BACKCOUNTRY SKIING IN KYRGYZSTAN
This program oriented for groups who want to enjoy not only with skiing, but also to see cultural acivities with natural sights of Tian Shan mountains.
Tour Highlights:
- Hot sauna
- Visit Jyrgalan
- Off-Road Day trip to Enylchek
- Enjoy the scenic views
Backcountry Skiing in Kyrgyzstan
10 days
This tour is offered by Visit Karakol Tour Company. As a member of Destination Karakol, this business is actively invested in promoting tourism and community development in Karakol and the surrounding region.
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Tour Details
Necessary equipment:
- Ski touring equipment (skis, sticks, skins);
- Avalanche equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe and showel);
- Airbag & avalung are optional;
- Sun glasses or ski mask;
- Freeride backpack 25-35 liters;
- Helmet (optional);
- Basic first aid kit;
- Thermos;
- Sun cream;
- Head flashlight;
- Gloves;
- Sattelite Phone (optional)
We are recommend Fat skis (110mm and more) due to the cold and dry continental conditions between snowfalls, which create a unique ‘bottomless’ snowpack in this region – you will need extra wide skis for this trip.
What Others Say About This Tour
Meeting at Manas airport or in Bishkek (if you will arrive the day before), and driving to Bokonbaevo village. We will drive along the scenic south shore of Issyk-Kul lake, enjoying picturesque and interesting landscapes. We will have two cultural activities around Bokonabaevo: a visit to a village of yurt makers and a private eagle-training show. Accommodation in a Bokonbaevo guesthouse with private shower and toilet.
We continue our trip to Jyrgalan, stoppingbut first for horse riding to local sight Shatyly, a panorama with great views to Issyk-Kul lake, as well as several canyons and summits. Accommodation in a Jyrgalan guesthouse with private shower and toilet.
Jyrgalan is famous for some of the best snow in Kyrgyzstan, however it does vary by year and snowfalls. Today we will catski or use snowmobiles (depending on group size) and will make 4-6 off-piste ascents and descents. Dinner and accommodation at a Jyrgalan guesthouse with private shower/toilet. Hot sauna is available.
Today we start ski touring with a great slope located in the Turgen valley. The local name of slope is “Austrian kiss”, with a height gain of around +1000m and a lateral distance of 8000m. If we’re lucky we may see ibex or deer en route. In the evening we return by road to Karakol. Accommodation at a hotel in Karakol. Sauna and massage available upon request.
Karakol valley is a beautiful place with high mountains and dense forests. We will skitour in one spur of the gorge, where we may be able to see wild animals such as boar, deer, and others if we are lucky. An amazing view will open up as we reach the crest, taking inIssyk-Kul lake, the Kungei Ala-Too ridge, and other valleys and summits along the range. Accommodation at a hotel in Karakol.
Today we take a rest from ski touring with a day trip by comfortable SUV to an abandoned town deep in the Tian-Shan mountains. It is located on in the border zone with China, and to visit we will need special permits issued by the military. On the way we will see amazing landscapes, cross a high pass at 3822m, visit wild hot springs, stop in at the local school to hand out some presents, have lunch with a local family, and transfer back to Karakol for the night.
In the morning we’ll drive to Boz-Uchuk village, located 35km from Karakol. We will start our ski touring from an altitude of 2050m up to a height of 3250m, with great views from the final point, such as Boz-Uchuk valley, Issyk-Kul lake and basin, and the Kungei Ala-Too ridge. In the evening we return to our hotel in Karakol. Sauna and massage available upon request.
Transfer to Bishkek by the north shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Short city tour in Bishkek on arrival, followed by a festive dinner at traditional restaurant Supara. Accommodation at a hotel in Bishkek.
Early morning transfer to Bishkek’s Manas Airport to return home.
Tour Map
