Ski Tour In Ak- Shirak

Ski touring in Kyrgyzstan

Ak-Shirak Range, Tien-Shan

Ak-Shirak Range is a part of Central Tien-Shan mountains, located to the south of the eastern bank of Issyk-Kul Lake, between the lake shore and the border with China. The climate of the area is typical for Central Tien-Shan in general but slightly milder. Annual precipitation is 700 mm. The highest level of precipitation is in spring and early summer, and the last one is in winter. The average winter temperature is -16°С, in spring and autumn it is -7°С, however, on some days spring temperature can fall down to -15 and even to -20C.

The highest altitude in Ak-Shirak Range is 5126 m. Glaciations are significant and quite often glaciers slide down from the passes and mountain tops. The elevation is 700 m and in the eastern part, it reaches 1 000 m (area of the peak 5126m). The biggest glacier in Ak-Shirak Range is Petrov Glacier, 14 km long, sliding north in the central part of the northern slope of the range. 10 km Jaman-Su Glacier is located in the eastern part of the range. Karasai Severny Glacier is 10 km long and Kaindy Glacier is 8 km. Both sit in the western part.

There are about 130 glaciers in the range with a total area of 450 square kilometers. Glaciers are situated above 3700 m. The area is not widely explored by skiers or climbers; it has huge possibilities for ski-mountaineering, for the first ascents.

The northern, western, and southern areas of the range can be easily accessed by car from the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. From Bishkek the way goes through Tamga, then after the next village Barskaun we continue south 200-250 km on a gravel road by off-road vehicle. The southern region is in the border area and a special permit is required. Part of the Ak-Shirak Range is a territory of a goldmine, and depending on the itinerary special permit from a gold mining company may be needed.

Itinerary

1st Day. Arrival

Flight of international airlines will take the members of the group to the Kyrgyz capital airport early in the morning. A representative of our company will meet them and arrange their transfer to Bishkek three stars hotel. Here participants can have some rest and check their equipment. Our company may arrange a city tour on request to show you the main sights of our capital, help to purchase necessary food or other stuff for the expedition and arrange tasty dinner of local cuisine.

2nd Day. Bishkek – Tamga

After breakfast, we will arrange a transfer to Tamga village. It is located on the way to Ak-Shirak Range, the area for ski touring. This trip will take about 4-5 hours, the distance between Bishkek and Tamga is about 300 kilometers. During the transfer, you can see the magnificent scenery of snowy Kyrgyzstan and discuss a skiing plan for the nearest days. You will stay in a guest house upon arrival in Tamga village, situated almost on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Cozy rooms, big home-cooked meals, and friendly conversations will give you the warmest impressions from your staying here.

3rd day. Tamga – Ak-Shirak

You will continue your trip to the Ak-Shirak Range today. All the group members will go to the place of base camp location today. It takes about 4-5 hours, a trip to the south direction. The driving distance today is about 200-250 kilometers. Particular locations of the base camp will be chosen by the group upon arrival. You can relax or arrange acclimatization by walking or skiing from the nearest slopes on this day.

Important! All participants have to have a border permit because the ski area is located in a border zone.

The area of the ski camp location is remote, which is why land transfer can be arranged by truck or cross-country vehicle only.

4th-9th Day. Ski touring, new routes

The next few days are planned for acclimatization walking and ski-touring. The ski itinerary should be planned preliminary; the members of the group choose routes by themselves, based on the physical conditions of the group, ski experience, and weather conditions. Participants should have their personal ski outfits.

Important! The North-West slopes of the Ak-Shirak Range are located on the territory of Kumtor gold mining company. This area is protected and closed to tourists. It is not expected that the program will be arranged in this area.

10th Day. Ak-Shirak – Tamga

The group will go back to the Tamga village after breakfast in the camp. Accommodation in the village will be arranged in a family-run guest house. Participants will have time to enjoy tasty dishes of national cuisine and share their impressions of the program.

11th Day. Tamga – Bishkek

After Breakfast in the guest house, we will arrange your transfer to Bishkek; accommodation is planned in three stars hotel this day. After a short rest on arrival, you can go out to purchase souvenirs and enjoy your dinner in the local restaurant.

12th Day. Departure home

Early morning you will have your breakfast before a quick transfer to the airport where the airplane is ready to take you to your home country.

Notes:

If the group prefers to send ski gear/outfit to Bishkek in advance, ITMC Company will arrange customs clearance.

To get full information and answers to all your questions you can contact us by email

Service Included in the Price:

All land transportation according to the program

- Airport-Bishkek-airport, city sightseeing by minibus

- Bishkek - Ak-Shyrak Range BC - Bishkek by 4WD vehicle UAZ

NB: Vehicle stays in the Base Camp and is available for moving between gorges in the area

Twin accommodation in the hotels and guest houses as mentioned above

- Bishkek: Hotel 3* (day 2, day 15)

- Tamga: Guest House, shared facilities

Cook service

Meals:

- Breakfasts in the hotel in Bishkek

- Breakfasts and dinners in the Guest House in Tamga

- Full board in the mountains

Bottled water en-route

All camping and kitchen utensils, camping furniture

Mess tent (dining tent)

Formalities: border permits

Note: These prices are from 4 people in a group and this is the minimum number of people in a group