• Season
    January - March
  • Duration
    8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Guiding Ratio
    Max 1:5
  • Price
    NZD $3,190.00

About this expedition

Step directly from village life into endless Tien Shan powder on our guided ski touring trip in Jyrgalan Valley, Kyrgyzstan. This 8-day adventure offers the perfect balance of profound wilderness access and genuine cultural immersion. Skin from the door of your guesthouse into a high valley network of alpine passes, glaciated headwalls, and playful forested glades, supported by IFMGA-certified guides and full avalanche training. With all logistics, accommodation, and meals included, Jyrgalan delivers untracked terrain, authentic Kyrgyz hospitality, and the rare feeling of skiing in a living mountain community where the peaks are simply the backyard.
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to Jyrgalan
Upon your arrival in Bishkek, you will meet your guide and head directly to Jyrgalan—one of the most scenic transfers of your life, travelling west to east across a country where over 90% of the territory is mountains. The road follows the shores of legendary Issyk-Kul Lake and runs beneath the towering peaks of the Tien Shan range. In Jyrgalan, you will settle into a cozy guesthouse where a warm dinner of traditional Eastern cuisine awaits you. (Alternative transfer from Almaty, Kazakhstan can also be arranged.)
Day 2-3
Day 2-3
Avalanche safety training, exploring the area, and first ski tours
The first days begin with essential avalanche safety training, ensuring you gain confidence and learn to navigate the slopes securely. Once training is complete, we'll explore the nearby ski touring routes. Thanks to its sheltered position, Jyrgalan Valley is protected from strong winds by the surrounding Tien Shan peaks, creating a unique microclimate with abundant snowfall, sunny weather, and mild temperatures—conditions that make for truly enjoyable riding.
Day 4-6
Day 4-6
Ski touring in remote locations
Once you are acclimatised and familiar with the local terrain, we will head to more remote spots with greater elevation gains. Snowmobiles will take us to untouched slopes where the snow is yours alone and the horizons seem endless. Each starting point offers multiple descent options, surrounded by the silence of pristine nature and breathtaking views. An experienced guide who knows the terrain and the best lines will accompany you throughout the adventure.
Day 7
Day 7
Farewell ski tour and transfer to Bishkek
We start the day with a final backcountry ski tour, soaking in the last runs of this unforgettable journey. Afterward, we say goodbye to the Tien Shan mountains and make our way back to Bishkek. In the city, you will check into your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner. If energy allows, take a stroll through the city to capture its unique character and charm.
Day 8
Day 8
Departure
Your guide will accompany you to Bishkek Airport and wish you a safe journey home. You'll leave with a sense of complete immersion in the winter magic of Kyrgyzstan and a desire to return for more..

What Makes This Trip Unique

Direct Village-to-Wilderness Access: Step from your guesthouse directly onto your skintrack. There is no commute, no resort infrastructure—just pure, unmediated connection between village life and mountain adventure.

Authentic Cultural Immersion: The hospitality is not a curated show; it's the daily reality of life in Jyrgalan. This trip offers a rare, respectful window into a resilient mountain community.

Untracked, Accessible Terrain: Jyrgalan provides an incredible density of high-quality ski terrain accessible from a single, cozy base, making it efficient to chase the best conditions.

The Rhythm of Adventure & Rest: The structure—challenging days followed by deeply comfortable, sociable evenings—creates a sustainable and richly rewarding expedition pace.
Meet Your Guide
Dmitry Rybalchenko
IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide
Elite ski-mountaineer & guide. Piolets d'Or nominee & Snow Leopard Award recipient. 10 years leading expeditions across Siberia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Inclusions and Details

This all-inclusive package covers all logistics: All ground transfers, seven nights of guesthouse accommodation in Jyrgalan, and all meals at the destination. Expert guides provide the safety and local knowledge needed to unlock this final frontier, creating an adventure defined by untouched snow, profound solitude, and pure exploration

  • Accommodation

    1 night hotel accommodation in Bishkek and 6 nights in Jyrgalan guesthouse.

  • Meals

    All meals at the destination

  • Transfers

    All ground transfers

  • Guides

    Professional guides including avalanche and safety training
Equipment
This trip requires ski touring equipment and avalanche rescue gear. Please bring your own transceiver, shovel and probe, and make sure you are comfortable using them. If you need to hire any items, let us know when you book.
View full equipment guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Dates

Related trips

Jyrgalan is the winter half of Kyrgyzstan. The other is a 7,000 m climb — see the Kyrgyzstan guide.
Plan Your Kyrgyzstan Adventure
Have questions or ready to book? Contact us today, and let our experts help you craft the ultimate mountain adventure in the stunning Tien Shan Mountains.