Ski Safari Kyrgyzstan

• 8 days Kyrgyzstan
• Suitable for every level
• 5 days ski resort
• Combination skiing and culture
• Ski resorts Chunkurchak, Orlovka and Karakol
• Skiing with a cat (Pistenbully) in a private ski resort
• Visit to Burana Tower, Karakol
• Hike Fairy Tale Canyon
• Cholpon Ata

Ski Safari Kyrgyzstan

We offer you five days of skiing in the ski resorts of Kyrgyzstan. There are amazing ski areas in the foothills of the Himalayas. Seasoned skier looking for new challenges or novice pizza punter? Don't worry, the ski safari is for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels.

We understand that you also want to enjoy the culture and beauty of the country during this trip. That's why we take you to the Burana tower, Cholpon Ata and provide a meal in a traditional yurt. Of course with the guidance of an ONLINE local guide. He/she will communicate with you via a WhatsApp group. The guide is always available for questions, but also for advice on restaurants, slopes and sights. On the first days it is possible to book a guide in Bishkek.

As always we are predominantly working with local partners and local guides. As a non profit tour agency we are supporting tourism in developing countries. That means that you will have a local experience and that locals have a decent income. Moreover do we help foster local initiatives to grow (winter)tourism.

Kyrgyzstan is the place where it all started. Expect majestic mountains, hot springs and Russian banyas, shasliks and above all, unconditional Kyrgyz hospitality. During a Ski Safari you experience five days of skiing/snowboarding in the Kyrgyz ski resorts of Chunkurchak, Orlovka, Karakol and Jyrgalan. In addition, we will take you to the Burana tower and walk through the Skazka canyon, also affectionately called The Fairy Tale Valley.

Bishkek

On Saturday afternoon you usually depart from Europe/Middle East. We will pick you up from Bishkek Manas International Airport on Sunday morning and take you to the city center of Bishkek. We have arranged an early check-in so you can relax from the journey. Sunday is a free day but we can arrange a guide for a city tour in Bishkek. Don't forget to take a look at the Osh bazaar and Ala Too square.

Chunkurchak

The first day of skiing is at Chunkurchak ski resort. This is the most modern ski resort in Kyrgyzstan. The 5 chairlifts take you to a height of almost 2500 meters. The descents are not long but it is great to do some carving. You will be more challenged later in the week. For the evening we recommend a meal in one of our favorite restaurants.

Burana Tower, Orlovka ski resort and Cholpon Ata

Today we leave Bishkek. Immediately after breakfast we drive to the Burana tower.  This historic building is a remnant of an ancient city (Balasaghun) along the ancient Silk Road. Next to the tower you will find several Balbal stones. These are tombstones that tell a story about the deceased. After a short stop we continue our way to Orlovka ski resort. The ski area has developed strongly in recent years. You have probably done all 9 descents within a few hours. In the afternoon we continue our way to the seaside resort of Cholpon Ata. This city is especially popular in summer. The golden yellow beaches then fill up with local sun soakers. We will take you to a good local restaurant and then continue to Karakol.

Karakol

It all started in Karakol for all of us. We have our own café and ski rental. You will stay in Hotel 78, a brand new hotel in the center of the city. Karakol has almost 100,000 inhabitants and the ski resort is only 15 km from the city. Every morning we take you to the slopes. And of course we will also bring you back.

The Karakol ski area is the most challenging in Central Asia. It has a number of long chairlifts that reach a height of 3100 meters. The descents cover a height difference of almost 1000 meters. So the legs will be seriously tested.  The number of slopes are limited. However, there are many tree runs that you can take. The tree line in Karakol is at 2900 meters. At the end of the afternoon we can have a drink at the only café on the slopes. 

Jyrgalan

On Friday we leave for the eastern village of Jyrgalan. This remote town is developing rapidly as a winter sports destination. There are no lifts, but we will bring you up with a Pistenbully. This beast with caterpillars weighs more than 10 tons. We drop you off on private slopes. There are a number of slopes that we have prepared for you. You can safely descend from here. The daredevils can try small patches of deeper snow. You will receive lunch from us on the mountain. We have built an ice bar with a view of the border of Kazakhstan.

At the end of the day we can have a drink in our own après ski bar Buchenwagen. We have converted an old horse trailer into an attractive place to refuel. We end the day with dinner in a traditional yurt. A visit to the nomad housing cannot be missed during a visit to Kyrgyzstan. The yurts have a deeper meaning for Kyrgyz people. The round tents are full of symbolism. You will hear all about it during dinner. In the evening we drive you back to the hotel in Karakol.

Optional activity

On Saturday morning we have time to do an optional activity. You can go horseback riding in the Karakol valley, kayak on Lake Issyk Kul or visit the local bazaar. In the afternoon we will pick you up for the return journey. This time we follow the southern route of Lake Issyk Kul. On the way we stop at the Fairy Tale canyon to stretch our legs. In the course of the evening we arrive at the Garden Hotel in Bishkek. After a good night's sleep, we will transfer you to Bishkek airport the next morning. Unfortunately, the return journey then begins.

Ski Safari Kyrgyzstan for you?

• Adventurers who want something different than the Alps
• Ski enthusiasts who can easily tackle a blue slope
• Lovers of other cultures and traditions
• Independent travelers with ONLINE guide support

Including

• Pick up / Drop-off Bishkek International Airport
• All transfers
• 3 nights in Garden Hotel Bishkek (twin/triple rooms)
• 4 nights in Hotel 78 Karakol (twin/triple rooms)
• Breakfast
• 1 day skipass Chunkurchak ski resort
• 1 day skipass Orlovka ski resort
• Entrance fee Burana tower
• 2 days skipass Karakol ski resort
• 1 day skiing by cat (Pistenbully)
• Lunch on the mountain in Jyrgalan
• Dinner in a traditional yurt

Not Inclusive

• Flights (Turkish Airlines) €350-550
• Lunch and dinner
• City tour Bishkek with local guide (€25 per persoon)
• Ski instructor in Chunkurchak or Karakol
• Optionele activity on Saturday morning
• Souvenirs and gratuties
• Ski or Snowboard rental (€100 per week)
• Travel Insurance (NKBV)

Flight tickets

There is a guaranteed departure for this trip. The tour is always happening, regardless of the number of participants. The flights can be booked. Let us know as soon as possible about your flight schedule. We can adjust the pick-up / drop-off. We recommend booking with Turkish Airlines. You can usually take ski equipment free of charge. Prices are normally between €350 and €600 for a return ticket to Bishkek.

Travel as a group?

If you want to travel as a group of at least 5 people, you can request a tailor-made trip. Other departure dates are usually possible in consultation. Please contact us via mail@rycetravel.com or WhatsApp at +31 6 48 72 90 47. 

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