Ski Tour in Kyrgyzstan, Jirgalan Valley
Join IFMGA-certified guide Anastasiya, on an incredible 8-day ski touring adventure in Kyrgyzstan's Jirgalan Valley in Kyrgyzstan, featuring exceptional snow depths of up to 2.5 meters and the experience the delights of stunning winter landscapes, local cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Tian Shan
8 Days
Feb, Mar
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Experience the stunning beauty of Jirgalan Valley
- Enjoy skiing on up to 2.5 meters of deep, powdery snow
- Ski across a diverse range of slopes, each with different extensions
Description
Join me on an incredible 8-day ski touring trip to Jirgalan Valley in Kyrgyzstan.
Experience the thrill of skiing on amazing snow, with depths of up to 2.5 meters. Along with the breathtaking winter scenery, you'll also have the unique opportunity to indulge in the delicious traditional cuisine and experience the local warm hospitality.
Ski across an exceptional variety of slopes in Jirgalan Valley, each with different extensions and exposures - get ready to enjoy exhilarating descents unlike any other.
This stunning valley, nestled between the Terskey Ala-Too and the Kungey Ala-Too ranges, offers a truly spectacular setting, surrounded by formidable mountains reaching heights of up to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).
Beyond its diverse skiing terrain, Jirgalan Valley is also known for its stable and windless weather conditions. From the beginning of November until the end of March, you can count on a reliable and solid snow cover, ensuring a smooth skiing experience.
Our journey begins on the first day as we meet at Manas International Airport, only 30 kilometers from Bishkek. From there, we'll transfer to Jirgalan Valley, where we'll be staying in a comfortable guesthouse with standard services. Over the following days, we'll embark on the best ski tours in the stunning landscape and enjoying the pristine snow.
If you're ready to join this exceptional ski touring adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'm here to answer any questions you may have about the program and help you plan an unforgettable trip!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Kyrgyzstan
Upon arrival at the airport in Kyrgyzstan, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to Jirgalan Valley, a scenic drive of 6-8 hours. Once you arrive, you will check into your guesthouse and enjoy dinner.
Day 2: Ski tour in Jirgalan Valley
After breakfast at the guesthouse, you'll set off on your ski tour of Jirgalan Valley. During the tour, you'll take a lunch break and rest your legs. In the evening, you'll return to the guesthouse, where dinner and a comfortable bed await you.
Day 3: Austrian Kiss ski tour
On this day, you'll embark on a ski tour of Austrian Kiss mountain. You'll be transferred to the mountain by car (40 minutes) and then begin your ascent.
During the tour, you'll take a lunch break to enjoy a delicious meal.
You'll continue skiing until late afternoon, when you'll be transferred back to the guesthouse. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a comfortable night's sleep.
Day 4: Second Jirgalan Valley ski tour
Set off on a ski tour in Jirgalan Valley early in the morning. With hundreds of routes to choose from, you'll have the opportunity to explore new terrain and enjoy the slopes to the fullest.
During the tour, you'll take a lunch break and in the late afternoon, you'll return to the guesthouse for dinner and a comfortable night's sleep.
Day 5: Yurt camp experience
Transfer to a remote valley by snowmobile (1 hour).
In the afternoon, you'll continue skiing and exploring the remote valley.
In the evening, you'll overnight in a yurt camp, where you'll experience the traditional nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan.
Day 6 to 7: Return to Jirgalan Valley
Following breakfast in the yurt camp, you'll set off on another ski tour in the remote valley. With fresh powder and untouched slopes, you'll have the perfect opportunity to hone your skills and enjoy the backcountry wilderness.
In the late afternoon, you'll transfer back to Jirgalan Valley by snowmobile.
Once you arrive in Jirgalan Valley, you'll check into your guesthouse and rest.
FAQs
What is the skill level required for this ski touring trip?
This trip is suitable for experienced ski tourers who are comfortable skiing on a variety of terrain and in all weather conditions. You should be able to hike uphill for several hours with a heavy backpack.
What kind of gear do I need for this trip?
You will need all of the standard ski touring gear, including skis, boots, bindings, poles, skins, a touring helmet, a backpack, and avalanche safety gear. You will also need warm clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
What is the weather like in Jirgalan Valley in winter?
Jirgalan Valley has a stable and windless climate in winter, with reliable and solid snow cover from the beginning of November until the end of March. You can expect temperatures to range from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F).
How do I get to Manas International Airport?
Manas International Airport is the main airport in Kyrgyzstan and is located about 30 kilometers from Bishkek, the capital city. There are direct flights to Manas International Airport from many major European cities.
About the guide
Anastasiya
5.0
(32)
Mountain Guide
I'm an IFMGA-certified guide from Kyrgyzstan and started guiding professionally in 2003. In my 14 years of guiding, I worked as a high altitude and technical mountain guide, trekking and hiking guide, ski-touring guide and ice and rock climbing gide.
I finished Mountaineering Instructor School in Kyrgyzstan and I am a member of the Kyrgyz Mountain Guide Association (KMGA).
Additionally, I am ”Snow Leopard”. This title is given to those who have climbed all the highest mountains in the former Soviet Union. These include: Lenin peak (7134 m) 2 ascents, Khan Tengri peak (7010 m) 2 ascents, Korzhenevskaya peak (7105 m) 1 ascent, Communism peak (7495 m)1 ascent, Pobeda peak (7439 m)1 ascent.
I have worked all over the Tian-Shan and Pamir ranges. I worked as a guide in Lyallak and Dugoba, in Alla Archa National Park and Suusamyr Valley, Terskey Ala Too and Kyngei-Ala Too.
As a mountain guide, my top 3 priorities are: 1 -safety, 2 –creating positive experiences for my clients and 3 -expedition success.
I am a mountaineer and really love the mountains so I also spend all my free time here. I have participated in expeditions in the Himalayas, Africa, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Patagonia and Russia.
I live and work in a beautiful mountainous country and I will be glad to show you the virgin beauty of the Kyrgyz mountains.
Languages
Kyrgyz | English
Certificates
KMGA | IVBV | UIAGM | IFMGA
What people are saying about Anastasiya
Thomas
Peter
Our mountaineering trip was very good. Anastasiya is very professional and safety concerned guide as well as a good teacher. Although the weather was very unstable and some plans couldn't be executed as planned, Anastasiya came up with good alternatives. We would definitely book this trip again.
Geza
We have ended up in Jyrgalan valley as Suusamyr was not feasible for making the skitouring trip. Nonetheless we enjoyed very much the trip and the guide: Anastasia was really resourceful in finding out the best possiblities. Was not easy task during the everchanging weather circumstances. In addition to that we always felt safe.
Thank you for showing us your wonderful country, guiding us safely through the mountains and teaching us so much about ski touring. Our eyes have been opened to future possibilities and we hope you can guide us again another time.
Eugene
We spent our time skiing in Jyrgalan as there was a lot more snow there than in Suusamyr Valley. Jyrgalan was fantastic - blue skies and deep powder! It was a truly remarkable few days. Our guide, Anastasiya, was excellent and she is highly recommended - friendly, good fun, highly knowledgeable (particularly in respect of managing avalanche risk) and extremely helpful.
You may also like
Find more ski touring trips
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.