Ski touring in Jergalan Valley, Terskey Alatoo
Best season: December – March
Location: Northern Tien- Shan, Kyrgyzstan
Duration: 8 days (tour duration can be changed according to the wishes and interest of participants)
Highly recommended: All group members must have medical insurance for the particular activities with the minimum coverage of USD 40 000 USD
Jergalan or Jyrgalan is a unique, amazing valley of Northern Tien-Shan, located in a heart of Terskey Ala-Too range. Thanks to the mountain range, which protects the area from strong winds coming from Issyk-Kul Lake. It collects and keeps almost full volume of abundant precipitation here (about 760 mm per year). Jergalan is one of the snowiest valleys in Kyrgyzstan. Furthermore, this valley deservedly has the title one of the best area for ski tour. Snow cover here is much better than in the most other Kyrgyz Gorges, at least because of the weather conditions. There are no lifts here, backcountry style only! Romantic!
The most appropriate place for skiing is located at the altitude from 2500 to 3400 meters above sea level. There are clean snowfields, rocky areas and forests at this altitude. Skitouring routes are very different here. The valley is proper as for experienced masters, who would like to improve their skills, as well for beginners.
Small altitudes difference, not extreme terrains allow beginners to feel comfortable on the ski route. Advanced skiers may enjoy ski tour to the virgin peaks of the valley, because some parts of Jergalan just started to explore.
Program duration is 8 days, it the following stages.
1st day. Bishkek – Jergalan
Arrival at the airport in the capital of Kyrgyzstan by international flight early in the morning. Company representative will meet group participants and arrange transfer to Jergalan village, which is located five hundred kilometers far from Bishkek. Please, be ready that the distance is quite long; transfer will take about 8 hours. The group will stay in a yurt camp, where participant will receive all service necessary for comfortable accommodation. Full board of European and national cuisine is included in the programme price.
2nd-6th day. Ski-tour, new routes
This time is dedicated to explore new routes, climb new summits and improve your skills in ski touring. Participants elaborate skitouring plan according to their plans, physical training level and weather and snow conditions. Time available at this stage is enough to value and enjoy beautiful and unique landscape as well as improve skiing skills and technique. Accommodation and meals will be arranged at the Yurt camp.
Important! All participants choose ski routes by themselves, according to the level of physical training and previous experience, as well as current weather conditions. In addition, all team members should use their own ski outfit during the program.
7th day. Jyrgalan – Karakol – Bishkek
Long time transfer to Bishkek via Karakol town will start after breakfast, in the morning. Please be ready that the nature in this area is extremely beautiful, you will see magnificent views of the mountain scenery. The distance is about 500 kilometers; it means that transfer will take 8-9 hours on a back road and modern highway.
8th day. Way home
Transfer to international airport Manas from the capital of Kyrgyzstan will be arranged this day. Flight home.
Group of 2 people – USD 945 per person
Group of 3 people – USD 785 per person
Group of 4 people – USD 705 per person
Group of 5 people – USD 655 per person
Group of 6 people – USD 620 per person
Group of 7 people – USD 600 per person
Group of 8 people – USD 580 per person
Service included in the price
- Registration in local Rescue Service
- All land transfers by Mercedes Sprinter minibus (15-17 seats)
- Accommodation in the yurt camp
- Meals: Full board in yurt camp
Programme price does not include
- Local guide for ski tour – USD 100 per day
- Meals in Bishkek and en-route
- Sleeping bags
- Personal ski outfit
- Alcohol drinks and any other service which is not mentioned as “included service”