Tired of seeing the ski tracks made not by you or your company members? Well, then we have something special that worth a visit. In search of a perfect powder skiing, Lifetrek represents ski touring Kyrgyzstan!
Kyrgyzstan is a highly mountainous country in Central Asia, and some of the best slopes that we had ever ski were in areas around Karakol and Naryn. So come with us to the best-untouched ski touring places in vast mountainous areas of the country Kyrgyzstan
Lifetrek’s ski touring Kyrgyzstan adventures are all about collecting memorable moments while having great winter holidays, no matter how old you are, whether you are single or in a relationship, you have a family or you are still in your high school/college years.
We believe you came here because you are curious enough to try something new and exciting or you just wish to explore more about the mountain world you already entered. Welcome, everyone!
A long activity season from December to April and diverse mountain landscapes of the Svaneti will be interesting for ski-tourism and snowboarding amateurs as well as for professionals. Small altitudes difference, not extreme terrains allow beginners to feel comfortable on the ski route. Advanced skiers may enjoy a ski tour to the virgin peaks of the valley because some parts of Jergalan just started to explore.
There are different spots available: plate glaciers and valley-type slopes allow riders to choose which routes appeal to them more. Our advantage is, that we can set up our cam in just 2 days, so we can move to different location at any given time if conditions are not as we want them.
Svanetia, wilderness, and remoteness from civilization give an opportunity to feel like a pioneer, to discover an entertaining world of skitouring, and to see with your own eyes the primordial nature of Thian Shan or Naryn mountains.
Diversity of activities consists of seasonal factors which is why each rider can get satisfaction from routes. Drop cliffs, glaciers, untouched fresh snow, and high mountains – all of it you will find in the Kyrgyzstan country. As an extra, you get to choose extra adventures like horseback, snowmobile ski touring, or heliski.
We customize your holidays in a way you get the most out of the ski touring experience for your needs. Ski touring in Kyrgyzstan is not only something we do for fun or work, but it is also our way of life and we are here to introduce you to how to live ski touring life from the inside out.
We bet you will love it.
There is always a bunch of interesting people in our guest house for you to embrace new friendships. Most of all you will meet new people who share the same interests for nature and mountains. It is also a great way to gather your friends or family members and have some real winter bonding time.
Lifetrek is all about living in, breathing in nature. We take care of the clean mountains and clean ground so we do as little environmental damage on our ski touring days as possible. Our groups are always small so we don’t disturb nature’s life. When we leave the mountain there are only good memories left with no litter.
Visiting Kyrgyzstan country alone is unforgettable without anything else. It is a land of diversity, mountain peaks, passionate people and outstanding culinary delights. Trips to Tian Shan mountains or Naryn mountains add some extra great experiences to your winter vacation. If you prefer easier ascents you can select also a ski touring program where we use horses for ascents.
The ski touring season in Kyrgyzstan runs from mid-November through early April. Snow begins to fall in October and does not generally melt until June. Depends on the condition our base will be situated in Naryn or in Jergalan in the Tian Shan mountains.
Jergalan or Jyrgalan is a unique, amazing valley of Northern Tian Shan, located in a heart of the Terskey Ala-Too range. Thanks to the mountain range, which protects the area from strong winds coming from Issyk-Kul Lake. Jergalan is one of the snowiest valleys in Kyrgyzstan. The most appropriate place for skiing is located at the altitude from 2500 to 3400 meters above sea level. There are clean snowfields, rocky areas, and forests at this altitude. Skitouring routes are very different here. The valley is proper for experienced masters, who would like to improve their skills, as well for beginners.
We are open from December till the end of April when there is a lot of snow and lots of possibilities for ski touring in Kyrgyzstan and there are no crowds, most of the time there will be no other skiers in a radius of at least 20 kilometers from us.
Jergalan village is located only 60 km far from the ski funs favorite places Karakol town, but it is still almost unknown. Skitouring lovers will find a lot of steep slopes and attractive routes here. Easy itineraries for beginners are also available.
We will sleep in a traditional home(yourta) of Kyrgyz people. Of course the yurt is not too comfortable for the winter but they are equipped specially for the cold weather condition. Our camp is equipped with electricity. We provide also an Russian truck “GAZ &&” equipped like bathroom where hot water is available 24/7. The truck offers also a Russian bania (sauna), for you to relax after ski touring days. One yurt is a common place where we can gather in the evening or during the day, and where we will have our meals.
We serve 3 main meals per day – breakfast, lunch-box and dinner. Empower your ski touring day in the morning by having a traditional nomad breakfast. Dinner is a wholesome meal – containing lots of veggies and other various healthy and local food ingredients. We provide vegetarian and vegan options for all meals too. That you stay strong during the day we provide you a lunch-box with some fruits, eggs, cheese, and bread.
Safety is taken very seriously and all our guides have a valid license and mountain rescue course. With our guides, you will first learn (if needed) the ski touring theory and, most importantly, spend a lot of time on the mountain and skiing the untouched snow.
Ski touring days in Kyrgyzstan are delivered by our best guides. Once you experience ski touring in Tian Shan mountains you are hooked for life..
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We are happy to prepare private programs and also a custom itinerary for you and your group. Please note that a minimum of 6 people are required for individual ski touring programs in Kyrgyzstan. We can combine a ski touring program with touristic programs.
Our weekly plan for ski touring Kyrgyzstan. Please keep in mind that, that due to conditions plans can change. Some days can be modified and also we can change the location of the ski-touring program on that specific day or we can change the location of Yurt camp if conditions are not at our standards.
Pick up at Kutaisi airport. Upon arrival, we will wait for other participants, and then we are on the way to our Yurt camp. We will depart from Bishkek at around 10.00 AM. Expect some 5-6 hours of driving. We can exchange money on the way. We will also stop at a local supermarket where you can supply yourself with some treats (beer, chocolate, chips).
The purpose of this day is, firstly that you check your equipment, that you get familiarized with snow conditions and altitude. Also, our guides will check your fitness and knowledge so we can adjust the level of difficulty for the next days.
Depends on the conditions and the level of fitness of the group we will make a ski touring with some 1000 meters of ascent each day. There are many untouched slopes in the area so we will definitely enjoy skiing on powder snow.
After some days you will have time to relax a bit. We can go on a ski touring Safari to Naryn area or we can drive to Karakol ski resort and enjoy one day at the ski resort (extra). If you wish to relax completely you can walk in the city of Karakol.
Depends on the conditions and the level of fitness of the group we will make a ski touring with some 1000 meters of ascent each day. There are many untouched slopes in the area so we will definitely enjoy skiing on powder snow.
In the late afternoon of the 7th day (Friday) we will leave our Yurt Camp as we will return to Bishkek. In a hotel we will be served a dinner.
After breakfast departure to the airport. We will organize a private transfer for you to the airport according to your flights. We can add extra days in Bishkek to your itinerary if you wish to discover the capital city of Kyrgyzstan.
Our Ski touring Kyrgyzstan team will wait for you at the airport. If you are arriving by land meeting point is also at the airport or elsewhere if you let us know where (this service is not included in a price). After the meeting, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Please note, that due to a long drive to our base, we provide only one transportation per group, usually in the morning (at arround 10:00 AM). So take into consideration that one extra day and accommodation may be necessary.
The guide for Ski touring in Kyrgyzstan will wait for you at our Yurt Camp
There will be approximately 4-6 hours of hiking broken up in the day and approximately 800~1100 vertical meters of skiing.
Yes, all of our ski touring tours in Kyrgyzstan require uphill travel, and skins are by far the most efficient way. Skins attach to the base of skis or split-snowboards, peel off at the top of the run, and get stowed in a pocket for the downhill fun.
It depends on the conditions and snow stability on that day. Our guides want to ski and ride in good snow conditions and can find safe and fun terrain in almost all weather. On our tours, you may be riding open powder areas most of the time. On more advanced tours we often access higher ridgelines.
We will make every effort to stick to the itinerary, but sometimes it’s necessary to change plans and ski in a neighboring area or even further afield. Many of our itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind, and it’s usually possible to ski in most conditions with some careful alternative planning.
As we will be hiking up from the tops of the base you’ll need to able to hike with your skis/split-board for 3 hours minimum with our programs Skit touring Kyrgyzstan. The pace is not high speed, however, it is physically demanding, so some cardio fitness is required to sustain a steady hiking pace. We of course take breaks to rest and for snacks to reenergize.
Yes! There will be lots of good chances for photos… most of the time on the way up though. Please don’t have your “GoPro” chest-mounted as it messes with the avalanche beacon (inaccurate readings or false readings).
Yes, our guides will cover basic avalanche safety, what to do in the event of an avalanche, and how to search for someone using your avalanche transceiver or a beacon.
Our guides have formal avalanche risk management operations courses, avalanche safety, and rescue training. All of our guides have at least National Mountain Licence. Our lead guides also are certified by international mountain guiding associations. Operationally, we meet daily to collaborate and discuss snowpack data, weather observations, and tour itineraries to make sure you are headed to the best snow in safe conditions every day.
You may transfer your booking to different dates, a different course, group can buy empty seats or choose a full refund.
If you wish to cancel you must notify us in writing, whereupon the following charges will be applied from the date we receive your notice of cancellation:
For our ski touring trips, you must have specialist travel insurance providing medical, emergency search/rescue, and repatriation cover for the following activities: off-piste skiing and ski touring in glaciated areas requiring the use of ropes, up to 4000m altitude. We also strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation cover, in case you’re unable to attend your trip due to personal circumstances or injury.
Yes. This can be done during the online booking process. Please note that a single room is not always possible. When we can provide such an option we will let you know asap.
You can rent equipment, but you need to inform us at least 31 days before the start of your program. Our trips are in remote areas where there are no shops or rental services, so we need to provide them from a distance. Please note that rental on the spot is not available.
