Issyk Kul area ski tour + stay in yurt camp
Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Season: January – March
Route: Bishkek – Cholpon Ata – Karakol – Terskey Ala Too – Tamga – Bishkek
Level of difficiulty: intensive program for intermediate and higher level experience of skiers
The program “Ski tour in Issyk Kul region + stay in a yurt camp” allows you to reduce time to approach/ access to the ski touring area, thereby increasing your time on the slopes.
Possibility to get acquainted with the life of nomads. Yurts are well heated. Freedom of choosing valleys and slopes.
Suitable time for the program is approximately from January to March.
It is possible to organize a cultural program as well.
Day 1
Airport Manas – Bishkek – Karakol
Meeting at “Manas” airport early in the morning. Stop in Bishkek if needed. Breakfast. Transfer to Karakol town. On the way visiting historical complex "Burana Tower". Accommodation in hotel or guesthouse in Karakol.
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Bishkek – 700m, Karakol – 1800m
Distance and travel time: 450km, 8 h driving.
Day 2
Karakol area
Daylong ski tour trip in Eastern part of Issyk Kul valley. Choosing between ski areas in Kungey and Terskey Ala Too ranges. Return to Karakol. Accommodation in hotel or guesthouse.
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Karakol – 1800m, ski areas from 2000m to 3500m
Distance and travel time: 50-200km, depends on the area.
Day 3
Karakol – backcountry yurt camp or mountain hut in Terskey Ala-Too range
Transfer from Karakol to one of the mountain valley of Terskey range (Ak Suu, Irdyk, Ichke Jergez, Jergalan, Karkara). Approach by car, ski or snowmobiles (depending on place and facilities). Accommodation in yurt camp or hut.
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Karakol – 1800m, yurt camps or huts at 2000-2600m approximately
Distance and travel time: depends on the area.
Day 4-5
Skitour in Ak Suu valley (Terskey Ala Too range)
Making daily tours from camp to camp. Accommodation in yurt or hut.
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Karakol – 1800m, ski areas between 2000m and 4000m
Distance and travel time: depends on the area.
Day 6
Yurt camp – Karakol – Bishkek
Descent back to Karakol. Transfer to Bishkek. Accommodation in hotel.
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Tamga – 1685m, Bishkek – 700m
Distance and travel time: 420 km, 7-8 h driving.
Day 7
Bishkek – Airport
Transfer to airport and take a flight home.
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Bishkek – 700m
Distance and travel time: 35 km, 30-40 min driving.
Service includes:
1. Professional ski tour guide (in rate 1 guide 4 people);
2. Twin/Double accommodation in guesthouses/hotel;
3. Up to 8-9 persons in one yurt at yurt camp
4. Transport for transfers during all the tour(4WD);
5. Meeting and seeing-off at the airport;
6. Full board;
7.Mineral water 1l per person per day.
Service doesn't include:
1. Single supplement;
2. Alcohol and soft drinks;
3. Transfers, excursions over the program etc.;
4. Medical insurance.
Recommended clothing and equipment:
Sunscreen (at least 20SPF);
Lip balm;
Sunglasses with UV protection;
At least a 25 Liter backpack for personal items;
Head lamp spare bulbs & batteries;
Long-sleeved T-shirt;
Underwear;
Fleece jacket or pullover;
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional);
Down vest and/or jacket;
Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex);
Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex);
Gloves;
Warm fleece hat;
Ski suit;
Avalanche safety kit (minimum: beeper, shovel, probe);
Personal ski tour equipment.
