Overview
You will feel the spiritual power of ancient Nomads when get to the Shymbulak Yurt Backcountry Camp located an altitude of 3163 meters and surrounded by the impressive glaciers with panoramic view to Almaty city. It’s a unique chance to test yourself in the backcountry with altitudes reaching 4000 meters and leave your tracks on the wild slopes of Tien Shan mountains. National dishes and beverages, stunning sunsets and sunrises, apre-ski above the clouds, nights under the starry sky, ski-touring and split-boarding and acquaintance with local culture will make this experience impressive and unforgettable. This trip is suitable for for fit skiers and snowboarders with off-piste experience and confident riding on piste.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Drinking water
- Private transportation
- 3 nights in Yurta Shymbulak Base Camp & Restaurant
- Dinner
- Skiing guide services
- All Fees and Taxes
- Breakfast
- Daily ski-passes at Shymbulak for 4 days
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Snacks
- Insurance policy
- Lunch
- Rental of avalanche safety and ski-touring gear
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Medeo Gorge (1690 meters above sea level) well known due to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam, protecting the city from the mudflows.
Stop 2
Mountain resort “Shymbulak” is located in famous Small Almaty gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau mountains in Kok Ashyk valley at an altitude of 2260 meters above sea level, 30 minutes drive from center of Almaty. The resort was founded in 1954. Since mid-1950s, Shymbulak served as training base for Soviet skiers, the USSR and Kazakhstan championships were held on its slopes. Every year in the beginning of February skiers competed for “Alexandra Artemenko Prize”, 11-time champion of the USSR, master of sports, participant of the Olympic Games 1956.
Stop 3
Ascent to the Talgar pass (altitude 3163 meters) by cable car. Yurt Lodge check-in. There is a traditional yurt, so the sleeping places will be arranged on the floor in the sleeping bags. Pillows and mats will be provided. The whole yurt and the floor are heated. It has electricity and outlets. Meals are served in seperate Yurt-Restaurant located nearby. There is a seperate bathroom near the Yurt-Restaurant with hot tab water and toilet seat. There is no shower or sauna, only wet wipes and snow (but for those who will be suffering too much it will possible to boil the water and wash from the bucket). Hiking to the Baiseitova peak (3450 meters) for acclimatization. Coming back to the Yurt. Short avalanche safety training. Dinner in the Yurt-Restaurant, rest.
Stop 4
Breakfast in the Yurt-Restaurant. Ski-touring or split boarding in the area close to the Shymbulak resort with elements of sidecountry. Depending on snow, weather conditions and skill level of the participants we will choose the most suitable slopes. There are few interesting spots nearby, such as: Shkol’nik, Edelweiss, Chkalov, Abay peaks. Elevation range: 3200-3800 meters. Coming back to the Yurt and rest. Dinner in the Yurt-Restaurant in traditional style. Overnight in the sleeping Yurt.
Stop 5
Breakfast at 05:00. Ski-touring or split-boarding in the area of Bogdanovich glacier to the Karlytau peak. Elevation range: 3200-4100 meters. Duration: 6-8 hours. Coming back to the Yurt. Dinner in Kazakh national style. Overnight in the yurt.
Stop 6
Breakfast at 06:00. Ski-touring or split-boarding in the surroundings of Bogdanovich glacier to Fizkul’turnik, Til' or Pioneer glaciers. Elevation range: 3200-4000 meters. Duration: 4-6 hours. Coming back to the Yurt. Packing and check-out. Descent to the Medeu. Transfer to the hotel in Almaty.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness