Escape the crowded Alps and discover one of the last true ski frontiers in the wild Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan.
This 8-day backcountry expedition is carefully designed to maximize your skiing time. The itinerary focuses on reaching the best snow zones efficiently, minimizing long transfers, and spending as many hours as possible in the mountains. From the legendary terrain around Karakol to the powder-rich valleys of Jyrgalan and remote alpine areas, each day is built around optimal ski touring conditions.
Expect:
Untouched continental powder
600–1,200 m vertical ascents per day
Wide alpine bowls & tree skiing options
Small groups with experienced local guides
Authentic winter yurt and mountain guesthouse stays
This is not resort skiing — it’s real mountain exploration, designed for experienced ski tourers who want to make the most of every single day on snow.
Tien Shan Powder • Remote Yurts • Untouched Lines
Most international flights land at Manas International Airport between 02:00–05:00. Your guide and driver will meet you upon arrival and begin a scenic 400 km journey to Karakol, along the northern shore of the legendary Issyk-Kul.
Highlights:
Optional breakfast at a local roadside café
Relaxing stop at the hot springs of Cholpon-Ata
Spectacular alpine and lake views en route
Arrival in Karakol by lunchtime.
Dinner and overnight in a cozy guesthouse.
After breakfast, transfer to the remote Yrdyk valley — a hidden gem for ski touring in the Tien Shan.
Expect:
Long, untouched powder slopes
Wide alpine bowls
Minimal traffic — true wilderness experience
Overnight in a heated winter yurt camp — authentic nomadic atmosphere combined with warm hospitality and hearty mountain meals.
Sunrise over the Tien Shan peaks.
Morning ski touring session in the Yrdyk area.
Flexible route choice depending on:
Snow stability
Group level
Weather conditions
Afternoon return to Karakol.
Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.
Transfer toward Jyrgalan, with ski touring stops in the impressive Turgen mountains along the way.
Terrain features:
Tree skiing options
Open alpine slopes
Reliable snow conditions
Late afternoon arrival in Jyrgalan — one of Kyrgyzstan’s best ski touring bases.
Dinner and overnight in a comfortable mountain guesthouse.
Two full days dedicated to exploring the legendary terrain around Jyrgalan.
Options include:
Multiple summit ascents (600–1,200 m vertical per day)
Powder tree runs
Wide open faces
Panoramic ridgelines
Flexible program depending on weather and avalanche safety.
Late afternoon on Day 6 transfer back to Karakol.
Farewell dinner at a local café.
Transfer toward Chong-Kemin.
Optional ski touring stop on the high-altitude Arabel Plateau (2–3 hours session) — vast open terrain at over 3,500 m.
Arrival in Chong-Kemin for dinner and overnight in a traditional guesthouse.
Early breakfast.
Direct 2-hour transfer to Manas International Airport for your departure flight.
Moments that stay with you
The price of the tour depends on the number of people and the season. According to the request and interest, we can negotiate the optimal price for your budget.
We can provide you skiing tour guide. It should be reserved in advance at least one month before. Backcountry ski touring is just developing in the country and there are few relevant ski tour guides who would have a good experience to lead you in the mountains.
The tours start upon request, please contact us. The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit into your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.
After having solved all the questions and programs confirming we issue an invoice for payment. You can make a bank transfer or pay upon your arrival time in Bishkek before the trip starts.
Backcountry ski touring and freeride in Kyrgyzstan is an extream adventure. There are many cases with avalanches and in this case, only your experience and ability to choose the right slopes and take into account your risks will help you.
FREERIDE SKI TOUR PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
We appreciate your interest in our freeride ski tours in Kyrgyzstan and value the enthusiasm you bring to our adventures. As we prioritize the safety and well-being of our participants, we want to ensure that all clients are informed of certain aspects of our tours.
While we strive to create a secure and enjoyable environment for our participants, freeride skiing inherently involves risks that are beyond our control. Unforeseen accidents, changes in weather conditions, or other unexpected events may occur during the course of the tour.
This Freeride Ski Tour Participation Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into between Kyrgyz Tourism company, hereinafter referred to as the “Company,” and the undersigned participant, hereinafter referred to as the “Participant.”
1. Assumption of Risks:
The Participant acknowledges that participation in freeride ski tours involves inherent risks, including but not limited to skiing accidents, injuries, and exposure to changing weather conditions. The Participant agrees to assume all risks associated with the freeride ski tour.
2. Compliance with Guide Instructions:
The Participant agrees to comply with all instructions, guidelines, and directions provided by the Company’s tour guides. The Participant acknowledges that the tour guides have the necessary expertise to navigate the terrain, assess risks, and ensure the safety of the group.
3. Release of Liability:
In consideration for being allowed to participate in the freeride ski tour, the Participant hereby releases, waives, discharges, and covenants not to sue the Company, its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained during the freeride ski tour.
4. Insurance:
The Participant acknowledges the importance of having comprehensive travel insurance that covers potential risks associated with outdoor activities, including freeride skiing. The Participant is responsible for obtaining and maintaining such insurance.
5. Agreement to Follow Local Laws and Regulations:
The Participant agrees to comply with all local laws and regulations during the freeride ski tour, including those related to environmental conservation and safety.
6. Emergency Medical Treatment:
In the event of an emergency, the Participant authorizes the Company and its representatives to seek and consent to emergency medical treatment on their behalf. The Participant agrees to be responsible for all costs associated with such medical treatment.
We offer hospitality local guest houses, homestays in the villages KyzylOi, Bokonbaevo, Karakol. And special winter yurt camp which is located just on the slops where are the many various options for skiing.
Kyrgyzstan Backcountry Expedition – Tien Shan
Ski touring in the remote Tien Shan requires proper gear. Below is the essential equipment you must bring to safely enjoy your week in the mountains.
Ski Equipment (Mandatory)
Touring skis with tech bindings
Ski touring boots (walk mode)
Climbing skins
Adjustable poles
Ski helmet
30–40L ski backpack
Avalanche Safety Gear (Mandatory)
Avalanche transceiver (3-antenna)
Shovel (metal blade)
Probe (min. 240 cm)
All participants must know how to use their safety equipment.
Clothing (Layering System)
Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
Mid layer (fleece or light insulation)
Warm down or insulated jacket
Waterproof shell jacket & pants
2–3 pairs of ski socks
Warm gloves + light touring gloves
Hat & neck gaiter
Temperatures may range from +5°C to -20°C depending on altitude and weather.
Personal Essentials
Ski goggles & sunglasses
Sunscreen & lip balm (high SPF)
Headlamp
Personal medications
Small thermos (recommended)
Tell us about your travel plans and we'll craft a personalized proposal within 24 hours. No pressure, no generic packages — just a genuine conversation about your dream trip.
