Cat skiing in Karkara isn\u2019t about the crowds or the curated alpine experience\u2014it\u2019s for the skier who hears the word “remote” and feels relief, not hesitation. Tucked against the rugged spine of the Tien Shan range, right where Kyrgyzstan meets Kazakhstan, Karkara operates on a different rhythm. There are no lift lines, no groomed pistes, just a snowcat and a vast, open playground of steep couloirs, rolling ridges, and wide, treeless bowls that funnel into valleys you won\u2019t find on any app.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":155053,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"wp_travel_lat":"","wp_travel_lng":"","wp_travel_trip_map_use_lat_lng":"no","wp_travel_location":"","wp_travel_overview":"
An incredible powder paradise awaits you in the eastern Tian Shan Mountains. Experience cat skiing in Kyrgyzstan with one of our snow cats. These machines are typically used for slope preparation but we have repurposed them to transport you to the most thrilling off-piste runs. Sit comfortably in our custom-built cabin as the driver takes you to the most stunning peaks. Once at the top, you'll carve fresh lines all day long, guided by a local expert who knows the best spots. Get ready for an exhilarating adventure in this remote corner of the world.<\/p>\n
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.<\/em><\/p>\n The Karkara Valley lies in the Tien Shan range<\/em>, right where Kazakhstan meets Kyrgyzstan and China. This is one of the most remote and wild mountain regions in Central Asia, with peaks rising over 4,000 meters<\/em>. The area has long been known for its dramatic landscapes, pristine rivers, and nomadic traditions \u2014 but it's only recently that cat skiing<\/em> has put Karkara on the international map. The Tien Shan Mountains are perfect for it \u2014 rugged, remote, and wild.<\/p>\n The cat-ski terrain around Karkara stretches across the Tien Shan foothills<\/em>, from about 1,800 to 3,300 meters<\/em>. It covers dozens of square kilometers of untouched slopes, open alpine bowls, and steep ridgelines.<\/p>\n Higher up, the landscape opens into wide, rolling alpine meadows<\/em> and steep couloirs<\/em> overlooking snow-covered peaks stretching into Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and China. Lower down, you'll find open tree runs<\/em> and rolling terrain with deep, dry powder. Thanks to the continental climate<\/em>, the region gets huge amounts of light, dry snow every winter \u2014 and it sticks around for months. The terrain's variety makes Karkara a true cat-skiing paradise<\/em>.<\/p>\n We use comfortable and powerful snowcats, capable of handling even the steepest ascents. The heated cabin has space for 8\u201312 skiers or boarders<\/em> plus two guides<\/em>. Skis and boards are stored on a rear rack, and when the side door opens \u2014 it's straight into the powder.<\/p>\n We stay at Karkara Base Camp<\/em>, a cozy mountain lodge featuring twin rooms<\/em>. Meals are served in a shared dining area, and there's plenty of space to relax.<\/p>\n On site, you'll be guided by an incredible crew of experienced local guides<\/em> who know the Tien Shan Mountains inside out. They've been skiing here for years and will keep you safe while leading you to the best lines.<\/p>\n We ask participants to bring their own avalanche gear<\/em>, as equipment is still limited locally. Don't worry \u2014 the guides will run a safety briefing<\/em> and make sure everyone knows how to use it properly.<\/p>\n There's reliable electricity<\/em> in the guesthouse, and Wi-Fi<\/em> is available (though not always lightning-fast). You can also pick up a local SIM card<\/em> for faster mobile internet. Standard Western European plugs<\/em> work fine.<\/p>\n Kazakh cuisine blends Turkish, Russian, and Central Asian<\/em> influences. Expect hearty, home-cooked meals with soups, potatoes, meat, fresh vegetables, noodles, preserved vegetables, and lots of bread<\/em>.<\/p>\n If you're vegetarian<\/em>, just let us know in advance \u2014 we'll make sure special groceries are arranged.<\/p>\n Transfers from Almaty International Airport<\/em> are included. The easiest way to reach Almaty is via Istanbul<\/em> \u2014 we usually recommend Turkish Airlines<\/em>. Other options include Air Astana<\/em>, Lufthansa<\/em>, or Emirates<\/em> via Dubai.<\/p>\n For the truly adventurous, you could combine this trip with a visit to China <\/em>or Kyrgyzstan<\/em> before or after.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Is Cat Ski Karkara for You?<\/strong><\/p>\n - You're an advanced skier or snowboarder<\/em> with off-piste experience<\/p>\n - You love adventure and deep powder<\/em><\/p>\n - You're looking for something beyond the Alps<\/em><\/p>\n - You don't need luxury \u2014 just great snow, good food, and a sauna with new friends<\/p>\n - You want to ski somewhere that still feels undiscovered<\/em><\/p>","wp_travel_outline":" START TOUR:<\/strong> END OF TOUR:<\/strong> * order of program can change<\/em><\/p>\n Included:<\/strong><\/p>\n PRICE: \u20ac2,095 per person<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","wp_travel_trip_include":"","wp_travel_trip_exclude":"","_joinchat":[]},"itinerary_types":[344],"travel_locations":[557],"travel_keywords":[],"activity":[285,286,287],"class_list":["post-155052","itineraries","type-itineraries","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","itinerary_types-cat-ski-en","travel_locations-karkara","activity-cat-ski-en","activity-freeride-en","activity-hot-springs-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nKarkara<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Terrain<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Snowcats<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Accommodation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Our Team<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Electricity & Internet<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Food & Cuisine<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Getting There<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Cat ski Karkara<\/h2>\n
\n
Sunday 11:00 am arrivals hall Almaty International Airport.
Pick-Up in city center also possible.<\/em><\/p>\n
Sunday 09:00 am, departure hall Almaty International Airport
Drop-Off in city center Almaty possible too<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n
\n Sunday<\/td>\n Arrival Almaty \u2013 transfer to Karkara<\/td>\n Base Camp Karkara<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Monday<\/td>\n Cat ski day 1<\/td>\n Base Camp Karkara<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tuesday<\/td>\n Cat ski day 2<\/td>\n Base Camp Karkara<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wednesday<\/td>\n Cat ski day 3<\/td>\n Base Camp Karkara<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Thursday<\/td>\n Cat ski day 4<\/td>\n Base Camp Karkara<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Friday<\/td>\n Cat ski day 5<\/td>\n Base Camp Karkara<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Saturday<\/td>\n Charyn Canyon hike, transfer to Almaty<\/td>\n Renion City Hotel Almaty<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sunday<\/td>\n Almaty \u2013 return flight<\/td>\n \u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n