Shilbili Travel
The differences at a glance
This comparison follows Shilbili Travel's published programmes. Tour days run from the village meeting to the route finish; getting there from Bishkek and your onward connection need separate planning.
| Compare | 2 days · Express | 3 days · Classic | 4 days · Expedition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start → finish | Kuyruchuk → Kuyruchuk | Kuyruchuk → Kyzart | Kuyruchuk → Kyzart |
| Yurt nights | 1: Song-Kul shore | 2: Ichki Jailoo, Song-Kul | 3: Ichki Jailoo, Song-Kul, Tuz-Ashuu |
| Arrival at the lake | Late afternoon on day 1 | For lunch on day 2 | For lunch on day 2 |
| Meals over the whole tour | 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner | 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners | 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners |
| Key riding stages | About 4 hours on day 1 | Over 4 hours on day 1; around 5 hours along the lake on day 3, then onward to Kyzart | Starts like Classic; about 4 hours along the lake on day 3, then onward to Tuz-Ashuu |
| Main reason to choose | Lake and yurt in two days | Two camps and a route through to Kyzart | Another pasture and a third highland night |
2 days: Son-Köl Express
Meet in Kuyruchuk and drive to the trailhead in the summer pastures. After lunch, ride for approximately four hours to the lake. Dinner and a yurt overnight follow in the evening.
After breakfast on day two, ride back to the pastures and return to the village by vehicle. Lunch on the second day is not included in the published programme. Express fits a short itinerary but does not include Ichki Jailoo or an overnight there.
3 days: Son-Köl Classic
After lunch in Kuyruchuk on day one, ride for over four hours to Ichki Jailoo and stay in a yurt. Continue to Song-Kul after breakfast on day two. Lunch and the next overnight are at the lake, with free time in the afternoon. This is a free afternoon, not a full day without riding.
Day three includes a scenic riding section of approximately five hours along the lake, lunch, a pass crossing and the descent to Kyzart. Your driver meets you there for the agreed onward transfer. Choose Classic for changing camps and a route through the highlands; remember that it finishes in a different village from where it starts.
4 days: Son-Köl Expedition
The first two days follow Classic. On day three, ride for approximately four hours along Song-Kul; after lunch, continue across the pastures to Tuz-Ashuu. Day four crosses Tuz-Ashuu Pass to Kyzart, with a farewell lunch before meeting your driver.
The extra day adds a route section and a third overnight. It is not simply a rest day beside the lake. Choose Expedition if another day of riding and highland camp life suits your plans.
Choosing as a beginner or planning onward travel
For a first ride, compare hours in the saddle and your group's needs as well as the number of days. Tell us whether you have ridden before and how recently; none of these routes should automatically be treated as a short introductory lesson.
Agree the expected finish time and onward transfer cost before buying connecting tickets. Plan onward travel from Kuyruchuk for Express and from Kyzart for Classic or Expedition. Check how you will collect luggage if you have left it in a different village.
- Choose by route points and overnights
- Share each rider's experience and the group size
- Agree the total group price, arrival transfer and onward connection
- Get confirmation for your specific dates
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See the day-by-day programmeHow to use this guide
This guide explains the published Shilbili Travel route programme and planning process. Availability and operational details are checked before a departure is confirmed.
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