Spring Glacier Ski Tour in Arabel Valley, Kyrgyzstan

Join IFMGA-certified mountain guide Yaroslav on a unique glacier ski tour in Arabel Valley, Kyrgyzstan to enjoy an extraordinary 7-day adventure!

Tian Shan

7 Days

Feb - May

High

Intermediate

Description

The Arabel Valley is a remote snow covered region in Kyrgyzstan. Located to the south of Issyk-Kul lake, between Terskey Ala-Too and Jetimbel’ ridges, it also has stunning glaciers and year round ski weather. This is why it is the perfect spot for hardcore ski enthusiasts. On this 7-day glacier ski tour in Arabel Valley we take you up and down its mountains to discover the best slopes and snow of the region!

First, after transferring you from Manas International airport to Tamga, we will have a short trip briefing. We will be staying in Tamga throughout the whole trip in a cozy guesthouse with a sauna. Then, every morning, we will drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Arabel Plateau and from there we will choose our route. The choice of the ski route will depend on weather and snow conditions, as well as on how we are feeling that day.

The Arabel plateau is 3800 meters high and has glaciers and ridges that surround it with slopes of different steepness. This means that if you don’t have a lot of experience, we can still find a slope for you. On the other hand, if you do want a challenge, there are also more demanding options. Also, for every 4 people we will have a guide, so the attention will always be very personalised. Of course, you will need a relatively good fitness level.

If ski touring glaciers in the Spring sounds like a blast to you (and it is!), then you must join us on this unique experience to the Arabel Plateau! Book your place now and we will be happy to guide you through the amazing landscapes of Kyrgyzstan’s snow-capped mountains and glaciers.

Looking to explore Kyrgyzstan’s slopes in winter? Then join our unique 8-day Catskiing and ski tour in Suusamyr.

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Transportation start and back
Luggage transfer

Price details

Prices are per person.
Included: Mountain guide fee,
Transfer from and to the airport,
All land transfers according to program,
Accommodation in guesthouse in Bishkek 1 night after trip,
Accommodation in Tamga guest house – 5 nights,
Full board,
Second guide for groups of more than 4 people,
Radio communication,
Ecological, entrance fees and permits.
Not included:
International air tickets,
Insurance,
Changes of a program,
Drinks and food, which are not in the menu of the program,
Individual ski outfits,
Other personal expenses.
All group members must have medical insurance (including helicopter evacuation) with a minimum coverage of USD 35 000.

Itinerary

Day 1: Manas int.airport – Bishkek – Tamga village

In the morning, we will meet you in the airport or directly at the guesthouse in Bishek. From there, you will be transferred to Tamga village. (5-6 hours, 350km). We will stop for lunch en-route in a café. Later, in the evening, we will have a snow situation briefing and equipment check.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: Guesthouse.

Day 2 to 5: Ski-touring on glaciers of Arabel plateau

After early breakfast, we will drive up to Arabel plateau to the starting point of our ski-tour. Normally we will do one or two ascents and descents every day. The route will be chosen by the guide according to current weather, the snow and your conditions. We will have lunch on the slopes.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch (lunchbox), Dinner. Accommodation: Guesthouse.

Day 6: Tamga village – Bishkek city

After breakfast, we will drive back to Bishkek. On the way, we’ll visit Fairytale canyon for a short walk and to take photos. We also have the option of doing a half day ski-tour and then driving back to Bishkek late in the evening.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner. Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek – Manas int. airport

After breakfast, we will transfer you back to the airport.

Meal: Breakfast.

Details

More info

Conditions and notes: The guide reserves the right to make the slope selection in the area for the ski tour, depending on snow conditions and avalanche danger level. For this program, maximum group size is 4 persons per guide. If you are larger group, the second guide will come with us.

List of necessary equipment: Skis with ski-tour bindings and skins or splitboard or snowshoes; Ski-poles; Helmet; Transceiver, probe, shovel; Backpack 20-35 liters with holdings for skis/snowboard; Warm skiing jacket and trousers; Warm gloves and a hat; Sunglasses; Ski goggles; Sunscreen SPF 25-50; 1 liter water bottle.

Meeting point

Tamga

About the guide

Yaroslav

4.6

(3)

Mountain Guide

I’m an IFMGA-certified mountain guide and I'm part of the Kyrgyzstan Mountain Guide Association (KMGA). I organize for my friends and clients trekking, mountaineering, climbing and ski touring trips and expeditions in Kyrgyzstan. Come and enjoy great climbing in the Ala-Archa Valley or sign for the challenging adventure of ascending Peak Lenin. I’ll be glad to organize for you the trip you are looking for and spend a good time with you in my mountains while sharing my experience as a mountain guide and my knowledge about my country.

Languages

Russian | Kyrgyz | English

Certificates

KMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about Yaroslav

Kasper

We loved our trip with Yaroslav! He made sure to make decisions which were best for our whole team, he was really professional and knowledgeable. We had a lot of fun together and we also felt safe and relaxed. We also learned a lot during the trip and got more experience in high altitude mountaineering. We highly recommend Yaroslav as a guide :)

Odile-Florence

We had a really nice time with Yaroslav and his driver Daniel. We were skitouring in the end of February in Karakol and Jyrgalan. Yaroslav is a very professional guide and knows the region very well. Thanks to him we always found the best spots for powder snow. The hostels that he selected were all excellent and clean. Both, Yaroslav and his driver Daniel are very punctual and reliable. They helped us in all matters and were very warm-hearted and fun! all in all we had an amazing week and are very thankful for the fun time that we had together! I would defently book again with Yaroslav!