Bishkek

FREERIDE SKI TOUR IN KARAKOL AND KARKARA - KYRGYZSTAN

Freeride

What you'll do

It is in the Tien Shan massifs, east of Lake Issik Kol that our superb trip will take place! We will take you to discover this unusual land with very good slopes! Every day, we will explore the many options in the small surrounding valleys, trapped and loaded with powder. You will live a rich journey, in terms of skiing, meetings with the Kyrgyz, and cultural discoveries between the Soviet past and the Silk Roads...You will reach peaks of up to 3,000 meters together with your fellow travelers and the guide in this off-the-beaten-track region!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Bishkek and Transfer to Karakol

Arrive in Bishkek in the early morning around 5 AM and relax at your hotel until noon. After a gear check and a briefing from our guide, enjoy lunch before heading to the stunning Karakol ski area. The drive along Issyk Kul Lake offers breathtaking views. Unwind with a soak in the natural Korumdu hot springs before settling in for the night at our hotel in Karakol. Get ready for an exciting day of skiing tomorrow!

Day 2 - Discover Karakol!

Explore the highest ski area in Central Asia, reaching up to 3040 meters. We'll conduct safety checks and assess everyone's skiing abilities. You'll have plenty of time to warm up and enjoy the Kyrgyz snow. After a day on the slopes, return to the hotel for a debrief.

Day 3 - Freeride in Karakol and Transfer to Karkara

Start your day with thrilling freeride skiing in Karakol. A ski lift will take us to over 3000 meters, where you'll experience a variety of exhilarating runs. In the afternoon, we'll head to the Karkara Valley (2200 m) and reach our cozy yurt camp via 4WD, snowmachine, and sled. Settle in, relax, and enjoy a warm meal. The Russian sauna is available every evening.

Day 4 - Skiing in Karkara: Get ready for untouched powder!

Get ready for a day of untouched powder! We'll be towed by snowmachines to nearby mountain passes, where we'll skin up to pristine, virgin slopes. After an epic day of powder skiing, return to the yurt camp for some downtime before dinner.

Day 5 - Another day in Karkara area

Today, we explore another incredible area around the base camp, with the help of snowmachines. The wild terrain and high-quality snow make for an unforgettable day of freeride skiing.

Day 6 - Final day in this snowy paradise

On our final day in this snowy paradise, we'll stick to the same "boring" routine—being towed by snowmachines to explore more untouched terrain. After getting familiar with the area, we'll choose the best spots together to make the most of our last day in this ski touring haven.

Day 7 - Return to Bishkek and Osh Market Visit

After breakfast, we'll start our journey back to Bishkek, transitioning from snowmachines to 4WDs. Along the way, we'll take breaks for coffee and tea at local roadhouses. Upon arrival in Bishkek, we'll visit the bustling Osh Market, perfect for picking up souvenirs and experiencing local life.

Day 8 - Time to say goodbye Kyrgy!

After a good breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your return flight.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

UIAGM IFMGA Guide

Accommodation

Local transport

Lunch

Dinner

Breakfast

Park entrance fee

Cereal bars

Luggage transport (minibus, 4X4, snowmobile)

Supervision by an English-speaking guide throughout your stay

Border permits

Ski lift

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Extra accommodation

Transport from airport

Transport to airport

Technical Gear

Snacks and drinks

Tourist tax

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Tips

Rental equipment

Drinks (wine, beer, apple juice...)

Airport taxes on departure from Bishkek (approximately $20)

Accomodations

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Hotel and Yurt

You will spend most of the time in a comfortable hotel and a yurt in rooms fro 2 or 4 people. Bed linen and towels are provided. Dinners and breakfasts are taken in local restaurants and cafés or at the yurt camp.

Guides

Guillaume

Guillaume is a UIAGM IFMGA mountain guide from France. He is part of a big family, Azimut. Azimut is a guides company who work hard to make sure that all of their trips connect with their passions: awesome skiing, great people, fantastic food and comfortable hotels.