An incredible powder paradise awaits you in the eastern Tian Shan Mountains.
The Karkara Valley lies in the Tien Shan range, right where Kazakhstan meets Kyrgyzstan and China. This is one of the most remote and wild mountain regions in Central Asia, with peaks rising over 4,000 meters. The area has long been known for its dramatic landscapes, pristine rivers, and nomadic traditions — but it's only recently that cat skiing has put Karkara on the international map.
From the trip description by Ryce Travel
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.
- 5 days on snow with staff
- Backcountry guidingLocal cat ski guide; "you'll be guided by an incredible crew of experienced local guides who know the Tien Shan Mountains inside out"
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- The cat-ski terrain around Karkara stretches across the Tien Shan foothills, from about 1,800 to 3,300 meters.
- It covers dozens of square kilometers of untouched slopes, open alpine bowls, and steep ridgelines.
- Higher up, the landscape opens into wide, rolling alpine meadows and steep couloirs overlooking snow-covered peaks stretching into Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and China.
- Lower down, you'll find open tree runs and rolling terrain with deep, dry powder.
- You're an advanced skier or snowboarder with off-piste experience
- You love adventure and powder
- You're looking for something exciting beyond the Alps
- You don't need luxury — just great snow, good food, and a sauna with new friends
- You want to ski somewhere that still feels undiscovered
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Max group size
- 12 guests
From the trip description by Ryce Travel
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Meals
- Transfers
- Use of sauna in Karkara
- 6 nights Karkara Base Camp (twin rooms)
- 1 night Renion City Hotel Almaty
- All transfers and cat ski transfers
- 5 full days of cat skiing
- Local cat ski guide
- All meals from Sunday evening till Saturday morning (+water/tea/coffee)
- Use of sauna in Karkara
Not included
- Avalanche gear (participants bring their own)
Not confirmed by the operator: Lift pass, Lesson.
Day by day
* order of program can change
- Step 1: SundayArrival Almaty – transfer to KarkaraAccommodation: Base Camp Karkara
- Step 2: MondayCat ski day 1Accommodation: Base Camp Karkara
- Step 3: TuesdayCat ski day 2Accommodation: Base Camp Karkara
- Step 4: WednesdayCat ski day 3Accommodation: Base Camp Karkara
- Step 5: ThursdayCat ski day 4Accommodation: Base Camp Karkara
- Step 6: FridayCat ski day 5Accommodation: Base Camp Karkara
- Step 7: SaturdayCharyn Canyon hike, transfer to AlmatyAccommodation: Renion City Hotel Almaty
- Step 8: SundayAlmaty – return flight
From the trip description by Ryce Travel
Where you stay
We stay at Karkara Base Camp, a cozy mountain lodge featuring twin rooms. Meals are served in a shared dining area, and there's plenty of space to relax.
Getting There
- START TOUR: Sunday 11:00 am arrivals hall Almaty International Airport. Pick-Up in city center also possible.
- END OF TOUR: Sunday 09:00 am, departure hall Almaty International Airport. Drop-Off in city center Almaty possible too
- Transfers from Almaty International Airport are included.
- The easiest way to reach Almaty is via Istanbul — we usually recommend Turkish Airlines.
From the trip description by Ryce Travel
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
- Feb 7 – Feb 14, 20272026/27 · 8 days2,095 EUR€2,095 per person; full board, excl. flights; group 5–12AvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
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
We ask participants to bring their own avalanche gear, as equipment is still limited locally. Don't worry — the guides will run a safety briefing and make sure everyone knows how to use it properly.
If you're vegetarian, just let us know in advance — we'll make sure special groceries are arranged.
From the trip description by Ryce Travel
Reviews
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