BORAN
Planned
Seats Available
Signature
Kyrgyzstan

Yurt Based Skitouring

Backcountry adventure in snowy Kyrgyzstan.

Next departure: 23.01.2027

Duration: 15 days
Group size: 4 – 6
From: CHF 2650.-

Meeting point: Bishkek

About this trip

The trip in brief.

Kyrgyz hospitality is overwhelming. And the crew of our yurt base camp ensures that even our stay in a remote valley becomes an unforgettable experience. Up there, life is simple yet comfortable and cozy.
Each day we choose a tour among plenty of options around the plateau a bit higher up the valley. And for those inclined to scout uncovered terrain, there are also still many opportunities.

Besides dedicating our time to enjoying the snow in the mountains, we get to experience the mix of Central Asian nomadic traditions and Sowjet culture: browsing the bazar, tasting local food, sleeping in yurts, and enjoying banja (Russian style sauna) and not to forget, riding horses.

An evening/night in the capital Bishkek ensures a conclusion of the trip that could not be richer in contrast to the remaining time.

What makes this trip

Good reasons to join.

Basecamp in Kyrgyz Yurts

Experiencing Kyrgyz nomadic traditions in this simple yet comfortable accommodation that borrows a lot of coziness.

Alone at home in a location surrounded by mountains and slopes

A high plateau provides access to a variety rideable mountain slopes, side valleys, and their hidden backsides… still plenty to be discovered!

One-of-a-kind travel experience

Travelling in Kyrgyzstan creates special vibes. The country is full of contrasts, known for amazing hospitality, and extremely diverse in traditions. And in winter, everything feels even more intense.

Guest profile

Is this trip for you?

This trip is for you if...

Designed as a unique program for experienced split boarders and ski tourers eager to explore new terrain and embrace something different, this journey combines adventure with authentic cultural immersion.

The itinerary includes 7 days of ski touring and 3 horse riding sessions, creating a rare and carefully balanced mix of mountain exploration and local tradition. While ski touring is still relatively new in Kyrgyzstan, horse riding is deeply rooted in the country’s nomadic heritage — it is truly part of everyday life.

By bringing these two worlds together, we offer not only unforgettable days in the mountains, but also a genuine and immersive insight into authentic Kyrgyz life.

Small side note: All tours are splitboard-friendly.

This trip is probably not for you if...

Beginner skiers or split boarders, without touring experience or avalanche training.

Your guides

Who is taking you there.

Guide, Bike Mechanic, Art Director and Backoffice Workhorse
Klosters, Switzerland
“Only dead fish follow the stream.”
tunduk founder; guide; backoffice-techie
Klosters, Switzerland
Do what you love. Do it now.
Day by day

The itinerary.

DAY 1 | FLIGHT TO BISHKEK
DAY 2 | ARRIVAL + TRANSFER TO KARAKOL
DAY 3 | HORSEPOWERED SKITOUR, KARAKOL
DAY 4 – 5 | YURT BASED SKI TOURING, JERGALAN REGION
DAY 6 – 8 | YURT BASED SKI TOURING, KARAKOL REGION
DAY 9-12 | JEEPTOUR + HORSERIDING ENILCHEK REMOTE REGION
DAY 13 | TRANSFER TO BOKONBAEVO
DAY 14 | TRANSFER BISHKEK + CITYTOUR/PARTYNIGHT BISHKEK
DAY 15 | FLYING HOME

Ski touring program will be adapted according to the group’s request, as well as current weather and avalanche conditions. For those with extra energy and “restless legs,” additional loop options can be arranged.

Note: Possible to book this tour privately for your own crew.  Possible to adapt the program to your groups’ wishes.

Trip profile

What to expect.

Outdoor

We’re outdoors everyday, and our accommodation in yurts separates us by just a little felt and wood from surrounding nature. Sleeping bag & mattress needed; nights can be cold, but during awake-time yurts are warm. The rest of the nights we sleep in warm guesthouses.

Comfort

Medium comfort with spacious yurts, heated by wood stove, and with Siberian style banja tent (sauna) close by. Toilet facilities are simple (outhouse) and there is no running water expect from the river. We spend 4 nights in total in the yurts. The rest of the nights we have normal basic comfort.

Physical

The intensity of touring days can be adapted to desires of the group. Normal days include 800 to 1200 vertical meters, but those who wish can often do an extra lap.

Technical

Technical levels of tours are moderate. You should still manage to do safe switchbacks in uphill though. Snow conditions for riding can be more difficult than in the Alps, sound riding skills are beneficial.

What's covered

Included & excluded.

Included

  • Trip organization and guiding
  • Kyrgyz mountain guide Kasidin
  • All Transportation (private or public)
  • Overnight stays in the yurt w/ full board (cold lunch)
  • The service of our yurt crew (cooking, heating, preparing banja)
  • Side activities (horse riding / eagle hunting show/…)

Not included

  • International flights
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Insurances
On the ground

Food & Accommodation.

Food

Food in Kyrgyzstan is very diverse, and once again rich in contrast. On one hand there are dairy products like salty cheese creations and the world famous Kymyz (fermented horse milk), or also the traditional round breads, all originating from the nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz. On the other hand there is a blend of food choices that developed at the interface of food cuisine from the Turkish, Usbek, Uigur, and of course the Russians. There is literally something for everyone. In case of allergies or food preferences we appreciate early communication so that we can advise and find solutions.

Accommodation

We sleep mostly in simple guesthouses. 4 nights we will spend in our Yurt camp. One yurt in our camp is the kitchen/living room for the whole group, while sleep in another yurt with wooden podiums above ground for sleeping. A well insulating mattress and a sleeping bag rated down to -10°C is still recommended to keep it cozy and warm in your bag even on the colder days (for cold sleepers -15°C or an additional liner etc.). But don’t worry, it will only get cold inside during the night. The remaining time a wood stove provides plenty of heat for us but also for our equipment to properly dry before the next day starts. The guesthouses we use are more homestay than hostel in many cases, intentionally. It allows us to be close to people’s life and support them directly. With many of them we already maintain friendship over many years.
What to pack

Gear & Equipment.

What to bring

A detailed packing list will be provided. But you’ll need your own splitboard/skitouring gear – like at home.

Rental gear

The following equipment can be rented from us.

There are no rental options for skiing equipment.

The details

Practical Information.

Dates

23.01.2027 – 6.2.2027

Duration

15 days

Group Size

4-6

Pricing

4 people: CHF 2’950.- ( Flight excl.)
5 – 6 people: CHF 2’650.- (Flight excl.)

Meeting Point

Bishkek

Nearest Airport

Manas International Airport (BSZ), Bischkek

Luggage Transport

Airport Transfers

Safety first

Safety & insurance.

tunduk operates a structured risk management concept that applies to every trip. Prevention is the priority – we mitigate risk with conservative route decisions, timing, and group management. When conditions change, plans change.

All participants are required to read the tunduk Emergency Concept. It covers prevention, decision-making in the field, and emergency procedures.

On all trips in remote areas without mobile coverage we carry a Garmin inReach satellite communicator for emergency communication.

general travel safety information on our destination pages →

Insurance is the responsibility of each participant. Coverage must include health (illness and accident), rescue and evacuation in the destination country, and repatriation. We may ask for proof of insurance prior to departure.

Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. It should cover trip cancellation, lost equipment, and any activity-specific risks relevant to the trip.

travel info

Visa & entry.

Most nationalities can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for stays up to 30 days. Participants are responsible for checking visa requirements for their nationality.

Full travel information for 

changing plans

Cancellation Policy.

Up to 120 days before departure

20%

Up to 60 days before departure

50%

Up to 30 days before departure

80%

Less than 30 days before departure

100%

Any costs already incurred on your behalf at the time of cancellation – such as for train tickets, reservations, or permits – will be charged in full, regardless of the above schedule. In exceptional cases tunduk may offer a full refund minus a handling fee of CHF 200 at its discretion. Only upon request and without guaranteed right.

Keep exploring

You might also like.

BORAN
Signature
Kazakhstan
Next trip: 27.12.2026
Planned
Seats Available
Discover the ski touring underdog Kazakhstan.

13 days  ·  4-6 pers.  ·  from CHF 2900.-

Ready to go?

Join this adventure.

Questions? Get in touch directly.
Send a message

tunduk is a small team. We respond personally – usually within 48 hours, sometimes a little longer when we’re travelling.

For other ways to get in touch with us: 

Yurt Based Skitouring

Trip Request Form

Use this form to request information such as availability, prices, or other details such as customization options. If you have already completed this step, use the following Submission Form for Final Registration.
Please indicate your preferred dates (or a time frame) and the number of people. Also, provide some information about your interests or motivation for this trip. This will help us ensure that we make the best choice—or find an even better alternative.

Yurt Based Skitouring

Trip RequesT Form

Please provide preferred dates (or a range) as well as the number of persons. Some facts about what you’re interested in and/or why you think this trip must be your next adventure help us to make sure it’s indeed the best choice – or find an even better match. 

We recommend the following channels for easy and responsive communication.

Don’t hesitate to contact us. We love to talk about adventures, and are more than happy to share all the information we have.

You may also want to connect with us on social media.

We would be excited to sometimes share a tunduk story or an announcement with you. Let us know your email address, and you won’t miss adventures anymore.

Newsletter

As an alternative to the channels above, your message will also reach us using the contact form below. 

Contact Form