Winter Tours in Kyrgyzstan: Ski Touring, Horses & Eagles

Winter tours in Kyrgyzstan show a side of Central Asia few travellers see: frozen Song-Kol lake at 3,000 m, nights in heated yurts, eagle hunters riding out with their golden eagles and deep powder snow in the Tian Shan. From October to April we run small-group and private winter trips – on horseback, on skis or with the berkutchi – from 3 to 11 days, starting from $410 per person.

Winter group tour with a fixed date

Travelling alone or as a couple? Join the Winter Nomad Group Tour on 1–4 December 2026 or 10–13 January 2027: 4 days with a ride to frozen Song-Kol and a day with eagle hunters at Issyk-Kul. The price is $520–950 per person depending on group size (3 to 10 travellers); you reserve your place online with a deposit of $200.

Choose your winter tour

Tour	Days	Season	Price p.p.	Best for
Winter Horseback Tour to Song-Kol	3	Dec–Apr	from $410	Frozen lake and a night in a heated yurt
Golden Eagle Hunting Tour	3	Oct–Apr	on request	Eagles at Skazka canyon + a real hunt, no riding
Horse Riding with Eagle Hunters	4	Oct–Apr	from $640	Three days in the saddle and a real hunt
Winter Nomad Group Tour (group)	4	1 Dec 2026, 10 Jan 2027	from $520	Solo travellers: Song-Kol on horseback + eagles
Winter Nomadic Horseback Expedition	8	Dec–Apr	on request	The full nomad winter: Song-Kol, horse games, eagles
Kyrgyzstan Backcountry Ski Touring	8	Jan–Mar	on request	One week of powder, up to about 4,000 m
Tien Shan Ski Touring Expedition	11	Jan–Mar	on request	Experienced ski tourers, remote valleys

Hotels in Bishkek are not included in our prices – you can easily book the one you like, and we are happy to recommend.

Ski touring in Kyrgyzstan

The ski touring season runs from January to the end of March, when the Tian Shan has stable, dry powder and almost no other skiers. Our 8-day ski touring week and the 11-day Tien Shan expedition are guided by experienced local guides with avalanche training; IFMGA mountain guides are available on request but should be booked about a year ahead. There is no ski touring rental in Kyrgyzstan, so you bring your own skis, skins and avalanche equipment. Groups of 2–12 skiers, full board.

Winter on horseback

Kyrgyz horses are used to snow, and winter riding is calm and steady. On the 3-day winter ride you reach frozen Song-Kol and sleep in a heated yurt; the 8-day winter expedition adds family homestays, the Ulak-Tartysh horse game, Skazka canyon and eagle hunting. Expect around −20 °C on average and down to −30 °C at night at Song-Kol.

Eagle hunting season

From October to April the berkutchi of Issyk-Kul hunt foxes and hares with their golden eagles. Watch the birds and their hunters on the 3-day Golden Eagle Hunting Tour, or ride with them for three days and join a real hunt on Horse Riding with Eagle Hunters.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a winter trip to Kyrgyzstan?

For ski touring, January to March. For winter riding at Song-Kol, December to April, when the lake is frozen. Eagle hunting runs from October to April. December to February are the coldest months; October, November, March and April are milder.

How cold does it get?

In the valleys and at Issyk-Kul, usually −5 to −15 °C during the day. At Song-Kol (3,000 m) around −20 °C on average and down to −30 °C at night. Days are often sunny, and yurts and guesthouses are heated with stoves.

How much does a winter tour cost?

The 3-day winter ride to Song-Kol starts at $410 per person and the winter group tour at $520. Ski touring and longer private trips are priced on request, depending on group size and dates.

Do I need experience?

For the horseback and eagle tours you do not need to be an experienced rider, but you should be fit and ready for real cold. Ski touring requires solid off-piste skiing and your own touring and avalanche equipment.

Can I travel alone?

Yes. Join the Winter Nomad Group Tour on fixed dates, or contact us – most winter tours can also run as a private trip for one or two travellers.