Ski Adventure Kazakhstan

Your next exciting adventure awaits in Kazakhstan! A fantastic week of snow activities around the Almaty region awaits. Don't expect Soviet ski resorts, boring nightlife or Wiener Schnitzels. Get yourself ready for camels, ultra-modern gondolas, bustling nightlife, cat skiing and a valley of castles. Above all, it will be a memorable experience: Skiing in the Northern Himalayas of Kazakhstan.

You will encounter a unique atmosphere in this beautiful country. We will show you all the region's top spots, and you’ll be amazed like we have been so many times. Our tour will start from the city centre of Almaty.

As always, we work predominantly with local partners and guides. As a non-profit tour agency, we support tourism in developing countries, providing you with an authentic local experience while ensuring that locals earn a decent income. Additionally, we help foster local initiatives to grow (winter) tourism.

Shymbulak

On Monday morning. after a short drive from the city centre, we will arrive at the resort of Shymbulak, the biggest ski resort in Central Asia. It was the stage of the 2017 Winter Universiade (the Olympic Winter Games for students). The highest point is at 3200 meters, and some challenging runs are waiting. 

The most famous ski resort in Kazakhstan, Shymbulak, includes a new gondola from the Medeu skating stadium to the village of Shymbulak. The gondola takes you from 1600 to 2200 meters with a trip time of 20 minutes. Many FIS competitions have taken place in Shymbulak and in 2024, the first Freeride World Tour in Central Asia has been organized in Shymbulak. The vertical drop is over 1000 meters, and the highest point of Shymbulak is 3250 meters. Our favorite spot, ‘Bar 3200’, gives fantastic Talgar Glacier (5017 meters) views for you to enjoy. The ski area is ultramodern and has all the latest technology. On a clear day, you can enjoy the view of the metropolis of Almaty during your descent.

Lesnaya Skazka (Oi Qaragai)

Lesnaya Skazka or Oi Qaragai is the most recent ski resort to open in Almaty.  The resort is nicknamed the ‘fairytale forest’ national park, because of its quiet slopes nestled between deciduous trees. The surroundings are beautiful, but Lesnaya Skazka is still waiting for discovery. The lifts go like a rocket allowing ample time for many tree runs and more in this ski area.

Charyn Canyon

The deepest point of our journey will be the Charyn canyon. A 370-meter gorge looms from ground level. The gorge is called the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan, and during a short hike, you will understand why. Stretching over 90 kilometers, this majestic canyon features vibrant red rock formations, intricate cliffs, and deep gorges sculpted by the Charyn River over millions of years. The most famous section, the Valley of Castles, boasts towering rock structures that resemble ancient fortresses. We will explore the canyon on foot, taking in the breathtaking views and unique geological formations. Charyn Canyon is definitely a must-visit destination.

Hot Springs

After the Charyn gorge, we continue through the Kazakh steppe to a natural hot spring. We will have a proper dip in the pools with outside temperatures of up to -20 degrees Celsius. We sleep in bungalows scattered around the pools. The next day we drive through the Kazakhs steppe to the border region with Kyrgyzstan. In this isolated mountain range, we have a Pistenbully at our disposal. 

Cat Skiing

After our arrival at the mountain lodge we will head to our snow cat (Pistenbully) for the tour's highlight. We will organise cat skiing in the remote Karkara mountains near the Kyrgyz border. In front of the entrance departs the gigantic Pistenbully. The Kazakh driver will drop us off at various peaks in the area. Around 14 people fit in the machine, and we will drop till we need to stop. We’ll stay in a recently opened mountain lodge near Karkara. The local cooks will prepare fresh and local food (and vodka).

Ak Bulak

The most exciting ski resort is Ak Bulak, east of Almaty. After a 2,5 hour drive from the mountain lodge we will arrive in Ak Bulak for a our last skiing day.  The brand new gondolas bring us to the mid-station at 2200 meters. Gentle slopes at the lower section are perfect for beginners and intermediates. The chairlift from the mid station to the top (at 2700 meters) is a Walhalla for freeriders and experienced skiers because the entire area is ungroomed and therefore dedicated to off piste skiers.

Return to Almaty

After a wonderful day in Ak Bulak; we return to Almaty. After a 1 hour drive we will be back in the city where it all began. During the last dinner we will have a lot of stories to share. The party people can explore the nightlife of Almaty. Otherwise it's a good night of sleep before taking a return flight the next morning.  

Ski Kazakhstan for you?

• Adventurers looking for something different than the Alps
• Easily tackle a ‘red slope’
• Lovers of other cultures and rituals

Included

• All transfers
• 4 nights in a local hotel in Almaty City Center (twin rooms)
• 1 night in a bungalow in Chundzha (twin rooms)
• 2 nights in Mountain Lodge Karkara (twin rooms)
• Half board (breakfast/dinner)
• City Tour Almaty
• English speaking guide
• 2 days of Cat skiing
• Entrance fee Charyn Canyon
• Ski passes Shymbulak, Lesnaya Skazka and Ak Bulak

Not included

• Flights (Turkish Airlines – €300-€500 from Europe)
• Lunch
• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips & souvenirs
• Ski or snowboard rental
• Travel Insurance

Don’t book any flights yet!

As soon as we have reached the minimum amount of reservations (5), we will send you an e-mail. If we don’t have enough participants, we will send you an e-mail 40 days before departure. 

*We recommend flying Lufthansa or Turkish Airlines as they have a generous baggage allowance

ARRIVING (TURKISH AIRLINES)
SUNDAY
01:20 IST Istanbul Airport – 08:55 ALA Almaty

RETURN (TURKISH AIRLINES)
SUNDAY
09:55 ALA Almaty – 14:40 IST Istanbul Airport

*We did not have to cancel any trips due to a lack of reservations so far.

Travel as a group?

If you want to travel as a group of at least five people, you can request a tailor-made trip. Other departure dates are always possible in consultation. Please contact us via mail@rycetravel.com or WhatsApp at +31 6 48 72 90 47. 

Ski adventure Kazakhstan