Ski tours Kyrgyzstan & Cat Skiing

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Ski tours Kyrgyzstan with Cat Skiing

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Ski touring trip & Cat Skiing Kyrgyzstan: Your ultimate freeride adventure in Central Asia

Experience pristine powder, the endless expanse of the Tian Shan mountains, and a culture as authentic as the terrain itself. A guided ski touring trip to Kyrgyzstan is more than just skiing – it’s an expedition into the heart of the „Celestial Mountains“.

Deep snow-covered slopes, endless expanses and untracked lines - welcome to the heart of the Tien-
Shan Mountains! In Kyrgyzstan, you can experience ski touring and cat skiing like nowhere else: authentic, wild and far away from the hustle and bustle of the Alps. The finest powder, alpine terrain up to 4,000 metres and a touch of true adventure romance await you here.

Discover the hidden powder paradise in Central Asia with us!

Travel highlights:

✅ Cat Skiing & Ski Touring

✅ Spend the night in a traditional yurt camp with sauna & hot tub

✅ Varied, snow-sure off-piste terrain up to 4,000 m altitude

✅ Authentic experience in the local community

✅ Guided tour by a state-certified ski/mountain guide plus a Kyrgyz local guide

Explorer trip: Discover new areas with us

The ski tour to Kyrgyzstan is designed as an explorer trip. This means that the area is also new territory for us. We want to gain important experience there, get to know our local partners and lay the foundations for future trips to Kyrgyzstan. We are therefore offering this ski tour at a lower price, which only covers our own costs. In return, we expect you to have a good level of skiing, sufficient fitness, a little patience if things don't go according to plan and a desire for adventure. 

We make no compromises when it comes to safety. The trip is accompanied by an experienced state-certified ski guide, who organises the tours together with the local guide and implements risk management in accordance with Austrian standards. The trip is also insured in accordance with the Package Travel Directive.

Our ski touring and cat skiing trip takes us to various touring areas in Kyrgyzstan and allows us to get to know the diversity of this mountain region. We spend the night in traditional yurt camps, just as the Kyrgyz nomads did for centuries. In the Jyrgalan Valley, the piste groomer takes us to the best powder runs. After two days Cat Skiing and maximum downhill fun, we discover another ski touring spot before our journey comes to an end and we return to civilisation.

 

Accommodation

We are accommodated in various simple accommodations according to local standards. We stay in guesthouses run by local families. We spend two nights in a traditional yurt camp with a hot tub.

TAG 1: Departure 

We are flying out on Friday in the early afternoon and will go via Istanbul to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

DAY 2: Arrival in Bishkek & Transfer to Karakol

Arrival at Manas International Airport. Meet local guide & transfer to Karakol (400 km) with stops at scenic spots along the way; meals at local cafes and relax in natural hot springs.

CateringDinner
AccommodationOvernight stay in a hotel in Karakol

TAG 3: Freeride in Karakol

We spend the first day of skiing at the small Karakol ski resort, immersing ourselves in the local ski culture. There we warm up and refresh our avalanche rescue skills. To finish off, we'll undertake a short ski tour in the immediate vicinity of the resort. Optionally, we'll visit the Ak-Suu hot springs in the afternoon. 

CateringBreakfast, lunch, dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay in a hotel in Karakol

DAY 4: Ski Tour & Transfer to Jyrgalan

We are heading to the village of Jyrgalan, where we will spend the next few days (transfer approx. 1 hour). On the way, we will undertake a ski tour (e.g. up Austrian Kiss Peak, approx. 1,000 vertical metres).

CateringBreakfast, lunch, dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay in a comfortable lodge in Jyrgalan

DAY 4: Cat skiing in Jyrgalan

We spend the whole day cat-skiing on the powder-covered slopes of Jyrgalan.

CateringBreakfast, lunch, dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay in a comfortable lodge in Jyrgalan

Day 5: Cat-Skiing in Jyrgalan & Transfer to Karakol

Another day of cat-skiing in the pristine backcountry of Jyrgalan. In the afternoon, transfer back to the hotel in Karakol. We can leave luggage we won't need at the yurt camp at the hotel or on the bus.

CateringBreakfast, lunch, dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay in a hotel in Karakol

DAY 6: Snowmobile transfer to Irdyk Yurt Camp & ski tour

We'll ride snowmobiles to the mountains to the Irdyk Yurt Camp for another ski touring adventure.

CateringBreakfast, lunch, dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay at Irdyk Yurt Camp

DAY 7: Ski tour & transfer to Bokonbayevo 

Ski tour in the morning. After lunch, we leave the Yurt Camp and continue to Bokonbayevo (approx. 3.5 hours). 

CateringBreakfast, lunch, dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay in a cosy guesthouse

DAY 8: Journey back to Bishkek 

Return journey to Bishkek. En route, we will visit spectacular gorges and learn about nomadic culture. Arrival in Bishkek in the afternoon. In the evening, a final farewell dinner together at a restaurant.

CateringBreakfast, lunch, dinner
AccommodationOvernight stay in a hotel

DAY 9: Return flight

Transfer to Manas International Airport and return journey.

CateringBreakfast

Included services:

  • 8 nights in hotels, guesthouses & yurts
    Camps incl. full board
  • 2 days Cat skiing
  • 4 days ski touring
  • Accompaniment & organisation by state-certified ski guides
  • Local ski guide & tour guide (Kyrgyz mountain guide)
  • all transfers by private minibus
  • Tour planning & organisation
  • Personal advice in advance

Services not included:

  • Flight from/to Bishkek
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • personal expenses, tips, etc.
    Travel insurance
  • all services not specified as included

Participation requirements

Vertical metres:Most ski tours require approximately 800 – 1,300 metres of ascent at a speed of ~350 vertical metres per hour. The summits partially reach over 3,500 m altitude.
Duration:approx. 5 - 7 hours per day
Difficulty:Participants on our ski tour to Kyrgyzstan must have good skiing skills and solid stamina! This means: good skiing technique in all types of snow and terrain, including medium-steep terrain and short steep sections up to approx. 40°. You should be practised in using avalanche emergency equipment and crampons. There may also be short summit ascents with crampons.

Insurance information

Insurance is NOT included in the tour price. We recommend that you take out travel cancellation and repatriation insurance as well as foreign travel health insurance. Membership as a Supporter of mountain rescue makes sense, as it covers rescue costs including helicopter rescue.

Minimum number of participants

The trip is subject to a minimum number of participants. If this number is not reached 20 days before the start of the trip, the organiser may cancel the tour. In this case, we will endeavour to offer you a suitable alternative. You will find details in our travel conditions.

Programme changes

Weather and conditions may necessitate adjustments to the tour plan – such as changes to the route, area choice, or forgoing a summit. Our ski guides always do their best to implement the planned programme; however, your safety and a coherent mountain experience take precedence. Thank you for your understanding.

Payment modalities

After conclusion of the contract, a Deposit of 20 % of the travel price is due. The The balance must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the holiday. In accordance with the Package Travel Act, payments must be made via a Security certificate covered. You can find more information in our travel conditions.

Passport and visa requirements, vaccinations, currency

  • Passport or identity card::
    The passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry.
    There must be at least one free page in the passport. For a stay of more than 60 days, registration with the Kyrgyz authorities is required.

  • Visa: For German, Austrian and Swiss citizens No visa required if the length of stay is short term (typically up to 60 days)

  • No compulsory vaccinations:Vaccinations are not mandatory when entering Kyrgyzstan. It is recommended to have the standard vaccinations (MMR, DTP, varicella, polio, influenza) up to date. In addition, the following vaccinations should be considered:
    Hepatitis A
    Hepatitis B
    Typhoid fever
    Rabies

  • National currency:Kyrgyz som (KGS) is the official currency. Payment transactions are largely cash-based; credit cards work mainly in cities, but often not in rural areas. Changing money in banks or official exchange offices (e.g. in Bishkek) is recommended to avoid high fees. USD are often accepted for exchange, Euro depending on availability.

Tour operator

PEAKX experiencesJan Alexander Kunert, MSc, Urgbach 1, 6500 Landeck
hello@peakx.at | +43 660 7404492

Mobility advice

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

  • Ski touring rucksack (approx. 25-35 litres)
  • Suitable ski touring boots with walking function
  • Ski touring skis with bindings and crampons
  • Suitable and well-adhering tensioning adhesive skins
  • Telescopic ski poles
  • Adapted crampons with front points (light aluminium ski touring crampons are sufficient)
  • Modern avalanche transceiver (avalanche transceiver, 3-antenna device) with new batteries*
  • Avalanche probe and avalanche shovel (made of metal)*
  • Helmet (recommended, not a must)

Clothing & for travelling

  • Thin, windproof gloves
  • Warm gloves or mittens
  • Interchangeable gloves
  • Gore-Tex jacket
  • Ski touring trousers
  • Functional shirt
  • Cap/headband
  • Sunglasses + ski goggles
  • Functional underwear
  • Travel clothing
  • Warm winter shoes
  • Drink, at least 1.5 litres (ideally in a thermos flask)
  • Catering (bars)
  • Change of underwear
  • Sun cream
  • Down jacket
  • First-aid kit with lightweight bivi bag
  • pers. Medication
  • Blister plasters
  • Credit card & about € 200,- cash
  • Passport

For the yurt

  • Sleeping bag (comfort range -5°C)
  • light trekking shoes for a stay in a hut
  • Ear plugs
  • Toiletries
  • Swimming trunks/suit for sauna/hot tub
  • Shower towel

ImportantTake soft travelling bags or duffel bags with you, no bulky hard-shell suitcases. A maximum of 30 kg of luggage per person can be transported to the camps. 

Why a ski touring trip to Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan has developed into an absolute insider tip for freeriders in recent years. Anyone who wants to exchange the hustle and bustle of the Alps for absolute solitude and stable continental powder will find their paradise here.

The highlights of the PeakX Kyrgyzstan expedition:

  • Tian Shan Mountains Skiing at altitudes between 2,000m and 4,000m.

  • Karakol & Jyrgalan Access to the best descents and most stable snow conditions.

  • Yurten Camps Authentic living amidst the wilderness, without foregoing the safety of an experienced guide.

  • Culture & Cuisine An insight into nomadic life and warm Kyrgyz hospitality.

Why PEAKX for your Kyrgyzstan adventure?

Kyrgyzstan offers immense peaks and stable continental snow. PEAKX We place a high value on ensuring this adventure does not come at the expense of safety. Our state-certified ski or mountain guides, along with local knowledgeable guides, ensure „first tracks“ in the vast high mountains. 

  • PEAKX Quality: Experienced guides with top training

  • Authenticity Overnight stays in traditional yurt camps.

  • Exclusivity Small groups of a maximum of 7 people for maximum freeride enjoyment.

€ 3390,-

per person with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 6 participants per group
Also bookable as a private tour for your group!

Quality Seal Ski Instructor

Frequently Asked Questions

This trip is aimed at advanced ski tourers who can ski confidently off-piste. A good level of fitness for ascents of 1,000 to 1,500 metres is a prerequisite.

In addition to standard ski touring equipment (skins, crampons), a complete avalanche safety set (transceiver, probe, shovel) and an airbag backpack are absolutely essential.

In Kyrgyzstan, it can get extremely cold, so we recommend high-quality down clothing. A high-quality down sleeping bag is also essential for overnight stays at the yurt camp.

PEAKX offers seamless organisation. From on-site logistics to selecting the safest and best routes, our guides ensure you can focus entirely on the experience.

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