Backcountry skiing in Kyrgyzstan

Video about Winter Tourism Kyrgyzstan

Duration: 8 days

Region: Issyk Kul oblast, Ak Suu district

Season: December – March

Tour type: Combined backcountry skiing

Description: Try the best powder snow in Central Asia, experience local history and culture, be a winter nomad.

Dear guests we are glad to invite you to our winter camp in Tien Shan Mountains. Ski touring in Kyrgyzstan is getting more and more popular each year, 94% territory of our country is mountains which creates a lot of possibilities for skiing. One of the best areas for backcountry skiing and snowboarding is Karakol, Karakol is located in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan on the bottom of biggest mountain range in our country (Teskey Al-Too). The climate in Karakol area is mild; it’s not cold in winter and not hot in summer time. CBT Karakol runs a yurt camp for the winter attractions and mostly for ski touring, backcountry skiing or snowboarding. Our yurt camp is located in the end of the Boz Uchuk valley on the 2500 meters elevation above sea level; this is perfect base for our guests. The yurt camp is located in the forest and close to the river that is half frozen in winter. After 30-40 min ski walking you will see magnificent mountains with lots of wild slopes. Deep snow and beautiful mountains will make your day! Continental climate is one of the reasons for the stable snow in Boz Uchuk area, in November we have almost 40 centimeters of snow. The snow is light and dry. In winter time when the snowstorms come, we have around 1-1.5 meters of snow. The temperature in the area varies from – 3C during the day until – 15C during the night. By skiing in our area you will also met with our traditions and culture. CBT is developed by local people in the area who offer different services like transferring luggage with horses, local cuisine and folklore music.

Our guests will stay in the yurt, a traditional Kyrgyz style house that made from wool and wood, each yurt is heated with ovens. Every guest must have his own sleeping bag and mat. The sleeping bag must be very warm (for winter). Every tourist should have skins for the skis, snowboarders must have snow shoes.The trips are combined with: Backountry skiing in Boz Uchuk area 5-6 days. Ski resorts of Karakol-Bishkek, horse riding trips, hot springs tours and a traditional folklore music show.

Backcountry skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that requires experience and knowledge to travel safely. Any of the routes on this site may be dangerous depending on conditions. You are responsible for your own safety in the backcounty—the team behind CBT Karakol disclaims any responsibility for any injury resulting from people travelling on routes described on this site.

Enjoy the best powder snow in the Central Asia!

Day 1:  Transfer from Bishkek to Karakol (450 km), on the way: visiting Burana tower ( 16 century) and petroglyphs in Cholpon Ata, lunch en route, after 7-8 hours driving arrive in Karakol. Overnight in the guest house with dinner.

Day 2: After breakfast transfer to the beginning of Boz Uchuk valley ( 35 km) meeting with the local guide, we need a bit of time to fix the luggage on the horses while you will  prepare your skis. After  luggage fixing we will walk up to the yurt camp on skis ( please don’t forget your ski skins) (10 km) 3-4 hours walking distance, overnight in the yurt, luggage will transfered by horses.

Day 3: Skiing in the area, how it looks like: Every client has his own gear (skis, skins stick ,beeper, helmet). You will walk from the yurt camp to the skiing areas (peaks or hills — many options) and ski down from these places. The skiing area is located in the end of the valley. The closest place or slope is located in a 40 min walking distance, the snow conditions are good and you can find the best possibility on the north side of the valley.

Day 4:  Backcountry Skiing in Buz Uchuk valley

Day 5: Backcountry Skiing in Boz Uchuk valley

Day 6: Backcountry Skiing in Boz Uchuk valley

Day 7: Ski down to the beginning of the gorge (40 min) and you will be transfered to Karakol (40 min ). At the guest house you will have time to take a shower and a small break. In the afternoon we want to show you the capital of the Issyk Kul region and some historical sites like: Dungan Mosque. Russian Church, Historical Museum and souvenirs shop. In the evening, traditional: Kyrgyz food, Folklore show and Sauna after the cold days in the mountains.

Day 8 Transfer to Bishkek ( manas airport) along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, including visitis to the famous “ Jeti Oguz valley”, “ Fairy Tale” Canyon. Arrival in Bokonbaevo. Eagle hunting  and BBQ in a shepherds house.  Arrival in Bishkek, end of the trip.