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Skitouring Backcountry in Kazakhstan

Tuyuk-Su Program – 3 Days

  • Montain range: Trans-ili Alatau

  • Season: April - May

  • Base camp elevation

    3380 m above sea level

  • Tour duration: 3 days

  • Difficulty level: Intermediate

    for confident skiers and snowboarders

Route

Almaty – Medeu Ice Rink – Shymbulak – Memorial to Fallen Mountaineers – Tuyuk-Su Gorge – Mynzhylki Plateau – Tuyuk-Su Glacier

About the tour

A central valley glacier located on the northern slope of the Zailiyskiy Alatau in Kazakhstan, in the upper reaches of the Malaya Almatinka River.  Stretching from south to north, it lies beneath the Tuyuk-Su Pass and is surrounded by a horseshoe of ten glaciers forming a glacial cirque. This is an awe-inspiring journey into the realm of eternal ice, with magical views of 4,000-meter snowy peaks. A wide variety of descent lines, from couloirs to summits, will impress even the most experienced riders. This place will immerse you in the amazing world of backcountry skiing, and  our team will help make your wildest dreams come true.

General Info

Almaty is a vibrant city with a population of over a million, located in southeastern Kazakhstan at the foot of the northern Zailiyskiy Alatau range. The nearby gorges – Small Almaty and Big Almaty – are the most popular and easily accessible. The uniqueness of the city is that within an hour, you can find yourself in high mountains with majestic views of eternal glaciers.

Program schedule

Day OneDay TwoDay Three
  • Departure from Almaty at 5:00 a.m.

    Transfer to Tuyuk-Su alpine camp.

  • Hike to the memorial for fallen climbers.

    Ski tour continues along a gentle route: Tuyuk-Su gorge (2,500 m) – Mynzhylki plateau (3,000 m) – Tuyuk-Su glacier (3,400 m),

  • Accommodation in a cabin.

    cabin is equipped for comfortable high-altitude accomodation

  • Skitouring, skiing

    Skitouring to a nearby ridge (3840m). The ridge features multiple couloirs with various descent options.

  • Astonishing views

    on peaks of Molodezhny, Ordzhonikidze, Amangeldy, Pioneer, and the Kumbel-Su gorge

  • Climbing: 900 vertical meters

  • Distance: 6 km

  • Estimated hiking time to camp: 4–5 hours

  • Return to the camp, free time.

    Dinner and overnight in the camp.

  • Wake up at 6:00 a.m. / Breakfast at 6:30 a.m.

    Equipment check and departure no later than 6:30–7:00 AM.

  • Skitour to Tuyuk-Su Pass (4,100 m)

    From the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding 4,000-meter peaks: SGU, Soviet Mountaineers, Pogrebetsky, Locomotive, and others. Upon arrival, a quick snack, short rest, then preparation for descent.

  • Return to the base camp.

    at 12.00

  • Climbing: 700 vertical meters

    Highest point: Tuyuk-Su Pass – 4,100 m above sea level

  • Slope steepness: 20-30 degrees

  • Time on route: 4–5 hours

  • Evening program

    Rest, lunch, free time, and optional walks nearby. If the group wishes, we can visit the T-1 glaciological station. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

  • Wake up at 6:00 a.m. / Breakfast at 6:30 a.m.

    Equipment check and departure no later than 6:30–7:00 AM.

  • Skitour to Molodezhny Pass (3,800 m)

    If avalanche conditions are safe, we may summit Peak Molodezhny (4,147 m).

  • Climbing: 400-750 vertical meters

  • Duration: 3–5 hours

  • Return to camp for a lunch

    after lunch pack gear and prepare for descend

  • Descent distance: 6km

    descend on skis/snowboards as far as conditions allow. Then hike to the lower Shymbulak station.

  • Return back

    Transfer: Shymbulak – Almaty.

Terms and Pricing

Tour cost

1250 $ per person

By Visa/Mastercard card to card transfer

Payment terms

30% deposit required to secure the booking

The remaining balance must be paid no later than 3 days before the start of the program.

Optional

  • The number of days in the program can be adjusted upon request.
  • Snowmobile support for transfer equipment, luggage, or participants.

* If you cancel your trip less then5 days in advance, the prepayment will be withheld.

** Transfer fee charges in case of deposit refund are covered by the client.

*** Depending on weather, air temperature and show conditions, guides have the right to make changes in the program.

Included in the program cost:

  • Transfer Almaty – Medeu – Almaty

  • Transfer Medeu – Tuyuk-Su Alpine Camp

  • Accommodation

    in a warm cabin at the foot of Tuyuk-Su glacier

  • Full board meals

  • Guiding services

    by two experienced guides with over 10 years of off-piste skiing experience.

Not included in the program cost:

  • Avalanche safety equipment

    available for rent by request, must be arranged in advance

  • Personal expenses not specified in the program

    List Content goes here

  • Alcohol drinks

    List Content goes here

  • Snacks

    (energy bars, protein bars, muesli, nuts, dried fruit, sports nutrition, etc.)

Recommended clothing and equipment

Personal equipment

  • Sleeping bags are a must
  • Thermal underwear

    top and bottom, synthetic or wool

  • Warm jacket with a zipper

    (fleece or Polartec)

  • Light down jacket or vest

    (Primaloft or natural down)

  • Wind- and waterproof jacket and pants
  • Two pairs of thermal socks
  • Thin and warm caps
  • Light sneakers, Crocs
  • Thin and thick gloves
  • Neck band or buff
  • High SPF sunscreen (SPF 30-50)
  • Lip balm with UV protection
  • Sunglasses and ski mask
  • Energy snacks

    (energy bars, protein bars, muesli, nuts, dried fruits, specialized sports nutrition, dried meat, etc.)

  • Personal hygiene items

    (wet wipes, toilet paper)

  • Personal first aid kit
  • Spare batteries for a flashlight and avalanche transceiver
  • Water bottle

    (minimum 1 liter)

  • Thermos for hot tea

    (0.5-1 liter)

  • Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
  • Compact folding knife

    or swiss army knife

  • Portable chargers and cables

    (power bank or compact solar panel)

  • Radios

    (frequency channels)

  • Headlamp with spare batteries

Ski touring equipment

  • Touring skis or splitboard
  • Ski or snowboard boots
  • Telescopic poles
  • Climbing skins
  • Helmet
  • Crampons for skis/splitboard
  • Sunglasses and ski mask with a spare lens for fog

Safety equipment

  • Avalanche safety equipment

    beacon, probe and shovel is a must!

  • Regular or avalanche backpack

    (25-40 liters with an option to carry skis or snowboards).

  • Helmet and ski mask are a must!

BOOK NOW!

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