Ski Tours

A ski adventure through the Tian Shan

STANDARD
Duration 8 days
Difficulty Expedition
Max Altitude 2,800 m
Season December-March
Group Size 4-12
Starts Bishkek

Overview

Explore Kyrgyzstan on this 8-day ski tour through the Tian Shan mountains. Start with a day at Karakol ski resort, then continue to Jyrgalan for ski touring and a day of catskiing, with routes adapted to snow conditions and the group’s ability. After the skiing days, travel along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to Bokonbaevo to meet a local eagle hunter and learn about this Kyrgyz tradition. Stay in local guesthouses, enjoy Kyrgyz meals, and finish the trip in Bishkek. The program can be customized to suit your experience and interests.

Itinerary

Arrival at Bishkek International Airport. After passport control and luggage collection, meet your local team and depart by private vehicle for Karakol. The journey follows the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, with lunch and comfort stops along the way. Allow approximately 6–7 hours of driving, depending on road conditions, plus stops. Arrival in Karakol in the evening. Check in at the guesthouse, enjoy dinner, and rest after the journey. Meet the team for an introduction to the coming days. Overnight at a guesthouse in Karakol.

Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Karakol ski resort for a full day of skiing. The day provides an opportunity to warm up, check equipment, and assess the group’s skiing ability before heading into the backcountry. Explore the resort’s slopes, with any off-piste skiing selected and led by the ski guide according to conditions and the group’s level. Lunch at the resort. During the day, review avalanche equipment and mountain safety procedures with the guide. Return to Karakol in the late afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the same guest house.

Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Jyrgalan village, approximately 1–1.5 hours from Karakol. Meet the local mountain team, prepare equipment, and receive a briefing on snow conditions and safety. Begin with an introductory ski tour, adapting the route and ascent to the group’s fitness and experience. Picnic lunch in the mountains. In the afternoon, settle into the lodge and relax before dinner. Overnight at a in Jyrgalan.

Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After breakfast, depart for a day of catskiing in the mountains surrounding Jyrgalan. A snowcat provides access to the skiing terrain, with descents selected by the ski guide according to snow stability, visibility, and the group’s ability. The number of runs depends on conditions and the agreed catski package. Picnic lunch in the mountains. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for time to relax and dinner. Overnight at the same guest house.

Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After breakfast, set out on a full-day guided ski tour. Explore the surrounding valleys and slopes, ascending on touring skis before descending terrain suited to the group. For those seeking a more demanding day, the guide may select a longer route if conditions and fitness allow. Enjoy a picnic lunch with mountain views before continuing the tour. Return to the lodge in the afternoon. Dinner and a relaxed evening. Overnight at the same guest house.

Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Bokonbaevo on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Enjoy the changing landscapes along the way, with lunch en route and time for scenic stops. If timing and conditions allow, include a short walk at Skazka Canyon. Arrive in Bokonbaevo and check in at the guesthouse. In the afternoon, meet a local eagle hunter and learn about the tradition of hunting with golden eagles, the training of the birds, and the relationship between hunter and eagle. Dinner at the guesthouse. Overnight at a guesthouse in Bokonbaevo.

Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Bishkek by private vehicle. Follow the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and continue through Boom Gorge, with lunch and comfort stops along the way. Upon arrival in Bishkek, check in at the hotel. Enjoy free time before gathering for a farewell dinner.
Overnight at a hotel in Bishkek.

Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel, depending on flight time. At the scheduled time, private transfer to Bishkek International Airport for your departure.

Meals: Breakfast

Meals Included

  • 8 breakfasts
  • 7 lunches
  • 6 dinners

The meals for each day are listed in the itinerary above.

Pricing

Group size Price per person Total for group
4 people $1,450 per person $5,800
5 people $1,260 per person $6,300
6 people $1,180 per person $7,080
7 people $1,110 per person $7,770
8 people $1,200 per person $9,600
9 people $1,140 per person $10,260
10 people $1,090 per person $10,900
11 people $1,050 per person $11,550
12 people $1,010 per person $12,120

All prices in USD. Solo travellers welcome — contact us for a solo rate.

What's Included

Included

  • Translator & driver
  • Vehicle
  • Meals
  • Accommodation
  • All entry fees
  • Eagle hunting
  • Rental horse

Not Included

  • Ski gears
  • Travel insurance
  • Professional ski guide: available on request at an additional cost of USD 160 per day.
  • Last dinner
  • Mineral water & Alcohol
  • Any services not explicitly mentioned in the program.

Route Map

A ski adventure through the Tian Shan — route map