Winter Kyrgyzstan: Skiing, Eagles & Hot Springs — 9 Days
Route last checked by our team: November 2026
About this tour
Kyrgyzstan in winter is a different country: snowy Tien Shan peaks above a lake that never freezes, quiet canyons, ski slopes with almost no queues and hot springs to warm up in. This 9-day trip from Bishkek mixes all of it — two full days at the Karakol ski base, an eagle hunter in the red Mars canyon, kayaking on Issyk-Kul among wild birds and a day trip over a 3,822 m pass to the abandoned mining town of Enylchek near the Chinese border.
You stay in Bishkek, with a family guesthouse in Bokonbaevo and five nights in Karakol, so there is no packing every morning. Beginners can book a ski teacher; freeriders can add cat-skiing, snowmobiles or paragliding.
Highlights
- Two full days at the Karakol ski base, with a ski teacher for beginners
- Golden-eagle hunting show in the red Mars canyon
- Help a master put up a traditional yurt in Kyzyl-Tuu
- Kayaking on Issyk-Kul, the lake that never freezes
- Day trip over a 3,822 m pass to the abandoned town of Enylchek, with wild hot springs
- Skazka canyon, Jeti-Oguz and sunset at the Shatyly viewpoint
Group departures
Join a group on one of these dates, or propose your own. A departure is guaranteed once 2 travellers have joined, and the price per person drops as the group grows.
Join a group: choose your date
Publish your dates and other travellers can join you. They go live as soon as you confirm your email.
- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary & route map
- Route
- 1,294 km
- Highest point
- 3,771 m
- Days
- 9
Elevation
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Day 1 Arrival in Bishkek
- 29 km
- Up to 762 m
- Night in Bishkek
Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, relax or explore the city on your own. Welcome dinner to meet the group.
Overnight: Bridges Hotel, Bishkek.
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Day 2 Bishkek – Boom gorge – Konorchek – Bokonbaevo
- 284 km
- Up to 2,048 m
- Night in Bokonbaevo
Drive through the Boom gorge, once part of the Silk Road, with a walk into the Konorchek canyon on the way. In Kyzyl-Tuu village a master shows how a yurt is made — and you can help put one up. Sunset at the Shatyly viewpoint over Issyk-Kul.
Overnight: guesthouse in Bokonbaevo, with dinner.
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Day 3 Mars canyon – Skazka canyon – Jeti-Oguz – Karakol
- 165 km
- Up to 2,024 m
- Night in Karakol
Golden-eagle hunting show with Ruslan, a local eagle hunter, in the red Mars canyon, and a walk with views over Issyk-Kul. Then 1–2 hours in the Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon and the Seven Bulls rocks of Jeti-Oguz before Karakol.
Overnight: Karakol.
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Day 4 Skiing at Karakol ski base
- 27 km
- Up to 2,392 m
- Night in Karakol
A full day on the slopes of Karakol ski base. We can arrange a ski teacher for beginners; skis and boots can be rented in Karakol or at the base. Freeriders can add cat-skiing, a snowmobile or paragliding (extra cost).
Overnight: Karakol.
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Day 5 Skiing at Karakol ski base
- 27 km
- Up to 2,392 m
- Night in Karakol
A second full day of skiing or snowboarding — or a free day in Karakol.
Overnight: Karakol.
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Day 6 Day trip to Enylchek
- 290 km
- Up to 3,771 m
- Night in Karakol
Over the 3,822 m pass to the abandoned mining town of Enylchek in the middle of the Tien Shan, in the border zone with China (we arrange the military permit). Beyond the pass there is usually no snow in winter. Bathe in wild hot springs, visit the village school with small gifts, and return to Karakol.
Overnight: Karakol.
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Day 7 Kayaking on Issyk-Kul – Karakol – hot springs
- 44 km
- Up to 1,791 m
- Night in Karakol
Kayak the Mikhailov bay of Issyk-Kul among wild birds, with the snowy ridges all around (the kayaks have covers, so your normal winter clothes stay dry). A short city tour of Karakol, then the hot springs near the town to warm up.
Overnight: Karakol.
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Day 8 Karakol – Bishkek
- 398 km
- Up to 1,759 m
- Night in Bishkek
Drive to Bishkek (5–6 hours), a city tour and a festive farewell dinner.
Overnight: Bridges Hotel, Bishkek.
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Day 9 Departure
- 30 km
- Up to 761 m
- Ends in Manas airport
Transfer to Manas airport.
What's included
Included
Airport transfers and private transport for the whole route
SUVs and the military permit for the Enylchek border zone
English- or German-speaking guide
8 nights in double rooms: Bridges Hotel in Bishkek, a guesthouse in Bokonbaevo and a hotel in Karakol (in an odd-numbered group, one traveller gets a single room at no extra cost)
Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner every day
Welcome dinner on day 1 and a special Dungan dinner
Yurt-building show in Kyzyl-Tuu
Eagle hunting show in Mars canyon
Ski pass at Karakol ski base for 2 days
Hot springs
Entrance and national park fees
Drinking water (1 litre a day)
Not included
International flights and visa fees
Travel insurance
Single room: +$170 for the whole tour, if you prefer a room of your own
Ski, snowboard and boot rental (about $10–20 a day)
Ski teacher or ski guide
Cat-skiing ($70 per person, minimum 10 people) and snowmobile ($70 per person, minimum 2–3 people)
Other personal expenses not shown in the program
Who is this tour for?
- Skiers and snowboarders who want more than the slopes
- Travellers curious about Kyrgyzstan in the quiet season
- Families and friends — non-skiers have plenty to do
Difficulty & safety
The road to Enylchek crosses a 3,822 m pass; winter roads can close in bad weather, and we change the order of the days if needed. Ski within your level and use a teacher if you are a beginner. Kayaking is done in calm conditions with covered kayaks.
What to bring
Warm winter jacket, fleece and thermal underwear
Waterproof trousers and winter boots
Hat, gloves and a buff
Sunglasses or ski goggles and high-SPF sunscreen
Swimwear for the hot springs
Passport (needed for the Enylchek permit)
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Is the ski pass included?
Yes, the ski pass at Karakol ski base is included for both ski days. Skis, snowboards and boots can be rented in Karakol or at the base for about $10–20 a day; a ski teacher is extra.
Do I need to know how to ski?
No. We can arrange a ski teacher for beginners. If you do not ski, the two ski days can be spent in Karakol or the surrounding valleys.
Can I ski off-piste or go cat-skiing?
Yes, if you already ski or ride confidently on prepared slopes — off-piste slopes are not groomed and are dangerous for beginners. Cat-skiing ($70 per person, guide included) takes you to the top 5–6 times a day but needs at least 10 people, so it is confirmed only a few days before. A snowmobile costs $70 per person (minimum 2–3 people); a snowmobile guide is paid separately.
Why do I need a permit for Enylchek?
Enylchek lies in the border zone with China. We arrange the military permit and the SUVs; we just need a copy of your passport about a month before the trip.
How cold is it?
Around Issyk-Kul winters are milder than in the mountains — the lake never freezes. At the ski base and on the pass to Enylchek it can be well below freezing, so bring warm layers.
