• Season
    March - May
  • Duration
    9 Days / 8 Nights
  • Guiding Ratio
    Max 1:4
  • Price
    NZD $3,890.00

About this expedition

Experience high-alpine ski touring at its finest in the Tuyuk-Su Valley, just a short drive from Almaty in Kazakhstan’s Trans-Ili Alatau. This 9-day guided expedition is based from a legendary mountain hut and offers direct access to glaciated terrain, steep couloirs, and dramatic peaks rising above 4,300 metres. With progressive acclimatisation, crevasse rescue training, and IFMGA guides, the trip builds from nearby tours into more committing remote lines. Fully inclusive logistics make this one of the most accessible yet serious high-mountain ski touring experiences in Central Asia.
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Arrival, transfer to the mountains, and hotel check-in
Upon arrival at Almaty's new airport terminal, we head straight to the mountains—to the Tuyuk-Su Alpine Camp. A comfortable transfer, taking less than two hours, will lead you through picturesque landmarks: the city of Almaty, the legendary Medeu ice rink, and the Shymbulak ski resort. After checking into the hotel, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Central Asian cuisine. In the evening, we'll hold a briefing and a thorough gear check to prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2
Day 2
Hike to the mountain hut
We start the day with an early hike to the mountain hut, where we'll settle in for the coming days. Shared equipment and supplies will be carried by porters, allowing for a comfortable ascent. Later, we'll hold avalanche safety training on one of the nearby slopes during our first ski tour. This practical session will help build confidence and essential safety skills.
Day 3-4
Day 3-4
Acclimatisation, training, and ski touring nearby routes
These two days are dedicated to acclimatisation and practical training. We will complete several ski touring routes to nearby peaks and slopes, gradually building elevation. You will also learn crevasse rescue techniques, ensuring you are prepared for glacier travel. During this time, you'll get to know the area, study the terrain, and assess avalanche conditions under the guidance of your instructor.
Day 5-7
Day 5-7
Ski touring in remote locations
With acclimatisation complete, we venture into more remote and challenging areas with significant elevation gains. This stage includes glacier crossings in roped teams, adding an exciting element to the journey. Depending on the group's experience, steep skiing through narrow couloirs may also be possible. This is the culmination of the programme—a chance to challenge yourself while enjoying untouched snowfields and awe-inspiring mountain landscapes.
Day 8
Day 8
Final ski tour and return to Almaty
The day begins with a final morning ski tour as a farewell to the mountain hut. We then descend back to the Tuyuk-Su Alpine Camp, where a transfer will take the group to Almaty. In the evening, we'll celebrate the week's achievements over a farewell dinner. It's the perfect time to share stories, reflect on new experiences, and discuss plans for future adventures.
Day 9
Day 9
Departure
Your guide will accompany you to Almaty Airport for your flight home.

What Makes This Trip Unique

The Tuyuk-Su Experience: A pure backcountry adventure based from a legendary alpine hut, offering direct access to world-class ski touring terrain without the need for lifts.

Alpine Heritage: You're not just skiing; you're sleeping in a legendary hut that has housed climbers and skiers for over half a century, sharing stories and meals in a space steeped in history.

Stunning Vistas: The proximity to Almaty combined with the dramatic, high-alpine setting offers a unique mix of accessibility and wilderness—a rare combination in ski touring.

Guided Excellence: Our local guides bring intimate knowledge of the Tuyuk-Su Valley, providing not just safety and route-finding but also cultural interpretation and access to hidden gems.
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 high-altitude accommodation, 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 Almaty and 7 nights in Tuyuk-Su

  • 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, plus technical equipment for glacier slopes and steeper lines. Please bring your own transceiver, shovel and probe, and make sure you are comfortable using them. A harness, ice axe, crampons, and ski crampons are also required. If you need to hire any items, let us know when you book.
View full equipment guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Dates

Related trips

Tuyuk-Su is the more committing Almaty week: hut, glaciers, couloirs. A slightly easier spring option is Shymbulak. For deep winter and trees, go to Ridder.
Plan Your Tuyuk-Su Experience
Have questions or ready to book? Contact us today, and let our experts help you craft the ultimate mountain adventure in the stunning Tuyuk-Su Valley.