From 1880€ / person
8 days
Kyrgyzstan beautiful place to ski
Did you ever dream of conquering the Tian Shan mountain ranges? Here's your chance to go skiing on it. This small country offers a great diversity in terms of landscapes with all its magnificent mountains, peaks, lakes, grasslands and rivers, discover the Issik kul area.
History
Kyrgyzstan was once a nomadic land with a clanic organization, and a few towns in the valleys used as welcomed stops on the Silk Road. These small communities that often lived far away from each other, separated by summits and rivers, entered the big history frame when the country was integrated into the USSR. Kyrgyzstan then started using the Russian alphabet and adapting it to Kyrgyz language, Soviet buildings were erected in the biggest cities, and even far remote shepherd families were organized into collective farms called kolkhozes. Maybe you'll get the chance to see their remains, in ruins in the middle of the mountains...
Itinerary
Fly to Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan and reach the large Issyk Kul lake. You will try two different skiing spots Terskey Ala Too range and Jyrgalan. You will experience the winter yurt camp of Ak Tash on the south shore of Issyk Kul, enjoy hot springs and some cultural visits too.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek – Issyk Kul Lake ~260 km (L,D)
Today you’ll fly to Bishkek. Upon arrival (morning) your driver will bring you to the south shore of Issyk Kul lake. You’ll arrive by the end of the day to your winter yurt camp on the foot of the slopes. The local team will meet you around a traditional nomadic dinner.
Days 2 & 3: Issyk Kul Lake (B,L,D)
After a good night sleep in your yurt, you’ll go ski touring with your guide on the northern slopes of the Terskey Ala Too range. Several itineraries are available, depending on snow conditions. You will picnic in the mountains. In the afternoon head back to your yurt. Free time to enjoy the site, participate to the family’s activities, or even ride horses (optional, not included). Possibility to relax in the banya (russian sauna) or in the hot springs.
Day 4: Issyk Kul – Karakol - Jyrgalan (B,L,D)
Last morning skiing session before leaving the yurt camp and driving to Karakol town. Lunch in town then visit this charming Russian colonial style town. You will discover the orthodox cathedral and the dungan mosque, two contrasted building symbolizing the diversity of Karakol. In the afternoon, drive to Jyrgalan village, the most famous freeride spot of Kyrgyzstan. Dinner and night in a cosy family guesthouse in the village.
Days 5 & 6: Jyrgalan (B,L,D)
Enjoy two full days of freeride on the mountain over Jyrgalan small village. Get your lunch break in the mountains and come back to the house in the afternoon. Free time to explore the village and participate to the village’s life. Dinner and night at the guesthouse.
Day 7: Jyrgalan – Bishkek (B,L,D)
Today hit the road back to Bishkek by the north shore of Issyk Kul lake. Enjoy a delightful moment at the open air hot springs, a perfect way to relax our bodies after one week on the skis. Arrive in Bishkek in the late afternoon, get a farewell dinner in town and night in the guesthouse.
Day 8: Bishkek Departure (B)
Today is time to say goodbye, your driver will bring you to the airport for a flight to your next destination.
Information
Inclusions:
- Guesthouse/yurts with breakfast (B)
- (L)-Lunch, (D)-Dinner when mentioned
- Private driver
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees
Exclusions:
- Visa
- International flights
- Material / Ski equipment
- Personal expenses
- Tips to guide and driver
- Insurances
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