Day 1: Arrival to Bishkek (800 m)

Hotel    B
Via Istanbul we travel with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. We will move into our hotel in the center of the city. In the afternoon we will take a short city tour. Depending on snow conditions, an alternative excursion can be made to the ski slopes near Bishkek.

Day 2: Transfer to Karakol (1,750 m)

400 km Hotel    B, L, D
After breakfast we leave the city by vehicle to Karakol. On the approximately six-hour drive we already get an impression of the vast, imposing landscape of Kyrgyzstan. In Karakol we move into our hotel and spend the evening together.

Day 3: Karakol (1,750 m)

Hotel    B, L, D
In Kyrgyzstan’s largest ski resort Karakol (2,300 m – 3,040 m) we can acclimatize perfectly today. Framed by the imposing mountain landscape at Issyk Kul, there are numerous slopes as well as freeride runs. At the bazaar we will taste the Uyghur cuisine with Ashlan-Fu, famous for Karakol.

Day 4 – 6: Ski touring from Yurt Camp Aksu (2,600 m)

Yurt B, L, D
Our first ski touring yurt camp is located in the Aksu Valley and is known for its remote location and abundant powder. About 20 kilometers east of Karakol we will meet the camp owned snow mobiles that will take us to the yurts. From the camp at about 2,600 meters, there are numerous options for tours of varying difficulty up to 3,800 meters. Each day we decide which routes and peaks to tackle and where to find the best conditions. The ski touring days will end in a cozy atmosphere in the yurt camp. We will be provided with delicious Kyrgyz cuisine and can relax in the hot tub. After decent on the last afternoon our vehicles take us to Jyrgalan.

Day 7 – 9 Ski tours in Jyrgalan (2,000 m)

Homestay B, L, D
The former mining town of Jyrgalan is known in summer for exciting hikes and in winter, thanks to abundant powder snow, as a ski touring area. From our guesthouse on the outskirts of the town, we get right into the tours every morning. We can follow established ski routes as well as climb the surrounding slopes and peaks off the beaten track. In the afternoon we return to our cozy guesthouse and enjoy the excellent Kyrgyz cuisine. Together we choose our daily ski tour program depending on snow and weather conditions. On the last day of skiing we will be shuttled by Ratrak and enjoy pure freeride pleasure.

Day 10: Return to Bishkek

400 km Hotel    B, L

With our tour vehicle we will return to Bishkek, where we will have some time for souvenir shopping. In a good restaurant we enjoy the last evening together. With unforgettable impressions from Kyrgyzstan we will go back home.

Day 11: Journey back home

B
Transfer to the airport, return flight home.

Price includes:

• 11 nights with breakfast (4 x hotel, 2 x yurt, 3 x private guest house), on the night of arrival a hotel room is available regardless of the arrival time
• meals as stated in the travel description (full board during the ski days)
• all transfers
• two guides during the ski touring days
• Ratrak ski shuttle on the last ski day
• city walk in Bishkek
• walkie talkies and comprehensive first aid kit

Price does not include:

• international flight from an to Bishkek
• optional excursions
• tips
• lunch and dinner on the first and last day of the trip in Bishkek
• ski and safety equipment

The ski tours are moderately difficult and require safe skiing in all snow conditions. The ski tours require stamina for walking times up to 6 hours including short breaks. The difference in altitude of the tours is about 800 – 1.400 Hm. In appropriate conditions, walking with crampons may be necessary.

The specific tour program depends on the group wishes as well as on the snow, weather and avalanche conditions on site. The technical demands of the tours therefore vary. On the SAC ski touring scale, the day tours on this trip are between L to ZS.

SAC difficulty scale for ski tours, german

SAC difficulty scale for ski tours, english

Participating in this trip requires excellent physical condition and advanced experience in ski touring. You consider yourself a good skier in open terrain. You master different ascent technique and the use   of crampons.

The ski tours are guided by two ski tour guides. The tour discussion and route selection will be discussed together with the guides the evening before/morning of the tour, depending on the snow, weather and avalanche conditions and the group wishes. There is the possibility to split the group into two levels, easy and advanced ski tour. The division will be decided in consultation with the guides on site and may not always be possible.

This trip has a pioneer character and requires a certain degree of flexibility and independence from the participants. Weather and snow conditions play an important role in the selection of routes and destinations as well as the level of the participants. In addition, we have designed the program with what we consider to be the best itinerary and have carefully selected the tour areas and accommodations. However, there may be changes in the itinerary on the spot. The openness and flexibility in the tour schedule as well as the adjustment of the requirements for simple accommodations and vehicles are part of this trip.

All participants must bring their ski touring equipment and also avalanche protection equipment. The widest possible powder skis should be used. The ski width should be 110 mm or wider at the center of the ski – “The fatter the better”. Deep powder slopes skied in freeride style at high speeds are common.

Avalanche backpacks are optional. Due to IATA international air freight regulations, it is not guaranteed that avalanche backpacks can be transported. We ask you to contact the airline in advance to find out more.

Ski luggage can be taken on Turkish Airlines flights to Kyrgyzstan free of charge, but must be registered in advance. With Pegasus Airlines, ski luggage is chargeable and requires prior registration.

We will send a detailed packing list with the travel documents.

Visa

Citizens of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy do not need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan as long as their stay does not exceed 60 days. Citizens of other countries are asked to inform themselves at the respective representation.
Tip: Copy your passport or identity card and your flight ticket before departure. In case of loss, this will make it easier to obtain a new one. Keep the copies separate from the original documents and your valuables.

Overnight stays and single room supplement

It is possible to book a single room for the nights in Bishkek as well as in Karakol. In the yurts we are accommodated four persons per yurt. In the guesthouse in Jyrgalan double rooms are available. Single occupancy is usually not possible.

Vaccinations and health care

There are no legal vaccination requirements for entering Kyrgyzstan. Please make sure you have enough vaccination protection for the standard vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria and polio, which are generally required. Furthermore, a vaccination against hepatitis A and, if necessary, hepatitis B and rabies is recommended. Ask your doctor for advice on this.

For more information on the subject, we recommend the following sites on the Internet:

– Center for Travel Medicine: www.crm.de

– Robert Koch Institute: www.rki.de

However, the information on these websites does not replace a visit to a doctor. To set up a vaccination schedule, please contact your doctor well in advance, several months in advance.

Please bring your own first-aid kit, adapted to your individual needs, including medicines for diarrhea, headaches, colds, as well as bandages and plasters. We will carry a general pharmacy as well as a well-stocked emergency kit, but these are for emergencies only.

Literature

Kyrgzstan: Bradt Travel Guides; 4th Revised edition (7. June 2019)