Cat Ski Kyrgyzstan
Cat skiing in Kyrgyzstan isn’t your typical winter trip—it’s the kind of place you go when you want something a bit more real, a bit more off the map. Out in the Jyrgalan Valley, the mountains are wide open and
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Landscapes ranging from walnut forests, glacial lakes and vast fruit plantations, with the mighty mountains always present.
The land of the 40 tribes
Introduction & Practical Information
90% of Kyrgyzstan lies above 1,000 meters, so it’s no surprise that most tourists come for the mountains. But Kyrgyzstan has so much more to offer. How about Lake Issyk-Kul with its golden sandy beaches? Or the vibrant city of Bishkek? Did you know there are ancient rock carvings? And don’t forget the natural hot springs!
“Kyrgyzstan is changing rapidly. I grew up during the Soviet era when everything was centrally controlled. Independence in 1991 brought us hope, but the first years were tough, really tough. I remember the two years of eating only potatoes—simply because there was nothing else to eat. With the opening of the borders, much has changed. I now make a living by organizing tours, largely thanks to Ryce Travel”
Maksat Aitkulov
Manager Ryce Travel Kyrgyzstan
- Russian and Kyrgyz
- GMT+6
- Currency: Kyrgyz SOM
- Safe destination (be aware in border zones)
- No visa for many Western countries < 60 days
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months before departure
- Vaccination advice: DTP and Hepatitus A
- Slow Wi-Fi, local sim card is faster
- Type C and F, 220V-50Hz
- Cuisine is a mix of Turkic/Slavic and Uyghur
- Bringing small amounts of € or $ is convenient
Start your adventure with our local knowledge!
Discover Kyrgyzstan
History in short
The country where dreams come true
After centuries of oppression, the Kyrgyz have finally had control of their own country since 1991. Kyrgyzstan (or Kyrgyzstan) is officially called the Kyrgyz Republic and has a population of about 6 million. As one of the few countries in the world, Kyrgyzstan has a larger rural than urban population. Apart from the capital Bishkek, there are no major cities. This shows that nomadic culture and agriculture still hold an important place in society. But with the country’s growing economy in mind, however, this is changing rapidly.
Population
Oppressed Nomads
Originally, the Kyrgyz are a nomadic people who left the Altai region due to oppression. The Kyrgyz are a Turkic people with a great affinity to the Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Uyghurs, Turkmen, Azerbaijanis and Turks. Particularly during the time of Jengiz Khan, the population composition changed. There are even rumors that ethnic Kirgians had blond hair and blue eyes. Years of domination by other cultures have made Kyrgyz people who they are. A largely Muslim population with a strong Russian influence. Especially during the time of the Soviet Union, many ethnic Russians moved to Kyrgyzstan. Their influence was enormous and today the majority speaks Russian as their first language and the Russian Orthodox church has an important place in society.
Geography & Climate
Landlocked and continental
Kyrgyzstan is centrally located in Central Asia with Kazakhstan (big brother), Uzbekistan (enclaves/exclaves), China (trade and Uyghur refugees) and Tajikistan (Farsi friend) as neighbors. It is sandwiched between the Tien Shan and Ala Tau mountain ranges. More than 90% of the country is above 1000 meters, and the south can only be reached via the Too Ashuu mountain pass (3180 meters high) or by plane. The highest mountains are in the far east and the far south. Jengish Chokusu is the highest in the country and rises to 7,439 meters above sea level. In northeastern Kyrgyzstan lies the gigantic Issyk Kul Lake. This lake is fed by hot springs and has a relatively high salinity compared to other large lakes. After Lake Titicaca, Issyk Kul is the largest mountain lake on earth, located at about 1,600 meters. Further south, between the mountain passes, is Son Köl Lake.
Tourism
Growth through open borders
Tourism certainly took a big leap from 2008. Starting that year, the visa requirements were lifted for many Western countries. Still most tourists come from surrounding countries (mainly Kazakhstan) but that share continues to decline. The country has everything to become one of the tourism hot spots of the future. It has amazing nature, vast mountain massifs, a gigantic lake with golden beaches, an ancient nomadic culture, wild rivers, petroglyphs, snow-capped peaks, huge glaciers and fertile valleys. Moreover, the Kyrgyz live there. An incredibly hospitable people with a delicious cuisine. Often you are invited to just have a cup of tea with some snacks. The people live relaxed lives and are not too worried about tomorrow. They even say Kyrgyz are the Jamaicans of Central Asia. Always up for a dance and always up for a chat.
Our Popular Tours
Wild Nomad Ride: mountain bike tour Kyrgyzstan
Prepare yourself for the ultimate mountain biking experience in Kyrgyzstan. Breathtaking landscapes and serious riding come together in this unforgettable tour. Over the course of 12 days, you’ll ride through the rugged mountains and endless steppes of this enchanting country.
Freeride World Tour – Silk Road Freeride – VIP experience
A VIP experience at the Freeride World Tour Qualifier in Kyrgyzstan. As a supporter of our non-profit, you can be part of this unique freeride event in Kyrgyzstan, all week long. You’ll get a special behind-the-scenes view of our organization.
Ski Adventure Kyrgyzstan
The Kyrgyzstan Ski Adventure is our most famous ski tour. In 8 days, we will explore the remarkable highlights of skiing in Kyrgyzstan. Don’t expect autobahns, groovy after-ski pubs or raclette. Get yourself ready for horseback riding, nomadic culture, yurts
Ski Safari Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan, the place where it all started for us. In addition to our celebrated Ski Adventure trip, we will also be offering a Ski Safari. As always, a combination of winter sports and culture, for the adventurous, autonomous and curious
Tour Ski / Splitboard Kyrgyzstan
Tour Ski / Splitboard in Kyrgyzstan? We offer the best Kyrgyz backcountry experience! Join us for a remarkable trip to the Tien Shan mountains in Eastern Kyrgyzstan. We work exclusively with local guides and employees, allowing you to meet the