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Freeride skiing in Kyrgyzstan - Tien Shan

8 days from 2395 € per participant

Guaranteed departure from 5 people

Comfort KISF801
Kirgistan Montagne Maximum altitude 3000 m Skill level : 2 Montagne Stamina level : 2

Pros

  • An all inclusive trip in a great free riding area, out of this world, with very few inhabitants and still very little-known
  • Heaps of snow guaranteed in this end of the world 
  • Total disconnection guaranteed, with accommodation in comfortable yurts
  • Technically and physically accessible to all skiers used to skiing in all kinds of snow
  • Easy-going with snowmachines transfers to freeride areas
  • Everything here is unique: the hospitality, the food and the culture

In a nutshell

This freeride trip is the best of the best for a skier, period ! We could finish the intro here, but we'll tell you a little more about this trip. We just love it so much, and simply can't wait to get back and take you out there !

Imagine out of this world scenery, over-friendly encounters, endless virgin mountains, a comfy and well-insulated yurt camp in the heart of the Tian Shan mountain range, accessible only with a skidoo ! Every day we get a ride up to the numerous mountain passes surrounding the camp, through magnificent Silberian woodlands located on the Kyrgyz - Kazakh border. Nearly every run requires a little skinning (10 to 20 min max) to reach the ridge. From there, skis and boots in downhill position and fire ! Ski and smile, through virgin powder snowfields on gentle slopes... Life is good and everything should be just fine ;-) And guess what ? Down at the bottom of the mountain, the snowmachines are waiting for us and up we go again, and skin up for more fun !

Picnics, meals and logistics are all sorted out so this trip is as smooth as the powder you may be lucky enough to ski through. After a hard day's skiing, a shower or a Russian sauna, we eat well... Yes, our cook is great and generous. No worries, we'll also have time to chat and relax in the mess yurt, in the living room with the local team. 8 days is relatively short, though long enough to enjoy and make the most of it. We don't get out here every weekend, do we Dad ?

Friends, family or just colleagues at work ?

You wish to customize one of our trips, among friends and at your own convenience ? No problem, contact us so we can adapt a trip to suit you, right down to the last detail ! Our trips are tailor-made so giving you what you want is as easy as 123.

  • Price (VAT inc)

Day to day

Day 1 - Arrival in Bishkek, hot springs and transfer to Karakol

Transfer to Bishkek, rest at hotel until noon. The French guide will check your gear and do a short brief regarding the coming week's program. After lunch, departure for the famous Karakol ski area at the Eastern end of the country. It's a beautiful drive along the shore of the Issyk Kul lake. There's nothing like a stop for a bath in the natural Korumdu hot springs before a good night's sleep in Karakol: tomorrow's going to be a hard day ... skiing ! 

Transfer: minibus (400 km / 6 hrs)

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation included: 3* hotel

 

Day 2 - Warm up and discover Karakol !

This is highest ski area in Central Asia, with a maximum altitude of 3040 m. In this ski area we've planned safety checks and an estimate of everybody's skills. You have time to get warmed up and test kyrgyz snow, of course ! Back to our hotel for a debrief. 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation included: 3* hotel

 

Day 3 - Go for it in Karakol and set sail for Karkara

Freeride skiing in the Karakol ski area, a ski lift drops us at above 3000 m above sea level and offers an insane number of crazy runs. We'll most probably skin to search for some hidden runs. 

In the afternoon we head for the Karkara valley (2200 m) to reach our comfortable yurt camp, our base camp for the following days. 4WD transfer, followed by a snowmachine and finally sled transfer to cover the ultimate 15 kms to base camp. Great experience in a great atmosphere. Settle down and meal in a welcoming place. It's time to relax either in the yurt or in the Russian sauna, accessible every evening. 

Transfer: 4WD and snowmachine (120km - approx. 3 hrs)

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation included: comfortable yurt

 

Day 4 - More & more in Karkara : day number 1

Departure towed by a snowmachine to reach the neighbouring mountain passes. From there we put on our skins and climb to reach fabulous totally virgin runs.... Today we've booked great powder skiing with snowmachine lifts back up. Back to the yurt camp and chill out before dinner. 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation included: comfortable yurt

 

Day 5 - More & more in Karkara : day number 2

Skiing options here are immense, we once again explore another area near basecamp, thanks to the snowmachine that takes us up once again. Another great day to enjoy incredibly wild places and top quality freeride skiing... 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation included: comfortable yurt

 

Day 6 - More & more in Karkara : day number 3

It's such a shame this "boring" routine is not neverending ... Same "routine": departure towed by snowmachines, and after the first 2 days spent exploring the place, we decide together on today's playground in order to make the most of this last day in paradise !

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation included: comfortable yurt

 

Day 7 - Return to Bishkek & Osh market visit

After breakfast, transfer with snowmachine to our 4WD, then en route for Bishkek, with plenty of coffee and tea stops in local roadhouses. Lunch en route. In the afternoon we visit the huge Osh market in Bishkek. The is the place and right time to find some souvenirs like a chapka, and plunge into the city's local day to day life. Accomodation in hotel.  

Transfer: snowmachine, 4WD, minibus (440 km/ 7-8 hrs)

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation included: 3* hotel

 

J8 -  Bishkek - Transfert aéroport

After a good breakfast it's time to say goodbye ! Transfer to airport. Return flight.

Transfer: minibus, approx 45 min

Meal included: breakfast

 

Please note this itinerary is an example of a freeride skiing trip in Kyrgyzstan. The guide may adjust certain itineraries and ski areas according to weather and snow conditions as well as participants' abilities. We kindly ask you to respect such decision.  We may also change accommodation, maintaining the same standards, according to logistics and availabilities.

In case practices and customs defined by the local guide authorities change, estimating the reasonable number of clients per guide, for safety reasons, Azimut respects these, even last minute, decisions. Such cases are rare and mostly related to exceptional conditions in the mountains. Therefore some compensation may be requested from your side due to less participants per guide.

Meeting and leaving

Meeting points

  • Bishkek Airport Manas International (FRU)

    See on the map

    Meeting time: 5 am
    Leaving time: in the morning

Get together - Practical information

Flights to buy

Return trip to Bishkek (FRU) - Kyrgyzstan (approx. €400-500).

For reasons of price variations, this trip Ski touring - Kyrgyzstan is sold without flights. We strongly recommend Turkish Airlines: good company, very good management of ski/bike baggage (transport of skis included in the baggage allowance). Alternatively, you can find low fares on booking platforms such as MisterFlyOpodoKayak, etc. 

Please note: Only buy the flights for this trip once we have confirmed that your departure is guaranteed!

  • Suggested arrival time to Bishkek: 4.50 am (first day)
  • Suggested departure time from Bishkek: 6.05 am (last day)

If you arrive/depart within these times, an airport shuttle is included. Otherwise, if you arrive or leave later than these times, an airport-hotel transfer option is available on booking. Ask us for advice!

Group size

5 to 10 participants

Guiding

AZIMUT mountain guide from France + local English-speaking guide.

Local ski guide: he introduces us to his country, acts as a link with the people, helps us find the best runs and liaises with the local teams. He also skis with us.

We work with a great team of guides. We choose them mainly for their friendliness, their teaching skills and their organisational skills. We listen carefully to our guides, work with them and make sure that their working conditions and pay are the best they can be.

Daypack

Bring a small day pack large enough to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) clothing, a few snacks and security equipment. We strongly recommend that you wear an airbag.

Getting around

Comfortable minibus, 4x4 and snowmobile.

Ski lifts

The Karakol ski lifts are included in the cost of the stay.

 

How technical does it get ? How fit should I be ?

  • Skill level

For good skiers in all types of snow. Days skiing at a good pace. Slopes may include a few short steep sections. Short ski touring ascents of no more than 45mn - 1h/day and requiring no previous mastery of ski touring techniques.  Ideal transition for a good on-piste skier wanting to become a good freeride skier (off-piste). 

  • Stamina level

Good physical condition is required, skinning or short ascents on foot will not exceed 45 min/day. You should be prepared to ski all day long at a good pace.

Good to know: if you don't have the level required, the guide may ask you to leave for the well-being of the rest of the group if necessary. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us ! 

 

Pricing and insurance

Pricing

The price includes

  • Organisation
  • Internal transfers
  • Luggage transport (minibus, 4x4, snowmobile)
  • Supervision by an English-speaking guide throughout your stay, including expenses (flights, meals, accommodation, ski lifts)
  • Supervision by a local English-speaking guide
  • Full-board accommodation (breakfast included on D8), excluding drinks 
  • Permits and entry fees for 'ecological zones
  • Border permit
  • Ski lifts
  • Bottled water 1L per person / day 
  • AZIMUT welcome pack 


 The price does not include

  • International air travel and the cost of transporting your luggage to Bishkek
  • Airport-hotel shuttle in Bishkek if you arrive at a later time
  • Insurance
  • Visits not included in the programme 
  • All drinks, including at meals, extras in accommodation and personal expenses
  • Freeride ski equipment
  • Early return expenses
  • Gratuities
  • Airport taxes on departure from Bishkek (approximately $20)
  • And anything else not included in the "price includes" section.

Payment

A 30% deposit, as well as the insurance cost if you choose to subscribe the latter, is required to secure your booking. You will receive a reminder email 35 days prior to departure for the outstanding balance due latest 30 days prior to departure. 

Insurance

We strongly recommend you to be properly insured for the chosen activity. You should be covered for medical expenses, personal accident & liabilité, third party risks and rescue (helicopter), as well as trip cancellation or curtailment.

Repatriation and research insurance are mandatory when booking a trip with Azimut. We have a full range of insurances on offer to suit the trip you select and the risks that it may incur. 

Tipping

Tipping is no obligation. However participants often hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide. Don't forget the local guides and drivers 

 

Accommodation, meals and formalities

During your stay

Depending on the composition of the group, you may be with someone of the opposite sex.

- We'll be staying in comfortable hotels and yurts, in rooms for 2 to 4 people. Bed linen and towels are provided.

- Dinners and breakfasts are taken in local restaurants and cafés or at the yurt camp.

 A single room supplement (hotels only) of €130 is possible, subject to availability.

By the way, our yurt camp: We sleep in our yurt camp, but please note that we're talking about nice, cosy yurts for two people with a toilet and bathroom (not the one with the cook right in the middle of the smell of horse tripe grease and your bed 2 metres from the stove where the cook is preparing the mutton stew that has to simmer all night). Anyway, you get the idea, you know us, we like nice places, places where you enjoy spending time. Trust us, this trip...it's the one to do!

Accommodation before and after your ski touring holiday

As soon as you register, we'll send you the names and contact details of accommodation where you can spend the night before or after your trip. This accommodation is close to the meeting points and you will often benefit from a preferential rate.

Currency & cash

The local currency is the som (KGS).  1 €= 100.56KGS (30.07.2021)

Passport

French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian nationals are exempt from visa and registration requirements for tourist or business visits of less than 60 days (2 months). They must have a passport that is valid for the entire duration of their stay.

Make sure that the passport has been stamped by a border guard.

Passports must be in perfect condition (no stains, staples, paper clips, marks, tears, etc.).

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are compulsory, but some may be recommended. Make sure you're up to date with your usual vaccinations, as well as those for all the geographical areas you'll be visiting.

Updating your diphtheria-tetanus-polio (DTP) vaccination is recommended, as is the rubella-mumps-measles (MMR) vaccine for children. Vaccination against tuberculosis is also advisable.

Depending on local travel conditions, vaccinations against typhoid fever and viral hepatitis A and B may be recommended.

Vaccination against rabies may also be advisable in certain cases, depending on the conditions and location of your stay. Ask your doctor or an international vaccination centre for advice.

For all other information about health risks... please consult: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr

 

Téléphone & WIFI

In the event of an emergency or delay, you can contact our guide, whose number will be given to you before departure, or Azimut on 04 92 23 07 24. Pass on these contacts to your family and friends before you leave.

Free WIFI in hotels

WIFI at the yurt camps for a fee

SIM cards called "B Line" at around €4, which provide good 4G coverage.

 

Equipment - clothing & gear

Make sure to wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and gives photos a funky edge ! 

Skiing material (all in excellent condition)

  • Freeride skis (or freeride rando skis) with touring bindings
  • Ski skins and ski crampons (aka "couteaux")
  • Poles
  • Ski boots: opt for ski touring boots or freeride boots with good ankle flex and a better range of movement. Regular alpine ski boots will also do the job as climbs are relatively short.
  • Avalanche safety kit: transceiver, shovel and probe (please let us know if you have your own, if not we lend them free of charge)
  • Harness for glacier terrain (if you don't have one, you can borrow one)
  • Daypack: capacity of 30 liters

Security advice: avalanche airbag backpacks are strongly recommended for you safety and security.

They help to stay on the surface in case of avalanche and minimize the risk of burial. Our guides use airbags. We highly recommend you to opt for high quality and reliable gear. If you don't have an avalanche airbag we rent them out at a very competitive price.

If you don't have the adequate equipment for the trip, don’t worry and travel light: we rent out the required gear and hand it over at the start of the trip ! Our gear is relatively new, if not new, of good quality and adapted to your choice of activity.

Prices of rental equipment during the entire trip (these competitive prices only take into account the number of days of the trip):

 

Full Pack (ski, boots, skins, ski-crampons, poles)

335 €

Skis (skis, skins, poles, ski-crampons) 

295 €

Airbag Backpack

160 €

Helmet

50 €

You can choose to rent equipment when booking your trip, or lateron by clicking on “my account”. If any of the equipment you’ve chosen is out of stock you’ll be notified and reimbursed.

Clothes

This list of clothes is designed to give you an idea of clothes it may be a good to have with you. By no means do you need to have the latest brands or the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start.

Headwear

  • Warm hat or buff/scarf
  • Ski goggles (2 pairs) and sunglasses: UV factory 4 protective lenses. Photochromic glasses adapt to light intensity and are very useful
  • Helmet (strongly recommended)

Bodywear

  • Under layer: breathable long sleeved tops to maintain heat. A tip: merino wool is breathable and has anti-bacterial properties and is therefore less likely to smell as opposed to synthetic fabrics. Take this into consideration if you need to update your wardrobe.
  • Middle layer: a light polar or synthetic jacket for an extra layer of heat during breaks
  • Outer layer: a Gore-tex or similar type of jacket with a breathable waterproof membrane. Make sure it's lightweight and compact so it doesn't take up too much space in your backpack
  • Bottom layer: trousers with a breathable waterproof membrane (Gore Tex or similar) with long side zips allowing air to flow, recommended on climbs
  • Hands: light fleece or soft shell gloves, a pair of silk glove liners to go underneath, warm gloves with a breathable and waterproof membrane. Mittens are always a good idea for really cold days of for those of you who feel the cold !
  • Swimming gear: it takes up such little space, it would be a shame not to bring it just in case. Avoid swimming shorts or bermudas, they are not usually allowed.

Footwear

  • Ski socks: merino wool socks are breathable and have anti-bacterial properties and are less likely to smell as opposed to those made of synthetic materials. Think about them if you need to stock up.
  • Slippers / Crocs recommended for evening wear.

Odds and ends

  • a 1 litre flask (Thermos or Camelback)
  • a pocket knife
  • duck tape
  • factor 50 sun cream
  • a duffle bag holding up to 110 litres to leave at the hotel or in the vehicle. No suitcases.

Toiletries and first aid kit

- Personal toilet bag

- To make up a first aid kit, please find all relevant information on the Ifremmont website. 

In partnership with

Our guides use the following brands for their gear and you'll have the opportunity to test them during the trip:

 

And last but not least...

Don't forget to

  • Leave contact details with your friends and family
  • Bring your papers and I.D. (passport and visa if necessary)
  • Bring your contract number and documents related to your insurance (if you've chosen not to have insure coverage with us)
  • Bring your “carte vitale” and your European health card (EU member states) - if you don't have one you can order one for free online  www.ameli.fr
  • Check that you have the right equipment
  • Take spare batteries and a charger for your electronic devices (camera, video recorder, tracking devices etc)
  • Bring some cash and your credit card
  • Leave in a good frame of mind: we're going to have a great time even if we may not happen to not make it to the summit !
  • Before leaving: water the plants, empty the rubbish bin, turn off water and gas, and tell your partner that you're going to have a good time (please not by text message), that you've well deserved... If you don't follow the latter recommendation, you'll most probably kick yourself when you get back!

 

See you on the slopes ! Have great runs with AZIMUT !

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