The Low Down

We have a feeling you and your clients are going to like what we’ve got going on! Our private booking option is designed especially for guides who are looking to expand their expedition portfolio. Our setup is a traditional Krygyz yurt, located at 2,650m in the foothills of the eastern Terskey-Alatoo Range, accessed from our partner village via a 6km skin track. The hand-felted yurt is ~6m in diameter and heated by a wood burning stove, offering an intimate and cozy “basecamp” environment. Our local partners run our village homestays and also work at the yurt, making sure you and your clients are properly styled out and always well fed. The location is as private as it gets and offers immediate access to backdoor tree skiing and mellow descents, as well as access to surrounding summits which top out at 3,650m and offer up everything from open pow fields and cruiser ridgelines to couloirs and technical descents.

Availability

For the 2013-14 season the the yurt will be open to private bookings during the following dates:

• December 15-31 (5% early season discount applies)
• January 1-February 7
• March 9-31
• Whenever not occupied by one of our regular guided or self-guided groups

Check current availability via our Bookings Calendar.

Requirements

Group Size: 5 client minimum

Minimum Stay: 3 nights

Experience: Our scenario is ideal for client groups with good travel experience, who are in it for the adventure as much as the skiing or riding, and are open to challenges and discomforts that aren’t characteristic of more average ski vacations. Our standard requirements are that participants must be confident skiers or riders (high-intermediate to advanced level), but do not need to have extensive off-piste/touring experience and do not need previous avalanche safety training or glacier travel or ski mountaineering experience. Ultimately, as guide, it’s your call what degree of experience you require. The yurt provides access to terrain appropriate for all experience levels.

Gear: We strongly recommend fat powder skis (minimum 100mm underfoot – the fatter the better!) and splitboards for snowboarders. All group members must be prepared with essential touring and avalanche safety gear.

Physical Requirements: Participants must be in good physical condition, and comfortable touring for long distances and carrying their own backcountry packs. Ascents from the yurt range from 400-1000m in vertical gain, to maximum elevations of around 3,650m.

Travel & Visas: Travel to/from Kyrgyzstan is not included in our per client pricing; however, travel is straightforward from/via points in Europe, and there are plenty of international and regional airlines that service Kyrgyzstan’s Manas Airport including Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot. As of summer 2012 there are no longer visa requirements for citizens of 44 countries, for up to 90 days. That means you and your clients can visit Kyrgyzstan visa-free! See our Resources page for additional information.

Let us help you find the necessary client #s by making a posting on your behalf to our Small Groups/Solo Travelers Bulletin. We will also spread the word via our Facebook page and direct emails to potential clients who have contacted us and are looking to join a guided group.

Terrain

Get acquainted with the amazing terrain accessible from the Jalpak Tash Yurt:

EMAIL US to get your hands on hi-res digital copies of aerial and topo maps. Also be sure to check out our Terrain Gallery.

What Else

Village Stay: We recommend an overnight in the village prior to your stay at the yurt and can easily arrange a comfortable dinner/bed/breakfast scenario for your group.

Good Food…And Lots Of It: Private bookings are fully catered. Our local partners will accompany your group at the yurt to host, cook, clean, and manage yurt chores.

You Stay And Eat For Free: That’s right, guides are covered by our per client fee!

Let Us Style You Out: We can organize all in-country transfers for an additional $150/person. We can also arrange accommodation for your group in Bishkek and/or Karakol. Please contact us to discuss options and pricing.