An eight-day ski-touring and freeride program based at Karkyra camp at 2,200 m, in a valley on Kyrgyzstan’s eastern border. Ski on natural, ungroomed terrain, climbing for your descents and choosing your own lines across open powder bowls, steep couloirs and broad mountain ridges.
A snowmobile provides access to the slopes and Chymyn-Sai Pass, with four transfers a day. This means less time getting to the runs and more time skiing. The terrain spans the Chaar-Kuduk tract and the Tyup, Tuz and Uch-Kashka gorges, with descents of 300–800 vertical metres. The peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too range form the backdrop. Winter temperatures in the valleys typically range from −15 to −20°C, helping preserve the light, dry powder.
Stay at Karkyra camp throughout the week. Heated yurts and three buffet meals a day provide a warm base between days on the mountain. Unpack once, explore different lines each day and return to camp in the evening.
This is backcountry skiing in avalanche terrain. Valid insurance and avalanche safety equipment are mandatory. Review the requirements below before booking to make sure you have the equipment, experience and preparation this week demands.
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Our guide meets you at Manas Airport in Bishkek and, after breakfast, a short rest and a baggage check, transfer to our Karkyra camp at 2,200 m, in the Chaar-Kuduk valley on the eastern border of Kyrgyzstan. After arrival, settle into a heated yurt and spend your first evening at the winter camp.
Overnight: Karkyra camp, heated yurts.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Spend six full days ski touring and freeriding across the Chaar-Kuduk tract and the Tyup, Tuz and Uch-Kashka gorges. Four snowmobile uplifts a day provide access to the slopes and Chymyn-Sai Pass, with descents of 300–800 vertical metres across varied terrain, from open bowls to steep couloirs. Each day offers different lines to suit the conditions and the group’s abilities. Return to Karkyra camp each evening for a buffet dinner and a night in your heated yurt.
Overnight: Karkyra camp, heated yurts.
Meals each day: breakfast, lunch-box, dinner.
After breakfast we transfer you back to Bishkek. There is a farewell dinner in the city, and then the transfer to Manas Airport for your flight home.
Meals: breakfast, lunch-box, dinner in Bishkek.
| Departure Date | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 February 2027 – 13 February 2027 | Spots Available | $1,750 | |
| 13 February 2027 – 20 February 2027 | Spots Available | $1,750 | |
| 20 February 2027 – 27 February 2027 | Spots Available | $1,750 |
| Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|
| Double/twin occupancy | $1,750 |
| Single occupancy | $1,870 |
The skiing takes place off-piste on natural, ungroomed terrain. A snowmobile provides 4 transfers a day to the foot of the slopes and Chymyn-Sai Pass, from where you climb and descend on natural snow. Descents range from 300 to 800 vertical metres, across open bowls, steep couloirs and wide ridges. You should be a confident off-piste skier or snowboarder, comfortable skiing ungroomed snow and prepared for up to around four hours of climbing and hiking throughout the day.
This is off-piste skiing in avalanche terrain, and two things are not optional.
Insurance is mandatory. You must have insurance covering ski touring, freeride and mountain evacuation, including helicopter evacuation, with coverage of at least $30,000. Without valid insurance, you will not be allowed to join the tour, and the tour fee is non-refundable.
Avalanche equipment is required. You need an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe. These are not included in the tour price and can be rented. You must know how to use this equipment or tell us at booking so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
The ski valleys, Chaar-Kuduk, Tyup, Tuz, and Uch-Kashka, sit at around minus 15 to minus 20°C through the season. The cold, dry climate keeps the powder light, and the clear, frosty air gives long views of the Terskey Ala-Too. Dress for a deep cold and bring spares, because you are out on the snow all day.
The camp sits at 2,200 m, so altitude is a smaller factor here than the cold. You will feel the effort of climbing on snow at height, but this is not a high-altitude trip in the way an expedition is.
Compulsory equipment:
Clothing:
The local currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). Bank cards are accepted in Bishkek; outside the capital, plan to pay in cash.
If you bring US dollars or euros to exchange, bring notes of 50 and 100 in clean condition, without stamps, inscriptions, or damage, as damaged banknotes are not accepted by banks and exchange offices. US dollar notes must be issued from 2009 or later. Euro notes should be no larger than 100.
Many European, UK, and US travellers can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 30 days within any 60-day period. Check the current rule for your nationality before you book.
What level of skiing do I need? This is off-piste ski touring and freeride. You should be a confident skier or snowboarder in ungroomed snow, able to manage climbs of up to about four hours. It is not a trip for beginners or for on-piste-only skiers.
Is skiing guided? Yes. Ski touring and freeride are guided by an experienced mountain guide throughout the week. Routes are selected according to snow conditions, terrain and the group’s ability.
Do I need my own skis and avalanche kit? Yes. You should bring your own skis, ski boots, poles, helmet and airbag backpack. Ski equipment and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe) are not included in the tour price, so you must bring your own or arrange a rental in advance. You should know how to use your avalanche safety equipment. If you need equipment rental or guidance, please let us know when booking.
Is insurance required? Yes. You must have travel insurance with coverage of at least $30,000 for ski touring and freeride, including helicopter evacuation in the mountains. Without valid insurance that covers these activities and evacuation, you cannot join the tour. In this case, the tour fee is non-refundable.
How do we get up the slopes? A snowmobile provides up to 4 transfers a day to the foot of the slopes and Chymyn-Sai Pass. From there, you climb on skis or on foot before descending on natural terrain. Expect up to around four hours of uphill travel and hiking throughout the day, depending on the route and snow conditions.
Is this a good trip for solo travellers? No. This trip is designed for groups, and solo travellers cannot join individually. Please contact us to ask about upcoming group departures.
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Ak-Sai Travel has organized tours across Kyrgyzstan’s mountains, valleys, and nomadic regions since 1998, led by our local team.
Guides grew up in these mountains and valleys, so you get straight answers about the route, the weather, and the culture from people who know the ground firsthand.
Ak-Sai Travel owns and runs the transport, the guides, and the camps you stay in, so one local team handles your whole trip and looks after you if a plan changes.
You stay in traditional Kyrgyz yurt camps and have lunch in local family homes, experiencing Kyrgyz culture through where you stay and where you eat.
Ak-Sai Travel has been organizing tours and mountain expeditions across Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia since 1998, using routes that have been tested and refined over decades.
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