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Beanstalker
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Kochkor Accomodation, Sights, Planning
Kochkor is a very touristy little town in Central Kyrgyzstan but a good place to organize trips into the mountains and especially to Song Kol Lake. Here you have your pick of tour agencies but I would recommend Shepherd's Life. They don't have their own office, but if you go to the Altyn Kol woman's collective, they should be able to find Mairam for you and she can organize your stay. Altyn Kol is located behind the Community Based Tourism office (you'll see signs as you enter town), but within the same gate. Mairam speaks only Kyrgyz and Russian but her son apparently speaks excellent English. The woman's collective is also a great place to pick up a shyrdak and other Kyrgyz souvenirs.
Trips into the mountains can be very expensive. Try to find at least 3 or 4 companions before you reach Kochkor to help share the costs. Guides will take individuals, but a trip up to Song Kol alone can end up costing well over $100US. Surprisingly, agencies are good at working together to match up lone tourists and do their best to help.
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