Jyrgalan 3-Yurt Traverse (Scheduled Guided Week)

The Ultimate Yurt-to-Yurt Ski Touring Circuit in Kyrgyzstan

Designed specifically for solo backcountry skiers, pairs, and small friend groups.

Unlike our private charter packages, the Jyrgalan 3-Yurt Traverse operates on predefined open-enrollment weeks in January and March. We pool like-minded backcountry tourers into tight, nimble groups capped strictly at 5 skiers maximum with a dedicated certified local ski guide.

Over 7 days, you will traverse across the three distinct high-altitude zones of the Jyrgalan mountain system:

1. Jyrgalan Basecamp (2,250m) — Acclimatization laps, deep Tien-Shan spruce glades, and village warmth.
2. Tyup Yurt Lodge (2,300m) — Remote river drainage skiing, wilderness powder bowls, and quiet riverside banya.
3. Heights Yurt Lodge (2,900m) — High-alpine bowls, panoramic ridgelines, and sunset saunas high above the tree line.

Flexible Lodge Transitions: Transportation between yurt camps can be done either via guided ski touring across scenic mountain divides or by early morning snowmobile passenger shuttle. In the case of an early morning snowmobile shuttle, you arrive quickly at the remote lodge, drop your bags, and immediately head out for a full day of backcountry ski touring in the remote terrain right after arrival! Heavy luggage and duffels are always transported by snowmobile sleds.

Scheduled Departures & Live Spot Counter

Transparent Pricing & Confirmation Policy

• Price: €1,480 per person (all-inclusive as listed in inclusions).
• Minimum Group Size: 3 skiers minimum required to run the departure (capped at 5 skiers max).
• Booking Cutoff (2–3 Weeks Prior): Bookings close 2 to 3 weeks before each departure date so participants have ample time to book international flights, visas, and gear.
• If Minimum is NOT Met: If fewer than 3 skiers are registered by the cutoff date, the week is cancelled and all deposits/payments are 100% refunded immediately (or you may choose to transfer your spot to an adjacent week or pay a private 2-pax supplement).
• When Confirmed: Once the 3-skier threshold is reached, all enrolled skiers are notified of the guaranteed departure status, agree to the group confirmation, and settle the full balance.

Detailed 7-Day / 6-Night Traverse Itinerary

Day 1: BSZ Airport Pickup & Arrival at Jyrgalan Basecamp

• Meet our reliable driver with a comfortable van at Bishkek Manas International Airport (BSZ) or your Bishkek hotel.
• Scenic 6-hour transfer east through Boom Valley (lunch stop at local roadside café) and along the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
• Required utility stops in Karakol: ATM cash withdrawal, currency exchange, and local SIM / eSIM setup.
• Arrive at Jyrgalan Yurt Lodge Basecamp (2,250m). Settle into heated guest yurts, enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner, and relax in the evening banya (wood-fired sauna).

Day 2: Acclimatization, Beacon Check & Jyrgalan Powder Bowls

• Morning safety briefing, transceiver function check, and partner rescue drill.
• Skin up through the Tien-Shan spruce glades onto the subalpine shoulders above Jyrgalan village (elevation: 2,250m – 3,000m; ~900m vert).
• Ski dry continental powder laps back to the valley floor.
• Second night at Basecamp; gear prep for the remote yurt traverse.

Day 3: Transition to Tyup Yurt Lodge (2,300m)

• Flexible Transfer Options: Transportation to the remote Tyup camp is arranged either via early morning snowmobile shuttle or by a guided ski touring ridge traverse (heavy duffels and bags are always transported by snowmobile sled).
• Early Morning Snowmobile Shuttle: Ride directly up into Tyup Valley on our snowmobile shuttle early in the morning. Check in, drop gear, and head straight out for a full day of backcountry ski touring in Tyup’s remote bowls and wilderness terrain right after arrival!
• Guided Touring Traverse: Alternatively, tour with light daypacks over the panoramic ridge divide between Jyrgalan and Tyup valleys, enjoying ridge-line turns into the uninhabited Tyup River basin.
• Check into Tyup Yurt Lodge (2,300m). Evening wood-fired sauna right next to the cold mountain river.

Day 4: Deep Powder Touring in Tyup Cirques

• Full day exploring the remote cirques, couloirs, and protected north-facing bowls of the Tyup wilderness.
• Pristine snow conditions sheltered from wind by high peaks (vert: 1,000m – 1,200m).
• Hot cooked yurt dinner and second night at Tyup Lodge.

Day 5: Transition to Heights Yurt Lodge (2,900m)

• Flexible Transfer Options: Moving to our highest outpost at Jyrgalan Heights (2,900m) can also be done via early morning snowmobile shuttle or an alpine ski touring traverse.
• Early Morning Snowmobile Shuttle: Fast morning snowmobile transit up into the alpine zone. Drop bags at Heights Yurt Lodge and head out immediately for a full day of high-altitude powder touring on the 3,000m+ bowls right after arrival!
• Alpine Touring Traverse: Guided skinning traverse linking scenic cols and subalpine bowls with light daypacks while snowmobiles haul duffels.
• Enjoy sunset over the Central Tien-Shan peaks from the high-altitude sauna. First night at Heights Lodge.

Day 6: Summit Ridges & Farewell Mountain Celebration

• Early start for the highest summit tours of the week (altitudes up to 3,300m+).
• Unmatched 360-degree views across glaciated massifs and rolling powder fields.
• Celebratory farewell feast in the heated dining yurt with our mountain guides and crew. Second night at Heights Lodge.

Day 7: Descent / Shuttle to Village, Issyk-Kul Hot Springs & Return Transfer

• Morning breakfast followed by ski descent (or snowmobile shuttle) back down to Jyrgalan village.
• Pack vehicles and begin the comfortable return transfer towards Bishkek.
• Special Highlight: A relaxing 2-hour soak in natural mineral hot spring pools on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul to soothe tired legs after 6 days of ski touring.
• Evening drop-off in Bishkek city or direct to Manas Airport (BSZ) for departure flights.

Participant Requirements & Vetting

To ensure the safety, pacing, and enjoyment of the entire group:

1. Physical Fitness: You should be capable of skinning 800m to 1,300m of vertical ascent per day at altitudes between 2,200m and 3,300m for multiple consecutive days.
2. Backcountry Experience: Prior ski touring or splitboarding experience is required. You must be comfortable with kick-turns on steep skin tracks and transitioning gear efficiently in winter conditions.
3. Skiing / Riding Ability: Confident off-piste technique in variable backcountry snow (deep powder, crust, wind-buff, and forested tree lines).
4. Mandatory Safety Gear: A modern digital 3-antenna avalanche transceiver, metal blade shovel, and 240cm+ avalanche probe are strictly required for every skier.