Heliski in Kyrgyzstan

Description

Heli-skiing in Kyrgyzstan offers an adrenaline-pumping and unforgettable experience for skiers seeking extreme adventure and the untouched powder slopes of Tian Shan mountains.

If you can ski intermediate runs at your ski area, then you can heli-ski with us on our heli-ski program.

Here are the highlights of heli-skiing in Kyrgyzstan:

1. Vast and Remote Terrain: Kyrgyzstan is home to vast mountain ranges like the Tien Shan and the Pamirs, providing vast expanses of untouched and remote terrain. Heli-skiing allows you to access these remote areas that are not easily reachable by other means, giving you the opportunity to ski on pristine slopes that few have ever touched.
2. Varied Terrain for All Levels: Kyrgyzstan offers a diverse range of terrain suitable for heli-skiers of all levels. From open bowls and wide slopes for intermediate skiers to steep chutes and couloirs for advanced skiers, there is something to challenge and thrill every level of heli-skier. The vast terrain and varying slopes ensure that each run is unique and offers a different experience.
3. Cultural Immersion: After an exhilarating day of heli-skiing, you can also immerse yourself in the rich Kyrgyz culture. Visit local villages, experience traditional cuisine, and interact with the warm and hospitable locals. This unique combination of extreme skiing and cultural immersion makes heli-skiing in Kyrgyzstan a truly unforgettable adventure.

Mostly the area has no ski developments and many side valleys and mountains are seldom visited but have good landing places on high mountain passes, ridges and glaciers where it is possible to start descents. Then the helicopter takes the group to another location. On a good day it is possible to make about 6 trips like that.

Your guide will select terrain within a zone according to snowfall, the weather, and your group's ability. Our guides are professionals, dedicated to safety and comradeship. We employ three guides for the program. The guides carry radio and can contact with the helicopter or the mountain rescue. They also carry emergency equipment.

We use the MI-8-MTB helicopters, which are known in many countries as good and reliable helicopters. It is powered by two turbo-engines and has a carrying capacity of two tons. It can carry a group of 15 skiers and boarders, depending on weight, plus the guides and the pilots. Two pilots fly the MI-8-MTB, which means extra safety. You can be sure that the helicopters are flown by very experienced pilots, who are very experienced in heli ski and mountain rescue flying.

Itinerary

Best season: winter 2023-2024

Day 1. Bishkek – Karkara valley or other heli ski location

Arrival to Kyrgyzstan, meet in international airport “Manas”, transfer to Bishkek. Time for breakfast and after it transfer to Karkara (420 km). We will drive through the picturesque Boom gorge along the seaside of the most beautiful lake Issyk Kul (the second largest lake in the world after Titikaka in Peru). Lunch on the way. By late afternoon arrival to the yurt camp. Accommodation and dinner/rest

Day 2 – 5. Heli-skiing in Karkara Valley or or other heli-ski location

08:00 breakfast
09:00 – 15:00 Heli-skiing
12:00 lunch pack
15:00 flight back to the yurt camp
17.00-19.00 Sauna
19:00 Dinner. Rest.

Day 6. Transfer back to Bishkek

08:00 breakfast
09:00 Departure to Bishkek
12:00 lunch on the way
17:00 Accommodation in hotel
19:00 Farewell dinner

Day 7. Bishkek – Airport

Transfer to “Manas” airport.

Map

Additional Info

Possible areas for heli-skiing

1.Yssyk-Kul lake area, Terskey Ala Too, Karkara camp:

Karkara, Jyrgalan,  ur. Kuilu  - the heights are 3000-5000 m. The slopes vary in length from 800 to 1200 m with a length of 1.5 to 7 km. The largest area for conducting programs. Unlimited possibilities of descents. A variety of exposures, steepness and length of the slopes. With weather variability, it is possible to change the ski area. Accommodation in Karkara base camp. It is located on the eastern border of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in the Kar-Kara gorge - approximately 120 km from the city of Karakol - first yurt camp of Kyrgyzstan with all amenities! There are a number of excellent slopes

2. Sussamyr - West Karakol - upper Ala-Archa:
The heights are 3800 - 4100 m. The slopes vary from 800 to 1200 m with a length of 1.5 to 5 km. The area is well known and convenient because there are a large number of slopes suitable for skiing (more than 50) and the time of approach from Bishkek is minimal - 30 minutes. A wonderful skiing area, both for beginners and extreme skiers. Accommodation in Zhanate.

3. Kyrgyz Ala-Too - Sussamyr:
The heights are 3800-4200 m. The slopes vary from 500 to 1300 m with a length of 1.5 to 8 km. A variety of descents, a huge number of slopes, skating on "bottomless snow" will leave unforgettable sensations of the trailblazer with each descent. The sharply continental climate (low temperatures and dry air) causes the formation of a snow cover of the "powder" type from December to April months. Accommodation at the ski resort "Too-Ashuu".

Accommodation:
• When driving in the Terskey area Ala Too - ur. Kuilu, Jyrgalan - up to Khan-Tengri - accommodation at the Karkara camp. Accommodation in 2-bed rooms with all conveniences.
• When driving in the Sussamyr region - West Karakol - upper Ala-Archa - mountain hotel "Jannat Resort". Accommodation in 2 rooms with all amenities. Accommodation in the city is possible for an additional payment.
• When skiing in the area of ​​Kyrgyz Ala-Too - Sussamyr - the ski base "Too-Ashuu". Accommodation in wooden 2 and 4-person cottages. Each room has a shower and a toilet. Dining room, bar.

Food:
The price includes three meals a day for the whole period of the program (breakfast in the hotel/camp, lunch-lunchbox, suppers in the hotel/camp)

Service staff:
With the group work from 2 to 3 guides.

Weather:
In the rolling areas the temperature is up to -15 ° С.

Compulsory equipment:

A small backpack (preferably with a back protection) for a free ride
Helmet + back and shoulder protection
Ski goggles
Sunscreen
Avalanche Sensor
Avalanche shovel and probe
Thermos
Personal first aid kit

The basic set of clothes:

Suit windproof (from "gore-tex" or similar materials) or ski suit
Jacket from Polartec
Thermal Underwear
Cap or mask
Warm sweater (wool, polartec)
Gauntlets, gloves (have a pair of spare)

Additional program conditions:

• the heli-ski routes are chosen by the guides and depend on the group riding level, weather and snow conditions;
• the program is planned for a good weather;
• we will refund unused money in case of bad weather conditions or group danger;
• we do not give money back to the client if the runs didn't happen because of other reasons, such as broken equipment, illness, late take-off or early landing, caused by the client;
• It is an obligatory clients are required to have an insurance.

Photos

Prices

For more information about dates and prices, please contact our manager by e-mail: adventure2@ak-sai.com