Requirements: trekking boots, weatherproof warm clothes, hat, sunscreen, own ski equipment, warm sleeping bag…
Dear guest 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. CBTKarakol 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!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Bishkek-Karakol. 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: Ski base Karakol. After early breakfast we can visit famous animal market. Only on Sunday there will be one of the biggest animal market in Kyrgyzstan that is in Karakol. In one hour we will walk there and drive to Karakol Ski Base. From Karakol to Ski Base 30 min driving time. Coffee time and start to skiing. Lunch at cafe there. After lunch skiing until the 4pm. Today we will have a dinner at Dungan family. Drive back to Guest house. B&B at guest house.
Day 3: Karakol – Boz-Uchuk Valley. 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 4: 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 5: Backcountry Skiing in Buz Uchuk valley
Day 6: Boz-Uchuk – Jyrgalan Valley: After breakfast you will do skiing at the Boz-Uchuk mountains till lunch, after lunch ski down to the beginning of the gorge (40 min). From there you will be transferred to Jyrgalan valley (1hour). Dinner and B&B at the Guesthouse
Day 7: Skiing in Jyrgalan Valley. Guesthouse accommodation.
Day 8: Jyrgalan Valley – Karakol: After breakfast skiing till lunch at Jyrgalan valley, after lunch transfer to Karakol. On the way stop for Ak-suu kench Hot Springs. Dinner and overnight at guesthouse in Karakol.
Day 9: Karakol-Bishkek After early breakfast drive to Bishkek by the southern lakeshore of Issyk-Kul lake. We will stop for Jeti-Oguz gorge, Barskoon waterfall and Skazka Canyon. Lunch BBQ will be at the Jaichy village, after lunch will see Eagle hunting. Upon arrival to Bishkek check-in in your hotel.
Travel from Bishkek through north of Kyrgyzstan to Osh city, southern capital of Kyrgyzstan. From Osh you can go further to China, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan.
2025 Tour Dates
June 20-30
July 15-25
August 5-15
September 3-13
Watch and/or participate in the everyday life of the shepherds.
June departures: 21-29
July: 4-13
Aug departures: 3-11 with Birds of Prey Festival in Bokonbaevo
Experience and enjoy Kyrgyzstan with us!
