Ski touring in Suusamyr and Terskey Alatoo
Best season: December – March
Location: Northern Tien-Shan, Kyrgyzstan
Duration: 10 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 35 000.
The program includes visit of two unique environmental sites of Kyrgyzstan
Suusamyr valley
Picturesque Suusamyr valley stretches between three ranges of the Northern Tien Shan: Kyrgyz Range, Suusamyr-Too Range and Jumgal-Too Range. It is located close to the capital of Kyrgyzstan, only about 150 kilometers far from Bishkek. It was very important part of the Great Silk Road in ancient time, and it is one of the main attractions of the Republic nowadays; it is a Mecca for fans of extreme sports. Here are several reasons: the unique combination and the variety of the peaks and slopes location, extreme altitude variations (about 1200m) and also relatively stable weather conditions during the most part of the year. And of course, we should note the incredible landscapes of the valley: swift rivers are in harmony with the majestic mountain peaks, and the snow (which is up to 2 and half meters in winter time), illuminated by the sun takes a unique color.
Ski base is located here. Tourists and ski mountaineers have already explored a lot of routes in this area.
Terskey Ala-Too Range
This mountain range is one of rear visited areas of the Tien Shan, and that is why a lot of climbers and fans of other types of sport were interested to visit it. The Range stretches along the southern shore of the pearl of Kyrgyzstan – Issyk-Kul Lake and further to the neighboring China. The most attractive part for visit is the Northern side of the Range, where such gorges as Karakol, Kyzyl-Suu, Juuku, Chon Kyzyl-Suu, Jety – Oguz are situated, as well as Ak-Suu Gorge which covers tens of kilometers. These gorges are well explored by climbers and skiers, while others are either completely virgin or visited just a few times.
1st Day. Bishkek.
Arrival to Bishkek early in the morning. Three-hour transfer to the Suusamyr valley (located at a distance of 160 kilometers from Bishkek) will be arranged for you after breakfast at the local café or restaurant. You will stay this night in cozy rooms of the ski resort. Ski resort is very convenient for accommodation and leisure time. There are such fun places here as tennis court, cinema, hot sauna and other elements for comfortable stay. Furthermore, you will have delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Acclimatization ascents and ski touring to the nearest slopes can be also arranged on this day.
Note! Participants should have their personal ski outfit, which is recommended to check preliminary.
2nd-3rd Days. Ski tour, exploration of new routes
You can spend few days for ascent to the new mountains and ski from unexplored slopes of Suusamyr valley. Accommodation will be arranged at ski resort. Full board at the base is included in the price. You will definitely enjoy the national cuisine, especially if you are not a vegetarian.
Note: Participants choose routes for skiing by themselves, according to the group physical training, experience and actual weather conditions.
4th Day. Suusamyr — Bishkek
Breakfast at the base. Short skiing from the nearest mounts. Your transport will deliver the group to Bishkek. Accommodation will be arranged in the guest house of the capital or small hotel. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for group this day. Dinner should be paid by group members; it is not included in the price.
5th Day. Bishkek – Ak-Suu village – Ak-Suu yurt camp
After breakfast in the guest house we will arrange your transfer by minibus to the Ak-Suu village (travel time is about 8 hours, distance is 415 km) The final point for this day – yurt camp is located in the mountain gorge Ak-Suu at the altitude of 2700m a.s.l. The road is not appropriate for transport in winter time. You will be delivered there by snowmobiles. Accommodation in national yurts, hot sauna in the evening time and delicious local food will make your time at the camp unforgettable. You can have some rest on this day, enjoy your lunch, and after have short ski touring to the nearest slopes. Plans for the nearest days you can discuss during the dinner.
6th – 8th Day. Ski touring, exploration of new routes
It is time for skiing, exploring of new routes and new altitudes. Participants choose routes for skiing by themselves, according to the group physical training, experience and actual weather conditions. Accommodation and full board will be provided in yurt camp.
9th Day. Yurt camp – Ak-Suu village – Bishkek
Breakfast in the yurt camp. Snowmobiles will deliver the group from the yurt camp to Ak-Suu village, where prearranged bus will pick you up and deliver you to the guest house in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Rest upon arrival. You will have time for short walk around the city and enjoy something special in the local restaurants.
10th Day. Bishkek – Airport
Early breakfast. Transport will take you to the “Manas” airport for your flight.
Group of 4 people – USD 940 per person
Group of 6 people– USD 930 per person
Group of 4 people + 1 free guide – USD 1140 per person
Group of 5 people + 1 free guide – USD 1045 per person
Group of 6 people + 1 free guide – USD 1140 per person
Group of 8 people + 1 free guide – USD 1025 per person
Group of 10 people + 1 free guide – USD 955 per person
Single supplement in Bishkek only – USD 94 per person per programme
Programme price includes
- Tour leader – free of charge
- Registration in local Rescue Service
- All transfers according to the programme by Mercedes Sprinter minibuses (15-17 seats)
- Transfer by snowmobiles and delivery of personal belongings (30 kg per person)
- Twin/triple accommodation in guest houses and ski base
5-6 people accommodation in a yurt
- Meals: Full board in ski base and yurt camp. Breakfasts in guest houses as mentioned above
Service does not included in the programme price
- Local guide for ski tour – USD 1250 per group per programme
- Meals en-route and in the city
- Personal belongings delivery by snowmobile (overweight – USD 50 per up to 100 kg)
- Personal ski outfit
- Additional service in the guest houses and yurts: sauna, bar, alcohol drinks, etc.