Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan - Ski touring in the Switzerland of Central Asia

12 days · Group · from €2,390.00
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Duration
12 days
Start/End
Bischkek
Tour type
Group
Accommodation
Hotel, yurt, guesthouse
Price from · per person
€2,390.00
Dates & prices ›
Price from · per person
€2,390.00
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Kyrgyzstan - Ski touring in the Switzerland of Central Asia

Duration

12 days

Start/End

Bischkek

Tour type

Group

Level

Demanding

Accommodation

Hotel, yurt, guesthouse

Overview

94 percent of Kyrgyzstan is covered by mountains, offering ideal conditions for ski touring. After an acclimatisation day at the Karakol ski resort you head to a remote winter yurt camp, from where you climb peaks and ridges, and then on to Jyrgalan for ski tours and freeride shuttles.

Our ski touring trip to Kyrgyzstan takes us to the "Switzerland of Central Asia." Kyrgyzstan is 94 percent covered by impressive mountains, offering perfect conditions for unforgettable ski tours. Our journey begins at the vast Issyk-Kul Lake in the east of the country. After an acclimatization day at the ski resort, we continue to the remote winter yurt camp of Aksu, from where we ascend various peaks and ridges amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. We spend the nights in traditional yurts, which are both authentic and comfortable, enjoying the rustic ambiance. The second part of the trip takes us to Jyrgalan, where we stay in a cozy homestay and from there begin our tours into the surrounding mountains. The highlight is the freeride day, when we take a snowcat to the summit and ski down the untouched slopes. The trip is led by our professional local guide, who tailors the tours to the skill level of the participants, with a second guide available for groups of six or more. After the demanding days of touring, we end the evening in a convivial atmosphere and enjoy excellent Kyrgyz cuisine.

Ski touring

Tour Code

KGFRU004

Tour language

GermanEnglishGerman, English

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Bishkek and onward journey to Karakol (1,750 m)

    Hotel

    approx. 400 km / approx. 6 hours

    You will arrive in Kyrgyzstan in the early morning hours along with the other participants. We will depart directly from the airport by tour bus to Karakol, where we will be staying in a comfortable hotel. In the afternoon, we will explore this small city, which has several sights to offer. Additionally, the livestock market takes place on Saturday and Sunday (if arriving on Sunday).

    Arrival in Bishkek and onward journey to Karakol (1,750 m)

    Day 1

    Hotel

    approx. 400 km / approx. 6 hours

    You will arrive in Kyrgyzstan in the early morning hours along with the other participants. We will depart directly from the airport by tour bus to Karakol, where we will be staying in a comfortable hotel. In the afternoon, we will explore this small city, which has several sights to offer. Additionally, the livestock market takes place on Saturday and Sunday (if arriving on Sunday).

  • Day 2
    Skiing in Karakol (1,750 m)

    Hotel

    In Karakol (2,300 m – 3,040 m), Kyrgyzstan's largest ski resort, we can perfectly acclimatize today. Framed by the imposing mountain scenery of Issyk-Kul, there are numerous slopes and freeride runs. After a day's skiing, we'll sample Uyghur cuisine at the bazaar, including the famous Ashlan-Fu.

    Skiing in Karakol (1,750 m)

    Day 2

    Hotel

    In Karakol (2,300 m – 3,040 m), Kyrgyzstan's largest ski resort, we can perfectly acclimatize today. Framed by the imposing mountain scenery of Issyk-Kul, there are numerous slopes and freeride runs. After a day's skiing, we'll sample Uyghur cuisine at the bazaar, including the famous Ashlan-Fu.

  • Days 3–5
    Ski touring at the Yrdyk winter yurt camp (2,500 m)

    Yurt / Hotel

    about 1 hour

    A 60-minute transfer takes us to the picturesque Yrdyk Valley, from where we ascend to our comfortable winter yurt camp at 2,500 meters. From the camp, we can embark on numerous tours of varying difficulty. Each day, we decide which routes and peaks to tackle, choosing the ones with the best conditions. This way, we find the perfect mix for everyone. We end each ski touring day relaxing at the yurt camp, enjoying delicious Kyrgyz cuisine, complimentary beer, and other drinks. Relaxing in the hot sauna is the only option. After three days, we return to the valley and on to Karakol.

    Ski touring at the Yrdyk winter yurt camp (2,500 m)

    Days 3–5

    Yurt / Hotel

    about 1 hour

    A 60-minute transfer takes us to the picturesque Yrdyk Valley, from where we ascend to our comfortable winter yurt camp at 2,500 meters. From the camp, we can embark on numerous tours of varying difficulty. Each day, we decide which routes and peaks to tackle, choosing the ones with the best conditions. This way, we find the perfect mix for everyone. We end each ski touring day relaxing at the yurt camp, enjoying delicious Kyrgyz cuisine, complimentary beer, and other drinks. Relaxing in the hot sauna is the only option. After three days, we return to the valley and on to Karakol.

  • Day 6
    Flexible program and onward journey to Jyrgalan

    Guesthouse

    Today, exactly halfway through our journey, we'll use it as we please. For example, we have the option of... Ski & Ride near Karakol. We'll reach secluded slopes near Karakol on horseback. A truly unique opportunity for a real adventure! (Supplement payable locally approx. €50 per person, depending on the number of participants) Since we have two guides in every group of 7 or more participants, splitting the group is easily possible. We will then meet up again in Jyrgalan in the afternoon at the latest.

    Flexible program and onward journey to Jyrgalan

    Day 6

    Guesthouse

    Today, exactly halfway through our journey, we'll use it as we please. For example, we have the option of... Ski & Ride near Karakol. We'll reach secluded slopes near Karakol on horseback. A truly unique opportunity for a real adventure! (Supplement payable locally approx. €50 per person, depending on the number of participants) Since we have two guides in every group of 7 or more participants, splitting the group is easily possible. We will then meet up again in Jyrgalan in the afternoon at the latest.

  • Days 7–9
    Ski touring and freeride shuttle in Jyrgalan (2,000 m)

    Guesthouse

    The former mining town of Jyrgalan is known in summer for its exciting hikes and in winter for its abundant powder snow, as a ski touring destination. From our guesthouse on the edge of town, we set off directly into the ski touring area each morning. We can follow established ski routes or venture off the beaten path to climb the surrounding slopes and peaks. In the afternoon, we return to our cozy guesthouse and enjoy excellent Kyrgyz cuisine. Après-ski is also a vibrant scene in Jyrgalan, with a popular venue located very close to the guesthouse. In Jyrgalan, we will choose our destinations together, depending on snow and weather conditions. To conclude our trip, on the last day of skiing, we'll treat ourselves to pure freeride enjoyment and be shuttled up the mountains by snowcat.

    Ski touring and freeride shuttle in Jyrgalan (2,000 m)

    Days 7–9

    Guesthouse

    The former mining town of Jyrgalan is known in summer for its exciting hikes and in winter for its abundant powder snow, as a ski touring destination. From our guesthouse on the edge of town, we set off directly into the ski touring area each morning. We can follow established ski routes or venture off the beaten path to climb the surrounding slopes and peaks. In the afternoon, we return to our cozy guesthouse and enjoy excellent Kyrgyz cuisine. Après-ski is also a vibrant scene in Jyrgalan, with a popular venue located very close to the guesthouse. In Jyrgalan, we will choose our destinations together, depending on snow and weather conditions. To conclude our trip, on the last day of skiing, we'll treat ourselves to pure freeride enjoyment and be shuttled up the mountains by snowcat.

  • Day 10
    Jyrgalan – Bel Tam (1,600 m)

    yurt

    approx. 180 km

    We'll allow two days for the return trip to Bishkek. We'll make a stop in Bel Tam, a yurt camp right on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. On the way there, we'll visit the "Seven Bulls" rock formation in Yeti Oguz, as well as the Fairy Tale Gorge, a spectacular canyon landscape by the lake. We'll also learn about traditional eagle hunting. We'll spend the night in yurts right by the lake.

    Jyrgalan – Bel Tam (1,600 m)

    Day 10

    yurt

    approx. 180 km

    We'll allow two days for the return trip to Bishkek. We'll make a stop in Bel Tam, a yurt camp right on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. On the way there, we'll visit the "Seven Bulls" rock formation in Yeti Oguz, as well as the Fairy Tale Gorge, a spectacular canyon landscape by the lake. We'll also learn about traditional eagle hunting. We'll spend the night in yurts right by the lake.

  • Day 11
    Bel Tam – Bischkek

    Hotel

    approx. 220 km

    Our journey is drawing to a close. On our way back to Bishkek, we'll experience Kyrgyzstan's rich culture and history once more. We'll visit a yurt builder's workshop. Upon arrival in Bishkek, we'll have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping and a short stroll through the city. We'll conclude our trip with a farewell dinner together.

    Bel Tam – Bischkek

    Day 11

    Hotel

    approx. 220 km

    Our journey is drawing to a close. On our way back to Bishkek, we'll experience Kyrgyzstan's rich culture and history once more. We'll visit a yurt builder's workshop. Upon arrival in Bishkek, we'll have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping and a short stroll through the city. We'll conclude our trip with a farewell dinner together.

  • Day 12
    Return journey

    Transfer to the airport and return flight.

    Return journey

    Day 12

    Transfer to the airport and return flight.

Price

€2,390.00

Phone: +43 512 209071

Services

What's included

  • 11 nights with breakfast (4x hotel, 3x yurt, 4x private guesthouse)

  • A hotel room is available on the night of arrival, regardless of the arrival time.

  • Meals as per the travel description (full board during the ski days)

  • Airport transfers on the arrival and departure days of the group tour

  • Professional ski touring guide (English-speaking), second guide available for groups of 7 or more.

  • Tour vehicle for all transfers

  • Ratrak ski shuttle on the last day of skiing

  • City tour in Bishkek and Karakol

  • radio equipment

  • well-equipped emergency kit

  • Excursions: Visit to the fairytale gorge, eagle hunting, yurt builder

What's not included

  • Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)

  • Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)

  • personal equipment

  • Visa and vaccinations, if required

  • Tip

  • optional excursions

  • meals not mentioned

  • Ski touring and avalanche equipment

Character of the trip

Fitness

Demanding

Altitude

Medium

Culture / nature

Pure nature

The ski tours on this trip are challenging; confident skiing in all snow conditions is essential. The tours require good physical condition, as hiking times can be up to 6 hours, including short breaks. We will be ascending and descending between 800 and 1,400 meters. Depending on conditions, the use of crampons may be necessary.

The specific tour program will be determined on-site in consultation with the group's wishes and the current snow and avalanche conditions. The technical difficulty of the individual tours varies, so they can be classified on the SAC scale between difficulty levels L (easy) and ZS (fairly difficult).

To participate in this trip, you should be in excellent physical condition and have already gained sufficient experience in ski touring, both alone and in groups. You should consider yourself a confident skier in off-piste terrain and be proficient in kick turns and the use of crampons.

The ski tours are led by two experienced guides. Before each tour, the route and itinerary are discussed in the evening or morning, taking into account the current conditions and the group's preferences. It is possible to divide the group according to difficulty level, allowing participants with varying abilities to tailor their tours to their skill levels in consultation with the guides. However, this division is dependent on the conditions and cannot always be guaranteed.

Nature of the trip: This trip requires flexibility and initiative from participants. Weather and snow conditions, as well as the skill level of the participants, play a significant role in the selection of tours and destinations. We have carefully planned the program and selected the best mountain regions and accommodations; however, last-minute changes to the itinerary may occur. Openness to program adjustments, adapting to different accommodation and vehicle requirements, and a willingness to remain flexible are essential aspects of this trip.

Dates and prices

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Group dates

Optional

Single room supplement

€100.00

per person

  • Private tours for 2 or more people available upon request; duration and itinerary can be customized!

Notes on the trip

Program adjustments depending on weather conditions

The safety of our participants is our top priority on our active tours. Since we often travel in alpine or remote regions, weather conditions such as strong winds, fog, persistent rain or snowfall, as well as other unforeseen circumstances, can affect the execution of the planned route. In such cases, our experienced local guide will react flexibly and adjust the route or program accordingly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. These decisions are always made in the best interests of all participants, so that the tour remains safe and as enjoyable as possible. Any claims for compensation are excluded in such cases.

Kyrgyzstan Infrastructure

Kyrgyzstan has a poorly developed infrastructure, and the roads are often in bad condition. Weather conditions can cause certain sections of the route to be temporarily impassable, necessitating adjustments to the itinerary. The program described above represents the ideal option and has been designed to reflect the best possible experience. Our travel dates are carefully coordinated with the generally favorable weather conditions in the region at this time of year to ensure you a safe and unforgettable experience.