Ski Adventure Kyrgyzstan
Over 8 days you will explore some of the highlights of skiing in Kyrgyzstan, which is delightfully raw. Expect slow chair lifts to get you up the mountain, along with snowcats and horses. The Ski Adventure Kyrgyzstan offers the fun of skiing or snowboarding with a generous accompaniment of culture and an opportunity to experience this intriguing country. Undoubtedly if you’re thinking of heading to Kyrgyzstan you’ve got the right spirit for what’s sure to be an adventure.
Highlights
- 8 days Kyrgyzstan
- Inclusive tour with full hosting and all the logistics looked after
- Spend one night in a shared yurt at a yurt camp, providing you with a unique and authentic Kyrgyz experience.
- Have a Russian style banya, a very hot sauna and have a dip in the snow afterwards.
- 2 days cat skiing
- Horse skiing – horseback ride up & ski/snowboard down
- Hot springs & ice cold rivers
- City tour of Bishkek, the capital city
- Wander around the city of and visit the bazaar
- Visit to Fairy Tale Valley with its impressive sandstone rock formations
- Other than the night in the yurt, stay in comfortable hotels with ensuite
- Working with local guides and local partners, so get a local experience whilst supporting tourism in a developing country
Your Kyrgyzstan Ski Adventure
This journey will allow you to explore the stunning beauty of Kyrgyzstan and discover the region's highlights. You will be as amazed by this beautiful country. You can see an
overview of Kyrgyzstan here and a map.
Issyk Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world, is an environmental phenomenon. It doesn't freeze due to underwater hot springs, creating a unique microclimate that results in lots of snow in eastern Kyrgyzstan, which is where you will be heading.
You will spend 2 days skiing/riding at the
Karakol Ski Resort, which is just 15km outside of the city/town of Karakol. The ski area elevations are 2,200 to 3,100 metres and there are groomed slopes as well as more challenging areas that are well suited to freeriding and tree runs. A local guide will show you around and do a little bit of sidecountry from the top. The evening activities entail an après ski night with the option of karaoke and a soak in a natural hot spring near Ak Suu.
For two days the group will have exclusive access to a snowcat with a covered cabin for
cat skiing on various peaks in the Jyrgalan Valley. This is one of the most pristine areas of Kyrgyzstan, offering challenging terrain and views of Kazakhstan. The runs cater to a range of skill levels: intermediate skiers and boarders can stay on the gentler slopes, while experienced freeriders can tackle higher and steeper terrain. You will be guided by local KMGA guides. You can enjoy around 6 to 10 runs a day, with lunch provided on the mountain. There is usually also a custom-built snow bar for a unique mountain experience.
One of the highlights of the tour is spending a night in a yurt camp, immersing yourself in the culture and traditions of Kyrgyzstan. This offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of the world. Situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters, this camp is run in collaboration with a local guide. The yurt is designed to offer an authentic yet comfortable experience of traditional Kyrgyz living, and it has a banya (sauna) next to an ice-cold stream if you want an invigorating experience. As night falls, you'll be treated to a breathtaking display of stars.
Some horse accessed skiing is also highly likely to be a highlight and an apt activity considering that Kygyzstan has a nomadic culture & horses are part of the national identity. Your journey will begin with a horseback ride up to 2,500m elevation, and then you’ll take a freeride run back to Kyzyl Suu. This descent is not too steep, making it accessible for most skill levels with off-piste experience. The true highlight is the ascent on horseback, with its breathtaking scenery. The stunning views and serene environment make this experience truly memorable.
You have the option to join the group for a tour in
Karakol and visit the Russian Orthodox Church, the Dungan Mosque with its Chinese architecture, explore the local bazaar, and stop by some souvenir shops. After lunch will be the leisurely drive back to the capital,
Bishkek, including a stop at Fairy Tale Valley, with its impressive sandstone rock formations.
Groups
Solos and small groups are welcome to join one of the fixed date mixed group trips (minimum 5 guests) or if you have a group of at least 5 people, you can
make a booking request for a tailor-made trip, pending availability.
Ryce Travel
Ryce Travel is a foundation dedicated to supporting Community Based Tourism (CBT) and they work predominantly with local partners and guides. As a non-profit tour agency, Ryce supports tourism in developing countries, providing you with an authentic local experience while ensuring that locals earn a decent income. Additionally, Ryce helps to foster local initiatives to grow winter tourism.