumn can provide clear skies and fewer travelers. Temperatures drop quickly at night, and seasonal yurt camps may begin closing later in the month.
Outside the summer season, snow and icy conditions can make the pass and higher trekking routes considerably more difficult.
Weather at Kyzart Pass
Weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Even when Kochkor has warm summer temperatures, conditions at Kyzart Pass and the higher passes toward Song-Kul can be cold, windy or wet.
For a trek, bring:
- Warm layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots
- Hat and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water and snacks
- Offline navigation
- Headlamp
- Basic first-aid supplies
The higher sections of the Song-Kul route are exposed, so check the forecast before starting.
How to Get to Kyzart Pass
From Kochkor
Kochkor is the main starting point for travelers visiting Kyzart Pass.
You can arrange a taxi or shared transport toward the Jumgal side and ask to be dropped at the pass or at the appropriate trekking starting point.
The drive from Kochkor to Kyzart Pass takes approximately 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
From Kyzart Village
Kyzart village is another important starting point for trekking toward Song-Kul.
The village and the pass are close to each other but are not the same location. When arranging transport, specify whether you need Kyzart village, Kyzart Pass or the trailhead for the Song-Kul route.
From Bishkek
Travelers coming from Bishkek normally travel first to Kochkor and then continue toward Kyzart.
Because the trek itself takes at least two days, Kyzart Pass is best included in a longer itinerary rather than treated as a day trip from Bishkek.
Road Conditions
Kyzart Pass is crossed by a mountain road connecting the Kochkor and Jumgal areas.
The road is used year-round, but conditions can vary with weather. Winter snow and ice can make mountain travel difficult, while rain can affect unpaved sections.
If you are continuing from the pass toward a trekking trailhead, confirm where your vehicle can safely travel. Do not assume that every mountain track is suitable for a normal passenger car.
Practical Information
Location: Naryn Region, Kyrgyzstan
Altitude: Approximately 2,664 m
Nearest town: Kochkor
Nearby village: Kyzart
Main role: Mountain pass and trekking gateway
Main route: Kochkor – Kyzart – Jumgal
Popular trek: Kyzart Pass – Kilemche – Song-Kul
Best season: June–September
Actividades: Trekking, horseback riding, photography and yurt stays
There are limited facilities directly at the pass. Arrange transport, food and accommodation before starting a multi-day trek.
Tours to Kyzart Pass
Kyzart Pass is most commonly included in Song-Kul trekking and horseback-riding tours.
A typical itinerary starts in Kochkor, continues by vehicle to Kyzart Pass and then begins the mountain journey toward Kilemche and Song-Kul.
Depending on the tour, travelers may:
- Hike from Kyzart Pass
- Travel by horseback
- Stay in a traditional yurt
- Cross higher mountain passes
- Spend a night at Song-Kul
- Return to Kochkor by an alternative route
A current 2026 horseback itinerary from Kochkor, for example, uses Kyzart Pass as the starting point before continuing through Kyzyl-Kiya and Kilemche toward Song-Kul.
Places Near Kyzart Pass
Kochkor
The main tourism base for the area, where travelers can arrange horses, guides, transport and yurt stays.
Kilemche Jailoo
A broad mountain pasture and popular overnight stop on the trekking route toward Song-Kul.
Song-Kul Lake
One of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous high-altitude lakes, surrounded by summer pastures and yurt camps.
Jumgal Valley
The valley west of Kyzart Pass, known for its rural landscapes and mountain scenery.
Kol-Ukok Lake
Another high-altitude trekking destination accessible from the Kochkor area, although it follows a different route from Kyzart.
