Ski mountaineering expedition with training in the Tien Shan mountains, led by the Director of the Kyrgyz Mountain Guide Association!
This spring, we are organizing a true expedition aimed at exploring the untouched areas of the Tien Shan mountains and summiting one of the many peaks up to 5000m. Kyrgyzstan has hundreds, if not thousands, of mountains with no documented ascents or ski descents.
From the trip description by Off Piste
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability. Instruction is not included.
- Coached: Not confirmed
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- Backcountry guidingIFMGA/IVBV certified Kyrgyz guide and a second mountain guide; overseen by a Polish team leader
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Our base will be a yurt camp at around 3800m, prepared specifically for this expedition. We’ll explore untouched terrain with access to many peaks in the Ak Shiirak and Borkoldoi ranges.
- We plan daily ascents of 600-1200m
- We’ll attempt several nearby summits ranging from 4400-4900m
- We will primarily operate on glacier terrain, and our guide, Mischa, will conduct training on rescue and belaying techniques
- This trip is for experienced ski mountaineers in good physical condition
- Basic knowledge of belaying, rope techniques, crampons, and ice axe use is required
- The main challenges are altitude, heavy loads, and variable snow conditions during descents
- Ski touring gear or splitboard required
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Max group size
- 8 guests
From the trip description by Off Piste
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Meals
- Transfers
- Accommodation: Bishkek – 3* hotel; Issyk-Kul – guesthouse; mountains – heated tents/ yurts
- Camp set-up in the mountains and logistics
- Full board throughout the stay in Kyrgyzstan
- IFMGA/IVBV certified Kyrgyz guide
- Second mountain guide
- Access to a Russian banya (sauna) in the mountain camp
- Supervision by a Polish team leader
- All road transfers
- Standard travel insurance including medical expenses, accident coverage, and personal liability.
Not included
- Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel) · extra costAvailable for rent, reservation required
- Insurance covering off-piste skiing · extra cost370 PLN per person
- Flights (around 3000 PLN)
- Ski or snowboard equipment – you need to bring your own
- Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel) – available for rent, reservation required
- Extreme sports insurance, including off-piste skiing
- Tips
- Anything not mentioned in the program
Not confirmed by the operator: Lift pass, Lesson.
Day by day
- Day 1: April 17We’ll depart from Warsaw with a layover, flying to Bishkek, where we’ll land the next morning.
- Day 2: After landing and enjoying a hearty Kyrgyz breakfast, we’ll head to Issyk-Kul Lake, nestled between the mountain ranges of the Tien Shan. The rest of the day will be spent relaxing after the journey at a local guesthouse.
- Day 3: After breakfast, we’ll venture into one of the nearby valleys for an acclimatization trek, aiming to summit an easy 3000-meter peak. The afternoon will be reserved for relaxation by the lake.
- Day 4: Today, we head into the serious mountains! We’ll cross two solid mountain passes to reach the heart of the Tien Shan – the Kara-Sai Valley, where our Base Camp will be set up with yurts, a sauna, and a field kitchen. In the afternoon, we’ll take a short acclimatization ski tour.
- Days 5–10: We’ll explore the Ak-Shiirak or Borkoldoi mountain ranges, gradually ascending to higher elevations. Each morning, we’ll have breakfast in the camp, followed by a full-day ski tour with packed lunches. On the afternoon of Day 10, we’ll return by car to Issyk-Kul Lake for a night in a guesthouse.
- Day 11: We’ll enjoy a relaxing morning by the lake, and on the way back to Bishkek, we’ll stop at a felt craft workshop. Overnight stay in a hotel.
- Day 12: In the morning, we’ll fly back to Poland, landing in Warsaw the same day.
From the trip description by Off Piste
Where you stay
- Accommodation: Bishkek – 3* hotel; Issyk-Kul – guesthouse; mountains – heated tents/ yurts
- Our Kyrgyz friends will set up the camp at around 3800m in the Kara-Sai valley, which will be our private base for daily ski tours
- This will be a premium base camp with a sauna, a kitchen, a dining area, and other comforts
Getting There
We will travel through Kyrgyzstan in a Mercedes Sprinter 4×4
From the trip description by Off Piste
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
- Apr 17 – Apr 28, 20272026/27 · 12 days12,800 PLN12 800 PLN per person; 5–8 people; flights not included (around 3000 PLN)AvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
Dates: 17.04 – 28.04.2027; Duration: 12 days, including travel days from and to Poland.
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 24, 2026.
Good To Know
Operating in high-mountain terrain involves risks, which are discussed with each participant before confirming reservations. We reserve the right to decline participation in special cases
Participants must have avalanche safety equipment and know how to use it
Gear List: Climbing harness; Carabiners (6 pcs, at least 3 locking); Ice screws (1-2 pcs); Belay device (Grigri); Crampons; Ski crampons; Ice axe
Additional coverage for off-piste skiing is required. This can be purchased from us for 370 PLN per person.
Visa: Not required.
Pay a 30% deposit; pay the remaining amount 30 days before departure.
From the trip description by Off Piste
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